NANOPDICS

Many cell types in living systems use electrical signaling to perform their physiological functions. Cells store and deploy electrical energy to, among others, communicate, release hormones or neurotransmitters, grow and divide. Ion channels are intriguing proteins located that allow the controlled flow of specific ions (potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, chloride…) across cellular membranes. The amazing thing about ion channels is that their function can be studied in real time, using techniques like patch-clamp and fluorescence. Not surprisingly, malfunction of these proteins constitutes the common cause of many diseases, including epilepsy, migraine, muscular dystrophy, hypertension, etc. Due to their unquestionable physiopathological relevance, ion channels are nowadays one major pharmaceutical target.