Articles tagged with Sodium Channels
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A study isolated the domain IV paddle of scorpion venom and found it remained sensitive to scorpion venom even when bound to a chip. This breakthrough could lead to faster identification of drugs that target this region, modifying sodium channel activity in beneficial ways.
Researchers found that mutant sodium channels with opposite effects on channel function can lead to disruptions in normal cardiac function due to ion leaks. This overload of positively charged ions within the cell may be a key mechanism linking these mutations to atypical arrhythmias and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center developed a genetically engineered pig model to study inherited arrhythmic syndrome, shedding light on the mechanisms of lethal arrhythmias. The model may lead to the development of better treatments for life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have captured images of the complex, revealing the connection between some genetic mutations and electrical abnormalities in the heart. The study provides a starting point for designing therapies to treat conditions such as long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that a form of calmodulin plays an active role in opening and closing ion channels, contrary to previous thought. This finding could lead to new treatments for disorders such as cardiac arrhythmias, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a biological tactic to protect crops from insect plagues using specific spider toxins. The study found that naturally occurring insect toxins can be lethal for one species and harmless for a closely related one, suggesting the development of more species-specific insecticides.
Scientists found a shared mechanism regulating ion intake in sodium and calcium channels, enabling unified understanding of conditions affecting these channels. The discovery may lead to the development of next-generation pharmaceuticals targeting this common control element.
Researchers at Duke University discovered an antibody that simultaneously blocks the sensations of pain and itching by targeting Nav1.7 sodium channels. The study showed promising results in mouse models, suggesting a new treatment option for pain and itch conditions.
Researchers found three key binding sites that contribute to the induction of the anesthetic response, affecting sodium channel function and inducing anesthesia. The study's findings provide new insights into the molecular basis of general anesthesia.
New research reveals a fresh understanding of the structure of sodium channels, with particular focus on the β3-subunit's role in regulating heart cell activity. The study suggests that these channels may be functionally connected, leading to more efficient action potential initiation.
Basket cells convert excitatory signals into inhibitory outputs within milliseconds; researchers identify controlled increase in Na+ channels and conductance for fast transmission. Signal processing is made possible by high density of Na+ channels and increased conductance, compensating for small axon diameter and lack of myelination.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a specific genetic defect in the SCN5A gene that causes disruption in bowel function, leading to irritable bowel syndrome. This breakthrough finding has given researchers hope of developing disease-modifying agents to treat IBS.
Researchers identified a key molecule facilitating transport of protein from neuron cell body to axon, enabling electrical impulses. This discovery could help explain neurological disorders linked to malfunctioning or degenerated axons.
Researchers found auxiliary proteins play crucial role in sodium channels, affecting disease treatment and pain syndromes. The discovery could lead to more focused treatments for epilepsy, neurological diseases, and muscular disorders.
Researchers have developed a new imaging method to visualize high concentrations of a sodium channel protein associated with pain, potentially leading to improved pain management and treatment monitoring. The technique uses a small molecule attached to saxitoxin, which accumulates at sites of nerve damage in rats.
Researchers found that the grasshopper mouse's sodium channel 1.8 has an amino acid substitution that blocks the activation of channel 1.8 and inhibits the pain response to scorpion venom, making them numb to its sting.
A team of researchers has discovered a second gateway that could turn the tide against mosquito-borne diseases. The discovery reveals a new receptor in the sodium channel that allows mosquitoes to survive exposure to insecticides.
Researchers are using computational models to analyze cardiac function, diagnose, and develop new treatments for conditions like atrial fibrillation and cardiac arrhythmia. They also created a framework to study drug interactions and predict pro- or anti-arrhythmic effects.
Researchers characterized SUDEP in a mouse model of Dravet Syndrome and found that a prolonged slowing of the heart beat preceded SUDEP. Treatment with certain drugs reduced the incidence of SUDEP, suggesting mortality results from seizure-related parasympathetic hyperactivity.
Researchers discovered a specific mutation in the sodium channel Nav1.7 that predicts which chronic pain patients will respond to carbamazepine treatment. The study offers hope for more systematic and effective treatment of chronic pain, potentially benefiting millions of Americans suffering from the condition.
