Articles tagged with Ion Channels
Researchers have identified Piezo2, a receptor responsible for sensing touch and temperature, as the key player in gut pain. Selectively targeting this channel may lead to new treatments for irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Researchers developed a new method to target diseased neurons using light, changing their long-term behavior. The approach uses light-sensitive enzymes to create insulating or conductive coatings on cell membranes, tuning excitability in neurons.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed a new optogenetics-based tool to manipulate neuron excitability using light. By altering the electrical capacitance of cell membranes, they can change how strongly neurons respond to electrical input, with potential applications in learning, aging, and brain disorders.
Researchers at KAUST have developed ultrathin polymer-based ordered membranes that simultaneously exhibit high water flux and high salt rejection. The membranes display excellent performance in both forward and reverse osmosis configurations, surpassing those containing advanced materials like carbon nanotubes and graphene.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have discovered a link between Piezo1 and cholesterol levels during brain development, which may provide new avenues for treating diseases like Alzheimer's. The study found that Piezo1 influences cellular cholesterol metabolism, modulating cell quantity, quality, and organization.
Research reveals that heat-escape behaviors vary among frog species due to functional changes in thermal sensors. The study suggests that perception of noxious heat plays a crucial role in the evolutionary adaptation, while heat tolerance is relatively less important.
Researchers created mouse models with gene mutations linked to a rare seizure disorder, finding that two types of changes increase electrical signals and lead to symptoms. The findings provide new insights into the disease mechanism and suggest potential treatment options, including stimulants.
Researchers at Osaka University discovered that mutant variants of the RyR1 calcium channel protein are more sensitive to heat than normal proteins, leading to a cycle of activation that can cause malignant hyperthermia. This finding provides new insight into the condition and could lead to preventive and treatment strategies.
Researchers discovered that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) reduces the stiffness of the gating spring, decreasing channel sensitivity. This provides an opportunity to develop new drugs preserving auditory sensitivity from damage.
Researchers from Rice University, Duke University, Brown University and Baylor College of Medicine developed a magnetic technology to wirelessly control neural circuits in fruit flies. They used genetic engineering to express heat-sensitive ion channels in neurons that control the behavior, and iron nanoparticles to activate the channels.
Scientists at Scripps Research discovered a genetic mutation in PIEZO1 ion channel that impacts tendon biology and boosts the physical performance of mice. Mice with the PIEZO1 mutation had wider tendons, more compliant structures, and could store three times more energy.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown mutation in a child with epilepsy that affects the functioning of ion channels, which are crucial for brain function. The mutation has been found to decrease the function of normal proteins as well, highlighting the importance of studying genetic mutations.
A Kyoto University study has discovered that c-type natriuretic peptide facilitates intracellular calcium signaling in chondrocytes to stimulate long bone growth. This finding may lead to the development of new bone growth-stimulating agents for treating developmental disorders.
Researchers at Arizona State University have designed and constructed artificial membrane channels using DNA, allowing selective transport of ions, proteins, and cargo. The channels can be opened and closed with a lock and key mechanism, enabling diverse scientific domains such as biosensing and drug delivery applications.
High blood pressure can cause long-lasting changes in the structure of vascular smooth muscle cells, stiffening arterial walls and increasing the risk of cerebrovascular disease. Researchers found that a signaling pathway triggered by E–T coupling is involved in this process, leading to inflammation and vascular remodeling.
A new study found that microglia regulate neuronal subtypes differently in response to bacteria, affecting intrinsic excitability. Pyramidal cells exhibited lower excitability, while Purkinje cells showed higher excitability when modulated by microglia.
Researchers at Scripps Research have revealed the three-dimensional structure of Flycatcher1, a protein channel in Venus flytraps that enables snapping shut. The structure shows similarities to other mechanosensitive ion channels found in various organisms, including plants and bacteria.
Researchers at NYU Tandon have discovered the mechanical basis for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a complex vascular disease. They identified Piezo1, a novel culprit of mechanically fatigued aorta in AAA, and found that inhibition of Piezo1 prevents mice from developing AAA by alleviating pathological vascular remodeling.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital identified the activation of PIEZO1 as a key trigger for thrombosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. Inhibiting PIEZO1 prevented clot formation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for preventing thrombosis.
