News

KCNQ2 variants are a significant cause of early-onset epilepsy in children, with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations and outcomes. These variants can lead to diverse phenotypes, ranging from self-limited familial neonatal epilepsy (SLFNE), characterized by good developmental outcomes, to severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) associated with profound global disability. Recent research has focused […]

While SCN2A variants are known to cause a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders, it looks like the full extent of SCN2A-related conditions remains to be fully clarified. A recent study has uncovered a significant association between rare SCN2A variants and malformation of cortical development (MCD) in patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). The researchers identified […]

Scientists from Sanofi and Axxam have developed two novel high-throughput screening (HTS) assays for GLUT9/SLC2A9, a crucial urate transporter, advancing the field of drug discovery for hyperuricemia and gout treatment. GLUT9 plays a vital role in urate homeostasis, being the sole transporter of reabsorbed urate from renal epithelial cells to blood. Elevated serum urate levels […]

In his third preclinical ion channel drug discovery blog, Marc Rogers explores the evolution of antibodies as ion channel modulators, highlighting breakthroughs in monoclonal antibodies, nanobodies, and antibody-toxin chimeras across immunology, cardiology, neuroscience, and oncology. Key case studies include Kv, Nav, Cav, TRP channels, and GPCR targets revealed through manual and automated patch clamp technologies​.

At Nanion Technologies, the holiday season is a time to reflect, express gratitude, and give back. For several years, we’ve chosen to focus on making a positive impact on our natural and social environments by supporting non-profit organizations. Our hope is that these actions inspire others to reflect on their blessings and support local communities, […]

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the deadliest brain cancers, with limited advancements in treatments over the past 30 years. Current therapies have not significantly improved survival rates, necessitating new therapeutic strategies. In this regard, ion channels, increasingly implicated in tumorigenesis, represent a potential target for drug repurposing due to the availability of numerous approved ion […]

Artificial cells, often created by encapsulating protein expression systems in lipid vesicles, have shown great potential for mimicking living cell processes. However, for these cells to communicate with their environment, protein translocation across lipid membranes must take place. In natural cells, this process is carried out by complex systems that are difficult to reproduce in […]

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) affects an estimated 65 million people globally, with many experiencing cardiovascular symptoms (CVS) that persist long after the initial infection. The cause of PASC-CVS remains elusive, but growing evidence suggests a link to chronic inflammation. A recent study investigated the role of chronic inflammation in PASC-CVS and its potential impact […]

Although originally designed for drug discovery, high-throughput automated patch clamp (APC) systems are increasingly used in academia, particularly for studying ion channel variants. Nevertheless, many academic researchers still think these systems are overkill for their needs – especially when facing limited cell availability or tight budgets. So, does this mean that academic labs should miss […]

The mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier is essential for cellular energy production by exchanging ADP and ATP across the mitochondrial inner membrane. However, a fundamental question has long puzzled researchers: How does this carrier import negatively charged ADP against a strong membrane potential while exporting ATP? Mitochondria maintain a membrane potential of about 180 mV, which is […]

In our previous post, we discussed ion channels and transporters, exploring their differences in speed, energy requirements, and structure. But ion channels and transporters, though distinct, often work together in remarkable ways that go beyond their individual roles. Moreover, some transporters exhibit hybrid transporter-channel characteristics, blurring the line between channels and transporters. For example, in […]

Clay Armstrong once said, “…ion channels are the most important single class of proteins that exist in the human body…” To him, they were the key players – without them, our nerves couldn’t fire, our muscles wouldn’t contract, and our brains wouldn’t think. Ron Kaback, however, had a different take. “Ion channels? Just boring holes […]

The SLC17 family of transporters plays crucial roles in the body. Some members, such as VGLUTs, help accumulate neurotransmitters in secretory vesicles. Others, like Sialin, remove carboxylated monosaccharides from lysosomes, while some assist the kidneys and liver in eliminating organic anions. Despite decades of research, the mechanisms underlying SLC17 organic anion transport remain poorly understood. […]

The 70 kDa Heat Shock Protein (Hsp70) chaperones are critical components of the cell’s protein quality control system, playing key roles in protein folding, translocation, and disaggregation. Proteins synthesized in the cytoplasm rely on Hsp70 chaperones to move through specialized membrane channels/pores into organelles. Despite their well-established functions, the exact physical mechanism by which Hsp70 […]

