External Ids for GLRA4 Gene
Previous GeneCards Identifiers for GLRA4 Gene
This gene encodes a protein which has a neurotransmitter-gated ion-channel ligand binding domain. The encoded protein is very similar to a mouse protein which is a subunit of the retinal glycine receptor. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2011]
GeneCards Summary for GLRA4 Gene
GLRA4 (Glycine Receptor, Alpha 4) is a Protein Coding gene. Diseases associated with GLRA4 include hyperekplexia. Among its related pathways are Ca-dependent events and Ion channel transport. GO annotations related to this gene include chloride channel activity and glycine binding. An important paralog of this gene is GABRR1.
UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot for GLRA4 Gene
The glycine receptor is a neurotransmitter-gated ion channel. Binding of glycine to its receptor increases the chloride conductance and thus produces hyperpolarization (inhibition of neuronal firing)
Glycine receptors (GlyR) are members of the cys-loop family of ligand-gated ion channels, responsible for mediating the inhibitory effects of glycine. They are widely distributed throughout the CNS, particularly within the hippocampus, spinal cord and brain stem. Glycine receptors exist as pentameric proteins, homo-oligomers of the alpha isoforms (alpha1, alpha2, alpha3 or alpha4) or hetero-oligomers which also contain the beta-subtype variant (beta1) which is essential for targeting the receptor to the synapse. Glycine receptors contain an integral chloride channel, and have modulatory sites for anesthetics, neurosteroids, cannabinoids and ethanol. Disruption in glycine receptor expression or ion channel function can result in hyperekplexia, a rare neurological disorder.