GABAA receptors (GABAR) mediate the bulk of rapid inhibitory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system (CNS), and are thus critical to normal and disease CNS function. There are a family of similar but distinct GABAR subtypes which vary in pharmacological and biological properties. In addition GABAR are located in different parts of the neuronal cell membrane and in synaptic cultures as well as non- synaptic membrane. The trafficking, targeting, clustering, and turnover of synaptic receptors in just beginning to be studied. In particular, cellular proteins that interact with the intracellular domains of GABAR may serve to anchor and cluster receptors at synapses at synapses, as well as to establish and reconstruct synapses and their receptors during plasticity events. We will study the function of several cellular proteins that interact with GABAR that we identified using the yeast two-hybrid system. GABARAP (GABA Receptor Associated Protein) links GABAR gamma2 subunit to microtubules and clusters GABAR at synapses. RACK1 (receptor for activated C-kinase), links protein kinase C-beta to GABAR alpha1 subunit, probably for regulating some aspect of GABAR function by protein phosphorylation with PKC. Studies on these and related proteins will allow us to take a close look a dynamic and important cellular biology of these important brain neurotransmitter receptors.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01NS028772-10A2
Application #
6262755
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MDCN-3 (01))
Program Officer
Jacobs, Margaret
Project Start
2000-09-30
Project End
2004-08-31
Budget Start
2000-09-30
Budget End
2001-08-31
Support Year
10
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$252,684
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
119132785
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095
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Engblom, A Christine; Carlson, Berit X; Olsen, Richard W et al. (2002) Point mutation in the first transmembrane region of the beta 2 subunit of the gamma--aminobutyric acid type A receptor alters desensitization kinetics of gamma--aminobutyric acid- and anesthetic-induced channel gating. J Biol Chem 277:17438-47
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Smith, G B; Olsen, R W (2000) Deduction of amino acid residues in the GABA(A) receptor alpha subunits photoaffinity labeled with the benzodiazepine flunitrazepam. Neuropharmacology 39:55-64

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