ABSTRACT
Ion channels form pores through the cell membrane, which are permeable to the small physiological ions Na+, K
charged ions through the cell membrane on and off. By this mechanism, the ion channels govern the fast electrical activity of the cells. Additionally, ion channels control Ca2+ in ux and regulate responses as diverse as muscle contraction, neuronal signaling, hormone secretion, cell division, and gene expression. The opening of the channels is subject to regulation by physiological stimuli such as changes in membrane potential and ligand binding. Ion channels also lend themselves to
pharmacological modulation and constitute important targets for drug treatment of diverse diseases including cardiac arrhythmia, arterial hypertension, diabetes, seizures, and anxiety.
