Biological Information

Background Information:

The GABA-A α1β2γ2 receptor is a ligand-gated chloride channel of the Cys-loop superfamily, assembled as a pentamer of α1, β2, and γ2 subunits (2α:2β:1γ) with TM2 segments lining the central chloride-selective pore. The most abundant GABA-A subtype in the adult brain, it predominates at postsynaptic inhibitory synapses across the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and thalamus. GABA binding at α1–β2 interfaces triggers chloride influx, suppressing neuronal excitability to regulate sleep, anxiety, and seizure threshold. The γ2 subunit confers synaptic clustering and benzodiazepine sensitivity. Loss-of-function mutations in GABRA1, GABRB2, or GABRG2 cause genetic generalized epilepsies including Dravet syndrome. Pharmacologically, benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam) positively modulate the α1–γ2 interface enhancing chloride conductance, barbiturates such as phenobarbital extend channel open duration via the TM2 pore region, and anesthetics including propofol and etomidate potentiate activity at transmembrane β2–α1 sites. Competitive antagonist bicuculline and non-competitive blocker picrotoxin serve as essential research tools. The α1β2γ2 receptor thus represents a critical target for antiepileptic, anxiolytic, and anesthetic drug development and CNS safety pharmacology assessment.

Family:

Ion Channel

Sub Family:

Chloride

Class:

Ligand-Gated

Protein Name:

GBRA1

Uniprot Number:

P14867

Protein Aliases:

GABA(A) receptor subunit alpha-1, GABAAR subunit alpha-1 | GABA(A) receptor subunit beta-2, GABAAR subunit beta-2 | GABA(A) receptor subunit gamma-2, GABAAR subunit gamma-2

Gene Name:

GABRA1

Gene ID:

2554

Gene Aliases:

DEE19, ECA4, EIEE19, EJM, EJM5

Organism:

Human

Assay Information

Assay Type:

Biochemical

Assay Sub Type:

Binding

Detection Method:

Radiometry

Measured Response:

Scintillation

Testing Information

Procedure Summary:

This assay measures binding of [³H]Ro-15-1788 to ligand-gated chloride channel GABAA α1β2γ2. Human recombinant GABAA α1β2γ2 expressed in CHO cell are used in Tris-HCl buffer pH 7.4. A 0.04 mg‡ aliquot is incubated with 3 nM [³H]Ro-15-1788 for 60 minutes at 4°C. Non-specific binding is estimated in the presence of 10 μM Diazepam. Membranes are filtered and washed, the filters are then counted to determine [³H]Ro-15-1788 specifically bound. Compounds are screened at 10 μM.
Note: ‡Membrane protein may change from lot to lot, the concentration used will be adjusted if necessary.

Ligand:

[³H] Ro-15-1788

Ligand Kd (nM):

1.4

Ligand Concentration:

3 nM

Non Specific:

10 µM Diazepam

Incubation:

60 min at 4°C

Control Inhibitor:

Diazepam

Criteria For Significance:

≥ 50% of max stimulation or inhibition

Test Concentration / Dose:

Suggested concentration for initial testing is 10 uM

Test Sample Requirements:

Minimum for 1) Screen: 25 μl of 10 mM stock -OR- 1 mg (pre-weighed). 2) Dose Response: 60 μl of 10 mM stock -OR- 1 mg (pre-weighed).

Minimum Order Quantity:

2

Turnaround Time

Standard:

10 Business Days

Reference Compound Data

PubChem ID

119

Name

4-aminobutyric acid

Measurement

>10μM - IC50

PubChem ID

5732

Name

Zolpidem

Measurement

0.13μM - IC50

PubChem ID

3016

Name

Diazepam

Measurement

0.073μM - IC50

PubChem ID

31304

Name

Picrotoxin

Measurement

>10μM - IC50

Clinical Relevance

Therapeutic Area:

CNS/Addiction/Pain

Adverse / Beneficial Action:

GABA-A central benzodiazepine receptor agonism has been shown to be anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative, and may also impair motor function.

Additional Information

Brand:

LeadHunter

Testing Location:

Taiwan - Taipei

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