Unravelling the mechanisms of sodium-selectivity in biological ion channels

该项目的目的是确定蛋白质介导的钠离子跨细胞膜转运的起源。该项目希望利用先进的计算机模拟，结合针对蛋白质化学作用的非典型突变实验，揭示不同钠选择性离子通道中选择性离子传导的机制。预期的结果是更好地理解蛋白质如何区分离子种类，挑战几十年来一直存在的理论。这些结果应该以与生物学和新材料中的离子传输现象相关的基本理解的形式提供益处，并以神经系统功能的原子水平观点指导药物开发的未来方向。

The aim of this project is to determine the origins of protein-mediated sodium ion transport across cell membranes. The project expects to reveal the mechanisms of selective ion conduction in different sodium-selective ion channels using advanced computer simulations, in concert with non-canonical mutation experiments that target the roles of protein chemistry. The expected outcome is improved understanding of how proteins discriminate between ion species, challenging theories that have stood for decades. The results should provide benefits in the form of basic understanding relevant to ion transport phenomena in biology and novel materials, with atomic-level views of nervous system function to guide future directions in drug development.