Protein Details: Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-6

Function

Alpha subunit of the heteropentameric ligand-gated chloride channel gated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA); a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA-gated chloride channels; also named GABA(A) receptors (GABAAR); consist of five subunits arranged around a central pore and contain GABA active binding site(s) located at the alpha and beta subunit interface(s) (By similarity). When activated by GABA; GABAARs selectively allow the flow of chloride anions across the cell membrane down their electrochemical gradient (By similarity). Alpha-6/GABRA6 subunits are found at both synaptic and extrasynaptic sites. Chloride influx into the postsynaptic neuron following GABAAR opening decreases the neuron ability to generate a new action potential; thereby reducing nerve transmission (By similarity). Extrasynaptic alpha-6-containing receptors contribute to the tonic GABAergic inhibition. Alpha-6 subunits are also present on glutamatergic synapses.

Sequence

PDB Structures

Ligand Binding