This enzyme belongs to the family of transferases, specifically the transaminases, which transfer nitrogenous groups.

In the case of GABA-T, it takes a nitrogen group from GABA and uses it to create L-glutamate.

[7] catalyzed by the enzyme 4-aminobutyrate—pyruvate transaminase: The primary role of GABA-T is to break down GABA as part of the GABA-Shunt.

[9][10] Because GABA-T degrades GABA, the inhibition of this enzyme has been the target of many medical studies.

[13] There is also experimental evidence that the breakdown of GABA by GABA-T plays a role in managing oxidative stress in fungi.

[13] There have been several structures solved for this class of enzymes, given PDB accession codes, and published in peer-reviewed journals.

E. coli enzymes of GABA-T lack an iron-sulfur cluster that is found in the pig model.