LYCHOS (LYsosomal CHOlesterol Signalling) is an important human protein located in the lysosomal membrane and acting as a cholesterol sensor. LYCHOS transduces cholesterol levels into activation of mTORC1 signalling, thereby regulating cellular metabolism and growth. Despite its significance, the structural basis of how LYCHOS assembles and operates has remained elusive. In a recent study published […]

Why are some antibiotics more effectively absorbed in the body than others, even within the same class? Beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins, are among the most widely used drugs to combat bacterial infections. However, their effectiveness depends not only on their ability to kill bacteria but also on how well they are absorbed […]

The voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 plays a critical role in transmitting pain signals in nociceptive neurons. Genetic mutations in Nav1.7 can lead to various pain disorders, including extreme pain conditions and congenital insensitivity to pain. Despite its importance, targeting Nav1.7 for pain treatment has proven difficult due to its structural similarity with other sodium channel […]

The ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1) is a critical calcium release channel in skeletal muscle cells, essential for muscle contraction. Malfunction or dysregulation of RyR1 can lead to severe muscle disorders, including malignant hyperthermia (MH) – a life-threatening reaction to certain volatile anesthetics, which presumably bind and bias RyR1 to an open state, causing uncontrolled calcium […]

Ion gradients are crucial for maintaining cellular processes, fueling essential functions such as nutrient transport, metabolism, and energy production. Synthetic or artificial cells, like their biological counterparts, also require a sustainable energy source to drive these functions. However, previous attempts to power synthetic cells have struggled to maintain long-term energy production. In a recent study […]

Pufferfish poisoning poses a serious threat to human health, with numerous incidents reported worldwide. The toxicity of pufferfish is primarily attributed to tetrodotoxins (TTXs) and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), both of which are potent blockers of voltage-gated sodium channels. However, the toxicity profiles of individual TTX analogues and the presence of PSTs in certain pufferfish […]

Current treatments for pain and inflammation, such as opioids and NSAIDs, are associated with dependency and adverse side effects. The opioid crisis, characterized by the misuse of opioids, particularly synthetic variants like fentanyl and tramadol, has led to a significant number of deaths, underscoring the urgency to develop alternative pain management strategies. Similarly, the long-term […]

The field of synthetic membrane nanopores has long sought to replicate the sophisticated functions of biological ion channels and pores. However, researchers have faced significant challenges in creating stable, large-lumen nanopores with tunable properties. Traditional synthetic nanopores, despite their applications in biosensing, sequencing, and synthetic cells, suffer from limitations such as fixed pore sizes and […]

In his second preclinical ion channel drug discovery blog, Marc Rogers gives a comprehensive review of how the explosion in patient genetic screening and need to profile the thousands of novel channelopathy mutations is being met by the ability of high throughput automated patch clamp to rapidly characterise their biophysical and pharmacological properties, and thereby […]

Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) serve as model systems for studying membrane behavior, offering insights into processes such as membrane deformation, cargo transport, and vesicle fusion. However, achieving precise control over these processes in synthetic systems remains challenging. The ability to programmatically remodel lipid membranes and GUVs in a controlled and reversible manner is a significant […]

The immune system has been identified to play a significant role in the development and maintenance of many cardiac disorders. Autoantibodies against specific cardiac ion channels have been detected in plasma from patients with arrhythmic disorders such as atrial fibrillation. It is thought that this novel mechanism may impart drastic changes on ion channel function, […]

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an autosomal dominant cardiac disorder. It is commonly associated with loss of function mutations in the SCN5A gene, encoding the cardiac voltage gated sodium channel. BrS-associated SCN5A variants can therefore lead to reduced cardiac excitability and conduction velocity, often resulting in patients experiencing abnormal cardiac rhythms, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac […]

Understanding the relationship between cellular senescence and cancer is crucial in developing innovative treatments for age-related diseases and cancer. Ageing, cellular growth and cancer development appear to be different processes, but they may have common origins. Cellular senescence is a state of permanent cell cycle arrest accompanied by a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), macromolecular damage, […]

