The GABAA receptor-gated ion channel: biochemical and pharmacological studies of structure and function.

In the past few years, substantial advances have been made in analyzing the structure and function of the GABA receptor-gated Cl- channel. A major goal is to identify the molecular characteristics of the GABAA receptor that are necessary for maintaining normal GABAergic neurotransmission. Future studies will undoubtedly include techniques that have been used successfully to construct a detailed structural and dynamic model of the nACHR-gated ion channel. These include X-ray scattering, single group rotation theory, and genetic homology, deletion and site-directed mutation studies. Such techniques will make it possible to identify the structural defects that give rise to abnormal GABA receptor function and possibly to sleep, anxiety and seizure disorders.