The life cycle of the GABA_A receptor and its regulating molecules

γ-Aminobutyric acid_A (GABA_A) receptors mediate most of the fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. These ligand-gated ion channels are crucial in the control of cell and network activity. Therefore, modulating their function or cell surface stability will have major consequences for neuronal excitation. This review highlights recent findings on the regulation of GABA_A-receptor expression and function, focusing on the mechanisms of sorting, targeting, synaptic clustering, and endocytic events of GABA_A receptors, all which are regulated by their associated proteins. Now these topics are an area of active interest in studies on inhibitory neurotransmission.