Determining the structure of the bacterial voltage-gated sodium channel NaChBac embedded in liposomes by cryo electron tomography and subtomogram averaging.

Voltage-gated sodium channels shape action potentials that propagate signals along cells. When the membrane potential reaches a certain threshold, the channels open and allow sodium ions to flow through the membrane depolarizing it, followed by the deactivation of the channels. Opening and closing of the channels is important for cellular signalling and regulates various physiological processes in muscles, heart and brain.