BDH1 belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase gene family. BDH1 forms a homotetrameric lipid-requiring enzyme of the mitochondrial membrane and has a specific necessity for phosphatidylcholine for optimal enzymatic activity. BDH1 catalyzes the interconversion of acetoacetate and(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate, the 2 main ketone bodies formed during fatty acid catabolism.