Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) mediate fast synaptic signaling in response to neurotransmitter binding, but the conformational changes induced by neurotransmitter binding are unknown. The crystal structures of mutated GLIC, a bacterial pLGIC homolog, reveal a novel, locally closed channel conformation that provides insight into pLGIC allosteric transitions.
- Marie S Prevost
- Ludovic Sauguet
- Pierre-Jean Corringer