TMEM120A/TACAN: A putative regulator of ion channels, mechanosensation, and lipid metabolism
Channels (Austin). 2023 Dec;17(1):2237306. doi: 10.1080/19336950.2023.2237306.ABSTRACTTMEM120A (TACAN) is an enigmatic protein with several seemingly unconnected functions. It was proposed to be an ion channel involved in sensing mechanical stimuli, and knockdown/knockout experiments have implicated that TMEM120A may be necessary for sensing mechanical pain. TMEM120A's ion channel function has subsequently been challenged, as attempts to replicate electrophysiological experiments have largely been unsuccessful. Several cryo-EM structures revealed TMEM120A is structurally homologous to a lipid modifying enzyme called Elonga...
Source: Channels - July 31, 2023 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Matthew Gabrielle Tibor Rohacs Source Type: research

Advancements in the study of inward rectifying potassium channels on vascular cells
Channels (Austin). 2023 Dec;17(1):2237303. doi: 10.1080/19336950.2023.2237303.ABSTRACTInward rectifier potassium channels (Kir channels) exist in a variety of cells and are involved in maintaining resting membrane potential and signal transduction in most cells, as well as connecting metabolism and membrane excitability of body cells. It is closely related to normal physiological functions of body and the occurrence and development of some diseases. Although the functional expression of Kir channels and their role in disease have been studied, they have not been fully elucidated. In this paper, the functional expression of...
Source: Channels - July 18, 2023 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Chunshu Li Yan Yang Source Type: research