Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
13:07
One-channel Cell-attached Patch-clamp Recording
Published on: June 9, 2014
Study of TRP channels by automated patch clamp systems.
Morten Sunesen1, Rasmus B Jacobsen
1Sophion Bioscience AS, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark. msu@sophion.com
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|February 4, 2011
Summary
Automated patch clamp systems significantly advance the study of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels. These platforms overcome historical challenges in ion channel research, improving drug discovery and understanding complex sensory functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Ion channels are crucial for cellular physiology but historically challenging to study.
- Low-throughput electrophysiology data has been a barrier to ion channel drug discovery.
- Ion channels are increasingly recognized as important drug targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present advancements in TRP channel assays using automated patch clamp systems.
- To address the complexity of TRP channels as drug targets.
- To highlight progress in high-throughput ion channel research.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing automated patch clamp platforms for ion channel studies.
- Developing and optimizing assays for TRP receptor characterization.
- Applying high-throughput electrophysiology to study ion channel kinetics and pharmacology.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in TRP receptor assays.
- Automated systems facilitate higher throughput of quality electrophysiological data.
- TRP channels, despite their complexity, are becoming more accessible targets.
Conclusions:
- Automated patch clamp technology is overcoming previous limitations in ion channel research.
- Advancements in TRP channel assays are crucial for drug discovery and understanding sensory mechanisms.
- The study showcases the potential of high-throughput platforms for complex ion channel targets.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Patch Clamp
Many fundamental cell functions such as muscle contraction and nerve transmission rely on the electrical signals produced by the movement of positively and negatively charged ions across the cell membrane. One competent method to record current flowing across the whole cell or single ion channel is the patch-clamp technique.
In this method, a glass micropipette containing electrolyte solution is tightly sealed against a small portion of the cell membrane. As a result, a patch of the cell...
In this method, a glass micropipette containing electrolyte solution is tightly sealed against a small portion of the cell membrane. As a result, a patch of the cell...
01:12Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...