3-D Structure of 5-HT3 Receptor (IMAGE)

Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

3-D Structure of 5-HT3 Receptor

Caption

This is a 3-D computer model of the serotonin 5-HT3 receptor, embedded through a lipid bilayer membrane (horizontal structure with black lines and yellow balls) as it would be naturally in a cell.

This shows a cross-section through the 5-HT3 receptor showing the central conformational changes (curved arrows) in the receptor that finally lead to the opening of a transmembrane channel, which then leads to flow of ions through the channel and into the cell -- the major function of this receptor in neuronal signaling.

Credit

Cell Press - Structure/Horst Vogel (EPFL)

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Image is used in the related journal publication. Please contact Cell Press (Structure) for permission to reproduce. Please mention credit.

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