Concanavalin A biding to homomeric GluK2 receptor leads to closer proximity of the extracellular domains

Abstract

Kainate receptors belong to the family of ionotropic glutamate receptor family and are important in excitatory neuronal transmission within the central nervous system. Glutamate binding to the agonist biding domain of kainate receptors leads to a fast-activating cation-specific transmembrane channel, however, the stress caused by glutamate biding is relieved quickly, leading to fast-desensitization. Concanavalin A (Con-A), a lectin, is known to reduce the extent of desensitization and, therefore, increase the active open-channel state in kainate receptors.