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| Title | Structure of a pH-sensitive pentameric ligand-gated ion channel from the Sarcoptes scabies mite. |
|---|---|
| Journal, issue, pages | Nat Commun, Year 2026 |
| Publish date | Mar 13, 2026 |
Authors | Jessica Kleiz-Ferreira / Marijke Brams / Peter J Harrison / Casey I Gallagher / Mieke Nys / Ysaline Donze / Andrew Quigley / Daniel Bertrand / Chris Ulens / ![]() |
| PubMed Abstract | Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei and represents a substantial global health burden exacerbated by emerging resistance to ivermectin. An anionic pentameric ligand- ...Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei and represents a substantial global health burden exacerbated by emerging resistance to ivermectin. An anionic pentameric ligand-gated ion channel from the mite, SsCl, shows pH-sensitivity and is significantly modulated by ivermectin. Here, we use cryo-EM and electrophysiology to explore the pH-sensing mechanisms of SsCl and the impact of ivermectin on channel activity. Structures of SsCl were resolved in closed (pH 6.5) and desensitized (pH 9) states, alongside ivermectin-bound conformations. The desensitized structure adopts an unexpected hourglass conformation, suggesting a gating mechanism closer related to cation-selective channels. Structural analysis and mutagenesis identify extracellular histidine and glutamic acid residues that impact the pH-sensitivity, likely contributing to a broader pH-sensing network. Ivermectin-bound structures reveal pH-dependent modulation, enhancing open-state prevalence at pH 9 and enabling atypical activation at pH 6.5. These findings offer initial insights into SsCl's pH-sensitivity and ivermectin's activity, informing next-generation antiparasitic design. |
External links | Nat Commun / PubMed:41820392 |
| Methods | EM (single particle) |
| Resolution | 3.1 - 4.24 Å |
| Structure data | EMDB-53950, PDB-9rgm: EMDB-53951, PDB-9rgn: EMDB-53952, PDB-9rgo: EMDB-53953, PDB-9rgp: |
| Chemicals | ![]() ChemComp-IVM: ![]() ChemComp-CL: |
| Source |
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Keywords | MEMBRANE PROTEIN / Ion channel / pLGIC / pH-sensitive channel / Ivermectin |
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sarcoptes scabiei (arthropod)
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