AI Article Synopsis

  • Ion channels are essential components of cell membranes, displaying diverse characteristics in terms of conductivity, structure, and function, yet can be similarly regulated by factors like voltage and phosphorylation.
  • The review particularly highlights ion channels in the nociceptive system and explores novel properties, such as their ability to remember previous voltage exposure and alternative pathways for ion conduction.
  • Additionally, the authors aim to bridge knowledge gaps between different research fields that have grown increasingly specialized and separate.

Article Abstract

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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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770626PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms20184572DOI Listing

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