Potassium/sodium hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel 2 is a
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, respo ...
that in humans is encoded by the ''HCN2''
gene
In biology, the word gene (from , ; "...Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian units of heredity..." meaning ''generation'' or ''birth'' or ''gender'') can have several different meanings. The Mendelian gene is a ba ...
.
Interactions
HCN2 has been shown to
interact
Advocates for Informed Choice, dba interACT or interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization using innovative strategies to advocate for the legal and human rights of children with intersex traits. The organizati ...
with
HCN1 and
HCN4
Potassium/sodium hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''HCN4'' gene.
There are four HCN channels. HCN4 is prominently expressed in the pace maker region of the mammalian hear ...
.
[
]
Function
The function of the channel is not known although its activation by hyperpolarization alludes to the funny channels in the sinoatrial node
The sinoatrial node (also known as the sinuatrial node, SA node or sinus node) is an oval shaped region of special cardiac muscle in the upper back wall of the right atrium made up of cells known as pacemaker cells. The sinus node is approximat ...
of the heart (which form the basis of spontaneous generation of electrical rhythm). These channels have recently been associated with chronic pain and blocking the gene is associated with resolution of neuropathic episodes of pain
Pain is a distressing feeling often caused by intense or damaging stimuli. The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, ...
.
See also
* Cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel
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Anthropology and social sciences
* Cyclic history, a theory of history
* Cyclical theory, a theory of American political history associated with Arthur Schlesinger, Sr.
* Social cycle, various cycles in soc ...
References
Further reading
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External links
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Ion channels
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