Glutamic acid decarboxylase

Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase

Glutamic acid decarboxylase (pronunciation: glu-ta-mic a-cid de-car-box-y-lase), often abbreviated as GAD, is an enzyme that catalyzes the decarboxylation of glutamate to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and CO2.

Etymology

The term "Glutamic acid decarboxylase" is derived from the name of the amino acid, glutamic acid, which it decarboxylates, and the type of reaction it catalyzes, a decarboxylation.

Function

Glutamic acid decarboxylase is an important enzyme in the central nervous system. It is responsible for the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. This helps to regulate neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system.

Related Terms

Glutamic Acid: The amino acid that is decarboxylated by glutamic acid decarboxylase.
Decarboxylation: The type of reaction catalyzed by glutamic acid decarboxylase.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid: The product of the reaction catalyzed by glutamic acid decarboxylase.
Neurotransmitter: A type of chemical messenger which transmits signals across a chemical synapse.
Central Nervous System: The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.