Molecular Pathways

Primers on Molecular Pathways - Ion Channels: Key Regulators of Pancreatic Physiology
Jesús M. Banales^a, Sergio A. Gradilone<sup>b

a</sup>Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Division of Gene Therapy and Hepatology, School of Medicine and CIMA of the University of Navarra, and Ciberehd, Pamplona, Spain;
^bDepartment of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minn., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Pancreatology 2009;9:556-559 (DOI: 10.1159/000221382)

  Key Words

• Primers on molecular pathways
• Ion channels
• Key regulators of pancreatic physiology

  Abstract

Ion transport across the cellular plasma membrane is important in almost every physiological process. This phenomenon is driven by the coordinated action of carriers, pumps and channels, which move ions in and out the cells and between different organelles. Ion channels are transmembrane proteins that provide a continuous aqueous pore through which ions can selectively move. The interest in these molecules has increased due to the recognition of diverse pathologies related with mutations in genes encoding these transmembrane proteins, now known as channelopathies. Ion channels play a variety of functions in the pancreas. Here, we briefly describe ion transport characteristics as well as their role in pancreas physiology and pathophysiology.

Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel and IAP

  Author Contacts

Sergio A. Gradilone
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Rochester, 55905 MN (USA)
E-Mail gradilone.sergio@mayo.edu

  Article Information

Published online: July 10, 2009
Number of Print Pages : 4
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 18