Mutations in ion channels may contribute to several neurological and muscular diseases. This collection of 15 papers from the June 2001 symposium reviews progress in understanding the relationship between the structure and function of ion channels. New developments are presented in the structure of specific ion channels, the study of functions at the microscopic level, and the role of genomics. Topics include channel-like transporter proteins from the aquaporin family, the simulation of water in ion channels and pores, permeation energetics in a model potassium channel, and the use of EPR spectroscopy to analyze the KcsA gating mechanism. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Ion channels provide a unique opportunity to use computational approaches to attempt an understanding of the function of a membrane protein, starting with an atomic resolution structure and progressing through a hierarchy of theoretical descriptions until one can account quantitatively for their physiological function. This book brings together physiologists, structural biologists and theorists who came together to help define the direction of the field in the immediate future.
Topics covered include:
* the x-ray structure of channels and pores
* computer simulation of channel function
* detailed data on potassium channels, chloride and calcium channels, and ligand-gated ion channels
