Abstract
GABA (A) receptors are present in hindbrain and spinal cord networks, playing a pivotal role in regulating locomotion. In this study, we demonstrate that mutations in the gabra4 gene, which encodes the α4 subunit of GABA (A) receptors, result in increased swim velocity of larval zebrafish. We also show that this gene is selectively expressed within spinal cord cerebrospinal fluid contacting neurons (CSF-cNs). Given the significance of these neurons in modulating locomotion, our findings support a model in which compromised α4 function leads to an increase in CSF-cN activity, causing a subtle, hyperactive swimming phenotype.