Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain where it acts at GABA receptors, which are ligand-gated chloride channels. The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the rho subunit family and is a component of the GABA type A receptor complex. This gene exists on chromosome 6q next to the gene encoding the rho 1 subunit of the GABA type A receptor, in a region thought to be associated with susceptibility for psychiatric disorders and epilepsy. Polymorphisms in this gene may also be associated with alcohol dependence, and general cognitive ability. [provided by RefSeq, Apr 2016].