Skip to the main content.
Request a Quote
Request a Quote

Cell Microsystems Acquires Fluxion Biosciences to Broaden Cell Analysis Product and Services Portfolio. Read the Press Release

At Fluxion, we’re passionate about delivering cell-based solutions that facilitate the transformation of research discoveries into new ways to diagnose and treat patients. By characterizing molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease, Fluxion’s platforms help bridge the translational medicine gap, enabling rapid advances in disease research, drug discovery, and the development of diagnostic tests.

GABA Receptors

and neuronal excitability

GABA (ɣ-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. GABA receptors belong to a family of ligand gated ion channels mediating fast synaptic transmission. They are of major importance as pharmacological targets for anxiolytics (e.g. benzodiazepines), schizophrenia, and sleep aids. At least nineteen different individual GABA A receptor subunits assemble into pentameric structures in different combinations to form the native receptor ( α1-6, β1-3, ɣ1-3, δ, ρ1-3, plus minor subunits). When activated, these receptor/channels conduct a Cl- current that desensitizes at higher GABA concentrations, with a characteristic rate for different subunit combinations. Receptors containing α1-5 subunits, any β subunits, and the ɣ2 subunit are the most prevalent in the brain. These receptors are sensitive to benzodiazepine modulation. The search for subtype-selective drugs for GABA A channels has been hampered by the lack of suitable high throughput electrophysiology platforms with the ability to interrogate ligand gated channels.

IonFlux Mercury is the recognized gold standard for GABA A screening. Features include:

  • Continuous flow of solutions prolongs the length and stability of recordings

  • In-plate exchange of solution enables parallel and fast exchange of solutions

  • No dependence on intra-assay liquid handling; eliminates pipetting noise and enables solution exchange during recording

Cell_GABA_Receptor

Cell GABA Receptor

link

 

GABA_current

Inward Cl- current from one ensemble of cells exposed to GABA with increasing concentrations (1μM to 100μM)

GABA+Displacement

Rapid change of solutions during GABA current activation sweeps.

FEATURED POSTER

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE SHORT AND LONG GAMMA SUBUNIT SPLICE VARIANTS OF HUMAN GABAA RECEPTORS

GABAA receptors, targeted by sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications, anesthetics, alcohol, and neurosteroids, regulate rapid inhibition in the mammalian brain. These receptors consist of α, β, and γ subunits, with the γ2 subunit having two splice variants γ2S and γ2L), distinguished by 8 amino acid differences. The γ2L variant dominates in later stages of life, with assorted patterns of regional distribution. IonFlux Mercury was used to investigate any the subtle ionic current differences between these γ2 splice variants under different conditions. 

VIEW THE POSTER
GABA_Poster

See What IonFlux Mercury can do for you

IonFlux Mercury is a next-generation APC family of system designed with unique in-plate fast solutions exchange and continuous flow. With simplified integrated operation and a plate reader design, IonFlux Mercury can fit into the smallest laboratory to the largest screening facility.

IonFlux Mercury Product Information

Design Update_0609-4-1-1

Application Notes

Articles & Posters

WEBINARS