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Lobster GABA receptor subunit expressed in neural tissues
1Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40536-0298, USA. bholl1@pop.uky.edu
Journal of Neuroscience Research
|February 19, 2000
Summary
Researchers identified a lobster gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunit cDNA. Only the shorter splice variant formed functional ion channels in human cells, suggesting its role in lobster olfaction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
- Ionotropic GABA receptors mediate fast inhibitory neurotransmission.
- Understanding invertebrate GABA receptors is crucial for comparative neurobiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize cDNA encoding an ionotropic GABA receptor subunit from the lobster Homarus americanus.
- To investigate the functional properties and tissue distribution of the cloned receptor subunit.
Main Methods:
- cDNA library screening and sequencing.
- Heterologous expression in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells.
- Electrophysiological recordings (e.g., patch-clamp) to assess ion channel function.
- Quantitative analysis of mRNA expression in different lobster tissues.
Main Results:
- Two alternatively spliced cDNA variants encoding GABA receptor subunits were isolated.
- Only the shorter variant (485 amino acids) formed functional, picrotoxin-sensitive chloride channels in HEK 293 cells.
- The receptor showed weak sensitivity to bicuculline and enhancement by pentobarbital.
- mRNA expression was highest in the brain and olfactory organ, absent in leg muscle.
Conclusions:
- The isolated cDNAs likely represent subunits of native GABA receptors in the lobster.
- The shorter splice variant appears to form functional ion channels, potentially involved in olfactory processing in the lobster deutocerebrum.
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