GABA_A receptors are expressed in many tissues outside the brain where GABA controls secretion and acts as a developmental signal in peripheral organs. GABA, acting through specific GABA_A receptor subtypes, affects every stage of cell development, including differentiation, proliferation and migration. We are currently examining the role of the different GABA_A receptor subtypes in healthy individuals and in disease models including asthma, cancer and reproductive biology. Using molecular methods that disrupt the mechanism of GABA_A receptor cross-talk we are identifying the cellular components and pathways responsive to GABAergic signalling in peripheral tissues. In defining the contribution of specific GABA_A receptor subtypes to distinct physiological processes we aim to design specific and effective therapeutics to alleviate disorders associated with the different receptor subtypes.