Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir2.1 , Kir2.3 , Kir3.1

Title: Cloning and expression of a G protein-linked acetylcholine receptor from Caenorhabditis elegans.

Authors: Y S Lee, Y S Park, D J Chang, J M Hwang, C K Min, B K Kaang, N J Cho

Journal, date & volume: J. Neurochem., 1999 Jan , 72, 58-65

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9886054

Abstract
We have isolated a cDNA clone from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that encodes a protein of greatest sequence similarity to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. This gene codes for a polypeptide of 682 amino acids containing seven putative transmembrane domains. The amino acid identities, excluding a highly variable middle portion of the third intracellular loop, to the human m1-m5 receptors are 28-34%. When this cloned receptor was coexpressed with a G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ channel (GIRK1) in Xenopus oocyte, acetylcholine was able to elicit the GIRK current. This acetylcholine-induced current was substantially inhibited by the muscarinic antagonist atropine in a reversible manner. However, another muscarinic agonist oxotremorine and antagonists scopolamine and pirenzepine had little or negligible effects on this receptor. Taken together, these results suggest that the cloned gene encodes a G protein-linked acetylcholine receptor that is most similar to but pharmacologically distinct from muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.