Principles and properties of ion flow in P2X receptors.

ABSTRACT: P2X receptors are a family of trimeric ion channels that are gated by extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). These receptors have long been a subject of intense research interest by virtue of their vital role in mediating the rapid and direct effects of extracellular ATP on membrane potential and cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration, which in turn underpin the ability of ATP to regulate a diverse range of clinically significant physiological functions, including those associated with the cardiovascular, sensory, and immune systems. An important aspect of an ion channel's function is, of course, the means by which it transports ions across the biological membrane. A concerted effort by investigators over the last two decades has culminated in significant advances in our understanding of h

SUBMITTER: Samways DS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3914235 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature