Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, isozyme 1, also known as [Pyruvate dehydrogenase [lipoamide]] kinase isozyme 1, mitochondrial and PDK1, is a member of the PDK / BCKDK protein kinase family. PDK-1 is expressed predominantly in the heart. It contains one histidine kinase domain. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) isoforms are molecular switches that downregulate the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) by reversible phosphorylation in mitochondria. An inhibitory effect of lipoic acid on PDKs would result in less phosphorylation of E1 and hence increased PDC activity. At least two isoenzymic forms of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase ( PDK-1 and PDK-2 ) may be involved in the regulation of enzymatic activity of mammalian pyruvate dehydrogenase complex by phosphorylation. PDK-3 appears to have the highest specific activity among the three isoenzymes. PDK-1 inhibits the mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex by phosphorylation of the E1 alpha subunit, thus contributing to the regulation of glucose metabolism.