Metabolism and functions of GABA

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At a time when the entire set of gene and protein sequences in plants is becoming available, there is increasing need to understand protein structure/function and metabolic regulation. For the past two decades, my laboratory has developed internationally recognized leadership in the metabolism and function(s) in plants, of the amino acid gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA) and the short-chain fatty acid gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), which closely resembles GABA. They are endogenous constituents of the mammalian nervous system, wherein GABA plays a role in neural transmission and development, and functions through interactions with specialized receptors, and GHB serves as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator postulated to act via a GABAB receptor or an independent GHB-specific receptor. The physiological roles of GABA and GHB in plants are not yet clear, but evidence suggests that they are linked to stress and communication. Our research involves an innovative and integrative approach using physiological, biochemical, and biotechnological methods to identify and understand the regulation of genes/proteins and pathways associated with these metabolites. Our results will not only advance fundamental knowledge, but also suggest potential targets for engineering stress resistance or the synthesis of novel bioplastics in plants, as well as biomarkers for stress-induced injury.