Articles tagged with Ion Channels
Scientists have discovered rules that relate genes to a neuron's electrical properties and shape, increasing the likelihood of predicting brain structure and function without measuring every aspect. This breakthrough increases the feasibility of modeling the brain in silico and ushering in a new era of predictive biology.
Scientists at NIST and NIH discovered that inhaled anesthetics may alter the organization of fat molecules in a cell's outer membrane, affecting nerve cell signaling. This finding opens up a new line of inquiry into the long-standing question of how anesthesia works.
Scientists discovered that ion channels can assemble in different combinations to detect a wide range of temperatures. Researchers found that combining specific subunits can create hybrid channels with enhanced sensitivity, allowing the body to adapt to temperature changes.
Researchers have developed a light-controlled neural inhibitor that can inhibit pain-sensitive neurons. The compound QAQ acts as a photosensitive switch, and its conformation can be altered by light, enabling it to bind to specific receptors on nerve cells.
Researchers have identified a family of proteins called piezo proteins that detect painful touch. The discovery provides evidence for the mechanotransduction pathway and potential new treatments for diseases related to sensory nerve dysfunction.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have debunked a widely held misconception about an often-prescribed drug, discovering that it works by binding to a lipid molecule essential to yeast's physiology. This finding could lead to better treatments for fungal infections and diseases caused by ion channel deficiencies.
Researchers discovered the African naked mole-rat's ion channel is altered, making it insensitive to acid-induced pain. The mutation allows for profound impairment of signal transduction, providing a survival advantage in high CO2 habitats.
A new study by Sandipan Chowdhury and Baron Chanda from the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides a model-free analysis of the free energy of channel opening, offering a rare example of thermodynamic reasoning. This approach circumvents the challenges of model fitting, providing a path forward for researchers in the field.
Researchers at Brown University have found unusual properties in wrinkles and folds at the nanoscale, including hidden long waves and closed nanochannels. These discoveries hold promise for developing new technologies like fluid-carrying nanochannels and printable cell phones.
Researchers discovered a key mechanism in the brain that controls spatial resolution, allowing for precise navigation and memory. By disabling ion channels in grid cells, they found that the brain's maps become coarser, affecting spatial memory and navigation.
Researchers have discovered that HCN channels, essential for the heart's electrical signals, are vital for normal repolarization. A new animal model showed a significant reduction in repolarization phase duration when one subtype of HCN channel protein was missing.
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutated gene affecting ion transport across cell membranes. Researchers have discovered an unexpected way to send mutant proteins to the surface to restore ion transport. Higher levels of GRASP65 escort mutant CFTR channels to the cell surface, dramatically extending the lives of mice with cystic fibrosis.
A new computational model realistically simulates ion channel function, providing insight into bacterial channels that cause deadly infections and informing potential drug design against them. The study focuses on PorB, a channel formed by Neisseria meningitidis, which is linked to antibiotic resistance.
A new study identifies a key residue M314 involved in BK channel opening, suggesting a different structural model for the channel. The findings provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms of BK channel activation and open up new avenues for research.
Researchers at MDC discover that a lack of laminin-332 causes tactile stimuli to be perceived as painful, leading to increased sensitivity and branching of sensory neurons. The findings provide new insights into the disease's mechanisms and potential drug targets for therapy.
Researchers have identified genetic mutations that predict risk of sudden cardiac death and cardiac events in patients with Long QT syndrome. The findings could lead to personalized treatment approaches for individuals with the condition, who are often at risk but may not exhibit typical clinical symptoms.
Researchers have fabricated 2-nm nanochannels that significantly enhance ion transport, improving power density and practical energy density of fuel cells and batteries. The smaller geometry and stronger hydration force are expected to further enhance ion transport in even smaller hydrophilic nanotubes.
