Implementing Bayesian Methods for Ion Channel Modelling
Ion channels are transmembrane proteins which are crucial for cell excitability. Ligand-gated channels open and close by undergoing conformational changes in the protein shape in response to the binding of a chemical, such as a neurotransmitter. Why is Modelling Ion Channel Structure Important? Understanding dynamical changes in ion channel structure is key to understanding channel function. Structural data gives static pictures of some of the channel’s most stable states but cannot account for dynamical changes as the channel opens and closes in the membrane. •Modelling the gating process therefore helps suggest and subsequently validate conformational changes which occur during channel gating • From this, we can explain how different agonists or mutations affect the speed or the nature of conformational changes • This will help predict the impact of novel agonists leading to a process of rational drug design