Isolation, characterization, and localization of human genomic DNA encoding the beta 1 subunit of the GABA sub(A) receptor (GABRB1)

Genomic DNA that encodes the beta 1 subunit of the human gamma -aminobutyric acid sub(A) (GABA sub(A)) receptor was cloned and mapped. Exons and flanking introns (>14 kb) were sequenced to determine the structural organization of the gene. The gene was localized on human chromosome 4, in bands p12-13. The beta 1 subunit is encoded by a relatively large gene (>65 kb) on nine exons. In contrast to other conserved regions of the subunit polypeptide, the proposed channel-forming domain (m2) is derived from more than one exon. The organization of exons was compared with that of the genes that code for subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.