Recent Advancements In Modeling And Simulations Of Ion Channels

Protein sorting and trafficking are regulated by well-conserved mechanisms. These allow a distinctive set of resident proteins to be present in the correct subcellular organelle, which is required for proper cell functioning. Voltage-gated ion channels, as responsible for cardiomyocyte action potential, must be properly localized. They participate in cell excitability and electrical coupling, ensuring uninterrupted and rhythmic heart beating. Ion channel complexes comprise one or more pore-forming α subunits, associated β subunits, and additional proteins. Channel localization and function are regulated by the β subunits and associated proteins, such as cytoskeletal elements, cell-adhesion molecules, and adaptors. These influence protein targeting, anchoring, and retention in specific surface domains along the cardiomyocyte sarcolemma, such as intercalated discs, T-tubules, or the lateral membrane. Alterations in ion channel trafficking are the cause of channelopathies associated with inherited arrhythmias leading to sudden death. An outstanding question is how these molecular alterations lead to disease. In this volume, scientists share their vision to understand how cardiac ion channel trafficking is regulated and how it may become altered, leading to channelopathies that often turn into deadly arrhythmias. Data generated can be translated to a clinical context, hopefully turning into approaches to help prevention and treatment, which is of utmost importance, both medically and socially.

As a result of their unique physical properties, biological membrane mimetics, such as liposomes, are used in a broad range of scientific and technological applications. Liposomes, Lipid Bilayers and Model Membranes: From Basic Research to Application describes state-of-the-art research and future directions in the field of membranes, which has evo

Ion Channels—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition is a ScholarlyEditions™ eBook that delivers timely, authoritative, and comprehensive information about Ion Channels. The editors have built Ion Channels—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about Ion Channels in this eBook to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Ion Channels—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.

The lipid bilayer is central to life, as all living organisms possess a lipid bilayer structure, thereby underlying the lipid bilayer principle of biomembranes. The lipid bilayer principle and its applications are the main theme of this new book series. This new series on bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs and liposomes) include invited chapters on a broad range of topics, from theoretical investigations, specific studies, experimental methods, to practical applications. Written for newcomers, experienced scientists, and those who are not familiar with these specific research areas, the Series covers all aspects of lipid bilayer investigations, both fundamental and applied. * Covers a broad range of topics ranging from theoretical research, specific studies, experimental methods, to practical applications * Authoritative timely reviews by experts in this field * Indispensable source of information for new scientists

Very broad overview of the field intended for an interdisciplinary audience; Lively discussion of current challenges written in a colloquial style; Author is a rising star in this discipline; Suitably accessible for beginners and suitably rigorous for experts; Features extensive four-color illustrations; Appendices featuring homework assignments and reading lists complement the material in the main text