The protein MAP-1B links GABAc receptors to the cytoskeleton at retinal synapses

The ionotropic type-A and type-C receptors for the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA(A) and GABA(C) receptors) are the principal sites of fast synaptic inhibition in the central nervous system(1-3), but it is not known how these receptors are localized at GABA-dependent synapses. GABA(C) receptors, which are composed of rho-subunits(3-6), are expressed almost exclusively in the retina of adult vertebrates, where they are enriched on bipolar cell axon terminals(7-9). Here we show that the microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP-1B) specifically interacts with the GABA(C) pi subunit but not with GABA(A) receptor subunits. Furthermore, GABA(C) receptors and MAP-1B co-localize at postsynaptic sites on bipolar cell axon terminals. Co-expression of MAP-1B and the pi subunit in COS cells results in a dramatic redistribution of the rho 1 subunit. Our observations suggest a novel mechanism for localizing ionotropic GABA receptors to synaptic sites. This mechanism, which is specific for GABA(C) but not GABA(A) receptors, may allow these receptor subtypes, which have distinct physiological and pharmacological properties, to be differentially localized at inhibitory synapses.