Neuronal receptors stoichiometry

Kuhse, J., Laube, B., Magalei, D., Betz, H. (1993). Assembly of the inhibitory glycine receptor identification of amino acid sequence motifs governing subunit stoichiometry. Neuron 11 1049-56. 

The pentameric structure of the neuronal nAChR and the considerable molecular diversity of its subunits offer the possibility of a large number of nAChRs with different physiological properties. These receptors may subserve a variety of discrete functions and thus represent novel drug targets for a wide variety of therapeutic agents. The stoichiometry of most nAChRs in brain is still uncertain. Distinctions amongst nAChRs are listed in Table 6—2. The structure, function, distribution, and subtypes of nicotinic receptors are described in more detail in Chapter 9. 

One class of neuronal nicotinic receptors exists as a heteromeric pentamer composed of a (02-0 ) and 3 ( 32- 34) subunits (25,26,27)—for example, 04 3 virith a stoichiometry of tviro 04 and three p3 subunits. Another class of functional homomeric nicotinic receptors is composed of 07 through aio subunits. The diversity of the subunits and the pentameric structure suggest that a large number of nicotinic receptor subtypes may exist. 

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