Transcendent Aspects of Proton Channels

Annu Rev Physiol. 2023 Nov 6. doi: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042222-023242. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTA handful of biological proton-selective ion channels exist. Some open at positive or negative membrane potentials, others open at low or high pH, and some are light activated. This review focuses on common features that result from the unique properties of protons. Proton conduction through water or proteins differs qualitatively from that of all other ions. Extraordinary proton selectivity is needed to ensure that protons permeate and other ions do not. Proton selectivity arises from a proton pathway comprising a hydrogen-bonded chain that typically includes at least one titratable amino acid side chain. The enormously diverse functions of proton channels in disparate regions of the phylogenetic tree can be summarized by considering the chemical and electrical consequences of proton flux across membranes. This review discusses examples of cells in which proton efflux serves to increase pHi, decrease pHo, control the membrane potential, generate action potentials, or compensate transmembrane movement of electrical charge. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Physiology, Volume 86 is February 2024. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.PMID:37931166 | DOI:10.1146/annurev-physiol-042222-023242

Source: Physiological Reviews - November 6, 2023 Category: Physiology Authors: Thomas E DeCoursey Source Type: research