A key approach to understanding the brain is to observe the behavioral effects of turning on specific populations of neurons. One of the most popular approaches to controlling neuronal activity in ...

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are critical molecular sensors that link cellular metabolism with membrane excitability. Composed of inward rectifier potassium channel subunits coupled to ...

Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels are critical determinants of smooth muscle function by mediating rapid feedback between intracellular calcium levels and membrane potential.

Ion channels, which allow potassium and sodium ions to flow in and out of cells, are crucial in neuronal 'firing' in the central nervous system and for brain and heart function. These channels use a ' ...

A new study has unveiled a precise picture of how an ion channel found in most mammalian cells regulates its own function with a 'ball-and-chain' channel-plugging mechanism. The findings boost the ...

Two studies by scientists at the University of Chicago have demonstrated a new way to look into the inner workings of cells—in particular, to track the flow of ions inside the many tiny organelles ...