Ion channel regulation and function

Modular mathematical analysis of the control of flagellar Ca2+-spike trains produced by CatSper and CaV channels in sea urchin sperm

The paper uses a mathematical model to determine which channels control calcium spikes in sea urchin sperm, concluding that CatSper channels are responsible.

Altered synaptic plasticity and central pattern generator dysfunction in a Drosophila model of PNKD3 paroxysmal dyskinesia

This study examines how a BK channel mutation affects synaptic plasticity and motor circuits in Drosophila larvae, finding altered neurotransmitter release and CPG dysfunction.

Human labor pain is influenced by the voltage-gated potassium channel KV6.4 subunit

The paper identifies a genetic variant in KCNG4 associated with increased labor pain by altering KV6.4 function in uterine nociceptors.

Reduced function of the glutathione S-transferase S1 suppresses behavioral hyperexcitability in Drosophila expressing a mutant voltage-gated sodium channel

The paper identifies GstS1 as a modifier of Nav-channel mutant phenotypes in Drosophila, showing reduced GstS1 function suppresses hyperexcitability in paraShu mutants.

Kv4.1, a key ion channel for low frequency firing of dentate granule cells, is crucial for pattern separation

This study identifies Kv4.1 as a key ion channel regulating low-frequency firing in mature dentate granule cells, essential for pattern separation.

The Potassium Channel Subunit Kvβ1 is Required for Synaptic Facilitation

The paper investigates the role of Kvβ1 subunits in synaptic facilitation by using optical recordings in cultured hippocampal neurons, revealing their critical role in presynaptic action potential broadening.

Control of Slc7a5 sensitivity by the voltage-sensing domain of Kv1 channels

This study shows that Slc7a5 regulates Kv1.1 channels similarly to Kv1.2, with sensitivity controlled by voltage-sensing domain exchange.

Nuclear localization of calcium-activated BK channels in skate ampullary electroreceptors

The paper investigates BK channel localization in skate electroreceptors, finding nuclear localization via an alternatively spliced NLS and showing its regulation by splicing or phosphorylation.

Alpha-Actinin-1 promotes activity of the L-type Ca2+ Channel CaV1.2

The paper shows that Alpha-Actinin-1 enhances CaV1.2 channel activity by localizing it to specific sites and increasing its open probability.

The sodium leak channel complex is voltage sensitive and directly modulated by extracellular calcium

This paper identifies the functional requirements of the sodium leak channel complex and shows it is voltage-sensitive and modulated by extracellular calcium.

The voltage-sensing mechanism of the KvAP channel involves breaking of the S4 helix

This paper uses molecular dynamics simulations to show that the S4 helix of the KvAP channel breaks into two segments under hyperpolarization and reforms under depolarization.

Calcium-induced calcium release in noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus

This study shows that calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) hyperpolarizes locus coeruleus neurons via Ca2+-activated K+ channels, suppressing their electrical activity.

Phenomenological models of NaV1.5. A side by side, procedural, hands-on comparison between Hodgkin-Huxley and kinetic formalisms.

The paper compares Hodgkin-Huxley and kinetic models for NaV1.5 channels, showing kinetic models better capture electrophysiological features with a rational optimization process.

BK current contributions to action potentials across the first postnatal week reflect age dependent changes in BK current kinetics in rat hippocampal neurons

The paper examines how BK channel kinetics change with age in rat hippocampal neurons, showing increased BK current contribution to action potential duration in younger neurons.

The mechanosensitive ion channel TRAAK is localized to the mammalian node of Ranvier

The paper shows TRAAK is localized to nodes of Ranvier and contributes to nerve conduction by modulating membrane potential and Na+ channel availability.

Kv2.1 mediates spatial and functional coupling of L-type calcium channels and ryanodine receptors in neurons

The paper identifies Kv2.1's role in clustering and functional coupling of L-type Ca2+ channels and RyR channels at ER-PM junctions, enabling localized Ca2+ release independent of action potentials.

Identification and functional characterization of two novel mutations in KCNJ10 and PI4KB in SeSAME syndrome without electrolyte imbalance

The paper identifies two novel mutations in KCNJ10 and PI4KB in SeSAME syndrome patients and shows their functional impact on Kir4.1 channel activity.

High throughput Characterization of KCNB1 variants Associated with Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy

This study evaluates 17 KCNB1 variants associated with DEE and NDD using high-throughput assays to identify functional defects in Kv2.1 channels.

Nerve Excitability Differences in Slow and Fast Motor Axons of the Rat: more than just Ih

This study compares nerve excitability in fast and slow motor axons of rats under different anaesthetics, finding significant differences in excitability indices that are affected by anaesthetic choice.

Dynamic clamp constructed phase diagram of the Hodgkin-Huxley action potential model

The paper experimentally validates the Hodgkin-Huxley phase diagram using dynamic clamp and Kv1.3 channels in Xenopus oocytes, revealing activity-dependent and hysteretic dynamics.

The transcription factor Shox2 shapes thalamocortical neuron firing and synaptic properties

This study identifies Shox2 as a transcription factor regulating thalamocortical neuron firing properties and synaptic function through ion channel gene expression.

HCN channel-mediated neuromodulation can control action potential velocity and fidelity in central axons

This study shows HCN channels modulate action potential velocity and fidelity in central axons through cAMP and neuromodulators, with implications for energy consumption and temporal delays.

The Drosophila ERG channel seizure plays a role in the neuronal homeostatic stress response

This study identifies the Drosophila ERG channel (sei) as critical for neuronal homeostasis and stress resistance, with implications for human hERG mutations in seizures.

Gain-of-function mutations in the UNC-2/CaV2α channel lead to hyperactivity and excitation-dominant synaptic transmission in Caenorhabditis elegans

This study identifies a gain-of-function mutation in the UNC-2/CaV2α channel in C. elegans that causes hyperactivity and excitation-dominant synaptic transmission by altering cholinergic and GABAergic transmission.

Ca2+-activated K+ channels reduce network excitability, improving adaptability and energetics for transmitting and perceiving sensory information

The paper investigates how Ca2+-activated K+ channels affect network excitability and sensory perception in Drosophila mutants, showing their role in improving adaptability and reducing energy costs.

A unique lower X-gate in TASK channels traps inhibitors within the vestibule

This paper reveals the structure of TASK-1 channels, identifying a unique lower X-gate that traps inhibitors in the vestibule, explaining their slow washout and pharmacological properties.

Further studies of ion channels in the electroreceptor of the skate through deep sequencing, cloning and cross species comparisons.

The paper identifies and characterizes new ion channel subunits in skate electroreceptors through RNA-seq, cloning, and cross-species comparisons, revealing potential roles in generating fast oscillations.

Tissue and cell-type specific expression of a splice variant in the II-III cytoplasmic loop of Cacna1b

The paper identifies tissue and cell-type specific expression of a splice variant of Cacna1b in mouse nervous system regions.

Functional specification of CCK+ interneurons by alternative isoforms of Kv4.3 auxiliary subunits

The paper identifies two distinct firing phenotypes of CCK+ interneurons in rat CA3 based on Kv4 auxiliary subunit isoforms, revealing how alternative splicing shapes cell-type identity.

Studies on the mechanism of general anesthesia

This study identifies lipid rafts and phospholipase D2 (PLD2) as targets of inhaled anesthetics, showing they disrupt rafts to activate TREK-1 channels and induce loss of consciousness.