Ion transport through cell membrane channels

TL;DR

This paper reviews models of ion transport through cell membrane channels, emphasizing the importance of microscopic approaches and dynamic channel structures over traditional continuum models.

Contribution

It highlights the need for microscopic and dynamic models to accurately describe ion transport, addressing gaps in existing literature.

Findings

Continuum models are insufficient for ion transport in channels.

Microscopic Brownian and molecular dynamics provide more realistic descriptions.

Channel structure dynamics are crucial but understudied.

Abstract

We discuss various models of ion transport through cell membrane channels. Recent experimental data shows that sizes of ion channels are compared to those of ions and that only few ions may be simultaneously in any single channel. Theoretical description of ion transport in such channels should therefore take into account interactions between ions and between ions and channel proteins. This is not satisfied by macroscopic continuum models based on Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations. More realistic descriptions of ion transport are offered by microscopic Brownian and molecular dynamics. One should also take into account a dynamical character of the channel structure. This is not yet addressed in the literature