Heterogeneous expression of GABA receptor-like subunits LCCH3 and GRD reveals functional diversity of GABA receptors in the honeybee Apis mellifera.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Despite a growing awareness, annual losses of honeybee colonies worldwide continue to reach threatening levels for food safety and global biodiversity. Among the biotic and abiotic stresses probably responsible for these losses, pesticides, including those targeting ionotropic GABA receptors, are one of the major drivers. Most insect genomes include the ionotropic GABA receptor subunit gene, Rdl, and two GABA-like receptor subunit genes, Lcch3 and Grd. Most studies have focused on Rdl which forms homomeric GABA-gated chloride channels, and a complete analysis of all possible molecular combinations of GABA receptors is still lacking.

Experimental approach

We cloned the Rdl, Grd, and Lcch3 genes of Apis mellifera and systematically characterized the resu

SUBMITTER: Henry C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7429480 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature