Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission
Published on: August 16, 2018
A single amino acid difference between ether-a-go-go- related gene channel subtypes determines differential
Matthew Perry1, Michael C Sanguinetti
1Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, Department of Physiology, University of Utah, 95 South 2000 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
Abstract:
Activators of human ether-a-go-go-related gene 1 (hERG1) channels, such as (3R,4R)-4-[3-(6-methoxy-quinolin-4-yl)-3-oxo-propyl]-1-[3-(2,3,5-trifluoro-phenyl)-prop-2-ynyl]-piperidine-3-carboxylic acid (RPR260243), reverse the effect of hERG1 blockers and shorten the duration of cardiac action potentials. RPR260243 (RPR) slows the rate of deactivation and shifts the voltage dependence of channel inactivation to more positive potentials. We recently mapped the binding site for RPR to several residues located near the cytoplasmic ends of the S5 and S6 helices of the hERG1 subunit. These residues are conserved in the highly homologous ether-a-go-go-related gene 3 (ERG3) subunit; however, RPR blocks ERG3 channels. Here, we compare hERG1 and rat ERG3 (rERG3) channels to explore the molecular basis for differential channel sensitivity to RPR. Channels were heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and currents were recorded using the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to swap the two residues within the putative binding domain that differed between hERG1 and rERG3. The differential sensitivity of hERG1 and rERG3 channels to the agonist effect of RPR could be accounted for by a single S5 residue (Thr556 in hERG1, Ile558 in rERG3). A Thr in this position favors agonist activity, whereas an Ile reveals a secondary blocking effect of RPR.
More Related Videos
08:04Identification and Classification of Position-specific GABAA Receptor Subunit Missense Variants for Their Role In Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons
Published on: June 6, 2025
04:48A High-throughput Calcium-flux Assay to Study NMDA-receptors with Sensitivity to Glycine/D-serine and Glutamate
Published on: July 10, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Adrenergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of the aromatic...
The Two-State Receptor Model
The binding affinity of a drug determines its interaction with one...
Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype
Adrenaline ≥ Noradrenaline >> Isoprenaline
α-adrenoceptors are further divided into α1 and α2-adrenoceptors.
α1-Adrenoceptors: These receptors are located postsynaptically on the effector organs and cause constriction of smooth muscle mediated by activation of phospholipase C—inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins
Drug-Receptor Interactions
Several parameters, such as the drug's affinity for its receptor and its efficacy, which is its ability to activate the receptor, determine the drug's effect on the tissue.