GABRA2 Gene - GABA-A Receptor Subunit Alpha2 | Function, Mutations & Disease

GABRA2 (gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit alpha2) is a protein-coding gene that encodes the alpha2 subunit of the GABA-A receptor. This receptor is a pentameric ligand-gated chloride channel that mediates fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. The alpha2 subunit is particularly enriched in brain regions involved in anxiety, reward, and memory, such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and striatum. Variants in GABRA2 have been associated with epilepsy, alcohol dependence, and anxiety disorders.

Tissue Expression

Cell Line Expression

Hotspot Mutations

Mutation functional classification

• Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction

• GABAergic synapse

• Nicotine addiction

• Morphine addiction

The GABRA2 protein (UniProt P47869) is 451 amino acids long and contains four transmembrane domains (M1-M4), a large extracellular N-terminal domain with a signal peptide, and an intracellular loop between M3 and M4 that mediates receptor clustering and modulation. It assembles with beta and gamma subunits to form functional GABA-A receptors. The alpha2 subunit confers high affinity for GABA and benzodiazepines, and its expression is critical for anxiety-related behaviors.