Decarboxylase is an enzyme that facilitates the removal of a carboxyl group from a molecule, typically releasing carbon dioxide (CO2). This process is crucial in various biochemical pathways, including the metabolism of amino acids and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. These enzymes play a significant role in cellular functions, helping convert substrates into more active forms. For example, the decarboxylation of glutamate by glutamate decarboxylase produces gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an important neurotransmitter in the brain. Understanding decarboxylases is essential for studying metabolic disorders and developing therapeutic interventions.