The hERG gene encodes a potassium ion channel that is essential for repolarizing the cardiac action potential. Inhibition of this channel can prolong the QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG), leading to a condition called Torsades de Pointes (TdP), a potentially fatal arrhythmia.

I am currently studying Biomedical Sciences at the University of Manchester. Through my previous years of education, I enjoyed studying biology and engaging in practical experiments, particularly those with clinical relevance, which ultimately guided my degree selection.

The recent ICH E14/S7B Q&As have provided more clarity on the methodologies that should be employed when conducting a GLP hERG to support and IND filing for a novel clinical compound.

My 12 month industrial placement at Metrion Biosciences was a truly remarkable experience that has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Choosing to complete a placement year was a big decision for me which was made 100% worth it!

Two-pore domain K+ (K2P) channels are a family of four-pass transmembrane K+ channels that dimerise, as homomers or heteromers, to form a functional K+ channel complex capable of regulating membrane potential through a background K+ conductance.

Kv3.1 is a voltage-gated potassium channel encoded by the KCNC1 gene. At the recent SLAS EU meeting, we presented a poster to demonstrate how a cell line expressing the KCNC1 V434L mutation was generated and validated using biophysical and pharmacological methods, then used to screen approximately 6,800 compounds from The Broad Institute Repurposing Hub to identify inhibitors for potential use in the treatment of patients with this rare mutation.

By Alex Pinggera, Senior Scientist II, Metrion Biosciences

To enable the study of ion channels found on the lysosomal membrane we perform the lysosomal patch-clamp technique:

Cells are seeded out at a high density onto Poly-D-Lysine coated coverslips. This ensures that the cells are well adhered to the coverslip, and that they form a vast network, which facilitates easier slicing and extraction of the lysosomes from the cells.

By Steve Jenkinson, VP Drug Discovery and Safety Assessment, Metrion Biosciences

Our webinar 'In Vitro Assessment of Cardiac Risk in Drug Discovery' enabled attendees to learn how an hiPSC-CM model can help provide clear decision-making data for their project team, avoiding costly issues related to QTc and QRS cardiac liabilities in the clinic.