Ion channels in asthma

J Biol Chem. 2011 Sep 23;286(38):32877-82. doi: 10.1074/jbc.R110.215491. Epub 2011 Jul 28.

Abstract

Ion channels are specialized transmembrane proteins that permit the passive flow of ions following their electrochemical gradients. In the airways, ion channels participate in the production of epithelium-based hydroelectrolytic secretions and in the control of intracellular Ca(2+) levels that will ultimately activate almost all lung cells, either resident or circulating. Thus, ion channels have been the center of many studies aiming to understand asthma pathophysiological mechanisms or to identify therapeutic targets for better control of the disease. In this minireview, we focus on molecular, genetic, and animal model studies associating ion channels with asthma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Asthma / metabolism*
  • Epithelium / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Ion Channels / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological
  • Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / metabolism
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Ion Channels