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摘要

Ion channel proteins are fascinating molecules that play key roles in many physiological processes. In fact, no mammalian cell rntype has been identified which does not express a complement of ion channel proteins. However, while all cell types express rnion channels, the specific role these channels play can vary significantly. In excitable cells such as neurons, skeletal muscle and rnheart, ion channels act as molecular switches to either trigger excitation or reset the membrane potential to a baseline, resting rnlevel depending on which type of ion channel is activated. In non-excitable cells, channels can play other roles such as rnregulation of fluid movement, salt secretion or resorption, and triggering of signal transduction cascades that eventually lead to rngene transcription. rnDr. Douglas Krafte received his Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Vanderbilt University, his Ph.D. in physiology rnfrom the University of Rochester and post-doctoral training in molecular neurobiology at Caltech. He held positions at Sterling-rnWinthrop and Boehringer Ingelheim before joining Aurora Biosciences as Group Leader for ion channel research. Dr. Krafte is rncurrently Vice President, Biology, at Icagen and has held that position since 2002. From 1997-1999, he was the company’s rnDirector of Biology. His career has focused on ion channels and drug discovery for the past 18 years in a number of therapeutic rnareas including cardiovascular, CNS and autoimmune/inflammatory diseases.