The DBT gene encodes dihydrolipoamide branched chain transacylase E2, a key enzyme in the branched-chain alpha-keto dehydrogenase complex that catalyzes the conversion of branched-chain amino acids to acyl-CoA and CO2 in mitochondrial metabolism. Recent research has revealed broader roles for DBT beyond amino acid metabolism. In clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), DBT functions as a tumor suppressor that inhibits tumor progression and corrects lipid metabolism disorders 1. The protein interacts with annexin A2 (ANXA2) to activate Hippo signaling, leading to decreased nuclear YAP localization and transcriptional repression of lipogenic genes 1. DBT expression is regulated by METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine modification, and its downregulation contributes to metabolic reprogramming in ccRCC 1. Additionally, DBT has emerged as a potential biomarker in osteoarthritis, where it shows differential expression patterns and correlates with immune landscape changes 2. A predictive model incorporating DBT along with other cuproptosis-related genes has been developed for osteoarthritis diagnosis 2. These findings suggest that DBT plays important roles in both normal cellular metabolism and disease pathogenesis, particularly in cancer and inflammatory joint diseases.