Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) (ChAT)

Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) is the primary enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), catalyzing the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to choline [1, 11]. It is predominantly expressed in cholinergic neurons of both the central and peripheral nervous systems and serves as a definitive marker for these cell types [1, 18]. In neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease, ChAT activity is significantly reduced, leading to a deficit in cholinergic signaling that correlates with cognitive decline [5, 12]. Conversely, ChAT is often upregulated in certain cancers, such as lung adenocarcinoma, where autocrine ACh production promotes tumor growth and chemoresistance [4]. While most clinical therapies currently target the degradation of ACh via acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, ChAT remains a significant area of research for direct modulation, including experimental inhibitors for oncology and protein-based supplementation for neurodegeneration [2, 5].

Other names

Choline O-acetyltransferaseCholine acetylaseCHOACTaseCHATCMS1ACMS1A2CMS6

Catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to choline to form the neurotransmitter acetylcholine [1, 11].