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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Proteomics to Identify Proteins Interacting with P2X2 Ligand-Gated Cation Channels
Published on: May 18, 2009
P2X receptor channels show threefold symmetry in ionic charge selectivity and unitary conductance
Liam E Browne1, Lishuang Cao, Helen E Broomhead
1Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, and Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Abstract:
In the closed structure of the P2X cation channel, three α-helical transmembrane domains cross the membrane obliquely. In rat P2X2 receptors, these intersect at Thr(339). Replacing Thr(339) by lysine in one, two or three subunits progressively increased chloride permeability and reduced unitary conductance. This implies that the closed-open transition involves a symmetrical separation of the three subunits and that Thr(339) from each subunit contributes symmetrically to the open channel permeation pathway.
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