choline acetyltransferase

(noun)

Abbreviated as ChAT, this is an enzyme that is synthesized within the body of a neuron. It is then transferred to the nerve terminal via axoplasmic flow. The role of choline acetyltransferase is to join Acetyl-CoA to choline, resulting in the formation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Related Terms

Examples of choline acetyltransferase in the following topics:

  • Cholinergic Neurons and Receptors

    • Acetylcholine is synthesized in certain neurons by the enzyme choline acetyltransferase from the compounds choline and acetyl-CoA.
    • The enzyme acetylcholinesterase converts acetylcholine into the inactive metabolites choline and acetate.

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder and Jet Lag

    • Mice incapable of turning serotonin into N-acetylserotonin (by Serotonin N-acetyltransferase) appear to express "depression-like" behavior, and antidepressants such as fluoxetine increase the amount of the enzyme Serotonin N-acetyltransferase, resulting in an antidepressant-like effect.

  • Types of Neurotransmitters by Function

    • It is synthesized from acetic acid and choline.