biología celular

Sci. Signal., 7 July 2009
Vol. 2, Issue 78, p. ec231
[DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.278ec231]

EDITORS' CHOICE

Cell Biology
Biogenic Amine Receptors

L. Bryan Ray

Science, Science Signaling,AAAS, Washington, DC 20005, USA

ABSTRACT:
Biogenic amines have important effects on behavior in humans and other animals. These agents can act by binding to heterotrimeric guaninenucleotide–binding protein (G protein)–coupled receptors but can also activate ligand-gated ion channels. Ringstad et al. explored the family of ion channels that respond to biogenic amines in the worm Caenorhabditiselegans and characterized two family members that appear to function as chloride channels. One was a receptor activated by dopamine that could bind drugs used in humans, such as antipsychotics. Theother was activated by tyramine and was shown in genetic studies to modulate behavior. Thus, the worm family of biogenic amine–activated channels is larger than previously recognized. If the same is truein humans, related channels may account, in part, for effects of currently used drugs, or targeting them could be beneficial for the development of therapeutics.

N. Ringstad, N. Abe, H. R. Horvitz,Ligand-gated chloride channels are receptors for biogenic amines in C. elegans. Science 325, 96–100 (2009).

TRADUCCIÓN:
Las aminas biogénicas tienen efectos importantes en el comportamiento enlos seres humanos y otros animales. Estos agentes pueden actuar mediante la unión a la proteína de unión a nucleótidos de guanina heterotrimérica (proteína G)-receptores acoplados pero también puedeactivar los canales iónicos activados por ligando. Ringstad et al. exploró la familia de canales iónicos que responden a las aminas biogénicas en el gusano Caenorhabditis elegans y encontró dosfamiliares que parecen funcionar como canales de cloruro. Uno era un receptor activado por la dopamina que podrían unirse los fármacos utilizados en los seres humanos, tales como antipsicóticos. El otro...