Inherited long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an autosomal dominant cardiac disorder that can lead to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. It is associated with mutations in several genes, including KCNH2, which encodes the KV11.1 potassium channel crucial for cardiac repolarization. Diagnosing LQTS is challenging due to its highly variable presentation, incomplete penetrance, and dynamic changes […]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia, affecting millions and increasing the risk of heart failure, stroke, and death. Genetic studies have identified various loci and rare variants associated with AF, particularly in cardiac ion channels and myocardial structural proteins like myosin heavy chain 6, myosin light chain 4, and titin. […]

Solid-supported membrane-based electrophysiology (SSME) has evolved into an accessible and convenient technology for measuring electrogenic membrane transport, offering advantages in reproducibility, time resolution, and quantitative analysis. This technique relies on capacitive coupling between membrane fragments or reconstituted proteoliposomes and the solid-supported membrane (SSM). Due to their capacitive, transient nature, the electrical signals recorded with SSME […]

Translating drug efficacy and safety findings from healthy to diseased states remains a significant challenge in drug development. Traditional animal models or healthy human cells often fall short in accurately predicting clinical outcomes, necessitating the development of patient-centric models. The advent of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has revolutionized this field, offering a means […]

Transport proteins from the small multidrug resistance (SMR) family play a crucial role in protecting bacteria from a wide range of quaternary ammonium antiseptics (QACs), which are commonly used in antibacterial hand soaps and cleaning solutions. However, the exact molecular mechanisms behind their ability to transport such a diverse array of substances have been unclear. […]

Peptidomimetics, synthetic molecules designed to mimic the structure and function of peptides, offer promising avenues for therapeutic applications. These molecules can be engineered to interact with biological systems in specific ways, such as targeting DNA structures or forming transmembrane channels. One area of particular interest is their potential to treat cancer by stabilizing G-quadruplex (G4) […]

Cardiac toxicity testing is crucial in the drug development process to ensure the safety of new pharmaceutical compounds. The Comprehensive in-vitro Pro-arrhythmia Assay (CiPA) initiative aims to improve the prediction of drug-induced arrhythmias by integrating multiple data sources, including hERG channel assays, to assess the proarrhythmic risk of drugs. Given the risks associated with hERG […]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia associated with high mortality and morbidity. Even though we’ve made progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind AF, treating it remains challenging. A recent study presented new data showing that targeting intracellular calcium buffering mechanisms might be a promising way to manage AF. It has been known […]

Immuno-oncology represents a groundbreaking shift in cancer treatment by harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Unlike traditional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation, which can damage healthy cells, immuno-oncology aims to enhance the immune system’s natural ability to detect and destroy cancer cells, offering a more targeted and potentially less toxic approach. […]

GABA transporter 1 (GAT1) is a critical component in the central nervous system, responsible for the reuptake of GABA from the synaptic cleft back into presynaptic neurons. By controlling GABA levels, GAT1 influences neuronal excitability and overall network activity, playing a key role in the balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain. Dysfunctions in […]

In their recent book chapter in “Potassium Channels: Methods and Protocols,” Ciria C. Hernandez, Luis E. Gimenez, and Roger D. Cone describe a very interesting application of Automated Patch Clamp (APC) technology to advance the study of GPCR-gated ion channels and accelerate the discovery of biased modulators of GPCRs. GPCRs are critical drug targets due […]

Cell line maintenance and cell preparation for both conventional and high-throughput patch-clamping remain manual tasks and represent the bottleneck for the kinetic screening of ion channels, in particular voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs). In their recent book chapter, Emmanuelle Logette and Rajnish Ranjan address this bottleneck by introducing a new approach that significantly enhances the efficiency […]

Epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS) is a rare, severe epileptic disorder characterized by early onset seizures resistant to standard treatments. EIMFS is associated with mutations in the KCNT1 gene, which encodes the sodium-activated potassium channel SLACK (KNa1.1, Slo2.2). SLACK channels regulate neural excitability, playing a key role in afterhyperpolarization (AHP) following neural […]

Following their discovery of the inner workings of a unique voltage-gated transporter, SLC9C1, in sperm, David Drew’s lab continues to delight us with their remarkable findings. This time, the focus is on the K+ efflux transporter KefC. Potassium homeostasis is crucial for the survival of bacteria as it is involved in fundamental cellular processes, such […]

