Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir6.2

Title: Conduits of life's spark: a perspective on ion channel research since the birth of neuron.

Authors: Ehud Y Isacoff, Lily Y Jan, Daniel L Minor

Journal, date & volume: Neuron, 2013 Oct 30 , 80, 658-74

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24183018

Abstract
Heartbeats, muscle twitches, and lightning-fast thoughts are all manifestations of bioelectricity and rely on the activity of a class of membrane proteins known as ion channels. The basic function of an ion channel can be distilled into, "The hole opens. Ions go through. The hole closes." Studies of the fundamental mechanisms by which this process happens and the consequences of such activity in the setting of excitable cells remains the central focus of much of the field. One might wonder after so many years of detailed poking at such a seemingly simple process, is there anything left to learn?