Ligand-gated ion channels

The collection features articles on the structure and function of glutamate-, acetylcholine-, and ATP-gated ion channels, a hypothesis on allosteric regulation of ion channel function by the lipid membrane and a review of our current understanding of NMDA receptors.

Ligand-gated ion channels are membrane proteins that transduce the binding of a ligand, such as a neurotransmitter, into an electrical response. In recent years, our understanding of the mechanisms by which ligands bind to and open these ion channels has been revolutionized by advances in structural biology techniques. Such structural studies have, in turn, uncovered a wealth of questions to address using functional and computational tools, as exemplified in this collection.

Image © 2018 Ahring et al.