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.

Citation

Darlison, M. G. (1992). Invertebrate GABA and glutamate receptors: molecular biology reveals predictable structures but some unusual pharmacologies. Trends in Neurosciences, 15(12), 469-474. https://doi.org/10.1016/0166-2236%2892%2990091-l

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 1992-12
• Deposit Date: Jul 27, 2016
• Journal: Trends in Neurosciences
• Print ISSN: 0166-2236
• Electronic ISSN: 1878-108X
• 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