Ion Channel

Ion channels are pore-forming membrane proteins that enable the selective passage of ions across biological membranes. They play a critical role in establishing and controlling the voltage gradient across cell membranes by allowing ions to move down their electrochemical gradients. Ion channels are found in virtually all living cells and are essential for numerous physiological processes including electrical signaling in neurons, muscle contraction, hormone secretion, and regulation of cell volume. Dysfunction or mutations in ion channel genes ("channelopathies") can cause various diseases. Many drugs target specific ion channels for therapeutic purposes.

Block ion channel activity, modulate ion channel gating