GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) is an important neurotransmitter in C. elegans, Drosophila and all vertebrates. Now, Anjard and Loomis report that GABA has another role in intercellular communication – inducing sporulation in Dictyostelium (see p. 2253). This finding excitingly shows that GABA is not only an important neurotransmitter but also an ancient intercellular signal. Towards the end of Dictyostelium development, prespore cells migrate to the top of the fruiting body where they encapsulate in response to a secreted peptide SDF-2, which is generated from a precursor, AcbA, by a prestalk-specific protease. The researchers show that GABA triggers the release and processing of AcbA. By examining the Dictyostelium genome, they identified a putative receptor for GABA–GrlE. Dictyostelium cells that lack this G-protein-coupled receptor did not produce SDF-2 in response to GABA. Finally, the authors used pharmacological inhibitors and specific mutations to reveal that the effects of GABA on sporulation are mediated by PI3 kinase and a protein kinase B-related kinase,proteins that often act downstream of G-protein-coupled receptors.
Dicty talk by GABAling
Dicty talk by GABAling. Development 1 June 2006; 133 (11): e1104. doi:
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
Development presents... live stream of our Journal Meeting

Watch a session from Development’s Journal Meeting, Unconventional and Emerging Experimental Organisms in Cell and Developmental Biology which was live on the Node Monday 18 September.
Navigating a research career with a disability

Our two recent Perspectives articles explore the lived experiences of disabled scientists in our community. Kelsey L. Anbuhl and colleagues describe the lived experiences of five biologists who share the challenges and successes of undertaking a scientific career with a disability. Whereas Jack Darius Morgan reviews the literature exploring disabled scientists’ experiences in academia.
Focus on regeneration

Tissue regeneration is a fascinating phenomenon, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying regeneration remain incompletely understood. Here, Development has collated a series of articles showcasing some of the most recent advances in regenerative biology.
Keeping up with the Node: Lab meetings

Keep up with the Node 'Lab meeting' posts as the platform regularly highlights development and stem cell biology labs from across the globe and showcases research and researchers from the community. September featured the Kerosuo lab at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, read their 'Lab meeting' article here.
Read & Publish Open Access publishing: what authors say

We have had great feedback from authors who have benefitted from our Read & Publish agreement with their institution and have been able to publish Open Access with us without paying an APC. Read what they had to say.