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1.D.204. The Synthetic Potassium Ion Channel (SPIC) Family 

Different types of natural K+ channels share similar core modules and cation permeability characteristics. Xin et al. 2022 developed novel artificial K+ channels by rebuilding the core modules of natural K+ channels in artificial systems. These channels displayed high selectivity for K+ over Na+ and exhibited a selectivity sequence of K+ over Rb+ during the transport process, consistent with the cation permeability characteristics of natural K+ channels. These artificial channels can be efficiently inserted into cell membranes and mediate the transmembrane transport of K+, disrupting the cellular K+ homeostasis and triggering apoptosis of cells. Thus, by rebuilding the core modules of natural K+ channels in artificial systems, the structures, transport behaviors, and physiological functions of natural K+ channels can be mimicked in synthetic channels (Xin et al. 2022).

References associated with 1.D.204 family:

Xin, P., L. Xu, W. Dong, L. Mao, J. Guo, J. Bi, S. Zhang, Y. Pei, and C.P. Chen. (2022). Synthetic K Channels Constructed by Rebuilding the Core Modules of Natural K Channels in an Artificial System. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl e202217859. [Epub: Ahead of Print] 36583482