Crystal structure of GABA-aminotransferase, a target for antiepileptic drug therapy

gamma-Aminobutyrate aminotransferase (GABA-AT), a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme, is responsible for the degradation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and is a target for antiepileptic drugs because its selective inhibition raises GABA concentrations in brain. The X-ray structure of pig GABA-AT has been determined to 3.0 A resolution by molecular replacement with the distantly related enzyme ornithine aminotransferase. Both omega-aminotransferases have the same fold, but exhibit side chain replacements in the closely packed binding site that explain their respective specificities. The aldimines of GABA and the antiepileptic drug vinyl-GABA have been modeled into the active site.