Ionotropic Receptors

How water fleas detect their predators

Keep the cool feeling: A lipid enzyme for maintaining cool temperature sensation and avoidance

Researchers have identified a monoacylglycerol acyltransferase (MGAT)-coding gene named bishu-1 that maintains the expression level of thermal receptors and modulates cool temperature sensation and avoidance behavior. The discovery could promote the development of lipid-mediated treatments for maintaining thermosensation in humans.

Researchers map mosquito cells that may help the insects choose tastiest humans

Researchers have mapped mosquito cells that can fine-tune their ability to detect attractive human odors. The discovery may lead to the development of more effective repellents to combat mosquito-borne diseases.

Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors Share Tetrameric Structure With The Voltage GatedPotassium Channel

Research reveals that glutamate receptors, key mediators of brain cell communication, form tetramers similar to voltage-gated potassium channels. The discovery challenges previous theories on how ligand-gated receptors become activated by neurotransmitters.