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GABA A receptor: Difference between revisions
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(Created page with "== Overview == The GABA A receptor (GABA_AR) is a pivotal component of the central nervous system (CNS), functioning as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor. It is a ligand-gated ion channel that mediates the effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. This receptor plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal excitability and maintaining the balance between excitation and inhibition in the CNS. =...") |
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GABA_A receptors are heteropentameric complexes composed of five subunits that form a central pore. These subunits belong to a large family of related proteins, which include α (alpha), β (beta), γ (gamma), δ (delta), ε (epsilon), θ (theta), π (pi), and ρ (rho) subunits. The most common configuration in the mammalian brain is composed of two α, two β, and one γ subunit. The specific combination of subunits determines the receptor's pharmacological properties, localization, and functional characteristics. | GABA_A receptors are heteropentameric complexes composed of five subunits that form a central pore. These subunits belong to a large family of related proteins, which include α (alpha), β (beta), γ (gamma), δ (delta), ε (epsilon), θ (theta), π (pi), and ρ (rho) subunits. The most common configuration in the mammalian brain is composed of two α, two β, and one γ subunit. The specific combination of subunits determines the receptor's pharmacological properties, localization, and functional characteristics. | ||
[[Image:Detail-92315.jpg|thumb|center|Illustration of GABA A receptor structure, showing the arrangement of subunits around a central pore.]] | |||
The subunits are arranged around a central chloride ion channel, which opens upon GABA binding. Each subunit consists of a large extracellular N-terminal domain, four transmembrane segments (M1-M4), and a large intracellular loop between M3 and M4. The extracellular domain contains the GABA binding site, while the transmembrane segments form the ion channel pore. | The subunits are arranged around a central chloride ion channel, which opens upon GABA binding. Each subunit consists of a large extracellular N-terminal domain, four transmembrane segments (M1-M4), and a large intracellular loop between M3 and M4. The extracellular domain contains the GABA binding site, while the transmembrane segments form the ion channel pore. | ||