Researchers at OHSU have discovered a unique neural cell assembly that enables complex learning in songbirds, similar to those found in the human primary motor cortex. This finding has implications for understanding fine motor control and may lead to new avenues for treating disorders such as ALS.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a microfluidic Organ Chip device that accurately models cystic fibrosis lung airway pathology. The model replicates key pathological hallmarks, including mucus layer changes and inflammatory responses, providing a comprehensive preclinical human model for investigating new therapies.
Researchers found a solution to overcome ion interference in perovskite transistors, enabling room-temperature operation. The breakthrough uses ferroelectric materials to mitigate ion transport, promising applications in low-cost electronics.
A new brain stimulation technique, sonothermogenetics, has been developed by combining ultrasound and genetics to activate specific neurons in the brain.
Researchers have revealed the 3D atomic structure of the human PANX1 protein, a channel pore that plays a crucial role in pyroptosis, a form of cell death triggered by an immune response. The study provides new insights into the mechanism controlling pyroptosis and opens up potential avenues for developing targeted therapies.
A novel method allows tracking rapid structural changes in enzymes and nucleic acids. The technique, called microsecond freeze hyperquenching, was originally developed at Delft University but later fell into disuse.
Researchers identified a novel ion channel from Klebsormidium nitens alga that responds to indigo blue light, increasing channel open time and potential applications in optogenetics, Alzheimer's disease treatment, and visual restoration
Research reveals that teeth contain cold-sensitive proteins called odontoblasts, which detect temperature changes and trigger pain signals to the brain. This discovery explains how clove oil eases toothaches and may lead to new treatments for tooth sensitivity.
A clinical study by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that an antifungal drug improved key biomarkers in lung tissue cultures and nasal cells of patients with cystic fibrosis. The study suggests that the drug could benefit all patients, regardless of their mutation, offering a new approach to treatment.
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München identified a mechanosensitive ion channel in an endolysosomal system of macrophages. This channel is activated by mechanical stimuli and alterations in osmolarity, regulating the secretion of signaling molecules that control the immune system.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have transformed an old antibiotic into stronger, safer versions using a synthetic strategy. They created over 4,000 variations of gramicidin A, identifying 10 promising future antibacterial drugs with improved specificity towards bacteria.
A study discovered that some people in Europe and South America carry a Neandertal variant of an ion channel gene, leading to increased pain sensitivity. The gene's variant is associated with a lower pain threshold compared to the modern human version.
Researchers proposed an algorithm to create patient-specific models describing electrical excitation of human heart cells. The model uses gene expression profiles to predict action potential in other patients. This could lead to personalized treatment and drug design for heart conditions.
Tracking each atom in the NMDA receptor has revealed how it transmits and inhibits neural signals. The discovery could lead to better treatments for Alzheimer's disease, depression, epilepsy, stroke, or schizophrenia by controlling the receptor's activity.
Researchers observe exotic heavy N+ ion transfer channel in a charged Van der Waals cluster, leading to novel scenarios such as NAr+ formation. The study sheds light on microdynamics of biological systems and potential importance in understanding cancer therapy by heavy ion irradiation.
Professor Ute Hellmich is investigating the role of ion channels in parasites causing African sleeping sickness and Chagas disease. She aims to find similarities or differences between parasite and human ion channels, potentially leading to new pharmacological agents.
Researchers at UCalgary have made a breakthrough discovery that could lead to the development of treatments for Fragile X syndrome, a genetic cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. By replacing the missing FMRP protein in the brain, scientists hope to reduce hyperactivity and improve cognitive function.
A study published in Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience reveals the molecular underpinnings of electrical signals from potassium and sodium ion channels within neurons. The research identifies potential targets for future treatment strategies using existing drugs approved by the FDA.
A group of neurons in the ventrolateral subdivision of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus sense fluctuations in blood sugar levels and respond by rapidly decreasing or increasing their firing activities. This response can trigger changes in behavior to increase glucose levels, forming a feedback system that keeps blood glucose balance.
Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center have identified the specific region of serotonin type 3A receptor that interacts with the RIC-3 chaperone protein. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia.
Researchers have determined the structure of OLPVRII, a unique protein found in giant viruses. The protein forms pentamers and may act as an ion channel, shedding light on its potential role in hosting green algae during viral infection.
