Gatedannelsen

Gatedannelsen is a term used in theoretical biology to describe the process by which gated channels are formed and become functional in a cell membrane. The concept covers the biogenesis, assembly of subunits, insertion into the lipid bilayer, and the conformational changes that enable channel gating.

Origin and scope: The word combines elements meaning gate and formation, and it appears primarily in speculative or interdisciplinary discussions aiming to unify diverse gating mechanisms under a single framework. It is not a standard term in mainstream textbooks, and its usage varies among researchers.

Process and mechanism: In the model, channel proteins are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum, assisted by chaperones to fold correctly, and assemble into oligomeric complexes. These complexes are trafficked to the plasma membrane where they become integrated into the lipid bilayer. Gatedannelsen describes how gating domains acquire functional states in response to stimuli such as changes in voltage, ligand binding, or mechanical force, shifting the pore between closed and open conformations. Subunit interactions and allosteric transitions are considered central to coupling sensor elements to the pore.

Applications and critique: Proponents argue that the concept helps unify various gating phenomena and can inform drug targeting and synthetic biology. Critics note that the term can be vague and may obscure specific structural or mechanistic details, limiting its usefulness outside theoretical discussions.

See also: ion channel, voltage-gated ion channel, ligand-gated ion channel, mechanosensitive channel, channel biogenesis.