Ion Channels: From Atomic Resolution Physiology to Functional Genomics

Ion channels are a diverse class of transmembrane proteins responsible for rapid passive movement of selected ions across cell membranes. They play a crucial role in regulating diverse cell functions in both electrically excitable and non–excitable cells, and have been found in organisms ranging from viruses and bacteria to plants and mammals. An increasing number of diseases are associated with dysfunction of ion channels. In particular, many human neurological and muscular disorders have been traced to defects in voltage–gated and ligand–gated ion channels. Furthermore, ion channels provide paradigms for other, possibly more complex, membrane transport proteins. In this respect, they present an almost unique opportunity to use computational approaches to attempt to understand the function of membrane proteins, starting with an atomic resolution structure and progressing through a hierarchy of theoretical descriptions until one can account quantitatively for their physiological function. This important book results from a meeting of physiologists, structural biologists and theorists who came together to discuss their work and help define future directions. Topics covered include the X–ray structure of channels and pores, computer simulation of channel function, and detailed data on individual ion channels.

Spis treści:
Introduction: stretching the envelope in structure–function studies of ion channels (M. Sansom)
Structure of acetylcholine–gated channel (N. Unwin)
The 2.7 A structure of AChBP, homologue of the ligand–building domain of the nicotonic acetylcholine receptor (K. Brejc, et al.)
The architecture of a water–selective pore in the lipid bilayer visualized by electron crystallography in vitreous ice (A. Mitra, et al.)
The structure of Glpf, a glycerol conducting channel (D. Fu, et al.)
Water in ion channels and pores—simulation studies (M. Sansom , et al.)
What can be deduced about the structure of Shaker from available data? (B. Roux)
Permeation energetics in a model potassium channel (S. Garofoli, et al.)
The β subunit of Kv1 channels: voltage–gated enzyme or safety switch? (J. Gulbis)
EPR approaches to ion channel structure and function (E. Perozo, et al.)
Excitability is mediated by the T1 domain of the voltage–gated potassium channel (S. Choe, et al.)
 Structural organization of the voltage sensor in voltage–dependent potassium channels (D. Papazian, et al.)
Electron diffraction of a bacterial CIC –type chloride channel (M. Pirruccello, et al.)
A protein chemical approach to channel structure and function: the proton channel of the vacuolar H+–ATPase (J. Findlay and M. Harrison)
Acetylcholine receptors, between closed and open (A. Auerbach)
Functional genomics of ionotropic acetylcholine receptors in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophilia melanogaster (D. Satelle et al.)
Final General Discussion
Index of Contributors
Subject Index

Okładka tylna:
Ion channels are a diverse class of transmembrane proteins responsible for rapid passive movement of selected ions across cell membranes. They play a crucial role in regulating diverse cell functions in both electrically excitable and non–excitable cells, and have been found in organisms ranging from viruses and bacteria to plants and mammals. An increasing number of diseases are associated with dysfunction of ion channels. In particular, many human neurological and muscular disorders have been traced to defects in voltage–gated and ligand–gated ion channels. Furthermore, ion channels provide paradigms for other, possibly more complex, membrane transport proteins. In this respect, they present an almost unique opportunity to use computation al approaches to attempt to understand the function of membrane proteins, starting with an atomic resolution structure and progressing through a hierarchy of theoretical descriptions until one can account quantitatively for their physiological function. This important book results from a meeting of physiologists, structural biologists and theorists who came together to discuss their work and help define future directions. Topics covered include the X–ray structure of channels and pores, computer simulation of channel function, and detailed data on individual ion channels.