All living cells are able to detect and translate environmental stimuli into biologically meaningful signals. Sensations of touch, hearing, sight, taste, smell or pain are essential to the survival of all living organisms. The importance of sensory input for the existence of life thus justifies the effort made to understand its molecular origins. Sensing with Ion Channels focuses on ion channels as key molecules enabling biological systems to sense and process the physical and chemical stimuli that act upon cells in their living environment. Its aim is to serve as a reference to ion channel specialists and as a source of new information to non specialists who want to learn about the structural and functional diversity of ion channels and their role in sensory physiology.

Microbial Senses and Ion Channels

Mechanosensitive Channels and Sensing Osmotic Stimuli in Bacteria
Roles of Ion Channels in the Environmental Responses of Plants
Ion Channels, Cell Volume, Cell Proliferation and Apoptotic Cell Death
TRPV Ion Channels and Sensory Transduction of Osmotic and Mechanical Stimuli in Mammals
Mechanisms of Thermosensation in TRP Channels
TRPC Family of Ion Channels and Mechanotransduction
Mechano- and Chemo-Sensory Polycystins
Biophysics of CNG Ion Channels
Sensory Transduction in Caenorhabditis elegans
Epithelial Sodium and Acid-Sensing Ion Channels
P2X3 Receptors and Sensory Transduction
Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels in Nociception.