The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the ligand-gated ionic channel family. It is an integral membrane protein and plays an important role in inhibiting neurotransmission by binding to the benzodiazepine receptor and opening an integral chloride channel. This gene is clustered with three other family members on chromosome 4. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],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.,miscellaneous:This subunit carries the benzodiazepine binding site.,online information:Forbidden fruit - Issue 56 of March 2005,PTM:May be palmitoylated.,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.,
