Cell membrane potential

The **cell membrane potential** refers to the difference in electric voltage between the interior and exterior of a biological cell. This electrical gradient arises from differences in concentrations and permeabilities of ions—primarily potassium (K⁺), sodium (Na⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), and others—across the plasma membrane. The resting value typically ranges from −80 mV to −40 mV depending on cell type[2]. In excitable cells like neurons or muscle fibers, rapid changes in this voltage underlie action potentials that enable signal transmission[3][5]. Membrane potential is fundamental for numerous cellular processes including signal transduction, regulation of mitotic activity through pathways such as ERK signaling[1], control over protein transport within cells under certain conditions like exposure to high magnetic fields[4], and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. While modulation of specific ion channel proteins is a major therapeutic strategy across neurology, cardiology, oncology, etc., **the “cell membrane potential” itself is not considered a discrete molecular therapeutic target** but rather an emergent property resulting from multiple underlying targets. Because “Cell membrane potential modulation” describes an effect or process—not a single molecule/receptor/protein—it does not fit standard definitions for canonical drug targets such as receptors or enzymes. Therefore: > There is something incorrect with this entry as a therapeutic target because it refers to an emergent physiological property rather than an individual molecular entity amenable to direct pharmacological targeting. If you need structured information about actual druggable targets involved in modulating cell membrane potentials—such as “Voltage-gated sodium channel,” “Potassium channel,” etc.—please specify those molecules individually.

Other names

Membrane potentialTransmembrane potentialResting membrane potentialAction potential (context-dependent)