The acetylcholine receptor, which mediates rapid synaptic transmission, possesses two agonist binding sites, the occupation of which leads to channel opening; however, the precise molecular events that follow agonist binding are unclear. Here, the receptors are locked in conformations equivalent to agonist-bound states, and it is observed that each binding site initiates the formation of one of two 'primed' states from which the channels are able to open and close.
- Nuriya Mukhtasimova
- Won Yong Lee
- Steven M. Sine