Ion Channels: Methods and Protocols

It is now clear that ion channels play essential roles in cell biology and physiology and that their dysfunction is the root cause of many human diseases. In Ion Channels: Methods and Protocols, internationally recognized biomedical scientists describe recent technological breakthroughs and demonstrate their use in successful experimental designs. The diverse applications range from the study of allosteric regulation of ion channel activity using a classic mutagenesis approach, to the study of channel subunit stoichiometry using a novel biophysical approach based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Highlights include methods for heterologous expression of ion channels in cells, for determining channel structure-function, for studying channel regulation and physiological function, and for genetic screening and investigating channelopathies. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principles behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and highly practical, Ion Channels: Methods and Protocols offer both novice and experienced researchers a versatile collection of proven techniques for illuminating the structure, function, and regulation of ion channel proteins and finding suitable drug targets when they cause disease.