Catabolite of thymine. Precursor for 3-Hydroxyisobutyric acid synthesis. Small molecule myokine. Browning inducer of white adipose tissue (WAT) into brown adipose tissue (BAT). PGC-1alpha-mediated and exercise-triggered nonadrenergic activator of the thermogenic program in WAT. Increases the expression of brown adipocyte-specific genes (browning) in white adipocytes and beta-oxidation in hepatocytes through a PPARalpha-mediated mechanism. Induces a brown adipose-like phenotype in human pluripotent stem cells and improves glucose homeostasis. Enhances fatty acid oxidation and reduces body weight in mice through an increased production of leptin by the white adipose tissue (WAT). Inhibits Agxt2-mediated metabolism of dimethylarginines. Partial agonist of the glycine receptor (GlyR).