Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

The Sciatic Nerve Cuffing Model of Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Published on: July 16, 2014
Kv7 channels as targets for the treatment of pain
A D Wickenden1, G McNaughton-Smith
1Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA. awickend@prdus.jnj.com
Abstract:
Kv7.x channels are a family of six transmembrane domain, single pore-loop, voltage-gated K(+) channels. Five members of the family have been identified to date, including the cardiac channel Kv7.1 (formerly known as KvLQT1) and four neuronal Kv7.x channels, Kv7.2-5. Heteromeric channels containing Kv7.3 and either Kv7.2 or Kv7.5 are thought to underlie the neuronal M-current, a non-inactivating, slowly deactivating, sub-threshold current that has long been known to exert a powerful stabilizing influence on neuronal excitability. Modulators of these channels have the potential to influence neuronal activity in various tissues and are of much interest as therapeutic drug targets for the treatment of a variety of clinical disorders, such as epilepsy and pain. The purpose of the present article is to review the molecular, functional and behavioral evidence validating Kv7.x as drug targets for the treatment of pain. In addition, an update on pre-clinical Kv7 drug discovery efforts will be presented, along with a summary of on-going clinical trials with Kv7 channel activators.
Related Concept Videos
Analgesia and Pain Management
Non-gated Ion Channels
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
Pain
Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Nociception