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From synapse to behavior: rapid modulation of defined neuronal types with engineered GABAA receptors.


ABSTRACT: In mammals, identifying the contribution of specific neurons or networks to behavior is a key challenge. Here we describe an approach that facilitates this process by enabling the rapid modulation of synaptic inhibition in defined cell populations. Binding of zolpidem, a systemically active allosteric modulator that enhances the function of the GABAA receptor, requires a phenylalanine residue (Phe77) in the gamma2 subunit. Mice in which this residue is changed to isoleucine are insensitive to zolpidem. By Cre recombinase-induced swapping of the gamma2 subunit (that is, exchanging Ile77 for Phe77), zolpidem sensitivity can be restored to GABAA receptors in chosen cell types. We demonstrate the power of this method in the cerebellum, where zolpidem rapidly induces significant motor deficits when Purkinje cells are made uniquely sensitive to its action. This combined molecular and pharmacological technique has demonstrable advantages over targeted cell ablation and will be invaluable for investigating many neuronal circuits.

SUBMITTER: Wulff P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2092503 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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From synapse to behavior: rapid modulation of defined neuronal types with engineered GABAA receptors.

Wulff Peer P   Goetz Thomas T   Leppä Elli E   Linden Anni-Maija AM   Renzi Massimiliano M   Swinny Jerome D JD   Vekovischeva Olga Y OY   Sieghart Werner W   Somogyi Peter P   Korpi Esa R ER   Farrant Mark M   Wisden William W  

Nature neuroscience 20070617 7


In mammals, identifying the contribution of specific neurons or networks to behavior is a key challenge. Here we describe an approach that facilitates this process by enabling the rapid modulation of synaptic inhibition in defined cell populations. Binding of zolpidem, a systemically active allosteric modulator that enhances the function of the GABAA receptor, requires a phenylalanine residue (Phe77) in the gamma2 subunit. Mice in which this residue is changed to isoleucine are insensitive to zo  ...[more]

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