Ion channels play a key role in regulating resting membrane potential and cell excitability and are attractive targets for therapeutic intervention.
Thallium (Tl+) flux assays, which measure the flow of Tl+ through potassium channels, offer a high throughput method for the identification of potassium channel activators. However, these assays are a surrogate for channel function and it is important to have an appropriate panel of orthogonal and translational electrophysiology assays in place to confirm activity at the channel of interest.
We developed a high-throughput, electrophysiological assay of TREK-1 function to identify novel modulators. The assay was optimized to identify both activators and inhibitors, providing comprehensive mechanistic data for high value, limited supply screening libraries, such as the venom fraction library used in this study (Targeted Venom Discovery Array, T-VDA, Venomtech, UK).
Scientifica’s PatchScope Pro is an integrated electrophysiology rig incorporating an inverted phase-contrast fluorescence microscope, motorised XY stage and PatchStar micromanipulators, suitable for patch-clamp recording.