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Related Concept Videos

Voltage-gated Ion Channels01:26

Voltage-gated Ion Channels

Voltage-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that open and close in response to changes in the membrane potential. They are present on the membranes of all electrically excitable cells such as neurons, heart, and muscle cells.
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Voltage-gated Ion Channels01:26

Voltage-gated Ion Channels

Voltage-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that open and close in response to changes in the membrane potential. They are present on the membranes of all electrically excitable cells such as neurons, heart, and muscle cells.
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels01:12

Mechanically-gated Ion Channels

Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels01:12

Mechanically-gated Ion Channels

Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
Non-gated Ion Channels01:24

Non-gated Ion Channels

Ion channels are specialized proteins on the plasma membrane that allow charged ions to pass down their electrochemical gradient. Their main function is to maintain the membrane potential which is critical for cell viability. These channels are either gated or non-gated and can transport more than a thousand ions within milliseconds for the cellular event to occur.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.

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Vibrodissociation of Neurons from Rodent Brain Slices to Study Synaptic Transmission and Image Presynaptic Terminals
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Published on: May 25, 2011

Time-dependent molecular memory in single voltage-gated sodium channel.

Tapan K Nayak1, S K Sikdar

  • 1Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12, India.

The Journal of Membrane Biology
|September 4, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Sustained membrane depolarization alters voltage-gated sodium channels, introducing nonlinear properties and a "molecular memory" effect. This phenomenon, dependent on depolarization duration, impacts neuronal excitability.

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Last Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Vibrodissociation of Neurons from Rodent Brain Slices to Study Synaptic Transmission and Image Presynaptic Terminals
08:38

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Published on: May 25, 2011

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biophysics
  • Ion Channel Physiology

Background:

  • Neuronal excitability relies on action potentials, driven by voltage-gated sodium channels.
  • Sustained membrane depolarization, common in conditions like epilepsy, can alter ion channel function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of sustained membrane depolarization on single voltage-gated sodium (Na+) channels.
  • To characterize the biophysical and kinetic changes induced by prolonged depolarization.

Main Methods:

  • Single-channel activity of rNa(v)1.2 alpha channels was recorded using cell-attached patch-clamp.
  • Classical statistical analysis, weighted wavelet Z transform, and discrete Fourier transform were employed.
  • Hidden Markov models (HMM) were used for kinetic state analysis.

Main Results:

  • Sustained depolarization induced complex nonlinear changes in channel dwell times and unitary conductance.
  • Analysis revealed "pseudo-oscillatory" variations in kinetic parameters.
  • HMM revealed significant alterations in kinetic states and transition rates.
  • A "molecular memory" phenomenon, with clustered dwell times and autocorrelation, was observed and found to be duration-dependent.

Conclusions:

  • Sustained membrane depolarization imparts novel nonlinear properties and a duration-dependent "molecular memory" to voltage-gated Na+ channels.
  • These changes in channel dynamics may influence overall neuronal excitability.
  • The findings offer insights into channel behavior under prolonged depolarizing conditions.