Understanding gating mechanisms in Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channels by CryoEM

My group is interested in structure, function and dynamics of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs). The pLGICs are central players in mediating fast synaptic transmission in the neuronal- and neuromuscular junctions. My talk will focus on two members of the pLGIC family: cation-selective serotonin (3A) receptors (5-HT3AR) and anion-selective glycine receptors (GlyR). I will present an overview of our rationale and strategies used to determine cryo-EM structures of full-length receptors in multiple conformational states. Findings from these studies have provided new molecular insights into gating mechanisms and drug modulation.