Ion channel assay

The definition of secondary and follow-up assays is not straightforward. It really depends on the quality and economics of the assays. For example, functional ion channel assays are mostly used as a second line during the early phase of drug discovery. However, technological advances, such as the introduction of microfluidics and improved detection technologies make them more and more suitable for first-line profiling. 

Gonzalez JE, Worley J, Van Goor F (2006) Ion channel assays based on ion and voltage-sensitive fluorescent probes. In Trezise DJ, Clare J (eds) Expression and Analysis of Recombinant Ion Channels. Wiley, New Jersy, p 187... 

While fluorescent assays afford the highest throughput among ion channel assays and do not require specialized instrumentation, they suffer from some limitations, including potential fluorescent interference by the test compound... 

Fluorescence Ion Channels Assays Using Voltage-Sensitive Dyes... 

Worley, J.F. and M.J. Main. 2002. An industrial perspective on utilizing functional ion channel assays for high-throughput screening. Recept. Chann. 8, 269-282. 

We would like to thank Dr S. Siehler for help in describing the reporter gene assays technologies, Dr Q. Lu for help in describing the ion channel assays and Dr G. Scheel for help in proof-reading the manuscript. 

Table 6.6 lists voltage-gated sodium channelopathies (disease, mutations and phenotype), Table 6.7 describes the VGSC gene family and Table 6.8 describes ion-channel assay technologies, such as electrophysiology, membrane-potential measmement, flux assays, and binding assays. 

Since the initial public discussion of CiPA in July 2013, there has been a concerted international effort to define, standardize, and validate the human ion channel assays, define the metrics of the in sUico model, test and validate [human cardiac stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte-based] approaches, and define and test Phase 1 ECO biomarkers. Significant sdentific progress has been made and the CiPA effort is on track to complete the necessary work by the end of 2017. The CiPA Steering Committee is providing the ICH S7B/E14... 

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