Glutamate-gated chloride channel subunit C (CrGluCl-C) (CrGluCl-C)

CrGluCl-C is a subunit of the glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl) identified in the parasitic sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi, which is a major pest in salmonid aquaculture [1, 2]. As a member of the Cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel family, it mediates inhibitory neurotransmission by conducting chloride ions across the cell membrane upon activation by the neurotransmitter glutamate [2, 3]. This receptor is a critical therapeutic target for macrocyclic lactones, such as ivermectin and emamectin, which act as potent allosteric activators [2, 5]. These drugs cause the channel to remain open persistently, leading to hyperpolarization of neurons and muscles, which results in flaccid paralysis and the eventual death of the parasite [3, 4]. Unlike some other subunits in the same species, such as CrGluCl-B, CrGluCl-C is highly sensitive to ivermectin-induced activation, making it a primary focus for understanding drug efficacy [2, 7]. Research into CrGluCl-C is particularly important due to the widespread emergence of avermectin resistance in sea lice populations, which threatens the sustainability of fish farming [2, 8]. Understanding its functional properties and its ability to form heteromeric complexes with other subunits is essential for the development of novel antiparasitic strategies and for monitoring resistance markers in the field [2, 5]. The target is absent in vertebrate hosts, providing a high degree of selective toxicity for antiparasitic treatments [3].

Other names

Caligus rogercresseyi glutamate-gated chloride channel subunit CCrGluClCCrGluCl subunit C

Allosteric activation of the chloride channel by macrocyclic lactones and direct agonism by glutamate.