Children: Ion channels
KvLQT3, also known as KCNQ3 (potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 3), is a gene that encodes a protein responsible for forming a potassium ion channel in the cell membrane. This channel is involved in regulating the flow of potassium ions across the membrane, which is essential for maintaining the electrical activity of neurons and muscle cells, including cardiac tissue.
L-type calcium channels are a specific type of voltage-gated calcium channels that are primarily involved in the entry of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) into the cell in response to depolarization of the cell membrane. The "L" in L-type stands for "long-lasting," reflecting the prolonged open state of these channels compared to other types of calcium channels. These channels play a critical role in various physiological processes.
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.
Ligand-gated ion channels are a type of transmembrane protein that form ion channels in the membrane of cells and open or close in response to the binding of a specific chemical messenger or ligand (such as a neurotransmitter). When a ligand binds to the receptor site on the channel, it induces a conformational change in the channel protein that allows ions to flow across the membrane.
Light-gated ion channels, also known as optogenetic ion channels, are specialized proteins that can be activated by specific wavelengths of light to open or close, allowing ions to flow across a cell membrane. These channels are widely used in neuroscience and other biological research to control the activity of neurons and other excitable cells with high temporal precision using light.
Lipid-gated ion channels are a type of ion channel that opens or closes in response to changes in the lipid composition of the surrounding membrane rather than being directly activated by voltage changes (as is the case with voltage-gated ion channels) or ligand binding (as seen in ligand-gated ion channels).
A magnesium transporter is a type of protein that facilitates the movement of magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) across cell membranes. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including energy production, protein synthesis, and enzyme function. Because magnesium ions cannot freely diffuse through the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, specific transport proteins are required to regulate their entry and exit from cells. There are different types of magnesium transporters, which can be found in various tissues and organisms.
Mechanosensitive channels are specialized membrane proteins that respond to mechanical stimuli, such as stretch, pressure, or shear stress. These channels play a crucial role in various physiological processes by converting mechanical signals into electrical or chemical signals that can influence cellular behavior.
N-type calcium channels, also known as Cav2.2 channels, are a type of voltage-gated calcium channel that play a critical role in various physiological processes. These channels are primarily found in neurons and are responsible for facilitating the influx of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) into cells in response to membrane depolarization.
The NMDA receptor (N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor) is a type of ionotropic glutamate receptor that plays a key role in synaptic plasticity, memory formation, and learning in the brain. It is a crucial component of the excitatory neurotransmitter system in the central nervous system. Key characteristics of NMDA receptors include: 1. **Activation**: NMDA receptors are activated by the binding of glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.
Nanchung refers to several concepts depending on the context: 1. **Geography**: Nanchung may refer to a geographical location, particularly in China or nearby regions, but it may not be a widely recognized name. 2. **Cultural or Historical Context**: It could potentially be associated with cultural, historical, or academic references, usually relating to specific regions in China.
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is a type of ligand-gated ion channel that responds to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). These receptors are found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems and play a crucial role in various physiological processes, including muscle contraction and neurotransmission.
P-type calcium channels are a specific type of voltage-gated calcium channel, which are integral membrane proteins that allow calcium ions (Ca²⁺) to enter cells in response to changes in membrane potential. They are characterized by their specific properties and roles in various physiological processes. ### Key Characteristics of P-Type Calcium Channels: 1. **Subtypes**: P-type calcium channels are primarily associated with the Cav2.1 (also known as CaV2.1) subtype.
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.
P2RX2 refers to a gene that encodes the P2X purinoceptor 2, which is part of the purinergic receptor family. These receptors are a group of proteins that respond to extracellular nucleotides, such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Specifically, P2X receptors are ionotropic receptors that form ion channels, allowing the passage of ions such as sodium, potassium, and calcium across cell membranes when activated.
P2RX4 is a gene that encodes the protein P2X purinoceptor 4, which is part of the purinergic receptor family. These receptors are ion channels activated by extracellular ATP (adenosine triphosphate). P2X4 is a trimeric receptor, meaning that it forms a channel by assembling three identical subunits.
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.