Mammalian cells have a high capacity system for oxidative disposal of branched-chain amino acids. In contrast to other essential amino acids, which are primarily oxidized in the liver, the most active system for the oxidation of BCAA is located in skeletal muscle cells. The degradation of BCAA mainly occurs in the mitochondria via reversible transamination by branched-chain aminotransferase to produce the corresponding branched-chain a-keto acids, which in turn are subjected to oxidative decarboxylation by branched-chain a-keto acid dehydrogenase to produce CoA esters. The enzymes that catalyze these two reactions are common to the three BCAA. The second step enzyme, BCKDH, catalyzes an irreversible reaction that commits individual BCKA to their respective degradation pathways and is considered to be the most important regulatory enzyme in the catabolism of the three BCAA. BCKDH activity is Axitinib regulated by BCKDH kinase ; BCKDH phosphorylation attenuates its enzyme activity. In this study, microarray analysis revealed that the BCAA catabolic pathway was coordinately activated in skeletal muscle of transgenic mice overexpressing PGC-1a. Thus, we investigated whether PGC-1a stimulates BCAA metabolism with an increase in the expression of enzymes involved in BCAA metabolism, such as BCAT, BCKDH and BCKDK, using cultured cells and murine skeletal muscle overexpressing PGC-1a. The high volume of global trade in potentially diseased amphibians has sparked a series of investigations into its role as a primary driver of the emergence and spread of amphibian chytrid fungus and ranaviruses, threatening global amphibian biodiversity. With respect to Bd, particular concern has been expressed regarding the transport of American bullfrogs, due to the species’ propensity to carry infection asymptomatically and serve as a reservoir of disease. Millions of L. catesbeianus are traded globally for consumption annually. High prevalence of Bd infection has been detected among this species sold in markets in the USA, imported primarily from Southeast Asia and South America. Furthermore, Bd-positive water often accompanying commercial amphibian shipments likewise represent a potential source of spread. Similarly, ranaviruses are emerging pathogens capable of causing mass mortality and localized population decline in amphibians, as well as reptiles and fish, and their spread shares many nuances with the global dispersal of Bd. Transmission of viral particles occurs through direct contact with infected individuals and exposure to contaminated water or soil. Its ability to infect three classes of ectotherms and the lack of an effective therapeutic treatment warrants serious consideration. The geographic spread of ranavirus also demonstrates strong association with the trade in live amphibians, most notably the trade in tiger salamanders and American bullfrogs. Investigations for the presence of these pathogens in both traded and free-ranging amphibians in Asian countries have produced mixed results, ranging from lack of detection to widespread low prevalence.