GABARAP is not essential for GABA receptor targeting to the synapse
Gregory A O'Sullivan1, Matthias Kneussel, Zvulun Elazar
1Department of Neurochemistry, Max-Planck Institute for Brain Research, Deutschordenstrasse 46, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany.
Abstract:
GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)Rs) containing the gamma2 subunit are thought to require the interacting protein GABARAP (GABA(A)R associated protein) for trafficking to the neuronal plasma membrane. In order to assess whether GABARAP is required for GABA(A) receptor accumulation at synaptic sites, we analysed a GABARAP knockout mouse. GABARAP deficient mice are phenotypically normal and do not show up-regulation of other GABARAP homologues. Also, the total number of GABA(A)Rs, as assessed by benzodiazepine binding, is unaffected by the loss of GABARAP. Immunocytochemistry of cortical sections showed no differences in the expression and punctate distribution of the gamma2 subunit and the receptor anchoring protein gephyrin between GABARAP deficient and wild-type mice. Thus, GABARAP is not essential for trafficking gamma2 subunit containing GABA(A)Rs to the neuronal plasma membrane or targeting them to inhibitory synapses.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Rab Proteins
Rab proteins switch between a cytosolic, GDP-bound inactive state and a membrane-anchored, GTP-bound active state. By themselves, Rabs show slow rates of GDP/GTP exchange and GTP hydrolysis. Thus, Rab proteins are considered...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
GPCR Desensitization
G-protein Coupled Receptors
G Protein-coupled Receptors
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins


