Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026
10:19
Patch Clamp and Perfusion Techniques for Studying Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus oocytes
Published on: January 10, 2011
21.9K
Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated (HCN) Channels in Epilepsy
Gary P Brennan1, Tallie Z Baram2, Nicholas P Poolos3
1Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475.
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine
|March 3, 2016
Summary
Epilepsy, a brain disorder causing seizures, is linked to abnormal neuronal networks. This study examines hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels and their role in epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal neuronal network activity.
- Ion channels are critical regulators of neuronal excitability, and their dysfunction is implicated in various epilepsy types.
- Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels conduct the Ih current, influencing neuronal and network excitability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the normal function of HCN channels in regulating neuronal excitability.
- To explore the contribution of aberrant HCN channel expression, assembly, trafficking, and posttranslational modifications to epilepsy.
- To connect HCN channel dysfunction to both experimental models and human epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on HCN channels and epilepsy.
- Analysis of research on ion channel function and dysfunction in neuronal networks.
- Examination of genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying epilepsy related to HCN channels.
Main Results:
- HCN channels play multifaceted roles in controlling neuronal and network excitability.
- Abnormalities in HCN channel expression, assembly, trafficking, and posttranslational modifications are linked to epilepsy.
- Dysfunctional HCN channels contribute to the pathophysiology of experimental and human epilepsy.
Conclusions:
- HCN channels are significant contributors to epilepsy pathogenesis.
- Targeting HCN channel dysfunction presents a potential therapeutic avenue for epilepsy.
- Further research into HCN channel regulation is crucial for understanding and treating epilepsy.
More Related Videos
07:01Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid GABA into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
9.7K
09:07Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins
Published on: August 15, 2017
12.8K
Related Concept Videos
01:30Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
4.7K
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...
4.7K
01:26Voltage-gated Ion Channels
12.9K
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...
12.9K
01:26Voltage-gated Ion Channels
6.1K
6.1K
01:19The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation
4.2K
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....
4.2K
01:24Non-gated Ion Channels
8.9K
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....
8.9K
01:19Ligand-gated Ion Channels
15.4K
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...
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...
15.4K