Discrete M3-M4 intracellular loop subdomains control specific aspects of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor function.

ABSTRACT: The GABA type A receptor (GABA(A)R) is a member of the pentameric ligand gated ion channel (pLGIC) family that mediates ionotropic neurotransmission. Residues in the intracellular loop domain (ILD) have recently been shown to define part of the ion permeation pathway in several closely related members of the pentameric ligand gated ion channel family. In this study, we investigated the role the ILD of the GABA(A)R α1 subunit plays in channel function. Deletion of the α1 ILD resulted in a significant increase in GABA EC(50) and maximal current amplitude, suggesting that the ILD must be intact for proper receptor function. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a mutagenic screen of all amino acids harboring ionizable side chains within this domain to investigate the contribution of individua

SUBMITTER: O'Toole KK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3207432 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature