Organization and functions of mGlu and GABA B receptor complexes

Abstract

The neurotransmitters glutamate and γ 3-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmit synaptic signals by activating fast-acting ligand-gated ion channels and more slowly acting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The GPCRs for these neurotransmitters, metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) and GABA B receptors, are atypical GPCRs with a large extracellular domain and a mandatory dimeric structure. Recent studies have revealed how these receptors are activated through multiple allosteric interactions between subunit domains. It emerges that the molecular complexity of these receptors is further increased through association with trafficking, effector and regulatory proteins. The structure and composition of these receptors present opportunities for therapeutic intervention in mental health and neurological disorders.