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. Heteropentameric channels composed of GLRB and GLRA1 are activated by lower glycine levels than homopentameric GLRA1. Plays an important role in the down-regulation of neuronal excitability. Contributes to the generation of inhibitory postsynaptic currents. Heteropentamer composed of GLRB and GLRA1. Heteropentamer composed of GLRB and GLRA2. Heteropentamer composed of GLRB and GLRA3. Heteropentamer composed of two GLRA1 and three GLRB subunits. Heteropentamer composed of three GLRA1 and two GLRB subunits. Interacts with GPHN. Retained in the cytoplasm upon heterologous expression by itself. Coexpression with GPHN promotes expression at the cell membrane. Coexpression with GLRA1, GLRA2 or GLRA3 promotes expression at the cell membrane. Belongs to the ligand-gated ion channel (TC 1.A.9) family. Glycine receptor (TC 1.A.9.3) subfamily. GLRB sub-subfamily.