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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...
Gap Junctions01:27

Gap Junctions

The cytoplasm of adjacent animal cells can exchange small molecules, ions, and secondary messengers via the communication channels which form the gap junctions. These junctions comprise a few hundred to thousands of molecular channels, each made of two halves, called the connexon hemichannel. A connexon is a hexamer of six transmembrane connexin proteins, which assemble radially, thus forming a pore or channel in the center. One connexon hemichannel docks with a corresponding connexon on the...
Gap Junctions01:37

Gap Junctions

Multicellular organisms employ a variety of ways for cells to communicate with each other. Gap junctions are specialized proteins that form pores between neighboring cells in animals, connecting the cytoplasm between the two, and allowing for the exchange of molecules and ions. They are found in a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate species, mediate numerous functions including cell differentiation and development, and are associated with numerous human diseases, including cardiac and...
Ligand-gated Ion Channels01:19

Ligand-gated Ion Channels

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins with a channel for ions to pass through and a binding site for a ligand. The channel opens only when a ligand attaches to the binding site.
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that include the...
Ligand-gated Ion Channels01:19

Ligand-gated Ion Channels

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins with a channel for ions to pass through and a binding site for a ligand. The channel opens only when a ligand attaches to the binding site.
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that include the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells
10:46

Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells

Published on: July 16, 2013

Divalent cations regulate connexin hemichannels by modulating intrinsic voltage-dependent gating.

Vytas K Verselis1, Miduturu Srinivas

  • 1Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10561, USA. verselis@aecom.yu.edu

The Journal of General Physiology
|August 13, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Connexin hemichannels exhibit intrinsic voltage-dependent gating, with extracellular divalent cations selectively modulating loop gating. These ions stabilize the closed state, clarifying hemichannel voltage regulation mechanisms.

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Determination of the Relative Cell Surface and Total Expression of Recombinant Ion Channels Using Flow Cytometry
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Determination of the Relative Cell Surface and Total Expression of Recombinant Ion Channels Using Flow Cytometry

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells
10:46

Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells

Published on: July 16, 2013

Recording Gap Junction Current from Xenopus Oocytes
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Recording Gap Junction Current from Xenopus Oocytes

Published on: January 21, 2022

Determination of the Relative Cell Surface and Total Expression of Recombinant Ion Channels Using Flow Cytometry
11:32

Determination of the Relative Cell Surface and Total Expression of Recombinant Ion Channels Using Flow Cytometry

Published on: September 28, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Physiology

Background:

  • Connexin hemichannels are regulated by voltage and divalent cations.
  • The role of intrinsic voltage gating versus cation-blocking mechanisms has been debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the intrinsic voltage-dependent gating mechanisms of Cx46 hemichannels.
  • To determine the influence of extracellular divalent cations on hemichannel gating.

Main Methods:

  • Single-channel recordings of Cx46 hemichannels.
  • Utilized solutions with controlled divalent cation concentrations (low Mg2+, EGTA).
  • Employed excised patch voltage-clamp techniques.

Main Results:

  • Both V(j) and loop gating persist in low divalent cation solutions.
  • Extracellular divalent cations modulate loop gating, stabilizing the closed state.
  • Divalent cations act from the extracellular side, suggesting an extracellular binding site.

Conclusions:

  • Cx46 hemichannels possess intrinsic voltage-dependent gating mechanisms (V(j) and loop gating).
  • Extracellular divalent cations selectively modulate loop gating, rather than being the sole voltage-dependent blockers.
  • These findings clarify the complex regulation of connexin hemichannel function.