Molecular physiology of anion channels

Anion channels have diverse functions, ranging from regulation of cell volume to transepithelial transport and control of excitability. Three well established structural classes of plasma membrane chloride channels now exist: the ligand-gated chloride channels, the cAMP-stimulated cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator channel, and the voltage-gated (or swelling-activated) members of the CLC chloride channel family. Genetic defects leading to inherited disease are known for each of these classes. A combination of mutagenesis and biophysical analysis has been used to correlate their structure with function. Recently, the role of several molecules has been questioned; rather than being chloride channels themselves, they may be activators of endogenous channels in the cells used for expression.