RNA editing regulates insect gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor function and insecticide sensitivity

Neuroreport. 2008 Jun 11;19(9):939-43. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0b013e32830216c7.

Abstract

A-to-I pre-mRNA editing by adenosine deaminase enzymes has been reported to enhance protein diversity in the nervous system. In Drosophila, the resistance to dieldrin (RDL) gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunit displays an editing site (R122) that is close to the putative GABA-binding site. We assessed the functional effects of editing at this site by expressing homomeric RDL receptors in Xenopus oocytes. After replacement of arginine 122 with a glycine, both agonist and fipronil potencies were shifted to the right in either fipronil-sensitive receptors or mutated resistant receptors (A301G/T350M). These data provide the first insight on the influence of RNA editing on GABA receptor function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arginine / genetics
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drosophila
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Gene Expression / drug effects*
  • Insect Proteins / physiology*
  • Insecticides / pharmacology*
  • Membrane Potentials / drug effects
  • Membrane Potentials / physiology
  • Membrane Potentials / radiation effects
  • Models, Molecular
  • Mutation / physiology
  • Oocytes
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Pyrazoles / pharmacology*
  • RNA Editing / physiology*
  • Receptors, GABA / genetics
  • Receptors, GABA / physiology*
  • Xenopus laevis
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / pharmacology

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Insect Proteins
  • Insecticides
  • Pyrazoles
  • Receptors, GABA
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Arginine
  • fipronil