Biophysics

Ion channel thermodynamics studied with temperature jumps measured at the cell membrane

1. Carlos A.Z. Bassetto
2. Bernardo I. Pinto
3. Ramon Latorre
4. Francisco Bezanilla

• Curated by Biophysics Colab

  Evaluation statement (17 January 2024)

  The study by Bassetto Jr. et al. presents an elegant and pioneering technique to rapidly manipulate membrane temperature by up to 10 ºC in less than 1.5 ms, thereby enabling high temporal resolution of the temperature dependence of ion channel currents. The approach combines the cut-open oocyte voltage clamp technique with laser illumination to heat the sub-membrane melanosome layer. Temperature is quantified from observed changes in membrane capacitance. Recordings of Kir1.1, TRPM8, and TRPV1 channels are used to validate the effectiveness of the technique. A limitation is that, in its current form, the technique can be used only on melanosome-containing Xenopus oocyte membranes.

  Biophysics Colab recommends this study to scientists working on the temperature dependence of ion channels and other membrane proteins.

  Biophysics Colab has evaluated this study as one that meets the following criteria:

  • Rigorous methodology
  • Transparent reporting
  • Appropriate interpretation

  (This evaluation refers to the version of record for this work, which is linked to and has been revised from the original preprint following peer review.)

Reviewed by Biophysics Colab