Glycine receptors are ligand-gated chloride channels. GLRB does not form ligand-gated ion channels by itself, but is part of heteromeric ligand-gated chloride channels. Channel opening is triggered by extracellular glycine (PubMed:8717357, PubMed:15302677, PubMed:16144831, PubMed:22715885, PubMed:25445488, PubMed:11929858, PubMed:23238346). Heteropentameric channels composed of GLRB and GLRA1 are activated by lower glycine levels than homopentameric GLRA1 (PubMed:8717357). Plays an important role in the down-regulation of neuronal excitability (PubMed:11929858, PubMed:23238346). Contributes to the generation of inhibitory postsynaptic currents (PubMed:25445488). Heteropentamer composed of GLRB and GLRA1 (PubMed:8717357, PubMed:14551753, PubMed:22973015, PubMed:22715885, PubMed:25445488, PubMed:11929858, PubMed:23238346). Heteropentamer composed of GLRB and GLRA2 (PubMed:15302677, PubMed:16144831, PubMed:25445488). Heteropentamer composed of GLRB and GLRA3 (PubMed:25445488). Heteropentamer composed of two GLRA1 and three GLRB subunits (PubMed:22715885). Heteropentamer composed of three GLRA1 and two GLRB subunits (PubMed:22973015). Interacts with GPHN (PubMed:12684523,PubMed:26613940). Retained in the cytoplasm upon heterologous expression by itself. Coexpression with GPHN promotes expression at the cell membrane (PubMed:12684523). Coexpression with GLRA1, GLRA2 or GLRA3 promotes expression at the cell membrane. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the ligand-gated ion channel (TC 1.A.9) family. Glycine receptor (TC 1.A.9.3) subfamily. GLRB sub-subfamily.