Specific residues in the putative pore helix, selectivity filter and S6 transmembrane helix of the IP3R were mutated in order to examine their effects on channel function. Mutation of 5 of 8 highly conserved residues in the pore helix/selectivity filter region inactivated the channel (C2533A, G2541A, G2545A, G2546A and G2547A). Of the remaining 3 mutants C2527A and R2543A were partially active and G2549A behaved like wild type receptor. Mutation of a putative glycine hinge residue in the S6 helix (G2586A) or a putative gating residue at the cytosolic end of S6 helix (F2592A) had minimal effects on function although channel function was inactivated by G2586P and F2592D mutations. The mutagenesis data are interpreted in the context of a structural homology model of the IP3R.