Crystal Structures of Human GlyR alpha 3 Bound to Ivermectin.
Huang, X., Chen, H., Shaffer, P.L.(2017) Structure 25: 945-950.e2
- PubMed: 28479061 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.str.2017.04.007
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
5VDH, 5VDI - PubMed Abstract: 
Ivermectin acts as a positive allosteric modulator of?several Cys-loop receptors including the glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls), ¦Ã-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABA A Rs), glycine receptors (GlyRs), and neuronal ¦Á7-nicotinic receptors (¦Á7 nAChRs). The crystal structure of Caenorhabditis elegans GluCl complexed with ivermectin revealed the details of its ivermectin binding site. Although the electron microscopy structure of zebrafish GlyR¦Á1 complexed with ivermectin demonstrated a similar binding orientation, detailed structural information on the ivermectin binding and pore opening for Cys-loop receptors in vertebrates has been elusive. Here we present the crystal structures of human GlyR¦Á3 in complex with ivermectin at 2.85 and 3.08?? resolution. Our structures allow us to explore in detail the molecular recognition of ivermectin by GlyRs, GABA A Rs, and ¦Á7 nAChRs. Comparisons with previous structures reveal how the ivermectin binding expands the ion channel pore. Our results hold promise in structure-based design of GlyR modulators for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Molecular Structure and Characterization, Amgen Inc., 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA. Electronic address: hxin@amgen.com.