Ligand-gated ion channels are susceptible to inactivation upon prolonged exposure to their ligand, a process known as desensitization. A sodium-binding pocket within the KAR-type glutamate receptor GluK2 is now shown to have a crucial role in this process, as desensitization is shown to occur only when the ligand is bound without cation pocket occupancy.
- G Brent Dawe
- Maria Musgaard
- Derek Bowie