The Sodium Channel Voltage Sensor Slides to Rest

Abstract

Voltage-gated sodium channels (Na_vs) initiate the action potential waveforms in excitable cells. The molecular mechanisms controlling this process have been actively debated. New prokaryotic Na_v structures by Wisedchaisri et al. have completed our understanding of the molecular conformations required for cellular electrical signaling, and provide key templates for research to examine eukaryotic Na_vs.

Keywords: gating charge; membrane protein; resting state; sodium channel; voltage-dependent channel gating; voltage-gated ion channel.