Lipid Rafts and Ion Channels

This lecture delves into the modulation of signaling by lipids and membrane domains, focusing on the role of lipid rafts in cellular membranes. It explores the impact of cholesterol on receptor affinity and localization, as well as the significance of lipid-rich domains in signaling pathways. The discussion extends to the structure and function of ligand-gated ion channels, particularly the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, highlighting their composition, location, and physiological relevance. The presentation also touches upon the intriguing world of conotoxins found in cone snail venom and the implications of studying ion channels in biology and biophysics.