Electron current recordings in living cells

Biophys Chem. 2017 Oct:229:57-61. doi: 10.1016/j.bpc.2017.05.006. Epub 2017 May 19.

Abstract

Living cells exploit the electrical properties of matter for a multitude of fundamental physiological processes, such as accumulation of nutrients, cellular homeostasis, signal transmission. While ion channels and transporters (able to couple ions to various substrates) have been extensively studied, direct measurements of electron currents mediated by specific proteins are just at the beginning. Here, we present the various electrophysiological approaches that have allowed recordings of electron currents and highlight the future potential of such experiments.

Keywords: Ascorbate; Cytochrome b561; Iron; Xenopus oocytes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytochrome b Group / genetics
  • Cytochrome b Group / metabolism
  • Electrons
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena*
  • Ferricyanides / chemistry
  • Ions / chemistry
  • Ions / metabolism
  • NADPH Oxidases / genetics
  • NADPH Oxidases / metabolism
  • Oocytes / physiology
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Xenopus / growth & development
  • Xenopus / physiology*

Substances

  • Cytochrome b Group
  • Ferricyanides
  • Ions
  • cytochrome b561
  • hexacyanoferrate III
  • NADPH Oxidases