Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) researchers have captured never-before-seen images of a major pore in human neurons called calcium homeostasis modulator protein 1 (CALHM1). This pore is crucial for neuronal signaling that enables movement, cognition, and sensory perception. The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals how the CALHM1 channel operates in humans and the potential consequences when it malfunctions.
CALHM1 is associated with various physiological processes, including taste detection in the tongue and potential involvement in Alzheimer's plaque formation in the brain. By using cryo-electron microscopy, CSHL scientists obtained detailed 3D images of the human CALHM1 channel, showing how eight CALHM1 proteins come together to form the circular channel. The team also found that phospholipids are essential for stabilizing and regulating the channel's function.
Understanding the structure of the human CALHM1 channel is vital for advancing research on its role in human health. The discovery could have implications for Alzheimer's disease and taste perception. Researchers hope to continue unraveling the complexities of CALHM1 to shed light on its functionality and potential for therapeutic targeting in the future.