Tag Archives: nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
About the Department of Molecular Immunology, or why it is important to study immunological processes at the molecular level
S. V. Komisarenko, S. I. Romaniuk
Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine,
Department of Molecular Immunology, Kyiv;
e-mail: svk@biochem.kiev.ua
Received: 26 August 2025; Revised: 03 October 2025; Accepted: 30 October 2025
This review summarizes the scientific accomplishments of the Department of Molecular Immunology at the Palladin Institute of Biochemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine over the period 1975–2025. Particular attention is given to studies on the mechanisms and functions of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) expressed in lymphocytes, focusing on their role in inflammatory processes, including those associated with Alzheimer’s disease, COVID-19 and post-COVID syndrome. The review also covers research on the mathematical modeling of interactions between polyreactive immunoglobulins (PRIGs) and antigens, as well as studies on the biological functions of these antibodies. Additionally, it examines the antigenic, immunogenic, and immunobiological properties of proteins – especially recombinant proteins – that could serve as key components of diagnostic test systems and next-generation vaccines for respiratory infectious diseases such as pertussis, diphtheria, tuberculosis and COVID-19. The article further considers opportunities to develop therapeutic agents based on recombinant proteins, including single-chain variable fragment (including scFv antibodies), vitamin complexes and other bioactive components for the treatment of human diseases. Special attention is also given to efforts aimed at disseminating knowledge on biosafety, bioprotection and bioethics in Ukraine. Finally, the review looks at future prospects for the Department of Molecular Immunology, in light of current challenges and new opportunities, particularly those arising from rapid advances in biotechnology.
Choline derivatives as natural ligands of mitochondrial nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
O. Lykhmus, M. Izmailov, M. Skok*
Department of Molecular Immunology, Palladin Institute of Biochemistry,
National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: skok@biochem.kiev.ua
Received: 16 March 2023; Revised: 28 April 2023;
Accepted: 05 June 2023; Available on-line: 20 June 2023
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) regulate mitochondria-driven apoptosis; however, their intracellular ligands are unknown. In the present paper, we show that choline and its derivatives (phosphocholine (PC), L-α-glycerophosphocholine (G-PC) and 1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (P-GPC)) dose-dependently influence cytochrome c release from isolated mouse liver mitochondria. Choline inhibited Ca2+-stimulated cytochrome c release, while PC attenuated wortmannin-induced cytochrome c release. Small doses of G-PC and P-GPC (up to 0.1 µM) were protective against either Ca2+ or wortmannin, while larger doses (up to 1 µM) stimulated cytochrome c release by themselves. Choline and PC disrupted interaction of VDAC1, Bax and Bcl-2 with mitochondrial α7 nAChRs and favored their interaction with α9 nAChR subunits. It is concluded that choline metabolites can regulate apoptosis by affecting mitochondrial nAChRs.
The effect of amixin and agmatine on cytochrome c release from isolated mitochondria
K. R. Uspenska, G. L. Gergalova, O. Yu. Lykhmus, M. V. Skok
Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
e-mail: kate.uspenska@gmail.com
Mitochondrial nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) control permeability transition pore formation and cytochrome c release in the presence of apoptogenic factors. This study demonstrates that pharmacological agents amixin and agmatine affect mitochondrial nAChR functioning: they slightly suppress cytochrome c release from mouse brain and liver mitochondria stimulated with apoptogenic dose of Са2+ and prevent the effect of α7 nAChR agonist PNU282987. We conclude that mitochondria may be one of therapeutic targets of amixin and agmatine.