A Snapshot seminar hosted by the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience

Chunyun Du- Effects of acidosis on the hERG K+ channel

Abstract: Acidosis, a condition characterized by an excess of acid in body fluids, can occur in various pathological situations affecting the heart, such as myocardial ischemia. The buildup of H+ ions at low pH can significantly alter the function of ion channel currents and thereby cardiomyocyte function.

Potassium channels encoded by the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) are crucial for the proper functioning of the heart. These channels form the pore-forming subunit of the cardiac rapid delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr), which is essential for maintaining a normal heart rhythm. Due to their unique gating kinetics, hERG channels also play a vital role in suppressing unwanted premature stimuli, ensuring that the heart beats regularly.

However, hERG channels are highly susceptible to being blocked by a wide range of drugs, which can lead to serious cardiac side effects. Additionally, acidosis can modulate these channels and affect their function. In this talk, I will present my research on how both extracellular and intracellular acidosis impact hERG K+ channels. We will explore changes in gating kinetics, the channels' protective role against premature stimuli, and their susceptibility to pharmacological inhibition.  Join me as we navigate the intricate world of hERG channels and their pathophysiological significance in acidosis.

Mike Ashby - Early postnatal development of neocortex-wide activity patterns in GABAergic and pyramidal neuron