GAD1 Human

Glutamate Decarboxylase 1 (GAD1) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the central nervous system. It catalyzes the decarboxylation of glutamic acid to produce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. The recombinant form of this enzyme, produced through genetic engineering techniques, is used extensively in research and therapeutic applications.

GAD1 is a pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme, meaning it requires PLP as a cofactor to function. The enzyme is encoded by the GAD1 gene and is primarily found in the brain, where it is involved in the synthesis of GABA. GABA is essential for regulating neuronal excitability and maintaining the balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain .

The recombinant form of GAD1 is produced by cloning the GAD1 gene into a suitable expression vector, which is then introduced into a host organism, typically Escherichia coli. The host organism expresses the GAD1 protein, which can be purified and used for various applications. This method allows for the production of large quantities of the enzyme, which is essential for research and therapeutic purposes .

Recombinant GAD1 is used in various research studies to understand its role in the central nervous system and its involvement in neurological disorders. It is also used in the development of therapeutic strategies for conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety, and depression, where GABAergic signaling is disrupted .