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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...
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...

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Reconstitution of a Transmembrane Protein, the Voltage-gated Ion Channel, KvAP, into Giant Unilamellar Vesicles for Microscopy and Patch Clamp Studies
11:42

Reconstitution of a Transmembrane Protein, the Voltage-gated Ion Channel, KvAP, into Giant Unilamellar Vesicles for Microscopy and Patch Clamp Studies

Published on: January 22, 2015

Voltage-gated proton channels.

Thomas E Decoursey1

  • 1Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA. tdecours@rush.edu

Comprehensive Physiology
|June 27, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Voltage-gated proton channels (HV1) are crucial for cellular functions, from bioluminescence to immune responses. Their unique gating mechanisms and physiological roles are now a key focus in ion channel biophysics.

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Area of Science:

  • Ion Channel Biophysics
  • Molecular Physiology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Voltage-gated proton channels (HV1) have emerged as critical players in diverse cellular processes.
  • Their structural and functional characteristics, including dimeric architecture and perfect proton selectivity, distinguish them from other ion channels.
  • Recent discoveries have expanded their known phylogenetic family and highlighted their physiological significance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the gating mechanisms of voltage-gated proton channels.
  • To explore the diverse physiological roles of HV1 in various cell types.
  • To understand the unique biophysical properties of proton channels.

Main Methods:

  • Gene identification and phylogenetic analysis.
  • Biophysical characterization of channel function.
  • Investigation of physiological roles in cellular models.

Main Results:

  • HV1 channels exhibit unique properties such as dimeric architecture, perfect proton selectivity, and pH-modulated gating.
  • Identified roles in dinoflagellate bioluminescence, calcification, fertilization, acid secretion, histamine release, and B-cell responses.
  • Crucial function in phagocytes optimizing NADPH oxidase activity for pathogen killing.

Conclusions:

  • Voltage-gated proton channels (HV1) are essential for a wide range of physiological functions.
  • Understanding HV1 gating mechanisms is central to ion channel biophysics.
  • HV1's unique properties and diverse roles underscore its importance in cellular physiology and disease.