Glutaminase

Glutaminase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of glutamine, an abundant amino acid in the blood, to glutamate, the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system. This reaction also produces ammonia, which is crucial for maintaining the acid-base balance in the body. Glutaminase is essential in various tissues, particularly the brain and kidneys, where it supports amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. The enzyme plays a vital role in cellular energy production, as glutamate is a key metabolite in the Krebs cycle. Due to its role in glutamate production, glutaminase has been studied as a potential target for treating neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases, where glutamate toxicity is a concern.