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Desensitization is an important mechanism curtailing the activity of ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs). Although the structural basis of desensitization is not fully resolved, it is thought to be governed by physicochemical properties of bound ligands. Here, we show the importance of an allosteric cation-binding pocket in controlling transitions between activated and desensitized states of rat kainate-type (KAR) ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). Tethering a positive charge to this pocket sustains KAR activation, preventing desensitization, whereas mutations that disrupt cation binding eliminate channel gating. These different outcomes explain the structural distinction between deactivation and desensitization. Deactivation occurs when the ligand unbinds before the cation, whereas desensitization proceeds if a ligand is bound without cation pocket occupancy. This sequence of events is absent from AMPA-type iGluRs; thus, cations are identified as gatekeepers of KAR gating, a role unique among even closely related LGICs.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/nsmb.2654

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Struct Mol Biol

Publication Date

09/2013

Volume

20

Pages

1054 - 1061

Keywords

Animals, Binding Sites, HEK293 Cells, Humans, Ion Channel Gating, Ligands, Models, Molecular, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Mutagenesis, Site-Directed, Protein Multimerization, Protein Subunits, Rats, Receptors, AMPA, Receptors, Kainic Acid, Recombinant Proteins