L-Leucine plays a vital role in hemoglobin formation, protein synthesis and metabolic functions. It assists the growth and repair of muscle and bone tissue. It is used in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - Lou Gehrig's disease. It prevents the breakdown of muscle proteins after trauma or severe stress and may be beneficial for individuals with phenylketonuria. It is also used as a food additive and flavor enhancer. Further, it is used to preserve muscle glycogen.
This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.
General Description
• L-Leucine is an essential amino acid that has an important role in the growth and repair of muscle and bone tissue
• It functions to preserve muscle glycogen and helps to prevent the breakdown of muscle proteins after trauma or severe stress
• It is also involved in hemoglobin formation and metabolic functions. This amino acid cannot be synthesized to meet the body's needs from simpler molecules, and therefore must be provided in the diet.
• L-Leucine stimulates protein synthesis by the initiation of mRNA translation
Applications
• L-Leucine is used in the biosynthesis of proteins
• In vivo studies show that L-Leucine can be used when gene defects lead to an organism's inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine
• This compound also contributes to the regulation of blood-sugar levels, growth hormone production, and wound healing
• In research experiments this compound has been used as an activator of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)