Biological homeostasis is maintained via intact function of an array of molecules detecting changes of microenvironments inside and outside of the biological system. These molecules, including cell membrane proteins and ion channels, are intimately involved in a variety of sensory pathways and respond to environmental stimuli, including altered temperature, pH, mechanical and osmotic stress, intra- and extracellular messengers, as well as changes in energy consumption. The book reveals the state-of-the-science of several newly discovered ion channel families and their role in the...