Gamma-aminobutyric acid

(CC) Image: David E. Volk
Synthesis and degradation of GABA.

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) or $\gamma$-aminobutyrate, is an inhibitory transmitter in the central nervous system. It is produced from the amino acid glutamate through the action of the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase, and is inactivated by degradation to succinate in a two step mechanism involving the enzymes GABA-glutamate transaminase and succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase.