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GABRA1
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GABRA1On this page:
Reviewed June 2012
What is the official name of the GABRA1 gene?The official name of this gene is “gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptor, alpha 1.” GABRA1 is the gene's official symbol. The GABRA1 gene is also known by other names, listed below. Read more about gene names and symbols on the About page. What is the normal function of the GABRA1 gene?The GABRA1 gene provides instructions for making one piece, the alpha-1 (α1) subunit, of the GABAA receptor protein. GABAA receptors are made up of different combinations of five protein subunits, each produced from a different gene. (Nineteen different genes provide instructions for GABAA receptor subunits.) These subunits form a hole (pore) in the cell membrane through which negatively charged chlorine atoms (chloride ions) can flow. A chemical that transmits signals in the brain (a neurotransmitter) called gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) attaches to GABAA receptors. Once GABA attaches, the pore formed by the subunits opens, and chloride ions flow across the cell membrane. After infancy, chloride ions flow into the cell through the open pore, which creates an environment in the cell that blocks (inhibits) signaling between neurons. The primary role of GABA in children and adults is to prevent the brain from being overloaded with too many signals. In contrast, in newborns and infants, chloride ions flow out of the cell when the pore is opened, creating an environment that allows signaling between neurons. Does the GABRA1 gene share characteristics with other genes?The GABRA1 gene belongs to a family of genes called LGIC (ligand-gated ion channels). A gene family is a group of genes that share important characteristics. Classifying individual genes into families helps researchers describe how genes are related to each other. For more information, see What are gene families? in the Handbook. How are changes in the GABRA1 gene related to health conditions?
Where is the GABRA1 gene located?Cytogenetic Location: 5q34 Molecular Location on chromosome 5: base pairs 161,274,196 to 161,326,964 The GABRA1 gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 5 at position 34. More precisely, the GABRA1 gene is located from base pair 161,274,196 to base pair 161,326,964 on chromosome 5. See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? in the Handbook. Where can I find additional information about GABRA1?You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about GABRA1 helpful.
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for genetics professionals and researchers.
What other names do people use for the GABRA1 gene or gene products?
See How are genetic conditions and genes named? in the Handbook. Where can I find general information about genes?The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.
These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful. What glossary definitions help with understanding GABRA1?acids ; amino acid ; atom ; cell ; cell membrane ; chloride ; chloride ion ; GABA ; gamma-aminobutyric acid ; gene ; ions ; juvenile ; mutation ; myoclonic seizure ; neuron ; neurotransmitters ; protein ; receptor ; seizure ; subunit You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary. See also Understanding Medical Terminology.
References (9 links)
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook. |