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Related Concept Videos

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
Ligand-gated Ion Channels01:19

Ligand-gated Ion Channels

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins with a channel for ions to pass through and a binding site for a ligand. The channel opens only when a ligand attaches to the binding site.
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that include the...
Ligand-gated Ion Channels01:19

Ligand-gated Ion Channels

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins with a channel for ions to pass through and a binding site for a ligand. The channel opens only when a ligand attaches to the binding site.
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that include the...
Voltage-gated Ion Channels01:26

Voltage-gated Ion Channels

Voltage-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that open and close in response to changes in the membrane potential. They are present on the membranes of all electrically excitable cells such as neurons, heart, and muscle cells.
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Voltage-gated Ion Channels01:26

Voltage-gated Ion Channels

Voltage-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that open and close in response to changes in the membrane potential. They are present on the membranes of all electrically excitable cells such as neurons, heart, and muscle cells.
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Non-gated Ion Channels01:24

Non-gated Ion Channels

Ion channels are specialized proteins on the plasma membrane that allow charged ions to pass down their electrochemical gradient. Their main function is to maintain the membrane potential which is critical for cell viability. These channels are either gated or non-gated and can transport more than a thousand ions within milliseconds for the cellular event to occur.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Fast Micro-iontophoresis of Glutamate and GABA: A Useful Tool to Investigate Synaptic Integration
07:08

Fast Micro-iontophoresis of Glutamate and GABA: A Useful Tool to Investigate Synaptic Integration

Published on: July 31, 2013

Glutamate receptor ion channels: structure, regulation, and function.

Stephen F Traynelis1, Lonnie P Wollmuth, Chris J McBain

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322-3090, USA. strayne@emory.edu

Pharmacological Reviews
|August 19, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This review details mammalian ionotropic glutamate receptors, crucial for fast excitatory neurotransmission and brain function. Understanding their complex structure and pharmacology is key for treating neurological diseases.

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Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates
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A High-throughput Calcium-flux Assay to Study NMDA-receptors with Sensitivity to Glycine/D-serine and Glutamate
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A High-throughput Calcium-flux Assay to Study NMDA-receptors with Sensitivity to Glycine/D-serine and Glutamate

Published on: July 10, 2018

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Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Fast Micro-iontophoresis of Glutamate and GABA: A Useful Tool to Investigate Synaptic Integration
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Published on: July 31, 2013

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Published on: July 10, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Mammalian ionotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) comprise 18 gene products forming ligand-gated ion channels.
  • These receptors are vital for fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system.
  • They are implicated in numerous neurological diseases, driving significant research interest.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of glutamate receptor nomenclature, structure, and function.
  • To discuss the assembly, accessory subunits, and interacting proteins of these receptors.
  • To explore their pharmacology, gating mechanisms, physiological roles, and therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on glutamate receptor research.
  • Analysis of structural data, including transmembrane elements and pore-forming regions.
  • Synthesis of information on gene expression, post-translational modifications, and protein interactions.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of glutamate receptor structure, assembly, and function.
  • Elucidation of their roles in normal physiological processes and neurological disorders.
  • Overview of current and potential pharmacological interventions targeting these receptors.

Conclusions:

  • Glutamate receptors are complex molecular machines essential for brain function.
  • Their intricate structure and diverse roles highlight their significance in neuroscience and medicine.
  • Targeting glutamate receptors offers promising therapeutic avenues for neurological diseases.