Molecular and Cellular Insights to Ion Channel Biology (Advances in Molecular and Cell Biology)

This book contains fresh perspectives and up-to-date viewpoints on important classes of ion channels from expert researchers around the world, highlighting instances where information about the function and dysfunction of channel molecules has furthered the understanding of their role(s) in the physiology and pathophysiology of cells, tissues and organs. This thoroughly-indexed volume is a valuable resource, and includes over 2,500 references and more than 100 figures and tables. It is designed for a broad audience, from undergraduate science majors and medical students to senior researchers, and will appeal to those from both basic science and clinical perspectives. Most chapters include introductory or background material about the class of ion channels to be discussed before focusing on a specific aspect. There are two exceptions where the chapters are organized in a different way, and instead of focusing on a particular type of ion channel are organized around the membrane in which the ion channels reside (sperm membranes; membranes of intracellular organelles). This was done to highlight the widespread expression of ion channels and their importance in a broad range of membranes and biological functions, as well as to illustrate the investigation of ion channels within specific biological contexts, rather than the level of single molecules.