NMR structures of the transmembrane domains of the α4β2 nAChR

► The structures of the α4β2 TM domains are solved for the first time in micelles. ► The α4β2 TM domains alone can form pentameric channels permeable to Na+. ► The reported methods are useful for structural studies of other membrane proteins. ► The study offers a framework for rationalizing previous data collected on α4β2. ► The structures are valuable for designing new therapeutic modulators of nAChRs.