Cell Signaling

Question 1

What are the 4 major classes of receptors?

Answer 1

1. Ion channels
2. Steroid hormone receptors (usually internal)
3. Protein kinase receptors
4. 7-alpha-helix receptors

Question 2

How are ion channels classified?

Answer 2

Nature of their gating:

• Ligand (GABA, glutamate)
• Voltage
• Mechanical/thermal
• Phosphorylation
• Lipids

Species of ions passing (Na/K/Ca/Cl/HCO3)

Number of gates/pores

Question 3

What are ion channels important for?

Answer 3

Neurotransmission/Muscle
Salt/H20 transport
Chemical signaling
Regulation of cellular volume/pH
Acidification of organelles

Question 4

What is implicated in CFTR?

Answer 4

LOF in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene which is a type of chloride ion channel