A multi-enzyme complex that catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate to form acetyl-CoA. The complex comprises multiple copies of three enzymes referred to as E1, E2 and E3: pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1, which may be a homodimer or a heterotetramer of two alpha and two beta subunits, depending on species), dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (E2), and dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (E3). Additional proteins may also be present.
pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (lipoamide)