Genetically-encoded BRET probes shed light on ligand bias-induced variable ion selectivity in TRPV1 and P2X5/7

Whether ion channels experience ligand-dependent dynamic ion selectivity remains of critical importance since this could support ion channel functional bias. Tracking selective ion permeability through ion channels, however, remains challenging even with patch-clamp electrophysiology. In this study, we have developed highly sensitive bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) probes providing dynamic measurements of Ca²⁺ and K⁺ concentrations and ionic strength in the nanoenvironment of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1 Channel (TRPV1) and P2X channel pores in real time and in live cells during drug challenges. Our results indicate that AMG517, BCTC, and AMG21629, three well-known TRPV1 inhibitors, more potently inhibit the capsaicin (CAPS)-induced Ca²⁺ influx than the CAPS-induced K⁺ efflux through TRPV1. Even more strikingly, we found that AMG517, when injected alone, is a partial agonist of the K⁺ efflux through TRPV1 and triggers TRPV1-dependent cell membrane hyperpolarization. In a further effort to exemplify ligand bias in other families of cationic channels, using the same BRET-based strategy, we also detected concentration- and time-dependent ligand biases in P2X7 and P2X5 cationic selectivity when activated by benzoyl-adenosine triphosphate (Bz-ATP). These custom-engineered BRET-based probes now open up avenues for adding value to ion-channel drug discovery platforms by taking ligand bias into account.