Lipid probes to study ion channels

Abstract

Lipids can have specific interaction partners and act as small molecule regulators of proteins, especially for transmembrane proteins. Transmembrane proteins, such as ion channels, can be influenced by lipids in four ways; lipids can be direct ligands, localize effector proteins or domains, affect protein–protein interaction, or change the biophysical properties of the surrounding membrane. In this article, we will give examples of how lipids directly interact with ion channels and address the complex aspect of indirect regulation via lipids of the surrounding membrane bilayer. In addition, we discuss current and propose future molecular tools and experiments elucidating the many roles lipids play in ion channel function.