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Structural biology

A 3D view of sodium channels

Nature volume 409, pages 988–991 (2001)Cite this article

The voltage-gated sodium channel is essential for nerve cells to function. But how does it work? A low-resolution, three-dimensional structure provides some provocative insights.

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Figure 1: Two-dimensional molecular map of the α-subunit of the voltage-gated sodium channel, showing how it folds and crosses the plasma membrane.

DAVID EHLERT

Figure 2: A three-dimensional representation of the voltage-gated sodium channel, based on Sato et al.'s images1.

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  1. Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195-7280, Washington, USA

    William A. Catterall

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  1. William A. Catterall
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Correspondence to William A. Catterall.

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Catterall, W. A 3D view of sodium channels. Nature 409, 988–991 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/35059188

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