BookLei Zhou, editor.
Summary: This book gathers relatively recent and significant topics in the field of ion channel research. Ion channels form the molecular basis for membrane excitability in cells from the cardiovascular and nervous systems. In many non-excitable cells, ion channels contribute to diverse function including secretion of signaling compounds like hormones and insulin, cell volume regulation, intracellular signaling especially Ca2+ signaling, etc. Many human diseases have been attributed to abnormal channel functions and defective membrane expression of channel proteins. On the other hand, ion channels are excellent models for studying protein biophysics, especially the allosteric regulation of protein function by miscellaneous stimuli. Therefore, researches on ion channels carry significant meaning for the understanding of basic protein biophysics and diverse physiological functions and for developing novel and effective treatment for related human diseases. This book could provide graduates and scientists in both basic and clinical levels, a comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge advances and a useful and stimulating platform for tackling their own questions about ion channels.
Contents:
Advancing ion channel research with automated patch clamp (APC) electrophysiology platforms
Methods & Challenges to Study Mechanosensitive Ion Channels
The Polysite Pharmacology of TREK K2P channels
Physiological functions, biophysical properties and regulation of KCNQ1 (KV7.1) potassium channels
Context matters Calcium channel splice variants and their effects in brain and cardiovascular function
Structure-function of TMEM16 ion channels and lipid scramblases
Distribution and Assembly of TRP Ion Channels
Regulation of Ion Channel Function by Gas Molecules
DEG/ENaC ion channels in the function of the nervous system: from worm to man
Glial chloride channels in the function of the nervous system across species
Physiological and pathological relevance of selective and non-selective Ca2+ channels in skeletal and cardiac muscle
Lysosomal TRPML1 Channel: Implications in Cardiovascular and Kidney Diseases
Store-Operated Calcium Entry in the Cardiovascular System
The role of thermosensitive ion channels in mammalian thermoregulation
Mechanotransduction ion channels in hearing and touch
The functional properties, physiological roles, channelopathy and pharmacological characteristics of the Slack (KCNT1) channel
Ion Channels in Anesthesiology.