Molecular diversity of pacemaker ion channels

Ionic currents activated by hyperpolarization and regulated by cyclic nucleotides were first discovered more than 20 years ago. Recently the molecular identity of the underlying channels has been unveiled. The structural features of the protein sequences are discussed and related to the mechanisms of activation, selectivity for cyclic nucleotides, and ion permeation. Coverage includes a comparison of the biophysical properties of recombinant and native channels and their significance for the physiological functions of these channels.