Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

High-throughput Screening for Small-molecule Modulators of Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels
Published on: January 27, 2013
Natural products and ion channel pharmacology
Russell W Teichert1, Baldomero M Olivera
1University of Utah, Department of Biology, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
Abstract:
An accelerated rate of natural-product discovery is critical for the future of ion channel pharmacology. For the full potential of natural products to be realized, an interdisciplinary initiative is required that combines chemical ecology and ion channel physiology. A prime source of future drug leads targeted to ion channels is the vast assortment of compounds that mediate biotic interactions in the marine environment. Many animals have evolved a chemical strategy to change the behavior of their prey, predators or competitors, which appears to require a large set of ion channel-targeted compounds acting in concert. Some of these compounds (e.g., ziconotide [Prialt(®)]) have already found important biomedical applications. The elucidation of molecular mechanisms mediating biotic interactions should yield a rich stream of potent and selective natural products for the drug pipeline.
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