Novel Protein-Protein Interactions in Brain

Dynamic functioning of neurons in the brain depends on the receiving and relay of a co-ordinated balance of excitatory and inhibitory signals. Disturbance of this balance at least in part can be attributed, to many types of brain disorders and degenerative diseases. Most excitatory signals that a neuron receives are mediated via proteins called glutamate receptors whereas most inhibitory signals are mediated via proteins called -amino butyric acid (GABA) receptors. Many factors influence the balance of excitatory and inhibitory input on any given neuron. One important consideration is the number and type of receptors present at the correct location to receive signals. Thus the mechanisms that regulate the transport and anchoring of receptors at a particular site are of considerable importance. The work here aims to understand the role of a newly discovered protein we have called GISP that binds to GABA subtype B1 receptors and is likely to be involved in these processes.