GLIC receptor complexed with DHA, molecular model

Molecular model of prokaryotic GLIC synaptic receptor (Gloeobacter Ligand-gated Ion Channel, blue and purple) complexed with omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, yellow spheres) molecules. When a neurotransmitter binds to a channel, GLICs allow for ions to pass through a channel. However, when DHA binds to GLIC, it conforms the ion channel into a desensitised state. Desensitization occurs when an ion channel tends to close despite a neurotransmitter being bound to it. In this case, desensitization occurs because the DHA molecule binds to a site at the edge of the channel causing a change in the structure of GLIC. This leaves the upper part of the channel open while the lower part is constricted and closed, enhancing channel desensitization. Understanding channel desensitization, could allow development of drugs that target desensitized ion channels., Photo by RAMON ANDRADE 3DCIENCIA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY