PCOL 540: Ion Channels: Structure, Function, Pharmacology, and PathologyIon channels are related not only to action potentials and synaptic potentials in the nervous system but have much broader and essential functions in normal physiology and cell biology. They also play important roles in the pathology of some diseases, and therapeutic effects of many drugs, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, clozapine, alcohol and local and general anesthetics. The main objective of the course is to offer future pharmacologists and other basic scientists in depth exposure to this rapidly developing area of science. Since the successful cloning of an ion channel in 1982, our knowledge has progressed rapidly and in 1998, X-ray crystallography unraveled the tertiary structure of the protein and provided great insight into the mechanism by which ion channels function.
Offered: Spring semester, even years Course directors: Shigehiro Nakajima, MD, PhD; Jesus Garcia-Martinez, MD, PhD, Physiology & Biophysics |