Cure GABA-A | What do we need to know about Gain of Function GABAAR

Understanding Gain of Function GABAA Receptor Variants

GABAA Receptor Variants | Research Insights Session | Dr. Lidong Liu

Join us for an enlightening session with Dr. Lidong Liu, Senior Research Scientist at the University of British Columbia’s Department of Neurology and the DM Centre for Brain Health.

Dr. Liu, in collaboration with Dr. Yu Tian Wang, focuses on the molecular mechanisms of synaptic function and plasticity, particularly under conditions of health and disease. This session will describe GABAA receptor variants and their implications for epilepsy.

These groundbreaking insights are crucial for developing better treatments for conditions like epilepsy. Dr. Liu’s work highlights the dynamic interplay between neurotransmitter systems and offers new avenues for therapeutic intervention.

Event Details:

• Date: 5/28/2024
• Time: 11am PDT

If you cannot attend in person, don’t worry—the session will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel.

Join us to learn from Dr. Liu’s expertise and contribute to our shared mission of improving the lives of patients with GABAA receptor variants.

Project Overview:

• GABAA Receptor Study: This project focuses on understanding GABAA receptors.
• Initial Discovery: The first GABRA1 variant (A322D) was identified in epilepsy patients about 20 years ago.
• Recent Work: Recently, more variants have been characterized, and some repurposed drugs have been tested on these variants based on requests from doctors and patients’ families.

Key Discoveries:

1. Glutamate and GABAA Receptor Crosstalk:
2. Significance: There is an important interaction between glutamate and GABAA receptors.
3. Mechanism: Glutamate can bind to and enhance GABAA receptors to balance out the overexcitation caused by glutamate receptors.
4. Research Model: Mice with mutations in the glutamate binding site of GABAA receptors showed increased neuronal excitability, seizure susceptibility, and autism-like behaviors.
5. Netrin-1’s Role:
6. Function: Netrin-1, a molecule that guides axons, is secreted during high neuronal activity.
7. Effect: It binds to GABAA receptors and increases their function, helping to balance synaptic activity by enhancing the conductance of these channels.