Neuronal nicotinic receptors: from protein structure to function

FEBS Lett. 2001 Aug 31;504(3):118-25. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(01)02702-8.

Abstract

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are a prototype of ligand-gated channels that mediate transmission in the central and peripheral nervous system. Structure-function studies performed at the amino acid level are now unraveling the determinant residues either for the properties of the ligand-binding domain or the ionic pore. In this work we review, in the light of the latest finding, the structure-function relationship of these receptors and their implication in neurological diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allosteric Site
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism
  • Electrophysiology
  • Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Models, Biological
  • Nervous System Diseases / metabolism
  • Neurons / chemistry*
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / chemistry*
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / physiology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Glycoproteins
  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Nicotinic