GABRA6
Domain
GABAARs subunits share a common topological structure: a peptide sequence made up of a long extracellular N-terminal, four transmembrane domains, intracellular or cytoplasmic domain located between the third and the fourth transmembrane domains.
Function
Alpha subunit of the heteropentameric ligand-gated chloride channel gated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain (PubMed:8632757). 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 (PubMed:8632757). 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 (By similarity).
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the ligand-gated ion channel (TC 1.A.9) family. Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (TC 1.A.9.5) subfamily. GABRA6 sub-subfamily.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in brain, in cerebellar granule cells.
Cellular localization
- Postsynaptic cell membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- Cell membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
Alternative names
Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-6, GABA(A) receptor subunit alpha-6, GABAAR subunit alpha-6, GABRA6