The Cytoskeleton and Neurotransmitter Receptors

• Published in: International Review of Neurobiology Vol. 39; pp. 113 - 143
• Main Authors: Whatley, Valerie J., Harris, R. Adron
• Format: Book Chapter Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Science & Technology 1996
• Subjects: Animal physiology; Animals; Brain - metabolism; Brain - pathology; Clinical psychology; Cytoskeleton - drug effects; Cytoskeleton - metabolism; Genetics (non-medical); Humans; Ion Channels; Microtubules - physiology; Nerve Tissue Proteins - metabolism; Receptors, GABA-A - metabolism; Receptors, Neurotransmitter - metabolism
• ISBN: 0123668395; 9780123668394
• ISSN: 0074-7742; 2162-5514
• DOI: 10.1016/S0074-7742(08)60665-0

The cytoskeleton is essential for the optimization of efficient synaptic transmission. This chapter discusses the role of the cytoskeleton in the clustering and function of glutamate γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors. The neuronal cytoskeleton consists of microtubules and microfilaments that can interact with membrane proteins, including neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels. Ligand-gated ion channels—such as nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, glycine receptors, and GABAA receptors—are known to cluster in plasma membranes. Studies suggest that postsynaptic ligand-gated channels form clusters that are anchored in the plasma membrane by interacting with cytoskeletal components, and these clusters may serve to optimize the delivery of neurotransmitters to the channels. Other findings indicate that the interaction of clustered ligand-gated ion channels with cytoskeletal components may also play a role in channel function. Studies suggest that the interaction of microtubules with GABAA receptors regulates GABA binding affinity. The regulation of neurotransmitter function may be significant in the study of neuropathological processes, such as Alzheimer's disease, neurotrauma, and experimental epilepsy, in which the cytoskeleton is vulnerable to disruption.