Myocarditis, a severe condition characterized by heart inflammation and impaired cardiac function, is a common cause of sudden cardiac death and heart transplants among young people. This condition can be triggered by both genetic and environmental factors, including viral infections and reactions to vaccinations. Recently, mutations in the DSP (desmoplakin) gene have been identified as […]

Transporters are vital for numerous cellular functions, from nutrient uptake and waste removal to maintaining ion balance and facilitating signal transduction. They are indispensable for cell survival and overall organismal health and are implicated in numerous diseases. Despite their importance, the functional characterization of transporters has been hampered by technical challenges and high costs associated […]

As children, many of us loved reading stories about the adventures of indigenous South American Indians, vividly depicted in novels like James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans. These stories sparked our imaginations and took us on thrilling journeys through unexplored landscapes. Living in constant warfare with other tribes or colonizers, the South American […]

The global health community is increasingly alarmed by the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These resilient strains pose significant threats to public health, leading to infections that are difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a prime example, known for causing severe infections in hospitals and communities alike. The urgent need for […]

What a beautiful day today! The sun is shining, and a nice breeze is blowing in your face. You are peacefully sitting on a bench in the park, reading through the latest news on ion channels and transporters. Everything is great, calm, and quiet. Suddenly, someone from behind runs up to you and loudly shouts, […]

Millions of years ago, certain retroviruses integrated their genetic material into our ancestors’ genomes. Instead of causing harm, these viral genes have been co-opted to perform critical functions in human biology. Two such genes originating from ancient retroviruses now encode for human syncytin-1 and suppressyn proteins, which play crucial roles in cell-cell fusion at the […]

Plants have a remarkable ability to grow/bend toward the light, a phenomenon known as phototropism. This adaptive trait allows plants to maximize their exposure to sunlight, which is essential for their survival and growth through photosynthesis. Interestingly, at the heart of this process are the auxin transporters, which facilitate the movement of the hormone auxin […]

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A), also known as Botox, is widely used in cosmetic dermatology, prized for its ability to temporarily relax facial muscles and give the skin a smoother, more youthful appearance. But beyond its use in cosmetics, BoNT/A also treats various medical conditions including chronic migraines, cervical dystonia, strabismus, hyperhidrosis, and neuropathic pain. […]

Hello to all ion channel aficionados, Star Wars enthusiasts and space explorers. It’s May 4th – the long-awaited Star Wars Day. And before you dive into rewatching your favorite moments of this iconic saga, let us ask you a question: Do you think the incredible powers of Jedi in Star Wars are purely science fiction, […]

The potential of immunotherapy has sparked immense interest and investment in research, as it holds the promise of more effective and personalized cancer therapies. But what differentiates this type of therapy from others? Immunotherapy enhances or modifies the immune system’s natural ability to identify and eliminate cancer cells. Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, […]

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are an effective tool for drug screening and modeling patient-specific diseases in a laboratory setting. They offer a sustainable alternative to primary human cardiomyocytes, bypassing the ethical and supply issues associated with these cells. However, a major limitation is that hiPSC-CMs often exhibit immature characteristics that resemble fetal […]

May 1st might be widely recognized as International Workers’ Day, but there’s another, perhaps more colorful, side to this date. Known also as May Day, it carries deep historical and cultural connections to flowers and the joys of spring. In many European places, people really get into the spirit of spring on this day. They […]

Do you like pretzels? We sure do. Nanion is a German company, and our headquarters is in Munich, where pretzels are more than just a snack. So yes, we do love pretzels, and since today is Pretzel Day, we thought we’d tell you a story about this tasty and twisty treat. Have you ever wondered […]

Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into various cell types under the influence of signaling pathways such as BMP4, Nodal, and Wnt/β-catenin. These pathways can be pharmacologically modulated to achieve in vitro differentiation into specific cell types. However, variations in cell line responses and the complexity of signaling interactions pose challenges in achieving consistent and efficient […]

In his pre-clinical drug discovery blog, Marc Rogers provides expert insights on how CBD, found in marijuana, may affect ion channels, explaining its therapeutic potential, as highlighted in recent literature and drug discovery efforts.   After academic research as a neuroscientist and 20 years of commercial ion channel drug discovery, Marc Rogers now works as […]

