GABRA3

Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GABRA3 gene.

Function

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. GABA receptors are composed of 5 subunits with an extracellular ligand binding domains and ion channel domains that are integral to the membrane.Ligand binding to these receptors activates the channel.

Subunit selective ligands

Recent research has produced several ligands that are moderately selective for GABA_A receptors containing the α₃ subunit. Subtype-selective agonists for α₃ produce anxiolytic and mild sedative effects, but without causing amnesia or ataxia, which could make them superior to currently marketed drugs.

Agonists