Every word in the English language can be constructed using just 26 letters. By simply rearranging these letters in various ways, you can form anything from a quick text message to engaging stories. Your body has a similar system to communicate, but instead of letters it uses microscopic structures called ion channels.

What are ion channels?

Ion channels are tiny proteins found in the membrane of cells. One of their jobs is to help create the signals that cells use to communicate. They do this by acting as little gates that open and close to allow ions (substances such as sodium or potassium) to flow either inside or outside of a cell.

Think of ion channels as individual letters of the alphabet. You can make many words by putting together different letters. With distinct combinations of ion channels, you can get different cell functions. Each ion channel is an important building block that helps generate the signals your body is constantly sending.

Where are ion channels?

Ion channels are all over your body. Some of the most common places to find them are cells in the brain, heart, gut and even the bladder. These are just a few examples of ion channels “spelling out” specific signals:

• Brain cells might use one combination of ion channels to send fast messages that help you think or react.
• Muscle cells use a different combination to control movement.
• Heart cells rely on their own set of ion channels to keep a steady heartbeat rhythm.

Each cell type throughout the body has a unique mix of ion channels that helps determine each cell’s function.

How do scientists use ion channels to treat disease?

Sometimes cells don’t have the proper “spelling,” and the “letters,” or ion channels, may be mixed up or hard to read. Ion channels that open too much or stay closed too often, for example, can make cells become imbalanced and not able to give the right signals.

People with conditions such as epilepsy, for example, have changes in the ion channels that lead to overactive brain cells, which may cause seizures. Scientists study different medicines to see if they are good “editors.” Medications that are good candidates can target specific ion channels and make sure they function correctly. To treat epilepsy, anti-seizure drugs help balance the activity of the brain by acting on dysfunctional ion channels.

Despite being tiny, ion channels are mighty and play a huge role in how your body works. By understanding these “letters” of cellular communication more, we can create better “editors” to help treat various diseases.