Structure of the Native Muscle-type Nicotinic Receptor and Inhibition by Snake Venom Toxins.

ABSTRACT: The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel, converts the free energy of binding of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into opening of its central pore. Here we present the first high-resolution structure of the receptor type found in muscle-endplate membrane and in the muscle-derived electric tissues of fish. The native receptor was purified from Torpedo electric tissue and functionally reconstituted in lipids optimal for cryo-electron microscopy. The receptor was stabilized in a closed state by the binding of α-bungarotoxin. The structure reveals the binding of a toxin molecule at each of two subunit interfaces in a manner that would block the binding of acetylcholine. It also reveals a closed gate in the ion-conducting pore, formed by hydrophobic amino ac

SUBMITTER: Rahman MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8867384 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature