[HTML][HTML] The role of the cystine loop in acetylcholine receptor assembly

WN Green, CP Wanamaker - Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1997 - ASBMB
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) are composed of α, β, γ, and δ subunits,
assembled into α 2 βγδ pentamers. A highly conserved feature of ionotropic neurotransmitter
receptors, such as AChRs, is a 15-amino acid cystine" loop." We find that an intact cystine
loop is necessary for complete AChR assembly. By preventing formation of the loop with 5
mm dithiothreitol, AChR subunits assemble into αβγ trimers, but the subsequent steps in
assembly are blocked. When α subunit loop cysteines are mutated to serines, assembly is …