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

    Authors

    R. Wallace

    Comments

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    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

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