It is a nonspecific cation channel, which means that both sodium and calcium ions can pass through it.
Further analysis will be necessary to determine whether this protein functions as a regulatable cation channel.
It is believed that rapid, mechanically gated cation channels are characteristic of all sensory neurons.
In addition a putative cation channel was identified in the center of the protein.
This process can be reversed via the activity of protein phosphatases, which act to dephosphorylate these cation channels.
This analysis suggests that MLC1 may be a cation channel.
ICK toxins are best known as blockers of cation channels.
These poorly selective cation channels conduct more current as the membrane potential becomes more negative, or hyperpolarized.