RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 GABAB Receptor Activation Protects Neurons from Apoptosis via IGF-1 Receptor Transactivation JF The Journal of Neuroscience JO J. Neurosci. FD Society for Neuroscience SP 749 OP 759 DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2343-09.2010 VO 30 IS 2 A1 Tu, Haijun A1 Xu, Chanjuan A1 Zhang, Wenhua A1 Liu, Qiuyao A1 Rondard, Philippe A1 Pin, Jean-Philippe A1 Liu, Jianfeng YR 2010 UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/30/2/749.abstract AB The G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) play key roles in cell–cell communication. Several studies revealed important synergisms between these two types of receptors, with some of the actions of either receptor being mediated through transactivation of the other. Among the large GPCR family, GABAB receptor is activated by the neurotransmitter GABA, and is expressed in most neurons where it mediates slow and prolonged inhibition of synaptic transmission. Here we show that this receptor is involved in the regulation of life and death decisions of cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). We show that specific activation of GABAB receptor can protect neurons from apoptosis through a mechanism that involves transactivation of the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R). Further work demonstrated that this cross talk was dependent on Gi/o-protein, PLC, cytosolic Ca2+, and FAK1 but independent of PKC, while IGF-1R-induced signaling involved Src kinase, PI3 kinase, and Akt activation. These results reveal a new function for this important GPCR and further highlight the importance of functional cross-talk networks between GPCRs and RTKs. Our results reveal GABAB receptor as a potential drug target for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.