Issues

Cover picture: Some ion channels, including KCNQ channels shown here, are sensitive to cytoplasmic Mg²⁺ ions. The current decreases reversibly when cytoplasmic Mg²⁺ is raised and increases when it is lowered (left). The changes can be explained by a model in which Mg²⁺ and polycationic amines bind to plasma membrane PIP₂, decreasing the pool of free PIP₂ needed to keep KCNQ channels active (see article by Suh and Hille, 241–256).