In neurons of the retrotrapezoid nucleus, inhibition of TASK2 by extracellular and/or intracellular protons (as a proxy for blood CO₂ levels) depolarizes the cells, increases firing frequency, and ultimately enhances respiration. To investigate how TASK2 responds to changes in CO₂ concentration and regulates respiratory activity, we reconstituted TASK2 into nanodiscs under varying pH conditions and captured its open and closed conformations using cryo-electron microscopy.
By integrating structural analysis with electrophysiological and biochemical approaches, we systematically elucidated the mechanism by which TASK2 functions as a pH sensor in central chemoreception. Our findings provide key insights into how central chemoreceptors regulate breathing and reveal the gating mechanism of this pH-sensitive ion channel.
Address:No.138, medical college road 
Postcode:200032 
Tel/Fax:021-54237056
Emial:itbr@fudan.edu.cn