Anti-Choline Acetyltransferase antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Choline Acetyltransferase (ChAT) also known as EC 2.3.1.6 acts as the enzyme responsible for synthesizing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to choline to form acetylcholine. ChAT is a protein with an approximate mass of 70 kDa and is expressed in cholinergic neurons throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. High expression is observed in regions such as the basal forebrain and neuromuscular junctions which are important for cholinergic signaling.

Biological function summary

The enzyme plays an important role in cholinergic conduction by producing acetylcholine which functions in synaptic transmission. It does not function as part of a larger complex but its activity directly influences cholinergic synapses. Choline acetyltransferase function ensures the synthesis and availability of acetylcholine for release into the synaptic cleft initiating muscle contraction and modulating activity in the central nervous system.

Pathways

Choline acetyltransferase is critical in pathways governing neurotransmitter release such as the cholinergic synapse pathway. It interacts functionally with other proteins within this pathway including acetylcholinesterase which breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. This interaction ensures proper neurotransmitter regulation and recycling maintaining synapse function and communication within neuronal circuits.

Associated diseases and disorders

Alterations in choline acetyltransferase activity relate to neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease and myasthenia gravis. In Alzheimer's disease reduced choline acetyltransferase function leads to decreased acetylcholine synthesis contributing to the cognitive decline observed in patients. In myasthenia gravis acetylcholine receptors are impaired but effective choline acetyltransferase activity is still necessary to manage neurotransmitter levels. A potential therapeutic angle involves targeting related proteins that exacerbate these conditions to support acetylcholine levels.