Ion Channel Introduction

Membrane proteins, which include ion channels, GPCRs, kinases, and transporters, play crucial roles in physiological and pathological processes and are, therefore, important drug targets. Creative Biolabs provides a comprehensive membrane protein platform to support research progress in this field.

Ion Channels Introduction

What are Ion Channels?

Ion channels are a kind of pore-forming membrane protein that allows ions to pass through channel pores. Their functions include establishing resting membrane potential, shaping action potentials and other electrical signals by controlling ion flow across the cell membrane, controlling ion flow through secretory and epithelial cells, and regulating cell volume. Ion channels are present in the membranes of all cells. The International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) guidelines currently list 145 voltage-gated ion channel genes, 82 ligand-gated ion channel genes, and 52 other channel genes such as water channel proteins, linker proteins, and calcium depot manipulated calcium channels.

Features of Ion Channels

Ion channels are located within the membranes of all excitable cells and many intracellular organelles. They are often described as narrow, water-filled tunnels that allow only ions of a certain size and/or charge to pass through. This property is called selective permeability. Prototype channel pores are only one or two atoms wide at their narrowest point and are selective for specific kinds of ions (e.g., sodium or potassium). However, some channels may be permeable to more than one type of ion, usually sharing a common charge: positive (cation) or negative (anion). Ions usually pass through channel pore segments as individual files almost as fast as they pass through free solutions. In many ion channels, the passage through the pore is controlled by a "gate" that can be opened or closed in response to chemical or electrical signals, temperature, or mechanical forces.

Ion Channel-based Drug Development

Given the important role of ion channels in physiological activities, when they become too excited or too calm, they can cause a variety of disorders. Studies have shown that abnormal ion channel function is associated with many diseases such as type II diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmias, and anxiety disorders. Ion channels are also important drug targets for the development of treatments for these diseases. According to studies evaluating the relevance of molecular targets, 18% of small molecule drugs exert their therapeutic effects through ion channels. Ion channels are the second most important class of drug targets after drug receptors. Based on the pipeline of new drugs entering clinical development by major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, dozens of ion channel-targeted small molecule drugs in various stages of research are currently in development for a variety of indications. Biologics based on ion channel immunogens also currently account for a large percentage of ion channel-targeted drugs in development, primarily antibodies and peptides, due to their greater targeting and specificity.

Based on our extensive research and knowledge, Creative Biolabs has accumulated relevant expertise and experience. We would be glad to discuss research challenges related to ion channels with you.

All listed services and products are For Research Use Only. Do Not use in any diagnostic or therapeutic applications.

Online Inquiry

	USA: Europe: Germany:
	Call us at: USA: UK: Germany:
	Fax:
	Email: