Structural Basis for Activation of Voltage-Gated Cation Channels

Because of their remarkable roles in electrical cell signaling, voltage-gated cation channels (VGCCs) have been the subject of intense investigations and debate for more than 50 years. Ultimately, the prospective implications of such studies have an impact on our understanding of the molecular properties of VGCCs involved in consciousness, anesthesia, and diseases, to mention a few. The following review aims to summarize our current knowledge of activation of VGCCs by highlighting major methodological innovations in the field and the breakthroughs they allowed. Focusing mainly on insights gained through computer simulations, while acknowledging important experimental findings, we hope to inspire experimentalists to benefit from these approaches in the generation of hypotheses and design of experiments. Also, we outline major future challenges for the field, such as channel modulation, lesser-known receptors, and molecular origins of channel dysfunctions.