An engineered glutamate-gated chloride (GLUCL) channel for sensitive, consistent neuronal silencing by ivermectin

Abstract

Background: Ivermectin (IVM) silences activity in neurons expressing glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCl). Results: Rational point mutations in GluCl robustly increase IVM-induced conductance and reduce the variability of spike suppression in cultured neurons. Conclusion: The newly engineered receptor improves heteromeric receptor expression and sensitivity to IVM. Significance: GluClv2.0 is an improved tool for IVM-induced silencing. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.