Humans have an intriguing penchant for consuming what nature intended as deterrents. Chili peppers, horseradish, some toxic mushrooms, and that wild fugu fish… people just love all these. And it’s kind of funny because nature made these things hot or dangerous to keep animals away, but here we are, not just eating but actually enjoying […]

The presence of marine toxins in our oceans and seas is escalating, posing significant risks to public health. These toxins accumulate in seafood and can cause severe intoxications if consumed. Among these, tetrodotoxin (TTX) is particularly notorious. Found in pufferfish and certain shellfish, TTX is highly potent and responsible for numerous poisoning incidents globally. Traditional […]

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow and is commonly treated with drugs known as BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Nilotinib, one such TKI, is recognized for its effectiveness against CML, but it is also associated with a concerning side effect: 23.5% of patients taking nilotinib […]

Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) is a familiar over-the-counter medication widely used for relieving pain and reducing fever. Interestingly, despite its widespread use, its exact mode of action is still not fully understood. Traditionally, it was believed that paracetamol’s primary mechanism of action involved inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is also targeted by nonsteroidal […]

Cancer continues to be a major challenge in healthcare. Its complex nature, coupled with the ability of various cancer types to resist existing treatments, has led to a relentless search for new anticancer drugs, with researchers looking everywhere, including nature, for potential solutions. A recent study has introduced new data to this search, highlighting the […]

At the beginning of each month, we get the chance to enjoy another seminar from the SGP EpIC Seminar Series. It’s a fantastic series organized by Jelena Baranovic, Osama Haraz, Conor McClenaghan, Lejla Zubcevic, and Gregory Malar, featuring great speakers and engaging, informative talks. Highly recommended for anyone interested in electrophysiology and ion channels. This […]

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated sodium channels widely expressed in various tissues, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. ASICs play crucial roles in numerous physiological processes, such as pain sensation, fear conditioning, synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Additionally, they have been implicated in several pathological conditions, including neurodegeneration (e.g., Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s) and ischemic […]

Easter is coming! Across the globe, many people are gearing up to celebrate this cherished holiday. It’s a time for families to gather, enjoy festive meals, and participate in joint activities. One of the most beloved Easter traditions, especially for children, is the Easter Egg Hunt. But beyond this, a few other activities are quite […]

Drosophila melanogaster continues to be a goldmine of discovery. In a recent study, researchers at EPFL have unveiled how a family of stress-induced proteins, known as the Turandots, protect the Drosophila respiratory system from its own immune self-attack, specifically against its own antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). AMPs are small, cationic, and typically amphipathic peptides that play […]

Yesterday, in honor of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, we wrote a blog article about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ion channels (see here: Multiple sclerosis and ion channels). Today, we’d like to spotlight a recent study on the discovery of new compounds with the potential to become novel remyelinating therapeutics for MS. As we discussed in […]

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the myelin, which enwraps neuronal axons and is crucial for the saltatory propagation of electrical impulses along nerve fibers. This disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading […]

Today is World Water Day, and considering that about 60% of our body is pure water, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk a bit about water (and channels, of course) on this special day. Water is indispensable to life as we know it. Beyond being the unsung hero in our morning coffee or […]

Candida albicans is a fungus that is a common member of the human body’s microbiota. In healthy individuals, it resides on the skin and inside the mouth, throat, gut, and genital areas, where it forms part of the normal microbial community. However, under certain conditions, such as a weakened immune system or disturbances in the […]

Yesterday, on Global Recycling Day, was a good moment to reflect more on protecting our environment and embracing the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. And when we think about reusing and recycling in the cellular context, what first comes to mind? Of course, it’s autophagy, a cellular process in which the cell degrades and recycles its […]

Today is World Sleep Day, and we thought it’s the perfect occasion to explore some intriguing facts related to sleep and ion channels, especially through the lens of Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece movie “Inception.” In “Inception,” Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio’s character) and his team navigate through layers of dreams, engaging in spectacular heists and battles, all […]

In analytical chemistry and biosensing, there’s a constant search for better ways to quickly and accurately analyze complex biological samples. Traditional techniques, such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), spectrophotometry, and mass spectrometry, have been the cornerstone of analytical practices for decades. However, these methods often fall short in the direct and rapid analysis of complex […]

