Topic Overview:

Deficits in the functional expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAA receptors)—the most prevalent fast inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor in the central nervous system—have been implicated in a wide range of neuropsychiatric conditions, including epilepsy, anxiety disorders, cognitive deficits, schizophrenia, depression, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, GABAA receptors are clinically relevant drug targets for anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and sedative-hypnotic agents.

Dr. Jacob and her lab team investigate the dynamic cellular trafficking mechanisms that regulate surface levels and inhibition of  the pf GABAA receptor to determine the functional importance of these trafficking processes in normal development and disease. Using live imaging methods and novel optical reporters of neuronal surface GABAA receptor levels, Dr. Jacob also studies how these cellular processes are altered by key clinical drugs like benzodiazepines. She will present an overview of GABAA receptor regulation and highlight some of her work on GABA’s role in neuronal development and treatment-induced changes in receptor trafficking.