receptortochannel
Receptortochannel, also referred to as receptor-to-channel, describes the functional linkage between a cell-surface receptor and an ion channel, whereby receptor activation leads to opening or closing of an ion pore and thus changes in membrane conductance. This coupling can occur directly, when the receptor itself is or is part of an ion channel, or indirectly, through intracellular signaling pathways that modulate channel activity.
Direct coupling is characteristic of ionotropic receptors, which are ligand-gated ion channels. Prominent examples include nicotinic
Indirect coupling involves receptors that initiate intracellular signaling cascades, which in turn regulate ion channels. G-protein-coupled
Functionally, receptor-to-channel systems mediate fast synaptic transmission, sensory transduction, muscle contraction, and various homeostatic processes. Pharmacologically,