ABSTRACT
Ion channels are pore-forming membrane proteins that allow the fl ow of ions down their electrochemical gradient and play major roles in cell physiology. The relevance of these proteins has been strongly stressed in pathologic conditions. Alterations in either expression or activity of some ion channels have been associated to several diseases, such as cardiac arrhythmias, epilepsy, skeletal muscle disorders, cancer, diabetes, and cystic fi brosis, among others (1). Accordingly, around 30% of the drugs available in the market target ion channels.
