Structures and mechanisms in chloride channels

Chloride (Cl^-) channels are membrane proteins that consist of Cl^- permeation pores capable of transporting Cl^- ions across lipid membranes. In doing so, they play many important roles in maintaining the physiological functions of various cells, and malfunction of these membrane proteins leads to a variety of hereditary diseases, such as epilepsy, myotonia, and cystic fibrosis. Various types of Cl^- channels have been identified with different structures and functions. This chapter discusses the structures and mechanisms of two specific types of Cl^- channels - CLC Cl^- channels and CFTR Cl^- channels. Because homologous molecules of these two types of Cl^- channels can function as transporters, the transporter mechanisms related to the functions of Cl^- channels are also discussed.