9319656 Green Central to the mechanisms that underlie central nervous system function are the different neurotransmitter receptors responsible for the rapid signaling between neurons and between nerve and muscle. These different neurotransmitter receptors are membrane proteins composed of several subunits, which are structurally similar and form a single large molecular family. While much is known about how these receptors function, little is known about how the subunits fold into the correct conformation and assemble together to form the receptors. To address these questions, the research will focus on the best characterized member of this receptor family, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. A series of experiments will identify specific chemical processes that are part of subunit assembly and identify specific regions on the subunits responsible for interactions between subunits. ***
