Development of a Computational Framework to Study Ion Transport through Mechanosensitive Ion Channels

Abstract

External physical forces on neurons can alter cell-membrane tension and activate mechanosensitivity in ion channels, thereby altering membrane electrostatic potential, which may exacerbate traumatic brain injury. We present an efficient computational framework for studying ion channels under user-specified conditions of membrane potential, membrane tension, and asymmetric concentrations of multiple ion species. We demonstrate the use of the framework on a model neuronal K+ ion channel, finding reasonable agreement with experimental results. The methodology is general and can be applied to other ion channels and membrane proteins with various combinations of membrane potential, membrane tension, and ion concentration gradient.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2019
Accession Number
AD1066533

Entities

People

  • Robert M Elder
  • Tanya L. Chantawansri
  • Yelena R. Sliozbert

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Brain Injuries
  • Cell Membrane
  • Cells
  • Crystal Structure
  • Department Of Defense
  • Dynamics
  • Electric Fields
  • Electrical Properties
  • Elements
  • High Performance Computing
  • Intracellular Fluid
  • Lipids
  • Membrane Lipids
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Membranes
  • Microsecond Time
  • Military Research
  • Molecular Dynamics
  • Molecular Mechanics Methods
  • Molecules
  • Proteins
  • Simulations
  • Simulators
  • Statistical Sampling
  • Surface Tension
  • Transport Ships

Readers

  • Neuroscience
  • Plasma Physics.
  • Structural Dynamics.