Coarse-grained simulations of the gating current in the voltage-activated Kv1.2 channel.

ABSTRACT: Quantitative structure-based modeling of voltage activation of ion channels is very challenging. For example, it is very hard to reach converging results, by microscopic simulations while macroscopic treatments involve major uncertainties regarding key features. The current work overcomes some of the above challenges by using our recently developed coarse-grained (CG) model in simulating the activation of the Kv1.2 channel. The CG model has allowed us to explore problems that cannot be fully addressed at present by microscopic simulations, while providing insights on some features that are not usually considered in continuum models, including the distribution of the electrolytes between the membrane and the electrodes during the activation process and thus the physical nature of the gating

SUBMITTER: Kim I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3926088 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature