GABA A-receptor assembly in vivo: Lessons from subunit mutant mice

Abstract

The rules governing the assembly of GABA A receptors in vivo were assessed in subunit mutant mice. The transcription of individual subunit genes was regulated independently. The lack of a particular subunit did not result in a molecular rescue by an enhanced transcription of other subunits. In addition, the availability of an α- and β-subunit was essential for receptor formation. Finally, highly selective recognition processes directed the subcellular targeting of receptors. The loss of a particular receptor subtype ( α 5) did not lead to a subcellular redistribution of the remaining subtype (α2) present in the same cell.