Isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase, also known as IVD, plays an essential role in processing proteins obtained from the diet. The body breaks down proteins from food into smaller parts called amino acids. Amino acids can be further processed to provide energy for growth and development. Isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase helps process a particular amino acid called leucine. Specifically, isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase is responsible for the third step in the breakdown of leucine. This step is a chemical reaction that converts a molecule called isovaleryl-CoA to another molecule, 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA. Additional chemical reactions convert 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA into molecules that are used for energy.
