Unravelling the unusual signalling properties of the GABA(B) receptor.

GABA(B) receptors are the cornerstone receptors in the modulation of inhibitory signalling in the central nervous system and continue to be targets for the amelioration of a number of neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Unravelling the molecular identity of this receptor has spurred much research over the past five or so years and generated a renewed interest and excitement in the field. Many questions are being answered and lessons learnt, not only about GABA(B) receptor function but also about general mechanisms of G-protein-coupled receptor signalling. However, as questions are being answered as many new questions are being raised and many GABA(B)-related conundrums continue to remain unanswered. In this report, we review some of the most recent work in the area of GABA(B) receptor research. In particular, we focus our attentions on the emerging mechanisms thought to be important in GABA(B) receptor signalling and the growing complex of associated proteins that we consider to be part of the GABA(B) receptor "signalosome."