Molecular modeling and simulation studies of ion channel structures, dynamics and mechanisms

Methods Cell Biol. 2008:90:233-65. doi: 10.1016/S0091-679X(08)00812-1.

Abstract

Ion channels are integral membrane proteins that enable selected ions to flow passively across membranes. Channel proteins have been the focus of computational approaches to relate their three-dimensional (3D) structure to their physiological function. We describe a number of computational tools to model ion channels. Homology modeling may be used to construct structural models of channels based on available X-ray structures. Electrostatics calculations enable an approximate evaluation of the energy profile of an ion passing through a channel. Molecular dynamics simulations and free-energy calculations provide information on the thermodynamics and kinetics of channel function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation*
  • Humans
  • Ion Channels / chemistry*
  • Ion Channels / metabolism*
  • Lipid Bilayers / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Receptors, GABA-A / chemistry
  • Sequence Analysis, Protein
  • Software
  • Structural Homology, Protein
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Ion Channels
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Receptors, GABA-A