<p> Catabolism and synthesis of leucine, isoleucine and valine are finely balanced, allowing the body to make the most of dietary input but removing excesses to prevent toxic build-up of their corresponding keto-acids. Regulating the activity of the branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCDH) complex is the primary means by which these processes are coordinated. BCDH kinase regulates BCDH by phosphorylation, thereby inactivating it when synthesis is required. </p><p>Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase inhibits the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex by phosphorylation of the E1 alpha subunit, thus contributing to the regulation of glucose metabolism. It is also involved in telomere maintenance.</p><p>This entry is associated with <db_xref db="INTERPRO" dbkey="IPR003594"/> which is found towards the C terminus. </p>