C-type inactivation in K⁺ channels is thought to be a result of constriction of the selectivity filter. By using MD simulations, Li et al. show that rapid constriction occurs within 1–2 s when the intracellular activation gate is fully open, but not when the gate is closed or partially open.

Singlet oxygen modifies several different proteins within cells. Idikuda et al. show that, in the case of the sea urchin hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide–gated channel, a histidine residue in S6 is essential for the abolition of voltage-dependent inactivation by singlet oxygen.

Despite extensive use in clinical practice, the mechanisms of propofol action on sodium channels are not fully understood. Yang et al. incorporate complementary biophysical approaches (electrophysiology and molecular dynamics simulations) to demonstrate that propofol inhibits two prokaryotic voltage-gated sodium channels, NaChBac and NavMs, by modulating both activation and inactivation gating.