Probing conformational changes in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor by Fourier transform infrared difference spectroscopy

Abstract

We have developed a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) difference method for probing conformational changes that occur upon the binding of ligands to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Our approach is to deposit reconstituted nAChR membranes in a thin film on the surface of a germanium internal reflection element, acquire FTIR spectra in the presence of bulk aqueous solution using attenuated total reflection, and then trigger conformational changes by sequentially flowing a buffer either with or without an agonist past the film surface. Using the fluorescent probe, ethidium bromide, it is demonstrated that the method of nAChR film deposition does not affect the ability of the receptor to undergo the resting-to-desensitized state transition. The difference of FTIR spectra of nAChR films recorded in the presence and absence of agonists reveal highly reproducible infrared bands that are not observed in the difference of spectra recorded with only buffer flowing past the film surface. Some of the bands are assigned to changes in protein secondary structure and to changes in the structure of individual amino acid residues. Bands arising from the vibrations of the agonist bound to the receptor are also observed. The results demonstrate that FTIR difference spectroscopy can detect structural changes in the nAChR that occur upon the binding of ligands. The technique will be an effective method for investigating nAChR structure and function as well as receptor-drug interactions.