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Related Concept Videos

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.
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.
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...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

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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

Two-pore domain potassium channels: variation on a structural theme.

Andrew P Braun1

  • 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, AB Canada. abraun@ucalgary.ca

Channels (Austin, Tex.)
|June 16, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels are crucial for maintaining cell resting potential and excitability. These channels regulate ion flow, impacting cellular function across species.

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Last Updated: May 21, 2026

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

Mutagenesis and Functional Analysis of Ion Channels Heterologously Expressed in Mammalian Cells
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Mutagenesis and Functional Analysis of Ion Channels Heterologously Expressed in Mammalian Cells

Published on: October 1, 2010

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Site Directed Spin Labeling and EPR Spectroscopic Studies of Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channels

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Area of Science:

  • Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Cellular excitability relies on a hyperpolarized resting potential, enabling voltage-gated channels to function.
  • Inward rectifier K(+) channels (Kir) were historically recognized for their role in maintaining resting potential.
  • Two-pore domain K(+) (K2P) channels are now understood to significantly contribute to the steady outward K(+) leak essential for resting potential.

Discussion:

  • K2P channels, a major K(+) channel subfamily found from yeast to humans, are not voltage-gated.
  • Their activity is modulated by diverse stimuli including mechanical force, pH, fatty acids, and signaling pathways.
  • K2P channels play a vital role in regulating cellular excitability through their influence on resting membrane potential.

Key Insights:

  • K2P channels are integral to maintaining the hyperpolarized resting potential necessary for action potential generation.
  • The broad range of regulatory mechanisms highlights the versatility and importance of K2P channels.
  • K2P channels represent a significant focus in research due to their fundamental role in cellular excitability.

Outlook:

  • Further research into K2P channel regulation and function may reveal novel therapeutic targets.
  • Understanding K2P channelopathies could provide insights into various neurological and physiological disorders.
  • Investigating the diverse stimuli that modulate K2P channels will deepen our comprehension of cellular excitability.