GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of many animals. GABA binds to a specific cell membrane protein receptor to control the activity of the neuron. The GABA-A type receptor regulates a chloride ion channel which is also the target of neurotoxins and a variety of sedative, anxiety-relieving agents and alcohol. Recently a new novel GABA-A receptor has been discovered in the human eye and its primary gene structure has been elucidated. Although its primary structure is similar to the previously characterized GABA-A receptor its physiological function is largely unknown. These studies are directed at furthering our understanding of the interaction between retinal cells, the function of the inhibitory neurotransmitter in signal processing in the retina. A combined electrophysiological investigation of the receptor activation on the retinal cells with molecular biological techniques to produce mutants of the normal receptor will be used to uncover structure/function relationships of this receptor.
