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 National Science
Foundation Award #9021230 |
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Gene Expression and Regulation of a GABA Receptor |
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| Investigator(s): |
Ruth Siegel (PI)
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| Sponsor: |
Case Western Reserve University, OH 44106 2163684510
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| Start Date/Expiration Date |
1991-02-15 to 1994-07-31 (amended 1993-05-10) |
| Awarded Amount to Date: |
$233,062 |
| Abstract: The brain is composed of many different nerve cells (neurons) that interact through an intricate series of circuits. Proper functioning of the brain requires appropriate cellular wiring and precise cell-to-cell interactions. This communication between cells is achieved by the release of a transmitter chemical from one neuron that acts at a specific site, the receptor, on the target neuron. The distribution of several different transmitters and their corresponding receptors have been mapped in the central nervous system. One important receptor in the brain mediates the actions of gaba- aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is the major inhibitory transmitter in the brain, and the binding of GABA to its receptor decreases the activity of the target neuron. Although the receptor is present on at least 30-40% of all neurons in the brain, its exact structure and regulation remain unknown. Recent studies indicate that it is composed of multiple protein subunits, each of which is actually a family of closely-related proteins. These studies suggest that multiple GABA receptors, composed of different subunit subtypes, may exist in different brain regions. To gain a better understanding of GABA receptor structure and function, a number of studies are being performed. First, studies on the adult brain will determine whether all GABA receptors are identical or whether receptors having different subunit compositions are localized at different sites. Second, studies on the developing brain will investigate whether receptor composition changes as the nervous system matures. Finally, additional studies will investigate how cell-cell interactions regulate GABA receptor composition. Knowledge of this complex and prominent receptor system will enhance our understanding of normal brain function. |
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| NSF Org: |
IOB - Division of Integrative Organismal Biology |
| Award Number: |
9021230 |
| Award Instrument: |
Continuing grant |
| Program Manager: |
Christopher Platt
IOB Division of Integrative Organismal Biology
BIO Directorate for Biological Sciences
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| NSF Program(s): |
DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE, SPECIAL PROGRAMS-RESERVE, SYNAPTIC MECHANISMS |
| Field Application(s): |
Life Science Biological, Other nsf.applications NEC |
| Program Reference Code(s): |
BIOMOLECULAR MATERIALS, 9108
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, 9178 |
| Program Element Code(s): |
1190
SPECIAL PROGRAMS-RESERVE, 9145
SYNAPTIC MECHANISMS, 1188 |
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