Pyhylogeny of ion channels: clues to structure and function

摘要

Voltage-gated ion channels are reponsible for the electrical activity ina variety of cell types in modern-day animals. However, they represent the result of many millions of years of evolutoin of a family of ion channel proteins that are also found in prokaryotes and diverse eukaryotes, and probably exist in all life forms. This review traces the evolution of ion channels, with particular emphasis on the factors and evolutioniary pathways that may have given rise to voltage-gated potassium (K~+), calcium (Ca~(2+)), and sodium (Na~+) channels. The review also highlights the utility of comparing phylogenetically distinct versions of the same protein as a means to better understand the structure and function of proteins.