Figure 1.

Interaction between P2X4 and GABA_A receptors at a central synapse. (A) Schematic diagrams to describe the interaction between P2X4 and GABA_A subunits. Unknown proteins and/or factors may regulate or initiate physical coupling between the C-terminal tail of P2X and the second intracellular loop of GABA_A subunits. If this is the case, the cross-inhibition would be regulated by these factors. (B) Surface trafficking of P2X4 receptors and subsequent interaction with GABA_A receptors at synapses and/or peri/extra synaptic sites downregulate inhibitory synaptic inputs. Additionally, this interaction may alter trafficking of other receptors, including GABA_A receptors.