Expression and Function of GABA Receptors in Myelinating Cells
Mari Paz Serrano-Regal1,2,3, Laura Bayón-Cordero1,2,3, Rainald Pablo Ordaz4
1Laboratory of Neurobiology, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain.
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|September 25, 2020
Summary
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays a crucial role in the development and function of myelin-producing cells. GABA signaling via GABA receptors (GABARs) impacts oligodendrocyte and Schwann cell maturation, offering potential therapeutic avenues for demyelinating diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Myelin, produced by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells, is vital for nerve impulse transmission and axonal support.
- Myelination is a complex process regulated by neuronal signaling, involving neurotransmitters like GABA.
- The role of GABA and its receptors in glial cells, particularly myelinating cells, is an emerging area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on the role of GABAergic signaling in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and Schwann cell (SC) precursors.
- To elucidate the molecular identity of GABA receptors (GABARs) expressed in these glial cells.
- To explore the potential therapeutic implications of GABA signaling in demyelinating diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating GABAergic signaling in glial cells.
- Analysis of research on GABA receptor expression and function in OPCs and SCs.
- Synthesis of findings related to GABA's impact on myelination and glial cell maturation.
Main Results:
- GABA signaling is implicated in the development and function of OPCs and SC precursors.
- Specific GABA receptors are expressed in myelinating glial cells, influencing their maturation.
- GABAergic mechanisms are involved in oligodendrocyte (OL) and SC maturation and the myelination process.
Conclusions:
- GABAergic signaling represents a novel mechanism regulating myelinating cell development and function.
- Understanding GABARs in glial cells is crucial for comprehending myelination.
- Targeting GABAergic pathways may offer new therapeutic strategies for treating demyelinating disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
1.0K
γ-aminobutyric acid or GABA, plays a pivotal role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA pathway potentiators, also known as GABAergic drugs, are a class of pharmaceutical agents designed to enhance the functioning of the GABAergic system. These medications primarily treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for...
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for...
1.0K
01:30Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
3.5K
Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
3.5K
01:25Nervous Tissue: Myelin
4.8K
The myelin sheath is a multilayered lipid and protein covering that insulates the axon of a neuron, enhancing the speed of nerve impulse conduction. Axons without this sheath are referred to as unmyelinated. Two types of neuroglia, Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) are responsible for producing myelin sheaths.
Schwann cells begin to form myelin sheaths around axons during fetal development. They wrap around a small...
Schwann cells begin to form myelin sheaths around axons during fetal development. They wrap around a small...
4.8K
01:22Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins
9.6K
Heterotrimeric G proteins are guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. As the name suggests, heterotrimeric G proteins are composed of three subunits: alpha, beta, and gamma. They remain GDP-bound or GTP-bound inside the cells and switch between inactive/active states. The Gα subunit possesses the nucleotide-binding pocket that binds guanine nucleotides and switches between GDP or GTP-bound states. In contrast, the Gꞵ and Gγ subunits are always bound together with high...
9.6K
01:04Glial Cells
92.4K
Overview
92.4K
01:21G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
5.3K
GPCRs are primarily responsible for our sense of smell, taste, and vision. The binding of a sensory stimulus activates GPCR to stimulate effector proteins, many of which are ion channels in the sensory organs. GPCRs modulate the opening and closing of the target ion channels either directly by binding them, or by releasing second messengers that activate these channels. As ions move across the membrane, the membrane potential is altered, which induces an appropriate response.
Sensory...
Sensory...
5.3K