Early evolution of ionotropic GABA receptors and selective regimes acting on the mammalian-specific theta and epsilon subunits.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The amino acid neurotransmitter GABA is abundant in the central nervous system (CNS) of both invertebrates and vertebrates. Receptors of this neurotransmitter play a key role in important processes such as learning and memory. Yet, little is known about the mode and tempo of evolution of the receptors of this neurotransmitter. Here, we investigate the phylogenetic relationships of GABA receptor subunits across the chordates and detail their mode of evolution among mammals.

Principal findings

Our analyses support two major monophyletic clades: one clade containing GABA(A) receptor alpha, gamma, and epsilon subunits, and another one containing GABA(A) receptor rho, beta, delta, theta, and pi subunits. The presence of GABA receptor subunits from each of the major cla

SUBMITTER: Martyniuk CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1975676 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature