GABA receptors: structure, function, pharmacology, and related disorders

Author's Department

Biotechnology Program

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https://doi.org/10.1186/s43141-021-00224-0

All Authors

Amr Ghit; Dina Assal; Ahmed S. Al-Shami; Diaa Eldin Hussein

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Journal, genetic engineering & biotechnology

Publication Date

8-22-2021

doi

10.1186/s43141-021-00224-0

Abstract

γ-Aminobutyric acid sub-type A receptors (GABARs) are the most prominent inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the CNS. They are a family of ligand-gated ion channel with significant physiological and therapeutic implications. GABARs are heteropentamers formed from a selection of 19 subunits: six α (alpha1-6), three β (beta1-3), three γ (gamma1-3), three ρ (rho1-3), and one each of the δ (delta), ε (epsilon), π (pi), and θ (theta) which result in the production of a considerable number of receptor isoforms. Each isoform exhibits distinct pharmacological and physiological properties. However, the majority of GABARs are composed of two α subunits, two β subunits, and one γ subunit arranged as γ2β2α1β2α1 counterclockwise around the center. The mature receptor has a central chloride ion channel gated by GABA neurotransmitter and modulated by a variety of different drugs. Changes in GABA synthesis or release may have a significant effect on normal brain function. Furthermore, The molecular interactions and pharmacological effects caused by drugs are extremely complex. This is due to the structural heterogeneity of the receptors, and the existence of multiple allosteric binding sites as well as a wide range of ligands that can bind to them. Notably, dysfunction of the GABAergic system contributes to the development of several diseases. Therefore, understanding the relationship between GABA receptor deficits and CNS disorders thus has a significant impact on the discovery of disease pathogenesis and drug development. To date, few reviews have discussed GABA receptors in detail. Accordingly, this review aims to summarize the current understanding of the structural, physiological, and pharmacological properties of GABARs, as well as shedding light on the most common associated disorders.

First Page

123

Last Page

123

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