Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
12:26
Functional Site-Directed Fluorometry in Native Cells to Study Skeletal Muscle Excitability
Published on: June 2, 2023
Structure and function of voltage-gated sodium channels at atomic resolution
1W. A. Catterall: Department of Pharmacology, Box 357280, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7280, USA. wcatt@u.washington.edu.
Experimental Physiology
|October 8, 2013
Summary
Voltage-gated sodium channels are crucial for action potentials. Research has revealed their atomic structure and function, paving the way for new drug discoveries.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are essential for electrical signaling in excitable cells.
- Early research established fundamental properties like ion selectivity and voltage-dependent gating.
- Conceptual models guided initial understanding of VGSC function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of research elucidating VGSC structure and function at the atomic level.
- To discuss structural models for key VGSC mechanisms including activation, ion selectivity, and inactivation.
- To explore future directions in understanding VGSC structure-function relationships and therapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical approaches
- Molecular biological techniques
- Physiological recordings
- Structural biology (e.g., cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography)
Main Results:
- Atomic-level structures of VGSCs have been determined.
- Structural models explain voltage-dependent activation and ion permeation.
- Mechanisms of fast and slow inactivation and drug block are understood at a structural level.
Conclusions:
- Integrated approaches have provided unprecedented atomic-level insights into VGSC function.
- Structural understanding facilitates the development of novel therapeutics targeting VGSCs.
- Future research will further refine structural models and guide drug discovery.
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...
01:12Mechanically-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...
01:12Mechanically-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...
01:19The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation
A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
01:30Ligand-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...