A University of Missouri researcher has made significant progress in understanding cystic fibrosis by identifying the mutations that cause it. By manipulating the sensor of the channel protein, scientists may be able to develop a drug design that can eventually lead to a 'real cure' for this fatal genetic disease.
Bonn researchers have developed a method to trigger arrhythmia in mice using light stimulation, allowing them to study the condition with unprecedented precision. By selectively targeting specific areas of the heart muscle, scientists can induce ventricular fibrillation, a common cause of death after a heart attack.
The Biophysical Society has recognized eight individuals with its 2011 awards for their significant contributions to the field of biophysics. The awardees include researchers who have made pioneering discoveries using NMR methods, membrane protein biochemistry, and single molecule fluorescence microscopy.
A Japanese research group discovered that TRPV4 ion channel plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's barrier function by regulating cell-cell junctions. Removal of TRPV4 from keratinocytes led to leaky junctions and weak skin barriers, highlighting its importance in preventing dehydration.
Scientists confirm chloride channel ClC-2's role in regulating nerve cell excitability. A lack of ClC-2 channels increases the excitability of inhibitory cells, which balance the system's sensitivity. The discovery opens new possibilities for brain research and understanding nerve cell communication.
Researchers at MDC Berlin-Buch discovered a protein filament that causes ion channels to open and shut in response to touch. The filament is 100nm long and links mechanosensitive ion channels to the extracellular matrix, rendering them highly sensitive to force.
Stuart Dryer, a University of Houston biology professor, has been awarded the prestigious AAAS Fellowship for his work in molecular physiology and ion channel regulation. His research on ion channels could lead to new treatments for cancer, asthma, and kidney diseases.
Scientists have observed ion channels within the surface membrane of cells for the first time, improving our understanding of how signals travel among neurons. This discovery may lead to a complete picture of how ion channels function and could have implications for future drug development.
Researchers at MIT have identified novel receptors in a tiny worm that can modulate nervous system activity. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.
Researchers at University of Iowa discovered that calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) activation can increase heart rates, contrary to traditional beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation understanding. This finding suggests inhibiting CaM kinase II function could help control heart rate problems in people with a...
Researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanism behind chloroform's action as a general anaesthetic, revealing its potential to design new anesthetics with reduced harm. Chloroform inhibits TRPC5 calcium ion channels, a key player in pain transmission and brain function.
A study at Rush University Medical Center suggests that bubbles may regulate ion channel opening and closing, providing a vital piece of the molecular puzzle. This discovery has significant implications for treating diseases linked to malfunctioning ion channels, such as heart disease and cystic fibrosis.
Scientists at the University of Leeds have identified a previously unknown natural mechanism that activates ion channels through thioredoxin, offering new opportunities for treating inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. This breakthrough could lead to the development of innovative therapies.
Researchers discover paddle, a modular unit in ion channels, enabling nerve cells to fire. The findings hold promise for developing new therapeutic drugs targeting ion channel function., Ion channel proteins control electrical activity in nerve cells, and the study's results may lead to new approaches for treating neurological disorder...
A new study reveals that a voltage-sensitive phosphatase, Ci-VSP, converts electrical signals to chemical ones and is activated by depolarization, regulating phosphoinositide levels. This discovery sheds light on common principles of voltage sensing between ion channels and VSP.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry have developed a novel, noninvasive sensor that couples ion streams directly to microelectronic devices using direct cell–chip contact. This breakthrough enables selective measurement techniques for diagnostics and drug research without destroying the cells.
A new study finds that the TRPM8 ion channel plays a crucial role in detecting cold temperatures by activating neural impulses. The research suggests that TRPM8 is not the sole receptor responsible for detecting extreme cold, indicating possible alternative pathways.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology reveals that noise effects in ion channels are much larger than previously assumed, compromising the fidelity of neural transmission. The researchers used detailed models and simulations to demonstrate how channel noise destroys information in action potentials.
