The Integrative Approach to Study of the Structure and Functions of Cardiac Voltage-Dependent Ion Channels

Abstract

Membrane proteins, including ion channels, became the focus of structural proteomics midway through the 20th century. Methods for studying ion channels are diverse and include structural (X-ray crystallography, cryoelectron microscopy, currently X-ray free electron lasers) and functional (e.g., patch clamp) approaches. This review highlights the evolution of approaches to study of the structure of cardiac ion channels, provides an overview of new techniques of structural biology concerning ion channels, including the use of lipo- and nanodiscs, and discusses the contribution of electrophysiological studies and molecular dynamics to obtain a complete picture of the structure and functioning of cardiac ion channels. Electrophysiological studies have become a powerful tool for deciphering the mechanisms of ion conductivity and selectivity, gating and regulation, as well as testing molecules of pharmacological interest. Obtaining the atomic structure of ion channels became possible by the active development of X-ray crystallography and cryoelectron micro-scopy, and, recently, with the use of XFEL.