AADAT (aminoadipate aminotransferase) is an enzyme that plays a vital role in breaking down lysine in the body. Primarily found in the mitochondria, it is involved in the alpha-aminoadipic semialdehyde (α-AASA) pathway, where it converts α-AASA to alpha-aminoadipate (AAA) — an essential step in lysine degradation. This process helps regulate lysine levels and generates intermediates used in other metabolic pathways.