Ion channels are large proteins that underlie the functioning of the nervous system. To paraphrase the old English poem, no [protein] is an island. Ion channels are components of larger multiprotein complexes that carry out, trigger, or take part in myriad signaling pathways that dictate neural cell function. Changes in any one of the pieces of these molecular puzzles can have far reaching effects on neural cell biology and thus nervous system function as a whole. Moreover, detailed knowledge of these interactions facilitates the development of novel, specific therapeutic agents. Therefore the study of ion channel multi-protein complexes from multiple perspectives is critical for unraveling the complexities of the nervous system, and for the treatment of nervous system disorders.
Ion channels are large proteins that underlie the functioning of the nervous system. To paraphrase the old English poem, no [protein] is an island. Ion channels are components of larger multiprotein complexes that carry out, trigger, or take part in myriad signaling pathways that dictate neural cell function. Changes in any one of the pieces of these molecular puzzles can have far reaching effects on neural cell biology and thus nervous system function as a whole. Moreover, detailed knowledge of these interactions facilitates the development of novel, specific therapeutic agents. Therefore the study of ion channel multi-protein complexes from multiple perspectives is critical for unraveling the complexities of the nervous system, and for the treatment of nervous system disorders.