The structure - function relationship of NCC27, a novel nuclear chloride ion channel protein

离子通道(IC)是一种复杂的蛋白质，它调节盐的运输，这是一种基本的细胞功能。我们最近克隆了一个新的IC，NCC27，它在核膜上的位置是独一无二的，这个位置以前被认为是不必要的。核膜ICs的功能尚不清楚，但我们的研究表明NCC27参与了细胞分裂的调节。由于NCC27具有独特的功能和结构特征，它将特别有助于回答与动物细胞生物学相关的基本问题：核膜IC在细胞分裂中的作用；NCC27的结构允许其执行其功能的方式。

Ion channels (IC) are complex proteins that regulate the transport of salts, an essential cell function. We have recently cloned a new IC, NCC27, unique in its location on the nuclear membrane, a site where they were previously thought to be unnecessary. The function of nuclear membrane ICs is unknown but our studies suggest that NCC27 is involved in regulating cell division. Because NCC27 has unique functional and structural characteristics, it will be particularly useful for answering fundamental questions relevant to the biology of animal cells: the role of nuclear membrane ICs in cell division; the way the structure of NCC27 allows it to carry out its function.