Juan Luis Vives (1492–1540) was a Spanish philosopher, humanist, and scholar, regarded as one of the most prominent figures of the Renaissance in Spain. He was born in Valencia and became an influential thinker in various fields, including psychology, education, and ethics. Vives is often noted for his emphasis on the importance of education and his belief in the potential of individuals to improve themselves through learning.

Voltage-gated ion channels are specialized proteins found in the cell membrane that open or close in response to changes in the membrane potential (voltage). They play a crucial role in the generation and propagation of electrical signals in excitable cells, such as neurons and muscle cells. Here are key features of voltage-gated ion channels: 1. **Voltage Sensitivity**: These channels have a voltage sensor that detects changes in the electrical charge across the membrane.

The alpha-3 beta-2 nicotinic receptor (α3β2 nAChR) is a type of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor that is a part of the larger family of ionotropic receptors. These receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that are activated by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) as well as nicotine.

Bestrophin 1 (BEST1) is a protein that is encoded by the BEST1 gene in humans. It is primarily expressed in retinal cells, particularly in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and plays an important role in the function of the retina. Bestrophin 1 is believed to be involved in the regulation of ion channels, particularly chloride channels, and is thought to have a role in maintaining the ionic balance and fluid homeostasis in the eye.

CACNA2D3 is a gene that encodes the alpha-2/delta-3 subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels. These channels are critical for various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, and other signal transduction pathways. The alpha-2/delta subunits play a role in the trafficking, expression, and regulation of the calcium channels.

GABRA3 is a gene that encodes the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptor subunit alpha3. GABA receptors are the major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) and play a crucial role in regulating neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. The GABRA3 protein is part of the pentameric structure that forms the GABA A receptor, which consists of five subunits.

HCN2 refers to a member of the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel family, specifically the HCN2 gene that encodes for the HCN2 protein. HCN channels are ion channels that allow the selective passage of sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) ions across cell membranes.

KCNA2 (Potassium Voltage-Gated Channel Subfamily A Member 2) is a gene that encodes a protein known as a voltage-gated potassium channel. These channels play a crucial role in maintaining the electrical excitability of cells, particularly in neurons and muscle cells. The KCNA2 protein is involved in repolarizing the membrane potential after an action potential, helping to regulate the flow of potassium ions across the cell membrane.

KCNV1 is a gene that codes for a protein known as "KCNV1 potassium voltage-gated channel, subfamily V, member 1." This protein is part of the voltage-gated potassium channel family, which plays a crucial role in the electrical properties of cells, especially in the nervous system. KCNV1 is particularly important in the retina and is involved in the regulation of the neuronal excitability of photoreceptor cells.

KcsA is a potassium ion (K⁺) channel derived from the bacterium *Streptomyces lividans*. It is one of the first potassium channels to be structurally characterized, providing significant insights into the mechanism of ion selectivity and channel function in biological systems. KcsA is a homotetrameric protein, meaning it is composed of four identical subunits that together form a central pore through which potassium ions can pass.

LRRC8B (Leucine-Rich Repeat Containing 8 Isoform B) is a protein that is part of the LRRC8 family of proteins, which are known to form channels in cell membranes. These channels are important for the transport of various molecules across cell membranes, particularly small metabolites, ions, and water. LRRC8B is specifically involved in forming volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs), which are related to cell volume regulation.

P2RX1, or purinergic receptor P2X, ligand-gated ion channel 1, is a gene that encodes a protein which is part of the P2X receptor family. These receptors are activated by extracellular ATP and are known to function as ion channels that facilitate the passage of ions such as sodium, potassium, and calcium across cell membranes. P2RX1 is involved in various physiological processes, including neurotransmission, pain sensation, inflammation, and immune responses.

P2RX6, or purinergic receptor P2X 6, is a gene that encodes a protein belonging to the purinergic receptor family. Specifically, it is a member of the P2X receptor group, which are ionotropic receptors activated by extracellular ATP (adenosine triphosphate). These receptors are involved in various physiological processes, including neurotransmission, muscle contraction, and the regulation of blood flow.

Paralytic is a gene found in the fruit fly, *Drosophila melanogaster*. The gene encodes for a voltage-gated sodium channel, which plays a critical role in the generation and propagation of action potentials in neurons and muscle cells. Mutations in this gene can lead to a range of phenotypic effects, particularly affecting the nervous system and muscle function.

SCN2B is a gene that encodes the beta subunit of type II voltage-gated sodium channels. These channels play a crucial role in the generation and propagation of action potentials in neurons and other excitable tissues. The beta subunits, including those encoded by the SCN2B gene, are essential for the proper functioning and regulation of the alpha subunit (the main component) of sodium channels.

TPCN2, or "Two-Pore Channel 2," is a gene that encodes a protein belonging to the family of two-pore channels, which are involved in the transport of ions across cell membranes. This protein specifically functions as a ion channel that selectively allows the passage of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) and other cations.

Two-pore-domain potassium channels (K2P channels) are a family of ion channels that facilitate the movement of potassium ions (K+) across cell membranes. These channels are characterized by their unique structure, which features two pore domains within a single polypeptide chain. This dual-pore configuration differentiates them from other types of potassium channels, which typically have a single pore domain.

A microcoil is a small and tightly wound coil of wire, often used in various applications including electronics and medical devices. The specific characteristics and functions of microcoils can vary depending on their intended use. Here are a few key contexts in which microcoils are commonly mentioned: 1. **Electronics**: In electronics, microcoils can be used in RF (radio frequency) applications, inductors, transformers, or sensors.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments are analytical techniques used to observe the magnetic properties of atomic nuclei. The technique exploits the magnetic properties of certain nuclei to provide detailed information about the structure, dynamics, and environment of molecules.

The Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging is a research facility affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. It is known for its pioneering work in the field of biomedical imaging and neuroscience. The center focuses on developing and applying innovative imaging techniques to study the brain and other biological systems, combining various modalities like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI (fMRI), and magnetoencephalography (MEG).