Ion channels contribute fundamental properties to cell membranes. Although highly diverse in conductivity, structure, location, and function, many of them can be regulated by common mechanisms, such as voltage or (de-)phosphorylation. Primarily considering ion channels involved in the nociceptive system, this review covers more novel and less known features. Accordingly, we outline noncanonical operation of voltage-gated sodium, potassium, transient receptor potential (TRP), and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide (HCN)-gated channels. Noncanonical features discussed include properties as a memory for prior voltage and chemical exposure, alternative ion conduction pathways, cluster formation, and silent subunits. Complementary to this main focus, the intention is also to transfer knowledge between fields, which become inevitably more separate due to their size.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms20184572 | DOI Listing |
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
February 2025
Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616.
The L-type Ca channel (Ca1.2) is essential for cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. To contribute to the inward Ca flux that drives Ca-induced-Ca-release, Ca1.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPLoS Comput Biol
January 2025
School of Mathematical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
This study combines experimental techniques and mathematical modeling to investigate the dynamics of C. elegans body-wall muscle cells. Specifically, by conducting voltage clamp and mutant experiments, we identify key ion channels, particularly the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (EGL-19) and potassium channels (SHK-1, SLO-2), which are crucial for generating action potentials.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPLoS One
January 2025
Department of Laboratory Medicine, People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District, Shenzhen, P. R. China.
Objectives: This case-control study aims to clarify the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the P2X7 gene on susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to evaluate their association with diabetic complications.
Methods: This study is comprised with 200 T2DM cases and 200 healthy controls. Seven candidate SNP loci were screened, and TaqMan-MGB real-time PCR technology was used to determine the polymorphic variants of P2X7.
Neurochem Res
January 2025
Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
The specific pathogeneses of schizophrenia (SCZ) remain an enigma despite extensive research that has implicated both genetic and environmental factors. Recent revelations that dysregulated immune system caused by glial cell overactivation result in neuroinflammation, a key player in neurodegenerative as well as neuropsychiatric disorders including SCZ are providing novel clues on potential therapeutic interventions. Here, we review the roles of glial cells (Dr.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe big potassium (BK) channels remain open with a small limiting probability of ∼ 10 at minimal Ca and negative voltages < -100 mV. The molecular origin and functional significance of such "intrinsic opening" are not understood. Here we combine atomistic simulations and electrophysiological experiments to show that the intrinsic opening of BK channels is an inherent property of the vapor barrier, generated by hydrophobic dewetting of the BK inner pore in the deactivated state.
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