Allosteric modulation of pentameric neurotransmitter-gated ion channels

Abstract

This interdisciplinary project will focus on allosteric modulation of pentametic ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs), with a particular focus on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs); receptors that are implicated in a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The project will combine molecular biological and electrophysiological approaches (Millar lab) with computational techniques (Topf lab) and will work closely with chemists developing novel allosteric modulators (Sheppard lab). The work will build on an existing collaboration between these three groups that is revealing important insights into the structural and functional diversity of pLGICs and the mechanism of action of allosteric modulators.

References

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