Ligand-gated chloride channel which is a component of the heteropentameric receptor for GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain (PubMed:29961870, PubMed:31032849). Plays an important role in the formation of functional inhibitory GABAergic synapses in addition to mediating synaptic inhibition as a GABA-gated ion channel (PubMed:29961870, PubMed:31032849). The gamma2 subunit is necessary but not sufficient for a rapid formation of active synaptic contacts and the synaptogenic effect of this subunit is influenced by the type of alpha and beta subunits present in the receptor pentamer (By similarity). The alpha2/beta2/gamma2 receptor exhibits synaptogenic activity whereas the alpha2/beta3/gamma2 receptor shows very little or no synaptogenic activity (By similarity). Activated by pentobarbital (By similarity). Inhibited by the antagonist bicuculline (By similarity). Heteropentamer, formed by a combination of alpha, beta, gamma, delta and rho chains. Interacts with UBQLN1 (By similarity). Interacts with KIF21B (By similarity). Interacts with LHFPL4 (By similarity). Interacts with SHISA7; interaction leads to the regulation of GABA(A) receptor trafficking, channel deactivation kinetics and pharmacology (By similarity). The extracellular domain contributes to synaptic contact formation. Glycosylated. Genetic variations in GABRA2 determine the genetic susceptibility to alcoholism [MIM:103780]. 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. Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (TC 1.A.9.5) subfamily. GABRA2 sub-subfamily. Forbidden fruit - Issue 56 of March 2005