A model for the assembly of nicotinic receptors based on subunit-subunit interactions.
Neuronal ion-channels are complex multimeric proteins. Within a given family, the variability of their pharmacological responses depends on subunit composition and subunit arrangement. We report here that protein assembly in the pentameric nicotinic acetylcholine receptor family, the best characterized of all neuronal receptors, can be predicted using information derived from homology modeled surface to surface subunit interactions based on the atomic structure of a snail acetylcholine-binding protein. An empirical assembly model is able to establish both subunit stoichiometry and subunit arrangement of known neuronal and muscle nicotinic receptors. This contribution to the understanding of nicotinic receptor assembly and variability might be extended to other types of ion-channels.
Ortells
Marcelo O
MO
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Morón and Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Machado 914, 4to piso, 1708 Morón, Argentina. mortells@mail.retina.ar
Barrantes
Georgina E
GE
D000818:Animals; D019281:Dimerization; D008958:Models, Molecular; D011485:Protein Binding; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D055672:Static Electricity
D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic