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Sci. STKE, 30 October 2007
Vol. 2007, Issue 410, p. pe59
[DOI: 10.1126/stke.4102007pe59]

PERSPECTIVES

Alchemy in the Soup: Transforming Metabolic Signals to Excitability

Colin G. Nichols*

Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.

Abstract: The intersection of cell metabolism with electrical signaling links the environment and cell function over time scales ranging from milliseconds to lifetimes. In responding to cellular metabolites, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)–sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are an important component of this intersection. Recent studies have begun to delineate the roles of KATP channels in multiple tissues and the far-reaching consequences of aberrant KATP channel activity and disturbed sensing of cell metabolism.

*Contact information. E-mail, cnichols{at}cellbio.wustl.edu

Citation: C. G. Nichols, Alchemy in the Soup: Transforming Metabolic Signals to Excitability. Sci. STKE 2007, pe59 (2007).

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