Cyclic nucleotide-gated channel alpha 1, also known as CNGA1, is a human
gene
In biology, the word gene has two meanings. The Mendelian gene is a basic unit of heredity. The molecular gene is a sequence of nucleotides in DNA that is transcribed to produce a functional RNA. There are two types of molecular genes: protei ...
encoding an
ion channel
Ion channels are pore-forming membrane proteins that allow ions to pass through the channel pore. Their functions include establishing a resting membrane potential, shaping action potentials and other electrical signals by Gating (electrophysiol ...
protein.
Heterologously expressed CNGA1 can form a functional channel that is permeable to calcium. In
rod photoreceptors, however, CNGA1 forms a heterotetramer with CNGB1 in a 3:1 ratio. The addition of the
CNGB1 channel imparts altered properties including more rapid channel kinetics and greater cAMP-activated current.
When light hits rod photoreceptors, cGMP concentrations decrease causing rapid closure of CNGA1/B1 channels and, therefore,
hyperpolarization of the membrane potential.
See also
*
Cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel
Cycle, cycles, or cyclic may refer to:
Anthropology and social sciences
* Cyclic history, a theory of history
* Cyclical theory, a theory of American political history associated with Arthur Schlesinger, Sr.
* Social cycle, various cycles in ...
References
Further reading
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
External links
GeneReviews/NCBI/NIH/UW entry on Retinitis Pigmentosa Overview*
Ion channels
{{membrane-protein-stub