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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

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

Pain channelopathies.

Roman Cregg1, Aliakmal Momin, Francois Rugiero

  • 1Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.

The Journal of Physiology
|February 10, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Ion channel mutations, or channelopathies, offer new drug targets for pain relief. Understanding these genetic conditions, like Nav1.7 loss-of-function, reveals key mechanisms for controlling pain.

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Patch Clamp and Perfusion Techniques for Studying Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus oocytes
10:19

Patch Clamp and Perfusion Techniques for Studying Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Published on: January 10, 2011

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 16, 2026

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

Patch Clamp and Perfusion Techniques for Studying Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus oocytes
10:19

Patch Clamp and Perfusion Techniques for Studying Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Published on: January 10, 2011

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Pain affects approximately 6% of the global population, presenting a significant clinical challenge.
  • Channelopathies, disorders arising from ion channel dysfunction, are crucial for understanding pain syndromes.
  • Cell surface ion channels represent promising and druggable targets for pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of ion channels in pain perception and identify potential therapeutic targets.
  • To highlight the significance of Nav1.7 sodium channel mutations in human pain states.
  • To review various ion channels involved in pain signaling and their therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of genetic mutations (channelopathies) associated with human pain syndromes.
  • Review of studies involving gene deletion in animal models to understand pain mechanisms.
  • Examination of ion channel functions in sensory transduction, neuronal excitability, and neurotransmitter release.

Main Results:

  • Loss-of-function mutations in the Nav1.7 sodium channel are linked to a pain-free state in humans.
  • Ion channels in immune cells (e.g., P2X7) influence pain thresholds.
  • Channels like TRPV1, potassium, sodium, and calcium channels are implicated in pain and are potential analgesic targets.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding ion channelopathies provides critical insights into pain mechanisms.
  • Targeting specific ion channels offers a promising strategy for developing novel pain therapeutics.
  • Further research into channelopathies can lead to effective treatments for conditions like migraine and visceral pain.