Evaluation of SK-N-SH Cells as a Model for NMDA Receptor Induced Toxicity.

Background/aims: Over the years, the number of patients with neurodegenerative diseases is constantly rising illustrating the need for new neuroprotective drugs. A promising treatment approach is the reduction of excitotoxicity induced by rising ()-glutamate levels and subsequent NMDA receptor overactivation. To facilitate the search for new NMDA receptor inhibitors neuronal cell models are needed.

Knockout of the Cardiac Transcription Factor NKX2-5 Results in Stem Cell-Derived Cardiac Cells with Typical Purkinje Cell-like Signal Transduction and Extracellular Matrix Formation.

The human heart controls blood flow, and therewith enables the adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body. The correct function of the heart is coordinated by the interplay of different cardiac cell types. Thereby, one can distinguish between cells of the working myocardium, the pace-making cells in the sinoatrial node (SAN) and the conduction system cells in the AV-node, the His-bundle or the Purkinje fibres.

Downstream Allosteric Modulation of NMDA Receptors by 3-Benzazepine Derivatives.

N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) composed of different splice variants display distinct pH sensitivities and are crucial for learning and memory, as well as for inflammatory or injury processes. Dysregulation of the NMDAR has been linked to diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and drug addiction. The development of selective receptor modulators, therefore, constitutes a promising approach for numerous therapeutical applications.

Cloxyquin activates hTRESK by allosteric modulation of the selectivity filter.

The TWIK-related spinal cord K channel (TRESK, K18.1) is a K channel contributing to the maintenance of membrane potentials in various cells. Recently, physiological TRESK function was identified as a key player in T-cell differentiation rendering the channel a new pharmacological target for treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Pharmacological Potential of 3-Benzazepines in NMDAR-Linked Pathophysiological Processes.

The number of -Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) linked neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia is constantly increasing. This is partly due to demographic change and presents new challenges to societies. To date, there are no effective treatment options.