Metformin is the main first-line treatment for type II diabetes, prescribed to millions of people worldwide. But have you ever wondered what happens after it’s done its job in patients? Surprisingly, metformin and its metabolites, including guanylurea, are among the most prevalent anthropogenic chemical pollutants in wastewater globally, reaching microM concentrations. These compounds are not […]

Horses have played a crucial role in human history, impacting various areas of our lives. Before the advent of modern vehicles, horses were the primary means of transportation for people and goods. They were also vital for delivering messages and significantly contributed to farming by enabling more efficient cultivation of land. Horses have been integral […]

Plant propagation stands as a cornerstone practice in agriculture, essential for cultivating the diversity of crops. This age-old practice involves creating new plants from existing specimens, ensuring the continuation and multiplication of species and varieties. Propagation techniques span from the simple sowing of seeds to sophisticated methods like grafting, stem cuttings, and tissue culture. Each […]

February 24 is SCN2A Awareness Day, and it’s a prime opportunity to spotlight the SCN2A gene, infamous for its association with a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as epilepsy and autism. SCN2A encodes the neuronal voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) NaV1.2, which is widely expressed throughout the central nervous system but not in peripheral tissues. More […]

Today, we’re celebrating a giant of science – Alessandro Volta. His legacy is something we engage with daily, albeit often unconsciously. Every time we discuss voltage-gated ion channels, use a voltage clamp, or analyze volt-ampere curves, we’re walking in the footsteps of Volta. The very term “volt,” as fundamental to the field of electrophysiology as […]

Nowadays, it seems like many people are on a mission to look picture-perfect, influenced by the glossy ideals of beauty shown everywhere in modern society. Magazines and social media platforms actively endorse various procedures to attain and sustain the elusive notion of perfection. Non-surgical procedures such as Botox injections have garnered attention for their ability […]

Left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) poses significant challenges in clinical management due to its association with arrhythmias and heart failure. The underlying molecular mechanisms of ventricular arrhythmias in LVNC patients remain elusive, and there is no special treatment for LVNC. Some previous studies have pointed out that mutations or abnormalities in the SCN5A gene (encoding […]

One of the most fascinating aspects of human physiology is the ability of our hearts to beat autonomously, without any external stimuli. At the core of this process is the heart’s natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node, which has the ability to generate electrical impulses autonomously, thanks to the special properties of its pacemaker cells. […]

For decades, the addition of fluoride to internal solutions in patch clamp assays, both manual and automated, has been a standard practice to enhance seal resistance and extend the duration of recordings. In manual patch clamping, fluoride has been routinely used when studying voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels, ensuring high seal resistance, crucial for accurate voltage […]

When we think of animals that can withstand a battle against venomous snakes, our minds might not immediately picture the small, spiny hedgehog. Known for their adorable appearance and quirky charm, hedgehogs are rarely, if ever, considered as the superheroes of the animal kingdom (except maybe the brave blue speedster, Sonic the Hedgehog, from the […]

Cardiac safety testing is a pivotal aspect of drug development, ensuring that new therapeutics don’t inadvertently harm the heart. A key player in this arena is the rapid delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr), mediated by the hERG channel, crucial for cardiac repolarization. Testing drug interference with hERG function is an integral part of the comprehensive […]

National Fun at Work Day is an annual celebration that encourages us to bring a little extra joy into our work lives. It reminds us that the workplace doesn’t have to be all serious and stressful; there’s room for laughter and enjoyment. Our mood and mental health play a significant role in our productivity and […]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting over 33 million patients worldwide. It increases the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, and requires therapy. Despite recent advances, current treatments have variable efficacy, in part because existing AF models do not fully recapitulate the real, AF-susceptible cellular substrate. The main challenge […]

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, a time to highlight the vital role of the thyroid gland in our body’s health. Resembling a butterfly and nestled in the neck, the thyroid is key to regulating our metabolism. It produces hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which govern metabolic processes vital to our survival—from regulating heart […]

Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs) have consistently been a focal point of scientific interest due to their integral role in neuronal excitability and pain transmission. Among these, NaV1.8 (SCN10A), a channel specifically expressed in peripheral nociceptors, has emerged as a compelling target for novel analgesic development. Gain-of-function mutations in SCN10A are associated with increased pain sensation […]

It’s a chilly day here in Munich, the kind of day that begs for the warm embrace of a steaming cup of tea. Especially since today we celebrate Hot Tea Day. So, let’s wrap our hands around our favorite mugs and explore how certain compounds in tea can influence ion channels in our bodies. Whether […]

Among the earliest branches of the tree of life are two groups of microscopic organisms: Bacteria and Archaea. Initially grouped together as Prokaryotes due to their lack of a defined nucleus, these two groups share some fundamental biochemistry, but differ significantly in several key aspects including cell walls, DNA replication machineries, DNA packing structures, and […]

Today is January 5, and it happens to be National Bird Day. Sounds a bit like Birthday, doesn’t it? And who doesn’t enjoy celebrating birthdays! So, let’s take a few minutes to celebrate our feathered friends (not without tying in ion channels, of course). Birds are actually quite important to us. These living descendants of […]

Proteins play a crucial role in various cellular functions, from providing structural support to catalyzing chemical reactions. Following their synthesis, many proteins undergo a series of biochemical transformations that increase their complexity and functionality. These transformations, known as Post-Translational Modifications (PTMs), are critical for regulating protein activity, structure, localization, and interactions. For instance, phosphorylation can […]

To celebrate Christmas this year, we decided to gift everyone in the world by donating to The Ocean Cleanup. You know how we all love the ocean for its beaches, fresh and salty air, and waves lapping rhythmically against the shore. Rarely, though, do we think that those waves are not just carrying seashells but […]

Over the past decade, optogenetics has emerged as a major driver of progress in the life sciences. This technique, which involves controlling cellular behavior using a combination of genetic engineering and light, has opened new horizons in both research and therapeutic applications. Multiple clinical trials using optogenetic approaches to treat various diseases are currently in […]

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a complex, genetic cardiac disorder, leading to lethal arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The pathophysiology of ACM is closely linked to mutations in desmosomal genes, particularly the PKP2 gene, which encodes for the plakophilin-2 protein, a known desmosome stabilizer. Mutations in the PKP2 gene lead to reduced plakophilin-2 protein levels in […]

Just a couple of days ago, many of us woke up to find chocolates and gingerbread left by St. Nicholas. Now, as we’re finishing the last of these delicious treats (some of us couldn’t even resist enjoying them during meetings), let’s explore the intriguing science behind what makes them so irresistibly tasty. After all, it’s […]

Voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) play a central role in generating and transmitting nerve signals. In humans, there are nine Nav subtypes (Nav1.1 to Nav1.9) which, to a large extent, share amino acid sequences but localize differently, suggesting specialized functions. The first member of the Nav family, Nav1.1, is predominantly expressed in inhibitory neurons, tuning down […]

When we think of blood groups, the familiar A, B, O, and AB categories, along with the Rh factor, often come to mind. However, the world of blood groups is far more complex and diverse than these primary types. In fact, the International Society of Blood Transfusion now recognizes 45 blood group systems comprising 360 […]

Traditionally, nanopore research relies on electrical measurements to study the passage of materials, and these methods have been instrumental in understanding how various chemical species, including ions, small molecules, and polymers, interact with nanopores. However, it appears there are situations when certain molecules pass through nanopores without producing any detectable electrical signature, thus leaving no […]

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children, poses a significant challenge in pediatric oncology due to its aggressive metastatic behavior and drug resistance. Despite many advancements, RMS, especially in its advanced stages, lacks effective therapeutic strategies. The rarity of this disease (approximately 350 cases per year in North America) does not help […]

Malignant Migrating Partial Seizure of Infancy (MMPSI) is a severe, rare form of infantile epilepsy characterized by pharmacoresistant seizures and significant cognitive impairments. This devastating neurological disorder typically manifests within the first six months of life, often leading to profound developmental delays and, in 25% of cases, mortality within the first year. Sadly, to date, […]

Brugada Syndrome (BrS) is a rare, inherited cardiac arrhythmia often leading to syncope or cardiac arrest due to ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Primarily affecting young individuals without apparent heart structural issues, BrS can lead to fatal outcomes, often striking unexpectedly during rest or sleep. The hallmark of BrS is an abnormal ST segment elevation on […]

