Light-activated proteins enable the reversible and spatiotemporal control of cellular events in optogenetics. Optogenetics is also rapidly expanding into the field of drug discovery where it provides cost-effective and noninvasive approaches for cell manipulation in high-throughput screens. Here, we present a prototypical cell-based assay that applies Channelrhodopsin2 (ChR2) to recapitulate physiological membrane potential changes and test for voltage-gated ion channel (VGIC) blockade. ChR2 and the voltage-gated Ca channel 1.2 (Ca1.2) are expressed in individual HEK293 cell lines that are then co-cultured for formation of gap junctions and an electrical syncytium. This co-culture allows identification of blockers using parallel fluorescence plate readers in the 384-well plate format in an all-optical mode of operation. The assay is transferable to other VGICs by modularly combining new and existing cell lines and potentially also to other drug targets.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-0755-8_17 | DOI Listing |
J Med Chem
January 2025
School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
Since decades after temozolomide was approved, no effective drugs have been developed. Undoubtedly, blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration is a severe issue that should be overcome in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) drug development. In this research, we were inspired by linezolid through structural modification with several bioactive moieties to achieve the desired brain delivery.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJAMA Neurol
January 2025
Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing, China.
Importance: Autoantibodies targeting astrocytes, such as those against glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) or aquaporin protein 4, are crucial diagnostic markers for autoimmune astrocytopathy among central nervous system (CNS) autoimmune disorders. However, diagnosis remains challenging for patients lacking specific autoantibodies.
Objective: To characterize a syndrome of unknown meningoencephalomyelitis associated with an astrocytic autoantibody.
Clin Cancer Res
January 2025
Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, United States.
Purpose: Therapeutic efficacy of KRASG12C(OFF) inhibitors (KRASG12Ci) in KRASG12C-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) varies widely. The activation status of RAS signaling in tumors with KRASG12C mutation remains unclear, as its ability to cycle between the active GTP-bound and inactive GDP-bound states may influence downstream pathway activation and therapeutic responses. We hypothesized that the interaction between RAS and its downstream effector RAF in tumors may serve as indicators of RAS activity, rendering NSCLC tumors with a high degree of RAS engagement and downstream effects more responsive to KRASG12Ci compared to tumors with lower RAS---RAF interaction.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFClin Cancer Res
January 2025
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States.
Purpose: Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a highly aggressive malignancy defined by the loss of the SMARCB1 tumor suppressor. It mainly affects young individuals of African descent with sickle cell trait, and it is resistant to conventional therapies used for other renal cell carcinomas. This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers for early detection and disease monitoring of RMC.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDiscov Oncol
January 2025
School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
Background: Nucleolar protein 7 (NOL7), a specific protein found in the nucleolus, is crucial for maintaining cell division and proliferation. While the involvement of NOL7 in influencing the unfavorable prognosis of metastatic melanoma has been reported, its significance in predicting the prognosis of patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.
Methods: Aberrant expression of NOL7 in HCC and its prognostic value were evaluated using multiple databases, including TCGA, GTEx, Xiantao Academic, HCCDB, UALCAN, TISCH, and STRING.
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!