Ligand-gated ion channels
Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels (pronunciation: /ˈlɪɡənd ˈɡeɪtɪd aɪɒn ˈtʃænəlz/), also known as ligand-gated ionotropic receptors or ionotropic receptors, are a group of transmembrane ion-channel proteins which open to allow ions such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, and/or Cl− to pass through the membrane in response to the binding of a chemical messenger (i.e., a ligand), such as a neurotransmitter.
Etymology
The term "ligand-gated ion channel" is derived from the words "ligand", a molecule that binds to another (usually larger) molecule, "gate", which refers to the opening and closing mechanism of the channel, and "ion", which are atoms or molecules with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
Function
Ligand-gated ion channels are essential for rapid synaptic signaling between cells. They convert the chemical signal of a presynaptically released neurotransmitter directly and very quickly into a postsynaptic electrical signal. Many neurotransmitters are known to activate ligand-gated ion channels, including acetylcholine, GABA, glutamate, and glycine.
Classification
Ligand-gated ion channels are classified into three superfamilies which include the Cys-loop receptors, the ATP-gated channels, and the glutamate receptors.
Related Terms
- Ion Channel: A pore-forming protein that helps establish and control the small voltage gradient across the plasma membrane of all living cells by allowing the flow of ions down their electrochemical gradient.
- Neurotransmitter: Endogenous chemicals that enable neurotransmission.
- Receptor (biochemistry): A protein molecule that receives chemical signals from outside a cell.
- Transmembrane protein: A type of integral membrane protein that spans the entirety of the biological membrane to which it is permanently attached.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ligand-gated ion channels
- Wikipedia's article - Ligand-gated ion channels
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