PDHA1 pyruvate dehydrogenase (lipoamide) alpha 1 is a member of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex. PDHA1 is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial multienzyme complex which catalyzes the overall conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA and CO(2), and provides the primary link between glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle . PDHA1 plays a critical role in the brain that usually obtains all of its energy from the aerobic oxidation of glucose. Mutations in the PDHA1 are associated with pyruvate dehydrogenase E1-alpha deficiency and X-linked Leigh syndrome.