Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) correlates of altered subunit stoichiometry in cys-loop receptors, exemplified by nicotinic α4β2.

ABSTRACT: We provide a theory for employing Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements to determine altered heteropentameric ion channel stoichiometries in intracellular compartments of living cells. We simulate FRET within nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) whose α4 and β2 subunits contain acceptor and donor fluorescent protein moieties, respectively, within the cytoplasmic loops. We predict FRET and normalized FRET (NFRET) for the two predominant stoichiometries, (α4)(3)(β2)(2)vs. (α4)(2)(β2)(3). Studying the ratio between FRET or NFRET for the two stoichiometries, minimizes distortions due to various photophysical uncertainties. Within a range of assumptions concerning the distance between fluorophores, deviations from plane pentameric geometry, and other asymmetries, the predicted FRET and

SUBMITTER: Srinivasan R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3431844 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature