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Related Concept Videos

Ligand-gated Ion Channels01:19

Ligand-gated Ion Channels

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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...
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Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

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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...
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The movement of ions like sodium, potassium, and calcium into and out of the cell is essential to maintain the electrochemical gradient in living cells. The ion channels—a class of membrane transport proteins—help maintain this ionic gradient for the smooth functioning of physiological activities such as maintaining cell size and volume, conducting nerve impulses, and gas and nutrient exchange.
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Cooperative Allosteric Transitions01:58

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Cooperative allosteric transitions can occur in multimeric proteins, where each subunit of the protein has its own ligand-binding site. When a ligand binds to any of these subunits, it triggers a conformational change that affects the binding sites in the other subunits; this can change the affinity of the other sites for their respective ligands. The ability of the protein to change the shape of its binding site is attributed to the presence of a mix of flexible and stable segments in the...
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Mechanically-gated Ion Channels01:12

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Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...
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Site Directed Spin Labeling and EPR Spectroscopic Studies of Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channels
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Site Directed Spin Labeling and EPR Spectroscopic Studies of Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channels

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State-Dependent Dynamic Communication Networks in a Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channel.

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Researchers mapped communication pathways in a proton-gated ion channel using molecular dynamics. They identified key protein regions involved in gating, crucial for understanding channel function and drug development.

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Area of Science:

  • Structural Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Computational Biology

Background:

  • Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) are crucial for synaptic neurotransmission.
  • Agonist binding induces conformational changes, opening an ion pore.
  • The Gloeobacter ligand-gated ion channel (GLIC) provides a model for studying LGIC gating.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate communication pathways between the extracellular domain (ECD) and transmembrane domain (TMD) in GLIC during gating.
  • To understand how pH and functional state influence these communication pathways.
  • To identify key protein regions involved in allosteric signal transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to model GLIC.
  • Dynamic network analysis was used to map communication pathways.
  • High-resolution structures of GLIC in multiple conformational states were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Five main signal pathway families connecting the TMD and ECD were identified.
  • Specific loops (Cys, β1-β2, F) and connections (pre-M1, M2-M3) were implicated in signal transmission.
  • State-dependent communication pathways were observed, particularly involving the β1-β2 loop and loop F.
  • The D32-R192 salt bridge breakage was identified as critical for regulating communication.

Conclusions:

  • Communication pathways within GLIC are state- and pH-dependent, varying with conformational changes.
  • These networks likely involve conserved mechanisms across the LGIC superfamily.
  • Understanding these pathways has implications for developing drugs targeting anesthetics, neurological disorders, and pesticides.