title: Current perspectives on acid-sensing ion channels: new advances and therapeutic implications.
abstract: Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) form a family of voltage-independent cation channels that predominantly conduct Na+ ions, and were identified at the molecular level a little more than a decade ago. ASICs are activated by extracellular acidification within the physiological range, and they form effective proton sensors in both central and peripheral sensory neurons. A combination of genetic and pharmacologic approaches has revealed their implication in an increasing number of physiological and pathophysiological processes--most of them associated with extracellular pH fluctuations, ranging from synaptic plasticity, learning, memory, fear, depression, seizure termination and neuronal degeneration to nociception and mechanosensation. ASICs, therefore, emerge as new potential therapeutic targets in the management of psychiatric disorders, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases and pain.
authors: Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Institut de NeuroMédecine Moléculaire, CNRS/ University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, UMR 6097, 660 Route des Lucioles, Sophia Antipolis, Valbonne, France.
authors: Jacques
authors: J
authors: Noël
authors: Miguel
authors: M
authors: Salinas
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Baron
authors: Sylvie
authors: S
authors: Diochot
authors: Emmanuel
authors: E
authors: Deval
authors: Eric
authors: E
authors: Lingueglia