Toward Understanding the Mechanisms of of Lipid Sensitivity in Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channels

Abstract

Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) are membrane bound receptors found in the nervous system. They are responsible for detecting neurotransmitters released from neurons and subsequently mediating responses of the cells on which they are found. Thus, pLGICs play an invaluable role in communication between cells of the nervous system and understanding their function is pivotal to understanding how the nervous system works in general. One factor which is known to mediate pLGIC function is lipids found in the membrane environment in which pLGICs are embedded. This dissertation explores the various ways in which lipids interact with and modulate the function of pLGIC. Potential mechanisms and biological consequences of this modulation will be presented and discussed within the context of our current state of knowledge of pLGIC and nervous system function.