Overview:

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. There are two major classes of GABA receptors: the GABAA and the GABAB subtype of receptors. GABAB receptors are heterodimeric G protein-coupled receptors that mediate slow synaptic inhibition in the central nervous system. It has recently been demonstrated that AMPK binds directly to GABAB receptors and phosphorylates S783 in the cytoplasmic tail of the R2 subunit and that S783 plays a critical role in enhancing neuronal survival after ischemia as phosphorylation of S783 is evident in many brain regions and is increased dramatically after ischemic injury to the brain.

References:

1. Kuramoto N, Wilkins ME, Fairfax BP, et al, Phospho-dependent functional modulation of GABA(B) receptors by the metabolic sensor AMP-dependent protein kinase. Neuron 53:233-247. 2007.