ChAT (choline acetyltransferase):

• Produces the protein choline acetyltransferase which produces the neurotransmitter acetylcholine [R].

• Defects in this gene cause abnormal weakness of muscles (myasthenia), usually observed in children [R] [R].

• Associated with Alzheimer’s disease and depression [R].

• Lower expression of ChAT in brain cells in Rett syndrome patients [R].

• Lower expression of ChAT in brain cells in schizophrenia [R]

     congenital myasthenic syndrome More than 30 mutations in the CHAT gene have been found to cause congenital myasthenic syndrome. Most of these mutations replace single DNA building blocks (nucleotides) in the CHAT gene. The mutations lead to decreased production of choline acetyltransferase or the production of a protein with decreased ability to aid in the production of acetylcholine. The resulting lack of acetylcholine decreases the availability of open receptors, impairing ion flow through muscle cells. A reduction in muscle cell ion flow decreases muscle movement leading to muscle weakness characteristic of congenital myasthenic syndrome. In addition, people with congenital myasthenic syndrome who have mutations in the CHAT gene are more likely than affected individuals with mutations in other genes to have short pauses in breathing (apnea), but the cause for this association is unclear.

     The CHAT gene provides instructions for making a protein called choline acetyltransferase . This protein is located at the ends of nerve cells in specialized areas called presynaptic terminals. Choline acetyltransferase facilitates the production of a molecule called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is essential for normal muscle movement. When acetylcholine is released from the presynaptic terminal, it attaches (binds) to a receptor protein located in the membrane of muscle cells. When acetylcholine binds to its receptor protein, specialized channels in the receptor then open, allowing certain charged atoms (ions) to flow into and out of muscle cells. The flow of these ions allows for muscle contraction and relaxation, resulting in muscle movement.

The following transcription factors affect gene expression:

• ER-alpha
• Egr-1
• C/EBPbeta
• STAT1
• STAT1beta
• STAT1alpha
• c-Myb

Molecular Function:

• Choline O-Acetyltransferase Activity
• Choline Binding

Biological Processes:

• Neurotransmitter Biosynthetic Process
• Neurotransmitter Secretion
• Phosphatidylcholine Biosynthetic Process
• Acetylcholine Biosynthetic Process
• Antral Ovarian Follicle Growth
• Memory
• Response To Ethanol
• Response To Hypoxia
• Response To Nutrient

Drug Bank:

• Choline
• Nicotine