Wayland W.L. Cheng

Molecular determinants of ligand recognition and efficacy in the TRPM3 voltage sensor-like domain

This study identifies molecular determinants of ligand recognition and efficacy in TRPM3's voltage sensor-like domain using a combination of structural and functional analyses.

Characterization of an Open-Channel Structure and Lateral Conduction Pathway in the Cation-Selective Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channel, ELIC

The paper uses molecular dynamics simulations to analyze ion conduction in the ELIC channel, showing that a lateral fenestration is critical for cation selectivity and conductance.

Structural mechanism of lipid modulation of pentameric ligand-gated ion channel activity

The paper investigates how specific lipids modulate the activity of the pLGIC ELIC5, showing that cardiolipin stabilizes an agonist-responsive resting state through binding at an M3-M4 site.

Thermotropic Properties of Large, Circularized Nanodiscs

This study examines how the size of circularized nanodiscs affects lipid bilayer properties, finding that larger nanodiscs better approximate lipid behavior in large unilamellar vesicles.

Cryo-EM structures of a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel in liposomes

This study determines the cryo-EM structures of ELIC in liposomes, revealing the desensitization gate and showing that liposomes better capture functional states than nanodiscs.

Multiple Functional Neurosteroid Binding Sites on GABAA Receptors

The paper identifies three distinct neurosteroid binding sites on the human 1β3 GABAA receptor using photolabeling and computational methods, showing their functional importance in neurosteroid action.