Domainex and Metrion Biosciences have formed an alliance to identify new chemical hits against ion-channel targets. Key to this collaboration are Domainex’s experience in hit identification and Metrion Bioscience’s expertise in ion channel screening and pharmacology.
The transient receptor potential cation channel A1 (TRPA1) is a voltage-dependent non-selective cation channel. It is an established therapeutic target, antagonists of which may have utility in the treatment of pain and the management of chronic cough. Bautista et al¹ described TRPA1 as a “gatekeeper of chronic inflammatory disorders of the skin, airways, and gastrointestinal tract”.
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.