Research reveals that voltage-gated sodium channels evolved independently twice in basal and higher animals, suggesting the evolution of complex nervous systems was a convergent process. This finding highlights the importance of ion selectivity for fast and accurate neuronal signaling.
Researchers used the Canadian Light Source to study the sodium channel in heart cells, revealing a key role for calmodulin and calcium ions in regulating heartbeat. The findings shed light on two potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia conditions, Brugada Syndrome and Long Q-T type 3.
A UC Davis School of Medicine researcher has developed an algorithm that predicts the conformation changes in voltage-gated sodium channels, crucial for designing new drugs to treat chronic pain and epilepsy. This innovation could lead to highly specific and effective therapies with minimal side effects.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its 2012 Education Committee travel awards, selected based on scientific merit and conference presentation. The awardees will receive travel grants and be recognized at a reception.
Researchers created a computer model that calculates the probability of benzocaine molecules entering a cell's membrane based on its composition. The model predicts that membranes made mostly of negatively charged phospholipid DPPS present less barrier to benzocaine, leading to safer and more effective use.
Scientists have determined the atomic architecture of a sodium channel, which generates electrical signals in excitable cells. This achievement opens new possibilities for designing drugs for pain, epilepsy, and heart rhythm disturbances, with potential breakthroughs in treatments for neurological disorders.
Sodium channels are a key component of animal nervous systems but evolved prior to their development, according to new research published in PNAS. The discovery suggests that complex traits like the nervous system can evolve gradually from pre-existing genes.
Michigan State University researchers found that scorpion venom selectively targets insect sodium channels, making it a valuable tool for developing new insecticides. The study aims to understand how insects develop resistance and create alternatives to control resistant pests.
Researchers have identified a key molecular mechanism in nerve fibers that ensures rapid conductance of nervous system impulses. The myelin sheath, which acts as an insulating membrane, allows electrical impulses to hop from one node to the next along the axon.
Researchers discovered that a genetic error causing cystic fibrosis also affects the flow of sodium ions, preventing excessive mucus buildup. This finding has implications for developing better therapies for the disease.
Researchers discovered that Maf protein promotes osteoblast differentiation in mice, reducing bone formation and increasing fat cell generation with age. Additionally, studies found defective immune cells in patients with type 1 diabetes and suggested these cells could be a viable target for treatment.
New data demonstrate Vimpat (lacosamide) C-V's sustained efficacy in reducing seizure frequency and improving responder rates when added to a broad range of antiepileptic drugs. Long-term results show improved seizure control for up to 5 years, with median percent reductions in seizure frequency ranging from 45.5% to 71.8%.
Researchers have discovered a common mechanism underlying many diseases of excitability, characterized by overactivity of cells relying on electrical currents. The mutations alter the opening of sodium channels, leading to rapid resurgent currents that trigger second electrical impulses.
Researchers have identified Notch signaling pathway activation in human angiomyolipomas and TSC2-deficient rat cells, suggesting that TSC proteins regulate Notch activity. This finding supports the idea that Notch dysregulation may underlie some of the distinctive clinical features of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered proteins that can channel sodium ions through the cell membranes of Varroa mites, a parasite that devastates commercial bee colonies. This breakthrough could lead to more effective controls and reduce the need for toxic pesticides.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin discovered that electric fish communicate by quickly plugging special channels into their cells to generate electrical impulses. The fish use a dimmer switch to save energy by turning their electrical signals up and down.
A new therapy that increases airway hydration may prevent mucous buildup in cystic fibrosis patients. GS-9411, an aerosol-based agent, prevents sodium absorption and allows the surface to remain moist.
A new JGP study advances conclusions about the essential features of the Shaker K+ channel. Researchers propose that if three of four voltage sensors are in an activated conformation, the fourth can open and close the channel by itself.
Researchers discovered that evolutionary changes produced improvements in molecules generating electrical signals in nerves between 550 and 400 million years ago. These innovations contributed to the evolutionary success and diversity of vertebrate animals. The study also found that the same electrical signaling molecules are an effect...
Researchers developed a complex numerical model to represent the conversion of ion concentrations to electrical impulses in eel cells. They found that artificial cells can generate more energy than natural electrocytes, with potential applications for powering small implant devices.
