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Published on: August 16, 2018
Combining endocannabinoids with retigabine for enhanced M-channel effect and improved KV7 subtype selectivity
Johan E Larsson1, Urban Karlsson1, Xiongyu Wu2
1Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
Arachidonoyl-L-serine (ARA-S), a novel endocannabinoid, activates neuronal M-channels. Combining ARA-S with retigabine enhances M-channel activation while improving KV7 subtype selectivity, potentially reducing side effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Retigabine is an anticonvulsant targeting neuronal M-channels (KV7.2/KV7.3), crucial for resting membrane potential.
- Retigabine's clinical use is limited by adverse effects, necessitating M-channel activators with better KV7 subtype selectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate endocannabinoids as potential M-channel activators.
- To evaluate the combined effects of endocannabinoids and retigabine on M-channel activity and subtype selectivity.
Main Methods:
- Human KV7 channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes.
- Two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology to study compound effects.
- Site-directed mutagenesis for mechanistic insights.
Main Results:
- Arachidonoyl-L-serine (ARA-S), a weak endocannabinoid, potently activates human M-channels.
- ARA-S activates M-channels through a distinct mechanism and exhibits different KV7 subtype selectivity than retigabine.
- Coapplication of ARA-S and retigabine at low doses maintained M-channel activation with reduced effects on other KV7 subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Endocannabinoids like ARA-S represent a promising avenue for M-channel activator development.
- Combining compounds with differing KV7 subtype selectivity offers a strategy to enhance M-channel activator efficacy and safety.
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