The cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel gene superfamily of the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans

Andrew K. Jones, David B. Sattelle

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, possesses the most extensive known superfamily of cys-loop ligand-gated ion channels (cys-loop LGICs) consisting of 102 subunit-encoding genes. Less than half of these genes have been functionally characterised which include cation-permeable channels gated by acetylcholine (ACh) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as well as anion-selective channels gated by ACh, GABA, glutamate and serotonin. Following the guidelines set for genetic nomenclature for C. elegans, we have designated unnamed subunits as lgc genes (ligand-gated ion channels of the cys-loop superfamily). Phylogenetic analysis shows that several of these lgc subunits form distinct groups which may represent novel cys-loop LGIC subtypes. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)41-47
    Number of pages6
    JournalInvertebrate Neuroscience
    Volume8
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Mar 2008

    Keywords

    • Acetylcholine
    • Caenorhabditis elegans
    • GABA
    • Glutamate
    • Ion channel
    • Serotonin

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