Scientists have identified a site where sodium regulates specific potassium ion channels, which could lead to new approaches in drug design. The findings may help understand the mechanisms involved in ion channel gating and its relevance to hypertension.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have found genetic mutations linked to rare familial hemiplegic migraine type-3 that alter sodium channel function in the brain. These mutations may prompt migraines and suggest medications targeting sodium channels as potential treatments.
Researchers at MGH-MIND discovered that an enzyme involved in Alzheimer's disease can alter neural signaling, leading to seizures. Elevated BACE activity may be responsible for seizures observed in Alzheimer's patients, suggesting potential treatments to alleviate their occurrence.
The University of Texas researcher, James D. Stockand, has been awarded the 2007 Henry Pickering Bowditch Memorial Award for his work on regulating sodium channels and its potential to control hypertension. His research may lead to better treatment methods for this serious condition.
Researchers pinpointed paroxysmal extreme pain disorder (PEPD) to specific porelike sodium channels in peripheral nerve cells, highlighting the role of such channel disorders in inflammatory pain. Mutations in SCN9A gene were found to be responsible for at least two-thirds of PEPD cases.
Researchers found CaMKII alters Na+ channel function, leading to VTs in mice with heart failure. Overexpression of CaMKII increased susceptibility to life-threatening arrhythmias.
A study published in JCI found that overexpression of CaMKII altered sodium channel function, leading to increased susceptibility to ventricular tachyarrhythmias in mice. Additionally, proteasome composition differed between Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, with CD showing increased degradation of an NF-kappa-B inhibitor.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism in nerve cells that enables them to filter and transfer signals rapidly, contrary to the traditional Hodgkin-Huxley model. This allows for high precision in transmitting fast-changing signals while ignoring slowly varying stimuli.
The study reveals that ion channels collaborate through a third protein called ankyrin-G to control electrical signals in the brain. This mechanism is present in all vertebrates but lacking in invertebrates, suggesting its importance for higher brain abilities.
Scientists found that African and South American fish independently developed electric organs by altering sodium channel proteins, allowing them to generate and sense electric fields. This convergent evolution of molecules provides valuable insights into the role of genes in human health and disease.
A study published by Yale researchers found that 17 members of a family carried a specific mutation in the sodium channel Nav1.7 gene, which is associated with intense burning pain in the hands and feet triggered by heat and exercise. The discovery suggests the possibility of rational therapies targeting this affected channel.
Biologists find that garter snake nerve cell proteins undergo rapid evolutionary changes to detoxify the newt's potent toxin TTX, enabling the snakes to survive. This molecular arms race allows the garter snakes to evade their toxic prey.
A mutation in clams has been discovered that protects them against paralytic shellfish poisoning, but increases the risk to humans who consume them. The mutation enables contaminated clams to survive in areas with toxic algae, highlighting a need for new safety protocols.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified two proteins that help replace calcium-allowing channels with ones that keep calcium out, potentially protecting nerve cells from Lou Gehrig's disease. The discovery may lead to new ways to harness the channel-changing ability in other brain cells.
Researchers have discovered a modifier gene, Scnm1, that affects the severity of neurological diseases in mice and is also present in humans. The study found that when the genetic code for this gene is transcribed, it can produce non-functional protein that alters the physical effects of inherited diseases.
Myasthenia, a severe form of muscle weakness, has been linked to a novel genetic mutation that disrupts muscle responsiveness to nerve electrical impulses. Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a new cause for the debilitating disease, which may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers have discovered the structure of voltage-dependent ion channels, crucial for nerve function and muscle contraction. The study reveals a novel mechanism that enables ions to flow through these channels, allowing for precise regulation of electrical impulses in the brain and heart.
A study led by Mark T. Keating found that 13.2% of African-Americans carry an altered form of the SCN5A gene, linked to prolonged contraction of heart muscle cells and arrhythmia risk. The variant can be detected through simple tests, allowing for preventive measures such as avoiding certain medications and monitoring potassium levels.
Researchers identified genetic mutations associated with inherited epilepsy that perturb brain cell electrical properties. These findings support a plausible mechanism for the disorder and suggest potential targets for anticonvulsant drugs.
Research at Emory University Health Sciences Center suggests that high blood pressure caused by sodium retention could be related to oncogenes involved in cancer. Understanding the complex communication and regulation of kidney cells may help better comprehend how kidney diseases begin and hypertension is controlled.