Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit beta-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GABRB1 gene. Component of the heteropentameric receptor for GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate brain. The gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAA receptor) is a multisubunit chloride channel that mediates the fastest inhibitory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. This gene encodes GABA A receptor, beta 1 subunit. It is mapped to chromosome 4p12 in a cluster of genes encoding alpha 4, alpha 2 and gamma 1 subunits of the GABAA receptor. Alteration of this gene is implicated in the pathogenetics of schizophrenia. Mice bearing mutant copies of this gene have been shown to be vulnerable to binge drinking of alcohol. Functions also as histamine receptor and mediates cellular responses to histamine. Functions as receptor for diazepines and various anesthetics, such as pentobarbital; these are bound at a separate allosteric effector binding site. Functions as ligand-gated chloride channel.