Researchers design novel carbon electrodes with efficient ionic channels for improved energy storage performance. They propose graphene stacking as an ideal model of 2D ionic channels, enabling fast electrolyte transport and excellent accessibility.
Researchers have developed DNA-based microcapsules that can act as ion channels, enabling the creation of artificial cells and molecular robots. This breakthrough could accelerate advances in nanotechnology and biomedical applications.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have illuminated the basic mechanism of Piezo proteins, which function as sensors in the body for mechanical stimuli. The discovery provides insights into the roles of Piezo proteins in human diseases and potential new therapeutic strategies.
A team of MU neurobiologists have annotated the sequences of 47 ion channels across the lamprey genome, shedding light on their role in nervous system function and recovery from spinal cord injury. This advancement paves the way for further investigations into the molecular aspects of the nervous system.
Researchers have developed a new method to speed up stomatal response in plants, improving photosynthetic efficiency and water use. The optogenetically enhanced plants produce more biomass than expected under fluctuating light conditions.
Researchers identified protocadherin 15 as a key protein responsible for converting bending forces from sound waves into electrical signals. This discovery sheds new light on the causes of hearing loss and how sound is transmitted to the brain.
Researchers have discovered a new light sensor in green algae that inhibits cGMP production, reducing its concentration. This finding is significant as it mirrors the human eye's response to light, and could lead to breakthroughs in optogenetics.
A new study reveals how the worm's digestive tract signals the brain when to linger in a plentiful spot. Researchers found that specialized nerve cells detect bacteria and release neurotransmitters to slow down or speed up locomotion.
Researchers at NIST have conducted simulations suggesting that graphene can be stretched to create a tunable ion filter, increasing ion flow by up to 1,000 percent. This could have applications in nanoscale mechanical sensors, drug delivery, water purification and sieves for ion mixtures.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a novel class of mechanosensitive ion channels, called OSCAs and TMEM63s, which convert physical forces into biochemical signals. The study provides a structural snapshot of an OSCA channel, revealing potential mechanisms for force sensation.
Researchers used a computer model to study the effect of increased cholesterol on a specific ion channel involved in regulating potassium levels in the heart. They found that increasing cholesterol levels made interactions with the channel more numerous, overwhelming it and interfering with its ability to open and close normally.
A new study describes the structure of an ion channel responsible for detecting odors in insects, revealing how millions of receptor varieties evolved to accommodate diverse habitats. The discovery offers insights into insect olfaction and evolution, potentially leading to innovations for disease prevention and human benefit.
The study reveals that acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) have a long evolutionary history, dating back over 600 million years. ASICs are now found in various invertebrates, including sea urchins, starfish, and tunicates.
A team of researchers from UAlberta has identified a new pathway in the brain that could lead to the development of a new treatment for anxiety disorders. By targeting the peptide NPY, they found that it can reduce anxiety and increase stress resilience. This breakthrough provides hope for finding new avenues for treatment.
Researchers Gary Lewin and Norbert Hübner are investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying neurological and heart diseases. They hope to identify ion channel anchors and characterize them at the molecular level, laying the groundwork for therapies that address tactile disorders and heart failure.
Researchers at National University of Singapore study the effect of silicon crystal periodicity on high-energy ion trajectories in thin crystals. They found that thinner crystals enable more precise control over the distribution of transmitted ions.
Researchers have discovered that Piezo channels are highly sensitive to changes in membrane voltage, which helps cells protect themselves from mechanical overstimulation. This mechanism has been found to exist in humans, mice, flies, and fish, and is even more pronounced in older species.
Researchers at OHSU have discovered the atomic structure of acid-sensing ion channels, which play a role in pain sensation and psychiatric disorders. The study's findings could inform the development of new therapeutic agents targeting these channels for stroke and pain treatments.
Researchers at Tohoku University have created a novel approach to screen drugs for their potential impact on the heart by cultivating lipid membranes around tiny holes in silicon chips. The team found that lipid membranes attached better to tapered holes, enabling more efficient testing of drug effects on ion channels.
A golden head centipede can subdue a caged mouse in under 30 seconds by injecting an estimated 30 μl of crude venom containing SsTx. The peptide toxin strongly inhibits KCNQ4 channels, controlling pulmonary vascular tone and arterial tension, leading to vasoconstriction and cardiovascular effects.