An integrated database of ion channels

Abstract

Ion channels play critical roles in a wide range of physiological processes, including the propagation of nerve impulses, insulin secretion and regulation of heart rate. Alterations in ion-channels function or expression can contribute to the development of various diseases, including cancers, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases. Ion channels represent the second-largest class of membrane proteins considered potential targets for therapeutic intervention. However, a comprehensive data resource integrating information on human ion channels and their associations with diseases has been limited. Therefore, the Integrated Database of Ion Channels (IDIC) was developed, comprising information on 493 human ion channels. The database contains a broad range of ion-channel annotations, including gene and protein information, structural details, protein signature sequences, protein domains, nuclear localization signals, and signal peptides. It also provides cross-references to several established biological resources, including the Human Genome Organization Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC), National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene, Vertebrate Genome Annotation (VEGA), Ensembl, and the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Furthermore, IDIC incorporates genomic variations identified in various tumors and disease associations involving ion channels, which have been systematically curated from published literature. Through concise search methods and user-friendly browsing functionalities, IDIC serves as an integrated resource for exploring human ion channels and investigating their structural, functional, genetic, and disease-related characteristics. Thus, the database can facilitate a better understanding of ion channels and their potential involvement in diverse human diseases.