ligand-gated channel activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Enables the transmembrane transfer of a solute by a channel that opens when a specific ligand has been bound by the channel complex or one of its constituent parts. [GOC:mtg_transport, ISBN:0815340729]

Ligand-gated channel activity is a molecular function that describes the ability of a protein to act as a channel that opens or closes in response to the binding of a specific ligand. Ligands can be neurotransmitters, hormones, ions, or other small molecules. When a ligand binds to the protein, it triggers a conformational change in the protein, which opens the channel. This allows ions or other molecules to pass through the membrane, which can have a variety of effects on the cell.

Ligand-gated channels are important for a variety of cellular processes, including:

* **Signal transduction:** Ligand-gated channels can be used to transduce signals from the extracellular environment to the intracellular environment. For example, neurotransmitters bind to ligand-gated channels on neurons, which triggers the opening of the channels and the influx of ions. This influx of ions can then trigger a nerve impulse.
* **Cellular communication:** Ligand-gated channels can be used to communicate between different cells. For example, hormones can bind to ligand-gated channels on target cells, which triggers the opening of the channels and the influx of ions. This influx of ions can then trigger a variety of intracellular signaling pathways.
* **Muscle contraction:** Ligand-gated channels are essential for muscle contraction. For example, acetylcholine binds to ligand-gated channels on muscle cells, which triggers the opening of the channels and the influx of calcium ions. This influx of calcium ions then triggers the contraction of the muscle.
* **Sensory perception:** Ligand-gated channels are involved in sensory perception. For example, taste buds contain ligand-gated channels that are activated by different types of molecules, which allows us to taste different flavors.

Ligand-gated channels are often the targets of drugs. For example, many anti-anxiety drugs work by blocking ligand-gated channels that are involved in the transmission of nerve impulses.

In summary, ligand-gated channel activity is a crucial molecular function that allows cells to respond to a variety of stimuli. It plays a role in many important cellular processes, including signal transduction, cellular communication, muscle contraction, and sensory perception.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (8)