Editing element of GABA-3 exon 9 | |
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Conserved secondary structure and sequence conservation of GABA3
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Identifiers | |
Symbol | GABA3 |
Rfam | RF01803 |
Other data | |
RNA type | Cis-reg; |
Domain(s) | Eukaryota; |
SO | 0005836 |
Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GABRA3 gene.
GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain where it acts at GABAA receptors, which are ligand-gated chloride channels. Chloride conductance of these channels can be modulated by agents such as benzodiazepines that bind to the GABAA receptor. At least 16 distinct subunits of GABA-A receptors have been identified. GABA receptors are composed of 5 subunits with an extracellular ligand binding domains and ion channel domains that are integral to the membrane.Ligand binding to these receptors activates the channel.
Recent research has produced several ligands that are moderately selective for GABAA receptors containing the α3 subunit. Subtype-selective agonists for α3 produce anxiolytic and mild sedative effects, but without causing amnesia or ataxia, which could make them superior to currently marketed drugs.