GABA

One step from glutamate to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA

Route: Glutamate → γ-Aminobutyrate (GABA)

Glutamate decarboxylase removes the carboxyl group next to the amino group of glutamate and releases it as CO₂. What remains is γ-aminobutyrate (GABA), with the amino group at one end and the former side-chain carboxyl group at the other. The enzyme needs pyridoxal phosphate as its cofactor and works in the cytosol. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Humans have two forms of the enzyme, called GAD65 and GAD67 after their sizes in kilodaltons; the structure shown is GAD67.

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Steps

StepEnzymeECInOut
1Glutamate decarboxylase4.1.1.15CO₂

Molecules

Build any of these from its atoms.

Enzyme names and EC numbers are those used on the interactive board. Checked against sources: see the claim table in the repository (tools/pathway_data/checks).