γ-Aminobutyric A Receptor (GABAAR) Regulates Aquaporin 4 Expression in the Subependymal Zone

Activation of γ-aminobutyric A receptors (GABAARs) in the subependymal zone (SEZ) induces hyperpolarization and osmotic swelling in precursors, thereby promoting surface expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cell cycle entry. However, the mechanisms underlying the GABAergic modulation of cell swelling are unclear. Here, we show that GABAARs colocalize with the water channel aquaporin (AQP) 4 in prominin-1 immunopositive (P+) precursors in the postnatal SEZ, which include neural stem cells. GABAAR signaling promotes AQP4 expression by decreasing serine phosphorylation associated with the water channel. The modulation of AQP4 expression by GABAAR signaling is key to its effect on cell swelling and EGFR expression. In addition, GABAAR function also affects the ability of neural precursors to swell in response to an osmotic challenge in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the regulation of AQP4 by GABAARs is involved in controlling activation of neural stem cells and water exchange dynamics in the SEZ.