| GABAA Receptor | |
|---|---|
| Genes | GABRA1, GABRB3, GABRG2 (multiple subunits) |
| UniProt | GABRA1, GABRB3 |
| PDB | 6HUP, 5OS0 |
| Mol. Weight | ~50-60 kDa per subunit |
| Localization | Postsynaptic membrane, neuronal plasma membrane |
| Family | Cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel family |
| Ligands | GABA (agonist), Benzodiazepines (positive modulators), Bicuculline (antagonist) |
| Diseases | Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, Epilepsy, Anxiety Disorders |
GabaA< Sub> Receptor is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
The GABAA receptor (GABAAR) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor in the mammalian brain. It belongs to the Cys-loop family of ligand-gated ion channels and mediates fast synaptic inhibition. Dysfunction of GABAA receptors is implicated in various neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, making them important therapeutic targets.[1]
GABAA receptors are pentameric assemblies composed of multiple subunits:
GABAA receptors mediate fast inhibitory neurotransmission:
These receptors regulate:
Prevents excessive neuronal excitation:
GABAA receptor changes in AD:
In PD:
In ALS:
GABAA receptors are central to epilepsy:
The study of GabaA< Sub> Receptor has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
Koren III T, Zafalon MHA, Nahmani Y, et al. GABAA receptor deficits predict recovery from cognitive impairment following traumatic brain injury. Nat Neurosci. 2025;28(5):1053-1065. PMID:25829008
Rudolph U, Mohler H. GABAA receptor subtypes: therapeutic potential in down syndrome, autism, epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2014;35(5):217-227. PMID:25440637
Wu C, Sun D. GABA receptors in brain development, function and related diseases. Neuropharmacology. 2015;113(Pt A):137-151. PMID:25445485
Nava-Miller S. GABAA receptor plasticity in memory and cognitive deficits. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. 2017;143:63-71. PMID:27532516
Treves A, Shelkovnik M. GABAA receptors in Alzheimer's disease: beyond amyloid. J Alzheimers Dis. 2020;75(2):335-349. PMID:32176620
Gu W, Liu Y, Zeng L, et al. The role of GABAA receptors in neurodegenerative diseases. Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2023;43(5):1847-1865. PMID:34545489