Crystal structures of a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel provide a mechanism for activation

Atomistic insights into human Cys-loop receptors by solution NMR

Cys-loop receptors are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) mediating fast neurotransmission in the central and peripheral nervous systems. They are important targets for many currently used clinical drugs, such as general anesthetics, and for allosteric modulators with potential therapeutic applications. Here, we provide an overview of advances in the use of solution NMR in structural and dynamic characterization of ion channels, particularly human Cys-loop receptors. We present challenges to overcome and realistic solutions for achieving high-resolution structural information for this family of receptors. We discuss how subtle structural differences among homologous channels define unique channel pharmacological properties and advocate the necessity to determine high-resolution structures for individual receptor subtypes. Finally, we describe drug binding to the TMDs of Cys-loop receptors identified by solution NMR and the associated dynamics changes relevant to channel functions.

Long distance effect on ligand-gated ion channels extracellular domain may affect interactions with the intracellular machinery

Modulation of receptor trafficking is critical for controlling neurotransmission. A γ2(R43Q) point mutation on GABAA receptor subunit is linked to epilepsy in human. We recently analyzed the effect of this amino-acid substitution on GABAA receptor trafficking and showed that this mutation as well as agonist application, both affecting GABAA receptor extracellular domain, have an effect on receptor endocytosis. By comparing homology models based on ligand gated ion channels in their active and resting states, we reveal that the γ2R43 domain is located in a loop that is affected by motion resulting from receptor activation. Taken together, these results suggest that endocytosis of GABAA receptors is linked to agonist induced conformational changes. We propose that ligand or modulator binding is followed by a whole chain of interconnections, including the intracellular domain, that may influence ligand-gated channel trafficking.

Allosteric regulation of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels: an emerging mechanistic perspective

Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) play a central role in intercellular communications in the nervous system by converting the binding of a chemical messenger—a neurotransmitter—into an ion flux through the postsynaptic membrane. They are oligomeric assemblies that provide prototypical examples of allosterically regulated integral membrane proteins. Here, we present an overview of the most recent advances on the signal transduction mechanism based on the X-ray structures of both prokaryotic and invertebrate eukaryotic pLGICs and atomistic Molecular Dynamics simulations. The present results suggest that ion gating involves a large structural reorganization of the molecule mediated by two distinct quaternary transitions, a global twisting and the blooming of the extracellular domain, which can be modulated by ligand binding at the topographically distinct orthosteric and allosteric sites. The emerging model of gating is consistent with a wealth of functional studies and will boost the development of novel pharmacological strategies.