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Charge selectivity forms the basis of cellular excitation or inhibition by Cys-loop ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs), and is essential for physiological receptor function. There are no reports of naturally occurring mutations in LGICs associated with the conversion of charge selectivity. Here, we report on a CHRNA1 mutation (α1Leu251Arg) in a patient with congenital myasthenic syndrome associated with transformation of the muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR) into an inhibitory channel. Performing patch-clamp experiments, the AChR was found to be converted into chloride conductance at positive potentials, whereas whole-cell currents at negative potentials, although markedly reduced, were still carried by sodium. Umbrella sampling molecular dynamics simulations revealed constriction of the channel pore radius to 2.4 Å as a result of the mutation, which required partial desolvation of the ions in order to permeate the pore. Ion desolvation was associated with an energetic penalty that was compensated for by the favorable electrostatic interaction of the positively charged arginines with chloride. These findings reveal a mechanism for the transformation of the muscle AChR into an inhibitory channel in a clinical context.

Original publication

DOI

10.1073/pnas.1908284116

Type

Journal article

Journal

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Publication Date

15/10/2019

Volume

116

Pages

21228 - 21235

Keywords

acetylcholine receptor, charge selectivity, myasthenia, Acetylcholine, Cell Line, Chlorides, HEK293 Cells, Humans, Ion Channel Gating, Membrane Potentials, Muscles, Mutation, Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital, Patch-Clamp Techniques, Receptors, Cholinergic, Receptors, Nicotinic, Sodium