Diversity of Structure and Function of GABA Receptors: a Complexity of GABA-mediated Signaling

Overview

Journal Proc Jpn Acad Ser B Phys Biol Sci

Specialties Biology
Science

Date 2018 Dec 14

PMID 30541966

Citations 63

Authors

Miho Terunuma

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

γ-aminobutyric acid type B (GABA) receptors are broadly expressed in the nervous system and play an important role in neuronal excitability. GABA receptors are G protein-coupled receptors that mediate slow and prolonged inhibitory action, via activation of Gαi/o-type proteins. GABA receptors mediate their inhibitory action through activating inwardly rectifying K channels, inactivating voltage-gated Ca channels, and inhibiting adenylate cyclase. Functional GABA receptors are obligate heterodimers formed by the co-assembly of R1 and R2 subunits. It is well established that GABA receptors interact not only with G proteins and effectors but also with various proteins. This review summarizes the structure, subunit isoforms, and function of GABA receptors, and discusses the complexity of GABA receptors, including how receptors are localized in specific subcellular compartments, the mechanism regulating cell surface expression and mobility of the receptors, and the diversity of receptor signaling through receptor crosstalk and interacting proteins.

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