Functional Characterization of Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels

The recognition process of voltage-gated potassium (K_v) channels has always been an important indicator of progress in the field of human ion channel research. Creative Bioarray is committed to providing clients with the characterization of K_v channels, including structural analysis, electrophysiological characterization, and biochemical and functional analysis, providing important information for research in the field of the pathogenesis of K_v channel-mediated diseases.

Background

K_v channels widely exist in many excitable and non-excitable cell membranes and are involved in the release of cell electrical impulses and endocrine regulation. Furthermore, the K_v channel is also an important hot research field in the process of drug research and development. Among ion channels relevant to human disease, K_v channels (K_v 1–12) constitute the largest and most diverse superfamily in terms of their structure, expression profiles, gating kinetics, pharmacology, and associated phenotypes.

Numerous studies have shown that genetic variants encoding K_v channels are associated with a wide range of neurological disorders, including epilepsy, episodic ataxia or paroxysmal dyskinesia, long or short QT syndrome, and intellectual disability. Therefore, K_v channels have great therapeutic potential in the treatment of these diseases and pain management. An in-depth study of the physiological functional properties and structural basis of these ion channels will help to elucidate the mechanisms of disease formation mediated by K_v channels, thereby accelerating the development of novel ion channel drug formulations.

Fig. 1 Comparison of whole cell K_v currents in cells that have different sensitivity to 4-AP. (Ko, 2007)

Our Services

Given the importance of K_v channels in neuronal physiology, we have developed multiple methods, such as whole cell patch clamp recording, to help clients detect and characterize the function of K_v channels in neurons, thereby establishing a developmental link between neuronal maturation and K_v channel functions. Our technique is applicable to a variety of samples, such as primary rat cortical neurons.

• We used an automated patch-clamp technique to record K_v currents in isolated neurons at different culture time points and quantified K_v channel mRNA expression levels in neurons over time to help clients assess the potential relationship between K_v channel function and neurodevelopment in vitro.
• We characterize the biophysical and pharmacological properties of K_v channels in neurons by plotting the average population concentration-response curves of K_v currents blocked by various K_v blockers.

The characterization services we provide are not limited to neurons, but also can be extended to the functional analysis of K_v channels in pancreatic cancer stem cells, pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, neural progenitor cells, etc. According to the specific scientific research needs of customers and the samples provided, we will formulate the best experimental scheme to accelerate the completion of the project.

Applications

The functional characterization services we provide are expected to accelerate the research of K_v channels in many aspects.

• Study on physiological functions of K_v channels
• Study on the pathogenesis of K_v channel-mediated diseases
• Development of precision therapies for the patients with K_v channel disorders

Creative Bioarray focuses on developing a series of functional characterization services for voltage-gated ion channels to meet clients' extensive scientific needs in ion channel research. Our advanced technical support and professional scientific services will provide you with new insights into the pathogenesis of K_v channel malfunction-related diseases, and facilitate the screening of drug candidates and the exploration of new chemicals. If you are interested in our services, please contact us for more details.

Reference

1. Ko, E. A.; et al. Functional characterization of voltage-gated K+ channels in mouse pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 2007, 293(3): C928-C937.