Reduced antinociception in mice lacking neuronal nicotinic receptor subunits

Article Abstract:

The antinociceptive effects of nicotine are exerted by the interaction with subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), present in neuronal pathways responding to pain. Mice lacking the alpha4 subunit of the neuronal nAChR were generated using homologous recombination techniques, and studied together with mutant mice lacking the Beta2 nAChR subunit. Homozygous alpha4-1- mice did not express high-affinity ((super3)H)nicotine and ((super3)H)epibatidine binding sites in the brain. Both types of mutant mice exhibited reduced antinociceptive effects of nicotine.

Nicotinic receptors

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Mutations in the channel domain of a neuronal nicotinic receptor convert ion selectivity from cationic to anionic

Article Abstract:

A cation-sensitive ion channel can be turned into an anion-sensitive channel through site-directed mutagenesis involving three amino acids. The acids, from the MII segment of glycine or gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors, are inserted into the MII segment of the alpha-seven nicotinic receptor. The role of protein geometrical constraints on ion selectivity was underscored by the mutation involving the insertion of an uncharged residue at the amino-terminal end of MII.

Mutation (Biology), Mutation, Ion channels, Mutagenesis

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A prokaryotic proton-gated ion channel from the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor family

Article Abstract:

The cloning, expression and functional identification of one of the putative homologues from the cyanobacterium Gloeobacter violaceus are reported. The new proton-gated ion channel might contribute to adaptation to pH change, as Gloeobacter violaceus has carried out photosynthesis and proton transport at the cytoplasmic membrane.

France, Science & research, Analysis, Genetic aspects, Cyanobacteria, Gene expression, Cell membranes, Immunofluorescence, Fluorescent antibody technique

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