The Ion Channels in Cell Membrane

The ion channels are functional proteins in cell membrane which modulate ion influx or efflux,they play an important role in cellular metabolic processes.Ion channels have some physiological features,such as selectivity to specific ions,the saturation of permeability,and their gating can be modulated.The ion channels can be gated by trans-membrane voltage,mechanical stimulation and some signal molecules.Ion channels participated in some important physiological functions,such as ion absorbing,osmotic regulating,generation of electric impulse and signal transduction.The abnormal structure or function of ion channels may result in some serious diseases.Therefore,the investigation on ion channels in order to seek or design some reagents which can modulate ion channels is an important pathway to cure related diseases.