Title

Neural membrane microdomains as computational systems: Toward molecular modeling in the study of neural disease

Authors

Authors

R. Wallace

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

Biosystems

Keywords

microdomains; rafts; neuron; membranes; nanodevices; nanowires; polypeptides; vertical carbon nanofibers; ethenes; field effects; neural; disease; epilepsy; ACTION-POTENTIAL PROPAGATION; ROOT GANGLION-CELLS; SHAKER K+ CHANNEL; LIPID RAFTS; BIOLOGICAL-MEMBRANES; HIPPOCAMPAL-NEURONS; POTASSIUM; CHANNELS; LATERAL DIFFUSION; CARBON NANOTUBES; ION CHANNELS; Biology; Mathematical & Computational Biology

Abstract

Several studies indicate that the lipid biological membrane contains discrete regions known as rafts or microdomains. These structures range in size from similar to 50 to 70 nm to nearly a mu m and play important roles in cell signaling. In the neuron, computational models suggest that transiently polarized microdomain ethenes may regulate ion-channel dynamics and control impulse propagation. Thus the microdomain is nominated as the fundamental unit of nervous system signaling. Based on this model, the article proposes a first-approximation design for a supported-membrane device which would mimic microdomain properties. The basic architecture would consist of an electrically addressable biotemplated nanowire crossing an artificial membrane corralled in a vertical carbon nanofiber barrier. Advantages and disadvantages of model components are discussed at length. It is proposed that artificial devices of this type would be medically useful in simulating membrane states correlated with neural disease. This possibility is examined with reference to the A-current potassium channel, implicated in epilepsy. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Journal Title

Biosystems

Volume

87

Issue/Number

1

Publication Date

1-1-2007

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

20

Last Page

30

WOS Identifier

WOS:000243629300003

ISSN

0303-2647

Share

COinS