choline O-acetyltransferase activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the reaction: acetyl-CoA + choline = acetylcholine + CoA. [EC:2.3.1.6, RHEA:18821]

Choline O-acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) to choline, producing acetylcholine (ACh) and CoA. This reaction is essential for the biosynthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the transmission of nerve impulses in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The active site of ChAT is located in a deep cleft between two domains of the enzyme. The enzyme binds both acetyl-CoA and choline simultaneously, facilitating the transfer of the acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to choline. The reaction proceeds via a two-step mechanism. In the first step, acetyl-CoA binds to the enzyme, followed by the binding of choline. In the second step, the acetyl group is transferred from acetyl-CoA to choline, producing acetylcholine and CoA. The enzyme then releases acetylcholine and CoA, and the cycle repeats. ChAT activity is regulated by several factors, including the availability of substrates, the concentration of ions, and the presence of inhibitors. The activity of ChAT is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Mutations or deficiencies in ChAT can lead to a variety of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and myasthenia gravis.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (9)