Single channel currents in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: a direct demonstration of allosteric transitions

Unprecedented evidence from the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is discussed that demonstrates a clear switch between conformational states with or without ligand binding, suggesting that these states pre-exis, in support of the Monod-Wyman-Changeux allosteric model.

Abstract

An allosteric transition is a change in the binding or catalytic properties of a molecule brought about by the binding of an effector molecule at a site distinct from that which confers the binding or catalytic property. This month's Talking Point discusses unprecedented evidence from the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor that demonstrates a clear switch between conformational states with or without ligand binding, suggesting that these states pre-exis, in support of the Monod-Wyman-Changeux allosteric model.