Hijacking of GABAA Receptors by Mutant Glycine Receptors

Abstract

Startle disease results from mutations in genes encoding inhibitory GlyR α1 and β subunits or the presynaptic glycine transporter GlyT2. However, the most effective therapies are benzodiazepines that potentiate inhibitory GABAAR function. A recent publication by Zou etal. adds further complexity by suggesting that dominant GlyR α1 mutants assemble into pre- and extrasynaptic GABAARs.