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Nature 456, 183-185 (13 November 2008) | doi:10.1038/456183a; Published online 12 November 2008

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Ion channels: The voltage-sensor quartet

J. R. Bankston1 & R. S. Kass1

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Decoding the workings of voltage-gated sodium channels is crucial because their mutation leads to severe disease and their activity is modulated by toxins and drugs. An innovative approach now allows such investigations.

Voltage-gated ion channels are pore-forming transmembrane proteins that open and close (gate) in response to changes in transmembrane voltage, enabling carefully controlled movement of ions across cell membranes. The precise gating of these channels underlies various biological phenomena, including the generation and propagation of electrical impulses in nerve and muscle cells, the secretion of hormones and neurotransmitters, and regulation of heart muscle contraction as well as of skeletal and vascular smooth muscles.

  1. J. R. Bankston and R. S. Kass are in the Department of Pharmacology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.
    Email: rsk20@columbia.edu

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