Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain where it acts at GABA-A receptors, which are ligand-gated chloride channels. Chloride conductance of these channels can be modulated by agents such as benzodiazepines that bind to the GABA-A receptor. At least 16 distinct subunits of GABA-A receptors have been identified. This gene encodes subunit alpha-4, which is involved in the etiology of autism and eventually increases autism risk through interaction with another subunit, gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor beta-1 (GABRB1). Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found in this gene.[provided by RefSeq, Feb 2011],function:GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate brain, mediates neuronal inhibition by binding to the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor and opening an integral chloride channel.,induction:The alpha4 beta2 gamma 2L receptor is not repressed by diazepam.,online information:Forbidden fruit - Issue 56 of March 2005,similarity:Belongs to the ligand-gated ionic channel (TC 1.A.9) family.,subunit:Generally pentameric. There are five types of GABA(A) receptor chains: alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and rho.,
