intracellularly ATP-gated chloride channel activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Enables passage of a chloride ion through a transmembrane channel that opens when ATP is bound by the channel complex or one of its constituent parts on the intracellular side of the plasma membrane. [PMID:24727426, PMID:9922375]

Intracellularly ATP-gated chloride channel activity describes the function of a specific type of ion channel that is activated by intracellular ATP binding. These channels play a crucial role in regulating intracellular chloride ion concentration, which in turn influences cell volume, membrane potential, and various cellular processes. Here's a detailed breakdown of their molecular function:

**1. Channel Structure and Composition:**
- These channels are typically composed of multiple protein subunits that assemble to form a pore through the cell membrane.
- The specific structure and subunit composition can vary depending on the cell type and the specific channel involved.

**2. ATP Binding and Activation:**
- ATP binding to a specific site on the channel protein triggers a conformational change.
- This change opens the channel pore, allowing chloride ions to flow across the cell membrane.

**3. Chloride Ion Transport:**
- Chloride ions move through the channel down their electrochemical gradient.
- This movement can either be into or out of the cell, depending on the relative chloride ion concentrations inside and outside the cell.

**4. Regulation and Modulation:**
- The activity of intracellularly ATP-gated chloride channels can be regulated by various factors, including:
- Intracellular ATP concentration: Higher ATP levels increase channel activity.
- Other intracellular signaling molecules: Some messengers can modulate channel activity, either enhancing or inhibiting it.
- Membrane potential: Changes in membrane potential can influence channel opening and closing.

**5. Physiological Roles:**
- These channels play diverse roles in cellular function, including:
- Cell volume regulation: By controlling chloride ion movement, they help regulate cell volume and prevent swelling or shrinking.
- Membrane potential regulation: Chloride ion fluxes contribute to membrane potential changes, which are essential for neuronal signaling, muscle contraction, and other cellular processes.
- Cellular signaling: Chloride channels can participate in signaling pathways by regulating the intracellular chloride concentration, which influences the activity of other ion channels and signaling molecules.
- Cell survival and apoptosis: Some studies suggest that these channels may play a role in cell survival and apoptosis by influencing ion homeostasis and signaling pathways.

**6. Disease Relevance:**
- Dysregulation of intracellularly ATP-gated chloride channels has been implicated in various diseases, including:
- Cystic fibrosis: Mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a chloride channel, cause cystic fibrosis.
- Epilepsy: Abnormal chloride channel activity can contribute to seizures in epilepsy.
- Cancer: Some cancers exhibit altered chloride channel expression and activity, which can contribute to tumor growth and invasion.

In summary, intracellularly ATP-gated chloride channels are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis, regulating membrane potential, and participating in various cellular signaling processes. Their dysfunction can contribute to a range of diseases, highlighting their importance in health and disease.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (13)