The role of receptor subtype diversity in the CNS.
The molecular characterization of neuroreceptors and voltage-gated ion channels has revealed that receptor subtype heterogeneity is a common feature of chemical and electrical signal reception. The use of distinct genes encoding receptor subtypes is a favoured mechanism for generation of this diversity. We propose that the significance of the multiplicity and diversity of signal reception proteins is to increase the information-handling capacity of neurons. This may contribute to neural plasticity.
Schofield
P R
PR
Center for Molecular Biology, University of Heidelberg, FRG.
Shivers
B D
BD
Seeburg
P H
PH
D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000502:physiology; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction
D007473:Ion Channels; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter