GABAergic neuron markers
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A guide to commonly used markers for GABAergic neurons.
We've put together the most common markers for GABAergic neurons to help you identify your neuronal population.
GABA transporter 1 (GAT1) | GABAB receptors 1 and 2 | Glutamate decarboxylase isoforms (GAD65 and GAD67)
What are GABAergic neurons?
GABAergic neurons produce gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS).
GABA is primarily synthesized from glutamate, catalyzed by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), and is present at 30 - 40% of synapses. GABA induces either Cl- influx or K+ efflux, resulting in hyperpolarized neurons and reduced action potential.
Dysfunction of GABA neurotransmission can result in several disorders, including schizophrenia and epilepsy.
GABAergic neuron markers
GABA transporter 1 (GAT1)
A transporter on the cell membrane that moves GABA into the cell, removing it from the synaptic cleft.
Mouse brain tissue sections stained with anti-GABA transporter 1 (ab64645).
Browse all GABA transporter 1 antibodies
GAT1 inhibitors
| Product | Activity |
| NNC 711 (ab120364) | Potent, selective GAT1 inhibitor Potent, selective GAT-1 inhibitor |
| Tiagabine hydrochloride (ab120237) | Selective GAT1 inhibitor |
GABAB receptors are metabotropic transmembrane receptors for GABA that are linked via G-proteins to potassium channels. GABAB receptor 1 and GABAB receptor 2 assemble as heterodimers in neuronal membranes.
Rat brain (hippocampus) stained with anti-GABAB receptor 1 (red) (ab55051).
GABAB receptor modulators
| Product | Activity |
| Saclofen (ab120327) | Selective GABAB receptor agonist |
| (R)-Baclofen (ab120325) | GABAB receptor agonist |
| CGP 35348 (ab120167) | GABAB receptor agonist |
| CGP 7930 (ab120492) | Positive GABAB receptor allosteric modulator |
| GS 39783 (ab120320) | Novel GABAB positive allosteric modulator |
GAD65
The 65 kDa isomorph of glutamate decarboxylase that catalyzes the formation of GABA from glutamate.
Rat cerebellar cortex labeled with anti-GAD65 (ab26113).
GAD67
The 67 kDa isomorph of glutamate decarboxylase. Unlike GAD65, which is also expressed in the pancreas, GAD67 is CNS-specific.
Mouse cerebellum sections stained with anti-GAD67 (ab26116).
References
- Adams, C. L. & Lawrence, A. J. CGP7930: a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAB receptor. CNS Drug Rev. 13, 308–16 (2007).
- Bettler, B., Kaupmann, K., Mosbacher, J. & Gassmann, M. Molecular structure and physiological functions of GABA(B) receptors. Physiol. Rev. 84, 835–67 (2004).
- Bráz, J. M. et al. Forebrain GABAergic Neuron Precursors Integrate into Adult Spinal Cord and Reduce Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain. Neuron 74, 663–675 (2012).
- Misgeld, U., Bijak, M. & Jarolimek, W. A physiological role for GABAB receptors and the effects of baclofen in the mammalian central nervous system. Prog. Neurobiol. 46, 423–62 (1995).
- Obrietan, K. & van den Pol, A. N. GABAB receptor-mediated inhibition of GABAA receptor calcium elevations in developing hypothalamic neurons. J. Neurophysiol. 79, 1360–70 (1998).
- Rey, A. A., Purrio, M., Viveros, M.-P. & Lutz, B. Biphasic Effects of Cannabinoids in Anxiety Responses: CB1 and GABAB Receptors in the Balance of GABAergic and Glutamatergic Neurotransmission. Neuropsychopharmacology 37, 2624–2634 (2012).
- Volk, D. W., Sampson, A. R., Zhang, Y., Edelson, J. R. & Lewis, D. A. Cortical GABA markers identify a molecular subtype of psychotic and bipolar disorders. Psychol. Med. 46, 2501–2512 (2016).
- Zhou, Y. & Danbolt, N. C. GABA and Glutamate Transporters in Brain. Front. Endocrinol. (Lausanne). 4, 165 (2013).