Cyclic nucleotide-gated channel alpha 1, also known as CNGA1, is a human gene encoding an ion channel 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
References
Further reading
External links
- GeneReviews/NCBI/NIH/UW entry on Retinitis Pigmentosa Overview
- CNGA1 protein, human at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.
