Ion Channels

Ion channels are pore-forming proteins that allow the flow of ions across membranes, either plasma membranes or the membranes of intracellular organelles. Many ion channels (such as most Na, K Ca and some Cl channels) are gated by voltage but others (such as certain K and Cl channels, TRP channels, ryanodine receptors and IP3 receptors) are relatively voltage-insensitive and are gated by second messengers and other intracellular and/or extracellular mediators.

Most ion channels are highly selective for the class of ions crossing the channel. They can therefore be easily classified into sodium channels, calcium channels, potassium channels, proton channels or non-selective cation channels. Research on ion channels requires a large number of methods and materials. We offer monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, ELISA kits and high-quality made-to-order proteins for this complex topic.

Aquaporins

Aquaporins (often called aquaporin water channels) are a family of small, integral membrane proteins that are expressed broadly throughout the animal and plant kingdoms. They have a similar basic structure, with aquaporin monomers consisting of six transmembrane helical segments and two short helical segments that surround cytoplasmic and extracellular vestibules connected by a narrow aqueous pore.

To search our Aquaporin antibodies, kits, proteins click on the links below.

Calcium Channels

A calcium channel is a transmembrane ion channel that is permeable to calcium ions. The permeability is controlled either by voltage-gated calcium channels or ligand-gated calcium channels. We offer some hand-picked monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies for research on calcium channels.

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Potassium Channels

Potassium channels ubiquitously exist in nearly all kingdoms of life and perform diverse but important functions. Since the first atomic structure of a prokaryotic potassium channel (KcsA, a channel from Streptomyces lividans) was determined, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the mechanism of potassium channels and channels conducting other ions.

Sodium Channels

There are two major classes of sodium channels in mammals: The voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) family and the epithelial sodium channel (ESC). Voltage-gated sodium channels exist throughout the body in various cell types, while epithelial sodium channels are located primarily in the skin and kidney.

VGSC are a family of nine proteins that form transmembrane ion channels specific for monovalent sodium ions. They are essential for the signal generation and transduction in the nervous system: upon stimulation of a neuron, the nerve cell membrane is rapidly depolarized due to sodium ion influx through VGSC. This depolarization creates an action potential that subsequently travels along the axon of the neuron for signal transmission. In context with chronic pain, the behavior of these VGSC can be altered so that nerve cells become more sensitive to noxious stimuli. This leads to hyperexcitability of these neurons and increased pain perception of mild stimuli or even in their absence. Chronic pain is an unmet medical problem that can be extremely debilitating.

ESC on the other hand are membrane proteins primarily found in epithelial cells, which line various surfaces of the body, such as the skin, respiratory tract, and digestive tract. They are involved in the transport of sodium ions across epithelial cell layers in order to maintain proper salt and water balance in tissues, regulate blood pressure, and influence fluid absorption and secretion in various organs These channels play a role in regulating the reabsorption of sodium ions from urine, thus affecting the body's overall fluid and electrolyte balance.

TRP

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are nonselective cationic channels, conserved among flies to humans. Most TRP channels have well known functions in chemosensation, thermosensation, and mechanosensation. In addition to being sensing environmental changes, many TRP channels are also internal sensors that help maintain homeostasis.

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Cyclic Nucleotide-gated Ion Channels

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are nonselective cation channels first identified in retinal photoreceptors and olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). They are opened by the direct binding of cyclic nucleotides, cAMP and cGMP. Although their activity shows very little voltage dependence, CNG channels belong to the superfamily of voltage-gated ion channels. Below you will find a selection of polyclonal antibodies against CNG ion channels.

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Hyperpolarization-activated Cyclic Nucleotide-gated Channels (HCN)

A hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (HCN) is a subtype of CNG channel that is gated by hyperpolarization of the cell membrane. There are four HCN channels HCN1, HCN2, HCN3, and HCN4.

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We offer you Made-to-order Channel Proteins

We offer high-purity made-to-order ion channel proteins with native state folding guarantee. Below you will find a selection of potassium channel proteins. Please contact us via email, chat, or phone for more information about our made-to-order proteins.

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