[Molecular biology of ion channels in the heart]

Cardiac action potential is generated and maintained by several types of ion channels, such as sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride and non-selective cation channels. Mutation of cardiac ion channels could result in life-threatening arrhythmia. To date, the successful cloning of ion channels has revealed their molecular structure and function. Molecular biological and electrophysiological studies have developed general concepts for understanding properties of these channels, such as gating mechanism, kinetics of activation and inactivation, ion selectivity and pharmacological properties. These findings may provide possibilities for genotype-specific or gene-targeted therapies. This review focuses on the molecular properties and functional roles of cardiac ion channels.