Dr. Frances M. Ashcroft's research discovered a rare genetic form of diabetes, permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus, and developed a treatment allowing children to switch from daily insulin injections to a daily pill. The American Physiological Society presented her with the Walter B. Cannon Award.
Researchers discovered a molecular mechanism that strengthens brain networks by closing ion channels, which may improve working memory and reduce distractibility in conditions like ADHD. This discovery has implications for developing drug therapies for normal aging and treating cognitive changes in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a molecular mechanism that dynamically alters brain network connections, influencing working memory and cognitive function. Closing ion channels can strengthen connectivity, improving working memory and reducing distractibility.
A Scripps Research study discovered that TRPA1 is directly activated by reactive chemicals through covalent modification of cysteine amino acids. This unique mechanism differs from other ion channels, which typically bind reversibly.
Researchers at University of Illinois and University of Arizona use computer simulations and experiments to understand the molecular mechanism behind gating in aquaporins. They discover that a single protein can be used as both a water channel and an ion channel depending on the signaling pathway activated.
Scientists use patch-clamp technique and protein engineering to measure proton-transfer events at single-proton, single-amino-acid level, revealing new insights into membrane proteins' behavior.
Researchers discovered a new way to understand brain cell degeneration in patients with Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's diseases. The study found that small, misshapen proteins embedded in cell membranes can disrupt electrical activity, leading to cellular destruction.
Researchers propose new method for studying ion channel kinetics using independent open-to-closed transitions. The new approach allows molecular biologists to simplify models uniquely, distinguishing between different states and enabling better understanding of biological processes.
UCSF researchers publish first atomic-level structure of the channel controlling ammonia passage in and out of cells. The discovery provides insights into toxic effects and potential treatment options for life-threatening diseases caused by ammonia toxicity.
Dr. Jiang's research focuses on ion channels, proteins in cell membranes controlling ion flow. He joins UT Southwestern faculty with a strong background in chemistry and postdoctoral experience.
Researchers have developed a new biological sensor platform that uses phospholipids to detect specific ions and molecules in real-time. The sensors can safely hold water-soluble dyes and enzymes, allowing for detailed analysis of cellular chemistry.
Researchers solved the structure of aquaporin Z, a water channel found in Escherichia coli that conducts only water at high rates. The protein's unique architecture and strategically positioned amino acid residues restrict the flow of larger molecules, allowing it to maintain osmotic equilibrium.
Researchers identified a gene that plays a critical role in sperm cell hyperactivation, which is essential for fertilization. Disrupting this protein could render sperm cells ineffective or infertile, leading to a new type of fast-acting and low-side-effect contraceptive.
Researchers used palytoxin to pry open the sodium/potassium pump's nature, revealing it as a more elaborate version of an ion channel. The study may pave the way for better treatments for hypertension and heart failure.
Researchers discovered that ion channels in bacteria allow them to withstand stomach acid by enabling an electrical shunt. This finding suggests a similar mechanism exists in human cells, potentially related to maintaining acidic conditions within endosomes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully simulated the movement of water molecules through aquaporins, ensuring only water passes between cells. The study reveals that water molecules pass single-file and reverse orientation midstream, preventing ion conduction and maintaining cell metabolism.
Researchers have found that growth factors play a key role in regulating how embryonic nerve cells acquire the ability to process information. This study suggests possible avenues for treating damaged nerve cells and restoring their function.
The researchers discovered a glycerol-conducting channel that selectively filters simple carbohydrates while blocking access to smaller water molecules and ions. This finding sheds light on how protein channels embedded in cell membranes work.
Researchers have developed software that can analyze ion-channel activity with remarkable efficiency and speed, enabling researchers to discover key information about protein structures and behavior. This breakthrough has the potential to improve our understanding of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and neuromuscular disorders.
A biological 'switch' has been discovered in plants that controls their leaf movements, opening them at dawn and closing them at dusk. This discovery could lead to new applications such as preventing crop wilting during drought or altering the time of flowering.