Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: a structural model for alpha-subunit peptide 188-201, the putative binding site for cholinergic agents.
A peptide corresponding to amino acid sequence 188-201 of the alpha-subunit of Torpedo AChR binds alpha-Bgtx. The S-S bridge between Cys 192 and 193 is essential for the binding as Tyr in position 189. The same sequence 188-201 corresponding to human AChR, which instead of Tyr has a Thr in position 189, binds alpha-Bgtx with a much lower efficiency. Monoclonal antibodies raised against Torpedo peptide 188-201 recognize Torpedo AChR and antibodies against Torpedo AChR recognize peptide 188-201 indicating that the synthetic peptide and the corresponding sequence in the native molecule share some immunological epitopes. With computer graphics and energy refinement a molecular model of this peptide has been elaborated.
Gotti
C
C
Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Milan, Italy.
Frigerio
F
F
Bolognesi
M
M
Longhi
R
R
Racchetti
G
G
Clementi
F
F
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001665:Binding Sites; D002038:Bungarotoxins; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D010455:Peptides / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000276:immunology; D011487:Protein Conformation; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000276:immunology; D014101:Torpedo
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D002038:Bungarotoxins; D010455:Peptides; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic