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Functional Characteristics of the Lepidopteran Ionotropic GABA Receptor 8916 Subunit Interacting with the LCCH3 or
Qiu Tang Huang1, Cheng Wang Sheng1, Andrew K Jones2
1College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, P. R. China.
The insect 8916 gene subunit forms functional ionotropic GABA (iGABA) receptors with CsLCCH3 and CsRDL1. These novel receptors are sensitive to insecticides, suggesting a role in pest control and understanding GABAergic signaling.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Insecticide Research
Background:
- The ionotropic gamma-aminobutyric acid (iGABA) receptor is a key inhibitory channel in insects and a target for insecticides.
- Known subunits include RDL, LCCH3, and GRD, with 8916 recently identified as a potential subunit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional role of the 8916 subunit from Chilo suppressalis in forming iGABA receptors.
- To determine the properties and insecticide sensitivity of heteromeric receptors formed by Cs8916 with CsLCCH3 or CsRDL1.
Main Methods:
- Co-expression of Cs8916 with CsLCCH3 or CsRDL1 in Xenopus oocytes.
- Electrophysiological recordings to assess channel function, ion selectivity, and ligand sensitivity.
- Testing the effects of various insecticides on the recombinant channels.
Main Results:
- Cs8916 alone or with CsLCCH3 did not form functional channels, but formed functional heteromeric channels with CsLCCH3 and CsRDL1.
- The Cs8916/LCCH3 channel was cation-selective, sensitive to GABA and beta-alanine, and inhibited by dieldrin, endosulfan, fipronil, and ethiprole.
- The Cs8916/RDL1 channel was GABA-sensitive, with altered EC50 and Imax compared to homomeric CsRDL1, and showed antagonism by fluralaner, fipronil, and dieldrin.
Conclusions:
- Cs8916 is a functional iGABA receptor subunit that can form cation-selective channels with CsLCCH3, sensitive to specific insecticides.
- The interaction of Cs8916 with CsRDL1 modulates GABA sensitivity, suggesting a role in fine-tuning insect GABAergic signaling and potential for novel insecticide development.
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