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The HCN Gene Family: Molecular Basis of the Hyperpolarization‐Activated Pacemaker Channels
Author(s) -
SANTORO BINA,
TIBBS GARETH R.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1999.tb11353.x
Subject(s) - hyperpolarization (physics) , hcn channel , ion channel , chemistry , potassium channel , inward rectifier potassium ion channel , gene , biophysics , protein subunit , membrane potential , neuroscience , microbiology and biotechnology , computational biology , biology , biochemistry , stereochemistry , receptor , nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
The molecular basis of the hyperpolarization‐activated cation channels that underlie the anomalous rectifying current variously termed I h , I q , or I f is discussed. On the basis of the expression patterns and biophysical properties of the newly cloned HCN ion channels, an initial attempt at defining the identity and subunit composition of channels underlying native I h is undertaken. By comparing the sequences of HCN channels to other members of the K channel superfamily, we discuss how channel opening may be coupled to membrane hyperpolarization and to direct binding of cyclic nucleotide. Finally, we consider some of the questions in cardiovascular physiology and neurobiology that can be addressed as a result of the demonstration that I h is encoded by the HCN gene family.