Protein "anchors" were found to play a key role in the action of the neurotransmitter aminobutyric acid

New clues about how the brain chemical transmitter GABA functions suggest that a protein "anchoring" plays a key role
in helping its receptors localize in nerve cells.

A new study published in the journal Nature Communications has found that a protein called serine protein a is responsible for directing receptors to the right place
in brain cells.
These receptors control the brain's response to GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter
in the brain.

GABA plays a vital role in the brain, including controlling body movement and pain transmission
.
By activating specific receptors in the brain, GABA maintains proper brain activity
by slowing down the electrical impulses that travel between brain cells.

The researchers found that serine protein A is involved in localizing these receptors, which could allow researchers to develop new therapies to treat a range of neurological disorders
, including multiple sclerosis.

Davide Calebiro, professor of molecular endocrinology at the University of Birmingham and lead author of the paper, said:

"Serine protein A answers a question scientists have been asking about how GABA controls a range of functions
in the brain.
By pinpointing GABA-b receptors like anchors, it allows GABA to regulate a full range of brain functions
involved in a variety of neurological disorders.

While GABA-a receptors have received much of the attention for mediating rapid GABA responses, twin B who mediates slower responses is a huge potential drug target, and our findings could have significant implications for
treating a variety of conditions, from multiple sclerosis to epilepsy.
"

Furthermore, we hypothesize that a defect in serine protein A may impair the normal localization of GABA-B receptors in neurons, disrupting the proper processing of signals in the brain, ultimately leading to the inability of the brain to communicate
effectively with the rest of the body.
”