Cys-loop ligand-gated ion channels modulation by protein kinases A and C

Introduction. In the nervous system, rapid chemical neurotransmission is mediated by ionotropic receptors that are activated by ligand binding. Ligand binding to its receptor promotes the selective flow of ions into the cell which changes the electrical potential of the cell membrane. Cys-loop type receptors belong to the ligand-gated ion channel superfamily including the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, the gamma-aminobutyric acid, glycine, serotonin and zinc. Several studies showed that the activity of these receptors was modified in response to protein kinases A and C activation; the different results, apparently contradictory, could be explained by the involvement of several factors such as the type of subunits that make up these receptors, components of the cytoskeleton and sub-types of kinases and phosphatases present in nerve tissue studied. Aim. To review the effect of protein kinases A and C on the activity of cys-loop receptors. Development. In this review we describe experiments conducted in different regions where it was determined the effect of these kinases on the function of neurotransmitter receptors mostly distributed in the nervous system. Conclusions. The cys-loop receptors regulation by protein kinases occurs through the activation of other receptors (crosstalk) that are expressed at different stages of development and nervous system areas.