Structural analysis of ligand binding sites on GABAA receptors

Trevor Smart (primary)
Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology
University College London
Maya Topf (secondary)
Biological Sciences
Birkbeck

Abstract

GABAA receptors are key components of a normal functioning nervous system by virtue of limiting uncontrolled neuronal excitability.  Importantly, the activity of these receptors can be modulated by the binding of (allosteric) ligands and drugs as well as by innate molecules (neurosteroids) that can be used to examine the physiological roles and purpose of these receptors.

Here, we will use structural, computational and electrophysiological methods to examine key binding sites on GABAA receptors taking advantage of their modular nature. The selected sites will involve the neurosteroids and general anaesthetic agents with an aim to designing new receptor isoform specific ligands.


References

  1. Hannan S, Gerrow K, Triller A & Smart TG (2016). Phospho-dependent accumulation of GABABRs at presynaptic terminals after NMDAR activation. Cell Reports 16, 1962-1973. \
  2. Gielen M, Thomas P. & Smart TG. (2015). The desensitization gate of inhibitory Cys-loop receptors. Nature Communications. 6:6829. doi: 10.1038/ncomms7829.
  3. Gielen M, Lumb MJ & Smart TG (2012) Benzodiazepines modulate GABAA receptors by regulating the preactivation step following GABA binding. J Neurosci, 32, 5707-5715.
  4. Miller PS, Topf M & Smart TG (2008). Mapping a molecular link between allosteric inhibition and activation of the glycine receptor. Nature Structural & Molec. Biol. 15, 1084-1093.
  5. Hosie AM, Wilkins ME, da Silva HM & Smart TG. (2006). Endogenous neurosteroids regulate GABAA receptors through two discrete transmembrane sites. Nature 444, 486-489.

BBSRC Area
Molecules, cells and industrial biotechnology
Area of Biology
NeurobiologyStructural Biology
Techniques & Approaches
BiochemistryMathematics / StatisticsMicroscopy / ElectrophysiologyMolecular BiologySimulation / Modelling