β-adrenergic receptor antagonists (β-blockers) are common medications for heart diseases like hypertension and heart failure. One of these β-blockers, carvedilol, has proven particularly effective in the treatment of heart failure, although the mechanisms responsible for this are controversial. Similar to other β-blockers, the primary action of carvedilol is to counter the excessive stimulating effects of […]

The importance of being able to quickly and accurately analyse cellular behaviour cannot be overstated. There are many key areas where this field of research makes the most vital difference today (and countless applications within each). Let us highlight some of them.     The first is biomedical research where the study of cells contributes […]

The discovery of PIEZO channels in 2010 marked a turning point in mechanobiology research, leading numerous teams to study the role of these channels in various physiological and pathological processes. Since then, numerous publications have confirmed the key role of PIEZO channels in mechanosensitivity across species. Dysfunctions in Piezo1 and Piezo2 have been found to […]

For years, the chloride intracellular channel protein 6 (CLIC6) has been a protein of mystery. Recognized for its association with various cancers and interactions with dopamine receptors, CLIC6’s role as an ion channel remained elusive, with conflicting evidence from different studies. CLIC6 is part of the distinctive family of non-canonical chloride intracellular channels (CLICs) exhibiting […]

There are probably no people in the world nowadays who haven’t heard about the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, an abbreviation for “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.” This global pandemic, which began in 2019, has claimed millions of lives and disrupted the socio-economic fabric of societies worldwide. The capacity of SARS-CoV-2 […]

Efficient and targeted sperm motility is crucial for the reproductive success of animals. To regulate their motility, sperm cells utilize a highly conserved signaling pathway involving several steps: hyperpolarization of the flagellar membrane, alkalinization of the sperm cytosol, increased cAMP production, and subsequent activation of the CatSper Ca2+ channel driving chemotaxis. In this pathway, alkalinization […]

Plants, like all organisms, require energy to grow. They obtain this energy by converting light into a usable chemical form through photosynthesis, producing carbohydrates such as sucrose. This sucrose, the primary product of photosynthesis, is then transported to non-photosynthetic sink organs (e.g., flowers, seeds, and roots) to support their growth and development. Efficient transport of […]

Cannabis, often referred to as marijuana, has been utilized by humans for thousands of years for medical purposes … and beyond. You’ve probably heard of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, that same well-known psychoactive component of marijuana that makes people feel ‘high’) and cannabidiol (CBD), a major phytocannabinoid which has proven to be such an effective anticonvulsant that […]

The aquatic environment is rich in bacteria, and therefore fish have developed a variety of defense strategies to protect themselves from potential bacterial threats. For example, fish have a slimy mucus layer covering their skin, which serves as a physical barrier against bacteria. Fish also produce small proteins called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in their mucus […]

Mutations or variants in the voltage-gated sodium channel SCN2A (NaV1.2) have been associated with various neurodevelopmental disorders. The existing paradigm suggests that gain-of-function (GoF) SCN2A variants lead to neonatal-onset epilepsy, while loss-of-function (LoF) variants are linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). In the recent study, Thompson et al. challenge this binary […]

September is Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month! We at Nanion Technologies would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of research on this serious medical condition and to highlight the recent work done by researchers from the University of Göttingen. Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common types of cardiac arrhythmias. It’s a […]

Despite the fact that the normal body temperature hovers around 37°C, most electrophysiological studies on ion channel function are conducted at room temperature, typically ranging from 18°C to 25°C. While such a temperature is absolutely physiological for some channels (such as those located at nerve endings in the skin), it is certainly not the case […]

In recent years, TMEM175 has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. This lysosomal ion channel has been shown to play an essential role in maintaining lysosomal pH and function. Although originally identified as a potassium leak channel, recent studies suggest that TMEM175 is, in fact, a proton-activated, proton-selective channel. […]

Proton-dependent oligopeptide transporters play a vital role in allowing a variety of dietary peptides and orally taken peptidomimetic drugs to enter cells. Given their clinical and pathophysiological significance, these transporters are extensively studied nowadays, yet the exact way they recognize and transport different types of peptides is not completely understood. In a very recent study […]