GABAA and GABAC receptors: Regulation of assembly, localization, clustering and turnover

The neurotransmitter Γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) confers neural inhibition in the central nervous system primarily by acting at GABA-gated chloride channels named GABAA and GABAc receptors. Structurally and functionally distinct receptor subtypes are assembled from multiple homologous subunits. Receptor heterogeneity is, however, limited by only partial overlap in the expression pattern of the different subunits and by the rules that govern receptor assembly. GABAc receptors are homo- or heteromers composed of Ρl-3 subunits. Formation of GABAA receptors involves initial assembly of α and ß subunits followed by the addition of a third type of subunit, most commonly the Γ2 subunit.