Vascular Ion Channels in Physiology and Disease

Ion channels are the major class of membrane proteins responsible for rapid and regulated transport of ions across biological membranes and for the generation and propagation of electrical signals in the brain, heart, and skeletal and vascular tissues. Ion channels are also known to play critical roles in regulation of cell proliferation, insulin secretion and intracellular signaling in a variety of cell types. This book focuses on the roles of ion channels in vascular tissues under normal and pathological conditions.  Vascular abnormalities are known to underlie a plethora of severe pathological conditions, such as atherosclerosis, systemic and pulmonary hypertension, coronary or cerebral vasospasm, and diabetes. In addition, misregulated angiogenesis is one of the major contributors to the development of tumors. Therefore, it is clearly imperative to obtain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to vascular disorders. This book will be the first comprehensive assembly of assays to present the studies that have been done during the last decade to elucidate the roles of ion channels in different vascular diseases.

Alex Dopico, PhD, MD, is Chair of Pharmacology and Distinguished Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee.  His research interest focuses on the molecular interactions between small amphiphilic ligands, such as alcohol, and oligomeric ion channel proteins in excitable tissues, with a particular focus on cerebral artery smooth muscle.  Emphasis is put on determining site(s) of action and ion channel gating mechanisms targeted by the amphiphiles, role of membrane lipid microenvironment in regulating ligand-ion channel interaction, and consequences of such interaction on tissue and organ function.  Dr. Dopico currently holds a Merit Award from NIAAA, and also served as editor of the book Methods in Membrane Lipids published by Humana in 2007.