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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...
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...
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...
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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Related Experiment Video

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Combining Optogenetics with Artificial microRNAs to Characterize the Effects of Gene Knockdown on Presynaptic Function within Intact Neuronal Circuits
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Genetically encoded molecules for inducibly inactivating CaV channels.

Tingting Yang1, Yasir Suhail, Stanislava Dalton

  • 1Calcium Signals Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, 726 Traylor Building, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.

Nature Chemical Biology
|October 24, 2007
PubMed
Summary

We developed genetically encoded molecules for inhibiting voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channels. These novel tools, GEMIICCs, allow rapid, small-molecule-controlled manipulation of calcium signals in excitable cells.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Physiology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channels are crucial for excitable cell function.
  • Regulating CaV channel activity has significant therapeutic potential.
  • Existing methods for CaV channel inhibition have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop novel, genetically encoded molecules for inducible inhibition of CaV channels.
  • To create tools (GEMIICCs) for precise temporal control of Ca2+ signaling.
  • To investigate the mechanism of CaV channel inhibition by GEMIICCs.

Main Methods:

  • Engineering of Rem GTPase derivatives into genetically encoded inhibitors.
  • Utilizing small-molecule-induced translocation (phorbol ester, rapamycin) for inducible inhibition.
  • Electrophysiological recordings (e.g., patch-clamp) to measure Ca2+ currents (ICa).

Main Results:

  • GEMIICCs were successfully engineered, demonstrating inducible inhibition of CaV channels.
  • Small molecules rapidly translocated GEMIICCs to the plasma membrane, inhibiting ICa.
  • Inhibition occurred without altering gating charge, suggesting a novel mechanism distinct from channel number or voltage sensor immobilization.

Conclusions:

  • GEMIICCs represent a potent new class of tools for manipulating Ca2+ signaling in excitable cells.
  • The developed system offers rapid, reversible, and specific control over CaV channel activity.
  • This technology has broad applications in basic research and potential therapeutic strategies.