The GABA shunt covers the cytosolic synthesis of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from L-glutamate and GABA mitochondrial catabolism to succinate, an intermediate of the tricarboxylic (TCA) cycle. In the brain, GABA is produced by GABAergic neurons and stored in synaptic vesicles prior to release upon neuronal stimulation. GABA clearance from the synaptic cleft occurs via its reuptake by astrocytes where it is catabolized to succinate. Although the GABA shunt occurs predominantly in the nervous system, it may also occur in non-neuronal cells. GABA signals through ionotropic receptors and metabotropic receptors regulating various processes including sleep, locomotion, neuronal development and the circadian clock. (Adapted from FBrf0260136, PMID:39703920 and PMID:7584821).