Peer Responses -Exploring Ion Channels vs. G Proteins- Collaborative Discussion and Patient Case Applications

Peer Responses –Exploring Ion Channels vs. G Proteins- Collaborative Discussion and Patient Case Applications

Responding to George Enongene

Hello George,

Thank you for sharing valuable information about ion channels and their comparison with G-proteins in signal transduction and the genetics of mental illnesses. Remarkably, the information about the concepts of ion channels and G-proteins was provided and arranged quite reasonably. To add on, emphasizing GPCR usage in the modulation of ion channels can enhance the knowledge regarding the integration of both cellular activities (Chan et al., 2020). It is possible that this level of detail would help the reader gain a more nuanced appreciation of these mechanisms and perhaps the implications for medication targeting.

To deal with patients’ concerns about the transmission of mental illness, it offered information about these illnesses as being polygenic. However, it should be noted that one’s genes do not fully predict mental health; external conditions and experiences are also influential (Stoewen, 2022). This way, emphasized aspects such as stress, diet, and exercise might provide a clearer picture to the patient to lessen his fear and inform him that the dangers can be minimized if only he changes his lifestyle.

References

Chan, H. C. S., Xu, Y., Tan, L., Vogel, H., Cheng, J., Wu, D., & Yuan, S. (2020). Enhancing the signaling of GPCRs via orthosteric ions. ACS Central Science, 6(2), 274–282. https://doi.org/10.1021/acscentsci.9b01247

Stoewen, D. L. (2022). Nature, nurture, and mental health Part 1: The influence of genetics, psychology, and biology. The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne, 63(4), 427–430. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8922370/

Responding to Toniann Carroll

Hello Toniann,

Thank you for the detailed comparison between ion channels and G-proteins about signal transduction and drug targets. Following the works of Schmauder et al. (2023), there is much sense in the division of ion channels by location: voltage-gated, ligand-gated, mechanically-gated, and the description of their work. For example, understanding how drugs of these channels can treat conditions such as epilepsy reveals that they are useful in treating diseases.

The information given on G-proteins and the role they play in relaying signals in cells also followed a logical pattern. According to Rehman and Dimri (2020), explaining how GPCRs operate based on the ligands that interact with them and the different levels of signaling clarifies the functions and roles of GPCRs in diseases. In response to the patient’s question about inheriting mental pathology, it is necessary to emphasize the understanding of modern mental illness as a multifactorial result (Andreassen et al., 2023). Moreover, while describing the diathesis-stress model and the influence of environmental factors, the imbalance of the gene-based information contributes to a better understanding of the matter.

References

Andreassen, O. A., Hindley, G. F. L., Frei, O., & Smeland, O. B. (2023). New insights from the last decade of research in psychiatric genetics: discoveries, challenges, and clinical implications. World Psychiatry, 22(1), 4–24. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21034

Rehman, S., & Dimri, M. (2020). Biochemistry, G Protein Coupled Receptors. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518966/

Schmauder, R., Eick, T., Schulz, E., Günther Sammler, Voigt, E. M., Mayer, G., Ginter, H., Günter Ditze, & Klaus Benndorf. (2023). Fast functional mapping of ligand-gated ion channels. Communications Biology, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-05340-w

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This Discussion will allow you the opportunity to engage with your peers to explore the difference between ion channels and G proteins. You will be able to apply this understanding to a specific patient question. Additionally, please reply to your peers with additional information and sources to either support or challenge responses.

Peer Responses -Exploring Ion Channels vs. G Proteins- Collaborative Discussion and Patient Case Applications

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To prepare:

Review the Required Learning Resources.
Consider the difference between ion channels and G proteins.
BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 1
Post a response answering the following:

Explain the difference between ion channels and G proteins as they relate to signal transduction and targets of medications.
How would you answer the following patient question:
My grandmother has a mental illness. I have the same genes as her. Will I also get the same mental illness?
Note: Your response needs to be supported and validated by three (3) scholarly peer-reviewed resources located outside of your course Learning Resources.