The gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptor subunit 1 (GABBR1) is a key component of the GABAB receptor, a class of metabotropic G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that mediate the inhibitory effects of GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Unlike ionotropic GABA receptors, GABAB receptors modulate synaptic activity via second messenger systems, influencing neuronal excitability, neurotransmitter release, and synaptic plasticity. GABBR1 forms a heterodimer with GABBR2. a structural requirement for receptor functionality, enabling coupling to Gi/o proteins to inhibit adenylate cyclase or regulate ion channels.
Antibodies targeting GABBR1 are critical tools for studying its expression, localization, and functional roles in neurological processes. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to map receptor distribution in brain regions such as the hippocampus, cortex, and cerebellum. Research applications include investigating GABBR1's involvement in disorders like epilepsy, anxiety, addiction, and chronic pain, where dysregulated GABAergic signaling is implicated. Additionally, these antibodies aid in exploring receptor trafficking, post-translational modifications, and interactions with ligands or drugs. Commercial GABBR1 antibodies are typically validated for specificity against epitopes in cytoplasmic or extracellular domains, though variability in clonal affinity or cross-reactivity requires careful validation. Understanding GABBR1 dynamics through antibody-based assays contributes to therapeutic development targeting GABAergic pathways for neurological and psychiatric diseases.