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Ion channels are the major class of membrane proteins responsible for rapid and regulated transport of ions across biological membranes and for the generation and propagation of electrical signals in the brain, heart, and skeletal and vascular tissues. Ion channels are also known to play critical roles in regulation of cell proliferation, insulin secretion and intracellular signaling in a variety of cell types. This book focuses on the roles of ion channels in vascular tissues under normal and pathological conditions. Vascular abnormalities are known to underlie a plethora of severe pathological conditions, such as atherosclerosis, systemic and pulmonary hypertension, coronary or cerebral vasospasm, and diabetes. In addition, misregulated angiogenesis is one of the major contributors to the development of tumors. Therefore, it is clearly imperative to obtain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to vascular disorders. This book will be the firstcomprehensive assembly of assays to present the studies that have been done during the last decade to elucidate the roles of ion channels in different vascular diseases.
About the author
Alex Dopico, PhD, MD, is Chair of Pharmacology and Distinguished Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee. His research interest focuses on the molecular interactions between small amphiphilic ligands, such as alcohol, and oligomeric ion channel proteins in excitable tissues, with a particular focus on cerebral artery smooth muscle. Emphasis is put on determining site(s) of action and ion channel gating mechanisms targeted by the amphiphiles, role of membrane lipid microenvironment in regulating ligand-ion channel interaction, and consequences of such interaction on tissue and organ function. Dr. Dopico currently holds a Merit Award from NIAAA, and also served as editor of the book
Methods in Membrane Lipids
published by Humana in 2007.
Irena Levitan, PhD, is a Professor of Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology and Bioengineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her currentresearch interests focus on cholesterol regulation of ion channels and cellular biomechanics. She was named a Guyton Distinguished Lecturer by the Association of Chairs of Departments of Physiology for her quantitative and biophysical work on cholesterol modulation of ion channels and how this can affect integrated organ function. She also served as editor of the book
Cholesterol Regulation of Ion Channels and Receptors
, published by Wiley in 2012.
Summary
Ion channels are the major class of membrane proteins responsible for rapid and regulated transport of ions across biological membranes and for the generation and propagation of electrical signals in the brain, heart, and skeletal and vascular tissues. Ion channels are also known to play critical roles in regulation of cell proliferation, insulin secretion and intracellular signaling in a variety of cell types. This book focuses on the roles of ion channels in vascular tissues under normal and pathological conditions.
Vascular abnormalities are known to underlie a plethora of severe pathological conditions, such as atherosclerosis, systemic and pulmonary hypertension, coronary or cerebral vasospasm, and diabetes. In addition, misregulated angiogenesis is one of the major contributors to the development of tumors. Therefore, it is clearly imperative to obtain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to vascular disorders. This book will be the firstcomprehensive assembly of assays to present the studies that have been done during the last decade to elucidate the roles of ion channels in different vascular diseases.
