The multiple personalities of h-channels

Trends Neurosci. 2003 Oct;26(10):550-4. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2003.08.003.

Abstract

Concepts regarding the function of the hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) in shaping the excitability of single cells and neuronal ensembles have been evolving rapidly following the recent cloning of genes that encode the underlying 'h-channels' - the HCN genes. This article reviews new information about the transcriptional regulation of these channels, highlighting novel studies that demonstrate short- and long-term modulation of HCN expression, and linking this modulation to mechanisms of neurological diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels
  • Ion Channels / chemistry
  • Ion Channels / genetics*
  • Ion Channels / metabolism*
  • Ion Channels / physiology
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Nervous System Diseases / metabolism
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Potassium Channels
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels
  • Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels
  • Ion Channels
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Potassium Channels