NTU Undergraduates' research April 2014 - Biosciences | Page 103

Evolution of the GHB Receptor
Eleanor M. Corlass

Abstract
Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a naturally occurring molecule used both in
therapeutics and as a recreational drug, however its specific mechanism of neuromodulation
is unclear. It has been hypothesized that GHB is a weak antagonist of GABA B receptors in
the mediation of both pharmacological and behavioural effects on the body by modulating
GABAergic activity. Having said this, recent studies have been highly suggestive of a
specific GHB receptor, separate and distinct from GABA receptors. Cloning studies have
isolated cDNA of the GHB receptor in rat brain and demonstrated dose dependent effects of
GHB in transfected Chinese ovary cells (CHOs). Other studies have identified a highly
homologous relationship between the GHB receptor and a member of the tetraspanin
superfamily. The purpose of this research paper is to investigate the possible origins of the
GHB receptor to give further understanding of its distinct structure and function. More
specifically, I will use bioinformatics analysis to compare the genome of the GHB receptor
with that of the GABA B receptors and tetraspanin 17 over a range of species to suggest a
possible thesis for the evolution of the GHB receptor.
Keywords: GHB, GHB receptor, GABA, GABA B subunit receptor, Tetraspanin 17, Gprotein coupled receptor (GPCR).