Interaction of a toxin from the scorpion Tityus serrulatus with a cloned K+ channel from squid (sqKv1A).

A toxin from the scorpion Tityus serrulatus (TsTX-Kalpha) blocks native squid K(+) channels and their cloned counterpart, sqKv1A, at pH 8 ((native)K(d) approximately 20 nM; (sqKv1A)K(d) approximately 10 nM). In both cases, decreasing the pH below 7.0 significantly diminishes the TsTX-Kalpha effect (pK = 6.

Genomics: implications for health systems.

In anticipation of and following the announcement of the completion of the mapping of the human genome, numerous articles have appeared in scientific, industry, and consumer journals and magazines on the topic of genomics. Building off the excitement surrounding this scientific milestone, many of these articles--irrespective of the audience--look to the future and anticipate how this knowledge breakthrough will change the way classes of diseases are diagnosed, treated, and even prevented over the next several generations. However, literature that explores the potential effect of genomics on health system care delivery is virtually nonexistent.

Mechanism for proton conduction of the M(2) ion channel of influenza A virus.

The M(2) integral membrane protein of influenza A virus forms a proton-selective ion channel. We investigated the mechanism for proton transport of the M(2) protein in Xenopus oocytes using a two-electrode voltage clamp and in CV-1 cells using the whole cell patch clamp technique. Membrane currents were recorded while manipulating the external solution to alter either the total or free proton concentration or the solvent itself.