Functional and Biochemical Characterization of Alvinella pompejana Cys-Loop Receptor Homologues.

ABSTRACT: Cys-loop receptors are membrane spanning ligand-gated ion channels involved in fast excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Three-dimensional structures of these ion channels, determined by X-ray crystallography or electron microscopy, have revealed valuable information regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying ligand recognition, channel gating and ion conductance. To extend and validate the current insights, we here present promising candidates for further structural studies. We report the biochemical and functional characterization of Cys-loop receptor homologues identified in the proteome of Alvinella pompejana, an extremophilic, polychaete annelid found in hydrothermal vents at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Seven homologues were selected, named Alpo1-7. Five of them, Alpo2

SUBMITTER: Wijckmans E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4801368 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature