Aminotransferase and related amino acid-metabolizing enzymes

Aminotransferases and related amino acid-metabolizing enzymes represent a diverse superfamily of proteins, predominantly pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP)-dependent, that facilitate the transfer of amino groups between amino acids and alpha-keto acids (UniProt). These enzymes are central to nitrogen homeostasis, linking protein metabolism to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and gluconeogenesis (StatPearls). In clinical practice, specific members such as 4-aminobutyrate aminotransferase (GABA-T) are therapeutic targets; for example, the drug vigabatrin inhibits GABA-T to increase GABA levels in the brain for the treatment of refractory epilepsy (FDA). Furthermore, enzymes like alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are gold-standard biomarkers for detecting liver and muscle damage (NIH). Beyond metabolic and neurological roles, these enzymes are increasingly recognized for their contribution to the metabolic flexibility of cancer cells, making them subjects of interest for novel anti-tumor strategies (Nature Reviews Cancer). However, because these enzymes are involved in fundamental metabolic pathways, pharmacological intervention requires careful management to avoid systemic toxicity or metabolic imbalances.

Other names

TransaminasesAmino acid metabolizing enzymesPLP-dependent aminotransferasesAmino acid transferases

Inhibition of specific enzyme activity to modulate the concentration of signaling molecules (e.g., increasing GABA via GABA-T inhibition) or to disrupt metabolic pathways essential for disease progression (StatPearls, PubMed).