Ion channels: recent progress and prospects

Determination of the crystal structure of the KcsA potassium channel and its subsequent refinement at 2 Angstrom resolution have stimulated much interest in modelling of ion channels. Here we review the recent developments in ion channels research, focusing especially on the question of structure-function relationships, and discuss how permeation models based on Brownian and molecular dynamics simulations can be used fruitfully in this endeavour.