Physiological Functions of Acid-Sensing Ion Channels (ASICS) in the Brain

The proton-gated ion channels of the ASIC family have been intensively studied over the last two decades. Despite the great progress achieved in physiological, pharmacological, and genetic studies, the ASIC functions in the central nervous system are largely unknown. ASICs are commonly recognized as regulators of various physiological functions and contributors to numerous pathological processes, but the exact processes that involve ASICs remain puzzling. ASICs can contribute to synaptic transmission due to the acidic contents of synaptic vesicles. However, the currently available experimental data do not describe their roles in sufficient detail. This mini-review focuses on the unresolved questions related to ASIC function, rather than providing only a comprehensive description of the progress made in recent studies.