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Updated: Feb 19, 2026

Determination of the Relative Cell Surface and Total Expression of Recombinant Ion Channels Using Flow Cytometry
Published on: September 28, 2016
Ion Channel Trafficking: Control of Ion Channel Density as a Target for Arrhythmias?
Elise Balse1, Hannah E Boycott2
1Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Cardiovasculaires, le Métabolisme et la Nutrition, Faculté de Médecine Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ. Paris VI, Inserm, UMRS 1166, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France.
Abstract:
The shape of the cardiac action potential (AP) is determined by the contributions of numerous ion channels. Any dysfunction in the proper function or expression of these ion channels can result in a change in effective refractory period (ERP) and lead to arrhythmia. The processes underlying the correct targeting of ion channels to the plasma membrane are complex, and have not been fully characterized in cardiac myocytes. Emerging evidence highlights ion channel trafficking as a potential causative factor in certain acquired and inherited arrhythmias, and therapies which target trafficking as opposed to pore block are starting to receive attention. In this review we present the current evidence for the mechanisms which underlie precise control of cardiac ion channel trafficking and targeting.
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