Invertebrate GABA and glutamate receptors: molecular biology reveals predictable structures but some unusual pharmacologies

Darlison, Mark G.

Abstract

Determination of the sequences of invertebrate γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated and glutamate-gated receptor/ion channels, through the application of recombinant {DNA} methods, is not just an academic exercise to effect evolutionary comparisons with the sequences of the corresponding vertebrate receptors. The isolation of {DNA} clones would provide the tools to investigate the exact locations and functional properties of these neurotransmitter receptors within simple nervous systems. In addition, since {GABA} receptors, at least, have been suggested to be the targets of certain pesticides, the availability of invertebrate receptor cDNAs might provide the agrochemical industry with the basis for ‘high-throughput’ screening methods for novel pesticidal compounds. Recently, the isolation of molluscan and Drosophila {GABA} receptor and glutamate receptor cDNAs, and the pharmacological properties of a {GABA} receptor expressed from one of these clones, have been reported. These studies should stimulate further research into the electrophysiology and pharmacology of native invertebrate ion channel proteins.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 1992-12
• Deposit Date: Jul 27, 2016
• Journal: Trends in Neurosciences
• Print ISSN: 0166-2236
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 12
• Pages: 469-474
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0166-2236%2892%2990091-l
• Keywords: General Neuroscience
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/317333
• Publisher URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/016622369290091L