Ion Channel Electrophysiology Screening Assay

Ion channels are membrane proteins that play a critical role in the physiological and pathophysiological processes of cells. They are responsible for the flow of ions across the cellular membrane, which controls many vital functions such as the regulation of neuronal activity, cardiac function, and muscle contraction. As a result, ion channels have become an important therapeutic target in drug discovery.

At Creative Biolabs, we specialize in providing innovative services for ion channel screening, including our Ion Channel Electrophysiology Screening Assay. This assay is designed to identify small molecule compounds that modulate ion channel activity by measuring the ion currents across the cellular membrane. Our assay provides a reliable and high-throughput platform for the screening of potential drug candidates that target ion channels.

Ion Channel Screening Capabilities

Creative Biolabs provides comprehensive ion channel screening capabilities to assess hERG, cardiac, and neuro liabilities for drug discovery and safety testing. We offer a range of assays to screen for ion channel activity, including automated patch-clamp assays, fluorescence-based assays, and multi-electrode array (MEA) assays. Our services cover all elements of the Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA) paradigm, including the ion channel panel (hERG, hNav1.5 peak and late current, hKvLQT1, hKv4.3, hCaV1.2, hKir2.1), in silico action potential modeling, and investigation in hiPSC-cardiomyocytes.

Our experts perform direct functional electrophysiology measurements, eliminating fewer artifacts compared to ligand-binding or fluorescence assays. We offer bespoke assay and cell line development services to suit the unique needs of each client.

Automated Patch-Clamp and Electrophysiology Platforms

We also provide fluorescence-based screens, the Sophion QPatch HT® automated electrophysiology technology, and MaxCyte® STX™ for large-scale transient expression.

We perform testing by manual patch-clamp or on the latest generation automated electrophysiology platforms (QPatch II and Patchliner), with the capacity for large numbers of compounds. The Sophion Qube platform allows for large high-throughput screening (voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels) with giga-seal quality data, 384 well plates, and profiling conducted on the same instrument for seamless flow through the ion channel screening cascade.

Ion channel Cell Line

To perform the Ion Channel Electrophysiology Screening Assay, we use a cell line that expresses the ion channel of interest. Our team of experts can generate stable cell lines that express a variety of ion channels, including voltage-gated ion channels, ligand-gated ion channels, and other types of ion channels.

Fig.1 The integrated expression cassette in ion-channel stable cells.

Assay Optimization

To ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of our Ion Channel Electrophysiology Screening Assay, we optimize our assay conditions for each ion channel of interest. Our team of experts works closely with our clients to develop an assay that meets their specific needs, including the selection of the appropriate ion channel cell line, the optimization of patch clamp parameters, and the development of appropriate positive and negative controls.

Assay Development and Validation

At Creative Biolabs, we are committed to providing high-quality and reliable Ion Channel Electrophysiology Screening Assay services. We follow a rigorous development and validation process to ensure that our assay is accurate, reliable, and reproducible. Our assay development and validation process include:

• Establishing the stability and reproducibility of the ion channel cell line
• Optimizing the patch clamp parameters to ensure accurate and reliable measurements
• Developing appropriate positive and negative controls to ensure assay specificity and sensitivity
• Validating the assay using a panel of known ion channel modulators

Creative Biolabs' Ion Channel Electrophysiology Screening Assay offers several advantages over other ion channel screening methods. Our assay provides highly accurate and reliable measurements of ion channel activity, allowing us to identify potential drug candidates with greater confidence. Additionally, our assay is highly customizable, allowing us to tailor the assay to meet our clients' specific needs.

Furthermore, our team of experts has extensive experience in ion channel screening and electrophysiology, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality service possible. We are committed to providing personalized and comprehensive support to our clients, from assay development and optimization to data analysis and interpretation. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can support you in your endeavors!