4-Aminobutyrate Aminotransferase (ABAT) Antibody

Background

4-Aminobutyrate Aminotransferase (ABAT), also known as GABA transaminase, is a mitochondrial enzyme that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. ABAT catalyzes the conversion of GABA to succinic semialdehyde, which is subsequently converted to succinate and enters the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, linking GABA metabolism to energy production. This process is critical for maintaining GABAergic tone and neurotransmitter balance in the brain. Dysregulation of ABAT activity has been implicated in neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, where altered GABA levels contribute to pathophysiology. Mutations in the ABAT gene can result in disorders such as GABA-transaminase deficiency, characterized by severe developmental delays, seizures, and hypotonia. ABAT is also a target for anticonvulsant drugs like vigabatrin, which inhibit its activity to increase GABA levels and reduce neuronal excitability. Beyond its role in the nervous system, ABAT has emerging significance in cancer biology, as its expression is altered in certain tumors, influencing metabolic pathways and tumor progression.