GABRA1, Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-1, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GABRA1 gene. The 1,055-bp GABRA1 clone contained an open reading frame and 260 nucleotides in the 5-prime noncoding region. The 351-amino acid sequence shows 97% homology with its bovine counterpart. GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain where it acts at GABA-A receptors, which are ligand-gated chloride channels. Chloride conductance of these channels can be modulated by agents such as benzodiazepines that bind to the GABA-A receptor. At least 16 distinct subunits of GABA-A receptors have been identified.