Theoretical and Experimental Links between Ion Channels and Excitable Cells from Biophysical Perspective

A special issue of Biophysica (ISSN 2673-4125).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 1401

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Transmembrane ion channels are integral membrane proteins that span the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane, creating a pore or channel enabling the passage of ions. These channels are pivotal in various physiological processes, facilitating the movement of ions across the cell membrane in accordance with their respective electrochemical gradients. The study of ion channel kinetics, particularly in electrically excitable cells, examines the rates and mechanisms governing the opening, closing, and transition between the different states of ion channels. Understanding ion channel kinetics is crucial for unraveling the dynamics of cellular signaling, electrical excitability, and other physiological processes. Moreover, ion channel dysfunction can lead to a wide range of pathophysiological disorders, affecting various organ systems and physiological processes. Theoretical modeling and simulation, particularly in neural networks, involves creating mathematical models that describe the behavior of neurons and the interactions between them, and then simulating these models to study the dynamics of neural networks. This approach allows researchers to gain insights into how neural networks process information, learn, and perform various functions. Recently, research in this area has been particularly popular. Therefore, we welcome investigators in this field to publish their findings on this topic in this Special Issue, so that they may be disseminated within the scientific community.

Prof. Dr. Sheng-Nan Wu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • ion channels
  • excitable cells
  • biophysical perspective

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

19 pages, 3876 KiB  
Article
Modulatory Impact of Tefluthrin, Telmisartan, and KB-R7943 on Voltage-Gated Na+ Currents
by Hsun-Yu Huang, Yi-Bo Huang, Chao-Liang Wu and Sheng-Nan Wu
Biophysica 2024, 4(4), 488-506; https://doi.org/10.3390/biophysica4040032 - 12 Oct 2024
Viewed by 822
Abstract
Tefluthrin (Tef) is categorized as a type-I pyrethroid insecticide, telmisartan (Tel) functions as an angiotensin II receptor blocker, and KB-R7943 has been identified as an inhibitor of the Na+-Ca2+ exchange process. However, the influence of these compounds on the amplitude [...] Read more.
Tefluthrin (Tef) is categorized as a type-I pyrethroid insecticide, telmisartan (Tel) functions as an angiotensin II receptor blocker, and KB-R7943 has been identified as an inhibitor of the Na+-Ca2+ exchange process. However, the influence of these compounds on the amplitude and gating properties of voltage-gated Na+ current (INa) in neurons associated with pain signaling remains unclear. In cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, whole-cell current recordings revealed that Tef or Tel increased the peak amplitude of INa, concomitant with an elevation in the time constant of INa inactivation, particularly in the slow component. Conversely, exposure to KB-R7943 resulted in a depression in INa, coupled with a decrease in the slow component of the inactivation time constant of INa. Theoretical simulations and bifurcation analyses were performed on a modeled interneuron in the spinal dorsal horn. The occurrence of INa inactivation accentuated the subthreshold oscillations (SO) in the membrane potential. With an increase in applied current, SO became more pronounced, accompanied by the emergence of high-frequency spiking (HS) with a frequency of approximately 150 Hz. Moreover, an elevation in INa conductance further intensified both SO and HF. Consequently, through experimental and in silico studies, this work reflects that Tef, Tel, or KB-R7943 significantly impacts the magnitude and gating properties of INa in neurons associated with pain signaling. The alterations in INa magnitude and gating in these neurons suggest a close relationship with pain transmission. Full article
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