a larger side chain. Function While the effect of editing on protein function is unknown, the developmental increase in editing does correspond to changes in function of the GABAA receptor. GABA binding leads to chloride channel activation, resulting in rapid increase in concentration of the ion. Initially, the receptor is an excitatory receptor, mediating depolarisation (efflux of Cl− ions) in immature neurons before changing to an inhibitory receptor, mediating hyperpolarisation (influx of Cl− ions) later on. GABAA converts to an inhibitory receptor from an excitatory receptor by the upregulation of KCC2 cotransporter. This decreases the concentration of Cl− ion within cells. Therefore, the GAGAA subunits are involved in determining the nature of the receptor in response to GABA ligand. These changes suggest that editing of the subunit is important in the developing brain by regulating the Cl− permeability of the channel during development. The unedited receptor is activated faster and deactivates slower than the edited receptor. See also GABAA receptor References Further reading External links Ion channels