GABRA4

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain where it acts at GABA-A receptors, which are ligand-gated chloride channels. Chloride conductance of these channels can be modulated by agents such as benzodiazepines that bind to the GABA-A receptor. At least 16 distinct subunits of GABA-A receptors have been identified. This gene encodes subunit alpha-4, which is involved in the etiology of autism and eventually increases autism risk through interaction with another subunit, gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor beta-1 (GABRB1). Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found in this gene.

gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit alpha4

GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate brain, mediates neuronal inhibition by binding to the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor and opening an integral chloride channel.

Chemical synaptic transmission Source: GO_Central
Chloride transmembrane transport Source: GO_Central
Gamma-aminobutyric acid signaling pathway Source: GO_Central
Ion transmembrane transport Source: GO_Central
Nervous system process Source: GO_Central
Regulation of membrane potential Source: GO_Central
Regulation of postsynaptic membrane potential Source: GO_Central
Signal transduction Source: GO_Central
Synaptic transmission, GABAergic Source: GO_Central

Postsynaptic cell membrane; Cell membrane