Identification and characterization of novel nicotinic receptor-associated proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans.

ABSTRACT: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission in neurons and muscles. To identify nAChR accessory proteins, which may regulate their expression or function, we performed tandem affinity purification of the levamisole-sensitive nAChR from Caenorhabditis elegans, mass spectrometry of associated components, and RNAi-based screening for effects on in vivo nicotine sensitivity. Among the proteins identified was the calcineurin A subunit TAX-6, which appeared to function as a negative regulator of nAChR activity. We also identified five proteins not previously linked to nAChR function, whose inactivation conferred nicotine resistance, implicating them as positive regulators of nAChR activity. Of these, the copine NRA-1 colocalized with the levamisole recept

SUBMITTER: Gottschalk A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1176467 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature