Cloning of the human brain GABA transporter.

A cDNA clone encoding a transporter for the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid in human brain was cloned and sequenced. The cDNA contains an open reading frame encoding a hydrophobic protein of 599 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 67022 Da. Hydropathy analysis revealed twelve potential transmembrane segments. The human protein is highly homologous to the protein from rat brain. Northern hybridization demonstrated a ubiquitous distribution of the transporter in various parts of the brain.