title: Molecular physiology of anion channels.
abstract: Anion channels have diverse functions, ranging from regulation of cell volume to transepithelial transport and control of excitability. Three well established structural classes of plasma membrane chloride channels now exist: the ligand-gated chloride channels, the cAMP-stimulated cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator channel, and the voltage-gated (or swelling-activated) members of the CLC chloride channel family. Genetic defects leading to inherited disease are known for each of these classes. A combination of mutagenesis and biophysical analysis has been used to correlate their structure with function. Recently, the role of several molecules has been questioned; rather than being chloride channels themselves, they may be activators of endogenous channels in the cells used for expression.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), Hamburg University, Germany.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Jentsch
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018118:Chloride Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D006801:Humans; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000502:physiology; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D018118:Chloride Channels; D008565:Membrane Proteins