The Neurotransmitter receptor triad: nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, γ aminobutyric acid receptor (type A) and inhibitory glycine receptor

Abstract

Many different neuroactive substances known as neurotransmitters, which are involved in signal transduction, bind to specific membrane receptors in the vertebrate central nervous system. Of particular interest are the similarities shared by the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, γ-aminobutyric acid receptor and inhibitory glycine receptor with respect to their pentameric structure, their neurotransmitter binding pockets, and colocalization with gephyrin. All three receptors undergo phosphorylation catalysed by protein kinases A and C. The biochemical defects in relation to these receptors result in the clinical manifestation of certain human disorders.