Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv11.1

Title: High throughput ion-channel pharmacology: planar-array-based voltage clamp.

Authors: Laszlo Kiss, Paul B Bennett, Victor N Uebele, Kenneth S Koblan, Stefanie A Kane, Brad Neagle, Kirk Schroeder

Journal, date & volume: , 2003 Feb , 1, 127-35

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15090139

Abstract
Technological advances often drive major breakthroughs in biology. Examples include PCR, automated DNA sequencing, confocal/single photon microscopy, AFM, and voltage/patch-clamp methods. The patch-clamp method, first described nearly 30 years ago, was a major technical achievement that permitted voltage-clamp analysis (membrane potential control) of ion channels in most cells and revealed a role for channels in unimagined areas. Because of the high information content, voltage clamp is the best way to study ion-channel function; however, throughput is too low for drug screening. Here we describe a novel breakthrough planar-array-based HT patch-clamp technology developed by Essen Instruments capable of voltage-clamping thousands of cells per day. This technology provides greater than two orders of magnitude increase in throughput compared with the traditional voltage-clamp techniques. We have applied this method to study the hERG K(+) channel and to determine the pharmacological profile of QT prolonging drugs.