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Pranlukast is a novel small molecule activator of the two-pore domain potassium channel TREK2

Wright, Paul D., McCoull, David, Walsh, Yvonne, Large, Jonathan M., Hadrys, Barbara W., Gaurilcikaite, Egle, Byrom, Lewis, Veale, Emma L., Jerman, Jeff, Mathie, Alistair and others. (2019) Pranlukast is a novel small molecule activator of the two-pore domain potassium channel TREK2. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 520 (1). pp. 35-40. ISSN 0006-291X. (doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.09.093) (KAR id:77231)

Abstract

TREK2 (KCNK10, K2P10.1) is a two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channel and a potential target for the treatment of pain. Like the majority of the K2P superfamily, there is currently a lack of useful pharmacological tools to study TREK2. Here we present a strategy for identifying novel TREK2 activators. A cell-based thallium flux assay was developed and used to screen a library of drug-like molecules, from which we identified the CysLT1 antagonist Pranlukast as a novel activator of TREK2. This compound was selective for TREK2 versus TREK1 and showed no activity at TRAAK. Pranlukast was also screened against other members of the K2P superfamily. Several close analogues of Pranlukast and other CysLT1 antagonists were also tested for their ability to activate K2P channels. Consistent with previous work, structure activity relationships showed that subtle structural changes to these analogues completely attenuated the activation of TREK2, whereas for TREK1, analogues moved from activators to inhibitors. Pranlukast's activity was also confirmed using whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology. Studies using mutant forms of TREK2 suggest Pranlukast does not bind in the K2P modulator pocket or the BL-1249 binding site. Pranlukast therefore represents a novel tool by which to study the mechanism of TREK2 activation.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.09.093
Uncontrolled keywords: TREK2, KCNK10, K2P, Activator, Pranlukast, Pain
Subjects: R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Medway School of Pharmacy
Depositing User: Alistair Mathie
Date Deposited: 09 Oct 2019 09:14 UTC
Last Modified: 09 Dec 2022 04:03 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/77231 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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