How Do You Spell GABA TRANSAMINASE?

1. GABA Transaminase, also known as GABA-T, is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the degradation and metabolism of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the body. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS) and is involved in regulating neuronal excitability.

   The role of GABA Transaminase is to catalyze the conversion of GABA into succinic semialdehyde (SSA) by transferring an amino group to α-ketoglutarate. This process is part of the GABA shunt pathway, which helps in maintaining optimal levels of GABA and preventing its accumulation. The subsequent metabolism of SSA involves the action of another enzyme, succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, leading to the production of succinate, which enters the citric acid cycle for further energy production.

   By controlling the levels of GABA in the brain, GABA Transaminase helps regulate neurotransmission and neuronal excitability, thus contributing to the overall balance of inhibitory and excitatory signals. Dysfunction or deficiency of this enzyme can disrupt the normal GABA metabolism, leading to neurological disorders such as epilepsy, various movement disorders, and even certain psychiatric conditions.

   GABA Transaminase inhibitors, which inhibit the activity of the enzyme, have been explored as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of disorders characterized by GABAergic dysfunction. These inhibitors aim to increase the availability of GABA in the brain, enhancing its inhibitory effects and potentially alleviating symptoms associated with imbalanced neurotransmission.

Common Misspellings for GABA TRANSAMINASE

The word "GABA transaminase" is a compound term derived from several sources:

1. GABA: GABA stands for Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid. It is an amino acid and acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The term "GABA" itself comes from the chemical name "gamma-aminobutyric acid".

2. Transaminase: Transaminase refers to a group of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of an amino group from one molecule to another. The term "transaminase" is derived from the word "transaminate", meaning the transfer of an amino group. "Trans-" in this context means "across" or "change", while "amine" refers to the amino group (-NH2).

By combining these terms, "GABA transaminase" refers to the enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of an amino group onto or from GABA molecules.