ZACN Membrane Protein Introduction

Introduction of ZACN

The zinc-activated ligand-gated ion channel (ZACN) belongs to the Cys-loop receptor superfamily which also includes the nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh), 5-hydroxytryptamine type-3 (5-HT3), γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) and glycine receptors. The protein is encoded by the ZACN gene which is present in humans and dogs, but no ortholog is thought to exist in the rat or mouse genomes. The superfamily proteins consist of three domains. First, an extracellular domain with 200 residues binds the agonist and largely consists of a β-sheet structure. Second, a transmembrane domain containing four α-helices arranged as a four-helix bundle (M1-M4), in which M1/M2 and M2/M3 are separated by short loops. Third, there is a long intracellular loop between M3 and M4.

Basic Information of ZACN
Protein Name	Zinc-activated ligand-gated ion channel
Gene Name	ZACN, L2, LGICZ, LGICZ1, ZAC
Aliases	Ligand-gated ion channel zinc-activated 1, Ligand-gated ion-channel receptor L2
Organism	Homo sapiens (Human)
UniProt ID	Q401N2
Transmembrane Times	4
Length (aa)	412
Sequence	MMALWSLLHLTFLGFSITLLLVHGQGFQGTAAIWPSLFNVNLSKKVQESIQIPNNGSAPLLVDVRVFVSNVFNVDILRYTMSSMLLLRLSWLDTRLAWNTSAHPRHAITLPWESLWTPRLTILEALWVDWRDQSPQARVDQDGHVKLNLALATETNCNFELLHFPRDHSNCSLSFYALSNTAMELEFQAHVVNEIVSVKREYVVYDLKTQVPPQQLVPCFQVTLRLKNTALKSIIALLVPAEALLLADVCGGLLPLRAIERIGYKVTLLLSYLVLHSSLVQALPSSSSCNPLLIYYFTILLLLLFLSTIETVLLAGLLARGNLGAKSGPSPAPRGEQREHGNPGPHPAEEPSRGVKGSQRSWPETADRIFFLVYVVGVLCTQFVFAGIWMWAACKSDAAPGEAAPHGRRPRL

Function of ZACN Membrane Protein

Expression studies have detected ZACN mRNA in the human fetal whole brain, spinal cord, pancreas, placenta, prostate, thyroid, trachea, and stomach. Zn²⁺ causes a concentration-dependent activation of ZACN. Zn²⁺ may activate ZACN through an action at the putative N-terminal B ligand-binding domain. ZACN forms an ion channel gated by Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, and H⁺ and is non-selectively permeable to monovalent cations. The function of spontaneous ZACN activation is unknown. These classical members of Cys-loop receptor superfamily play important roles in physiology and pathology and thus constitute interesting drug targets in a wide range of disorders.

ZACN Membrane Protein Introduction Fig.1 The structure of a Cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel.

Application of ZACN Membrane Protein in Literature

Houtani T., et al. Cloning and expression of ligand-gated ion-channel receptor L2 in central nervous system. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 2005, 335(2): 277-85. PubMed ID: 16083862

This article finds the presence of L2 orthologs in several kinds of mammalian species other than humans and dogs.
Trattnig S.M., et al. Copper and protons directly activate the zinc-activated channel. Biochemical Pharmacology. 2016, 103: 109-17. PubMed ID: 26872532

This article suggests that ZACN forms an ion channel gated by Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, and H⁺ and is non-selectively permeable to monovalent cations.
Davies P.A., et al. A novel class of ligand-gated ion channel is activated by Zn²⁺. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2003, 278(2): 712-7. PubMed ID: 12381728

This article suggests that Zn²⁺ behaves as an agonist and TC as an inhibitor of spontaneous gating, these agents will be useful tools for characterizing the properties of native ZACN receptors in tissues from human and other non-rodent species.

ZACN Preparation Options

Membrane protein studies have advanced significantly over the past few years. Based on our versatile Magic™ membrane protein production platform, we could offer a series of membrane protein preparation services for worldwide customers in reconstitution forms as well as multiple active formats. Aided by our versatile Magic™ anti-membrane protein antibody discovery platform, we also provide customized anti-ZACN antibody development services.

During the past years, Creative Biolabs has successfully generated many functional membrane proteins for our global customers. We are happy to accelerate the development of our clients’ programs with our one-stop, custom-oriented service. For more detailed information, please feel free to contact us.

All listed services and products are For Research Use Only. Do Not use in any diagnostic or therapeutic applications.

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