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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Measuring Nucleotide Binding to Intact, Functional Membrane Proteins in Real Time
Published on: March 11, 2021
Gating at the selectivity filter in cyclic nucleotide-gated channels.
Jorge E Contreras1, Deepa Srikumar, Miguel Holmgren
1Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-3701, USA.
Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels, crucial for sensory signal transduction, are now shown to be gated at the selectivity filter. This finding challenges previous models and reveals a novel mechanism for ion channel regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are essential for visual and olfactory signal transduction.
- Previous models suggested CNG channel gating occurred at the intracellular pore end, similar to voltage-activated potassium (K(V)) channels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the precise location of the activation gate in CNG channels.
- To determine if gating occurs at the selectivity filter, challenging established models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized small cysteine reagents (cadmium, silver) to scan the selectivity filter of CNG channels.
- Analyzed state-dependent accessibility patterns of these reagents to map gating locations.
Main Results:
- Observed state-dependent accessibility of cysteine reagents throughout the selectivity filter.
- Data indicates ion permeation is regulated at the middle of the selectivity filter, not the intracellular pore end.
Conclusions:
- The activation gate of CNG channels is located within the selectivity filter.
- This finding provides a new understanding of ion channel gating mechanisms and signal transduction.
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