Key result
Microscopic Brownian and molecular dynamics models outperform macroscopic continuum models for membrane ion transport.
Why the study?
Macroscopic continuum models inadequately describe ion transport through cell membrane channels due to ion interactions and channel dynamics not being accounted for.
Theoretical models of ion transport through cell membranes must account for ion-ion and ion-protein interactions, favoring microscopic dynamics over macroscopic continuum models.
Questions PNP models for cardiac ion channels; leaves open discrete interaction frameworks for electrophysiology.
We discuss various models of ion transport through cell membrane channels. Recent experimental data shows that sizes of ion channels are compared to those of ions and that only few ions may be simultaneously in any single channel. Theoretical description of ion transport in such channels should therefore take into account interactions between ions and between ions and channel proteins. This is not satisfied by macroscopic continuum models based on Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations. More realistic descriptions of ion transport are offered by microscopic Brownian and molecular dynamics. One should also take into account a dynamical character of the channel structure. This is not yet addressed in the literature
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Gomułkiewicz et al. (2007) conducted a review in Ion transport through cell membrane channels. Theoretical models of ion transport was evaluated. Macroscopic continuum models are insufficient for describing ion transport in cell membrane channels, requiring more realistic microscopic Brownian and molecular dynamics models.
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