4-aminobutyrate transaminase (GABA-T)

4-aminobutyrate transaminase (GABA-T), also known as GABA transaminase, is a mitochondrial enzyme (EC 2.6.1.19) that plays a critical role in the catabolism of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. As a key component of the GABA shunt pathway, GABA-T converts GABA and α-ketoglutarate into succinic semialdehyde and glutamate. By regulating the breakdown of GABA, this enzyme controls its synaptic concentrations and modulates inhibitory tone in the brain. Pharmacological inhibition of GABA-T, for instance by vigabatrin, is a strategy used in antiepileptic therapies to increase GABA levels and enhance inhibitory neurotransmission.

Other names

GABA transaminase4-aminobutyrate aminotransferaseEC 2.6.1.19

Inhibition of GABA transaminase (GABA-T) leads to increased GABA levels in the central nervous system, thereby enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission. For example, vigabatrin irreversibly inhibits GABA-T.