Chloride channels articles from across Nature Portfolio

Molecular modeling and functional mutagenesis analysis identify a novel mechanism of LRRC8 volume-regulated anion channel inhibition by structurally distinct lipophilic drugs

Hyperactivation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is central to the pathogenesis of secretory diarrheas and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Here, authors use cryo-EM to show that inhibitor (R)-BPO-27 inhibits CFTR via pore blockade

Bestrophin anion channels are critical for the health of eyes. Here, authors identify multiple bestrophin activators including glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid.

Bestrophin-1 (Best1) is an anion channel genetically linked to eye diseases. Here, the authors identify GAD65 and GAD67 as Best1 activators with distinctive functional influences and characterize Best1 as a γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptor.

A study in this issue finds that under conditions of intense activity at specific inhibitory synapses, the voltage gated Cl⁻ channel CIC-2 is vital for allowing efflux of accumulated internal Cl⁻.