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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

A Fluorescent Screening Assay for Identifying Modulators of GIRK Channels
Published on: April 24, 2012
Activation of human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) potassium channels by small molecules
Ping-zheng Zhou1, Joseph Babcock, Lian-qing Liu
1State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
Abstract:
Human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) potassium (K(+)) channels play a critical role in cardiac action potential repolarization. Mutations that reduce hERG conductance or surface expression may cause congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS). However, the channels can be inhibited by structurally diverse small molecules, resulting in an acquired form of LQTS. Consequently, small molecules that increase the hERG current may be of value for treatment for LQTS. So far, nine hERG activators have been reported. The aim of this review is to discuss recent advances concerning the identification and action mechanism of hERG activators.
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