The ASICs: Signaling molecules? Modulators?

• Published in: Trends in neurosciences (Regular ed.) Vol. 26; no. 9; pp. 477 - 483
• Main Author: Krishtal, Oleg
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2003; Elsevier Science; Elsevier Sequoia S.A
• Subjects: Acid Sensing Ion Channels; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Ion Channels - chemistry; Ion Channels - physiology; Learning - physiology; Membrane Proteins; Memory - physiology; Molecules; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Nervous System - chemistry; Nervous System - metabolism; Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; Neurology; Neuronal Plasticity; Pain - metabolism; Perception - physiology; Sodium Channels - chemistry; Sodium Channels - metabolism; Sodium Channels - physiology; Somesthesis and somesthetic pathways (proprioception, exteroception, nociception); interoception; electrolocation. Sensory receptors; Touch - physiology; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs; Learning; Nociception; Signal transduction; Acquisition process; Mechanoreception; Memory; Central nervous system; Acid-sensing ion channel; pH; Ionic channel; Review; Encephalon
• ISSN: 0166-2236; 1878-108X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0166-2236(03)00210-8

Acid-sensing ionic channels (ASICs) are almost ubiquitous in the mammalian nervous system, both at the periphery and in the brain. Strong evidence for the physiological function of these molecules has come from recent knockout experiments. Now it is clear that ASICs are important for certain sensory modalities (mechanoreception and nociception) at the periphery and for learning and memory in the brain. The actual mechanisms by which the acid-gated channels serve these functions remain unclear. The question of whether tissue pH is subject to quick fluctuations of a magnitude sufficient to activate ASICs is a crucial point that will determine the functional significance of these channels.