The Comprehensive Textbook of Ion Channels: A Trilogy for Students, Instructors, and Researchers

Authored by Jie Zheng and Matthew C. Trudeau, this three-volume set provides an extensive reference source on ion channels, catering to the needs of students, instructors, and researchers in the field of biology, physiology, and pharmacology.

Understanding Ion Channels: Importance and Functionality

Ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a crucial role in regulating the electrical properties of neurons and cardiac cells. They mediate the detection and response to sensory stimuli, such as light, sound, odor, and taste, and regulate the response to physical stimuli like temperature and pressure. Moreover, ion channels are instrumental in maintaining basic salt balance, which is critical for homeostasis in non-excitable tissues.

These channels are located at the surface membrane of cells, enabling them to communicate with the environment and regulate internal homeostasis. Their significance extends to human health and diseases, making them important targets for pharmaceuticals in treating mental illness, heart disease, anesthesia, pain, and other clinical applications.

Volume II: Ion Channel Taxonomy and Families

This volume delves into ion channel taxonomy, featuring coverage of major ion channel families. It explores the physiological role, structural components, gating mechanisms, biophysics, permeation, selectivity, regulation, pharmacology, and roles in disease mechanisms. Some of the ion channels covered in this volume include:

• Voltage-activated sodium, calcium, and potassium channels
• Inward-rectifier and two-pore domain potassium channels
• Calcium-activated potassium channels
• Cyclic nucleotide-gated channels
• Pacemaker ion channels
• Chloride channels
• Ligand-gated receptors activated by acetylcholine, glutamate, 5-HT3, GABA, and glycine
• Acid-sensing channels
• P2X receptors
• TRP channels
• Store-operated channels
• Pressure-activated piezo channels
• Ryanodine receptors
• Proton channels

A Valuable Resource for Ion Channel Research

The three-volume set provides readers with:

• An introduction to fundamental concepts necessary for understanding the mechanism of ion channels
• A guide to the technical aspects of ion channel research
• A modern guide to the properties of major ion channel families
• Coverage of key examples of regulatory, physiological, and disease roles for ion channels

Published by CRC Press, this comprehensive textbook is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to delve into the complexities of ion channels and their significance in human health and disease.