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Recapitulation of an Ion Channel IV Curve Using Frequency Components
Published on: February 8, 2011
NaChBac: the long lost sodium channel ancestor
Kalypso Charalambous1, B A Wallace
1Department of Crystallography, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, University of London, London WC1E 7HX, UK.
Biochemistry
|July 21, 2011
Summary
Prokaryotic voltage-gated sodium channels (Na(V)s), like NaChBac, offer simpler models for studying these essential membrane proteins. Their characterization advances our understanding of both bacterial and eukaryotic Na(V) function and evolution.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Voltage-gated sodium channels (Na(V)s) are crucial for electrical signaling in excitable cells.
- Eukaryotic Na(V)s are implicated in neurological and cardiovascular diseases (channelopathies).
- Studying eukaryotic Na(V)s is challenging due to their complexity and low abundance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the bacterial Na(V) channel NaChBac as a model system.
- To compare structural, pharmacological, and kinetic features of prokaryotic and eukaryotic Na(V)s.
- To explore the evolutionary trajectory of voltage-gated ion channels.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on NaChBac and other prokaryotic Na(V)s.
- Comparative analysis of structural organization, pharmacology, and kinetics.
- Discussion of evolutionary aspects of ion channel function.
Main Results:
- NaChBac serves as a well-characterized prokaryotic Na(V) model.
- Prokaryotic and eukaryotic Na(V)s share fundamental similarities but exhibit distinct differences.
- Bacterial Na(V)s provide valuable insights into the evolution of complex ion channels.
Conclusions:
- Prokaryotic Na(V) channels like NaChBac are powerful tools for structure-function studies.
- Comparative analysis aids in understanding the functional diversification of Na(V)s.
- Studying simpler channels illuminates the evolution of ion channel mechanisms for higher organisms.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Voltage-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...
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...
01:26Voltage-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...
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...
01:14Action Potential
Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
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01:41Action Potentials
Overview
01:24Non-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.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.