or δ subunit (Sieghart and Sperk 2002). In contrast, a significant fraction of α4 subunit-containing receptors are comprised of α4 and β subunits only (Bencsits et al. 1999). GABAA receptors also associate with various other proteins that anchor the receptor, regulate phosphorylation state and trafficking, and modulate receptor function under various conditions. These protein interactions are not yet well understood but clearly influence GABAA receptor assembly, expression on the membrane surface, endocytosis, and channel function that ultimately controls the inhibitory tone of the CNS.
