Assignment Task:
Respond by supporting or expanding on their explanation, as well as how they have described their response to the patient.
Peer responses should include at least two (2) supporting scholarly, peer-reviewed references. Your responses should also include additional resources to either support or refute the responses and should demonstrate critical thinking.
Ion channels and G proteins play essential roles in signal transduction of ligands. Specifically, as medication targets, they differ in mechanism and target-ability. Ion channels are specific to the ion that is allowed to enter the cell, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride. When a medication targets an ion channel, it binds to the receptors, and the channel opens up to allow those specific ions to enter the cell. Following this, the cell's electrical potential shifts and can either inhibit or activate many intracellular processes (Kaczorowski et al., 2008). Since ion channel targeted medications are redundant and are more difficult to produce than G protein targeted medications, they are less popular by manufacturers (Raines et al., 2022). G-protein-coupled-receptors (GPCRs) on the other hand are transmembrane transducers, as it takes the ligand signals and transports it to the G protein located inside of the cell (Raines et al., 2022). It then has the ability to activate ion channels from inside the cell. The issue with GPCRs lies within genomics and the alteration of genes, leading to mutations. When there is a genomic mutation, drug resistance can occur within the receptor sites. All in all, GPCRs are the more popular variety of pharmacological agents, however, some ion channel targeted medications are stead fast in results.
Response to Patient's Question
In response to the question regarding genetics influencing the development of mental illness, I would explain to the patient that while the familial history of mental illness can increase her risk, it is not specific to the illness and would require the interaction of many genes to manifest (Hyman, n.d.). I would also explain that there are many factors that contribute to the develop. Need Assignment Help?