Translational toxicology and rescue strategies of the hERG channel dysfunction: biochemical and molecular mechanistic aspects

Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2014 Dec;35(12):1473-84. doi: 10.1038/aps.2014.101. Epub 2014 Nov 24.

Abstract

The human ether-à-go-go related gene (hERG) potassium channel is an obligatory anti-target for drug development on account of its essential role in cardiac repolarization and its close association with arrhythmia. Diverse drugs have been removed from the market owing to their inhibitory activity on the hERG channel and their contribution to acquired long QT syndrome (LQTS). Moreover, mutations that cause hERG channel dysfunction may induce congenital LQTS. Recently, an increasing number of biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying hERG-associated LQTS have been reported. In fact, numerous potential biochemical and molecular rescue strategies are hidden within the biogenesis and regulating network. So far, rescue strategies of hERG channel dysfunction and LQTS mainly include activators, blockers, and molecules that interfere with specific links and other mechanisms. The aim of this review is to discuss the rescue strategies based on hERG channel toxicology from the biochemical and molecular perspectives.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • ERG1 Potassium Channel
  • Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels / drug effects*
  • Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels / genetics
  • Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Long QT Syndrome / chemically induced
  • Long QT Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Long QT Syndrome / genetics
  • Long QT Syndrome / metabolism
  • Long QT Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Mutation
  • Phenotype
  • Protein Transport
  • Risk Assessment
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Toxicology*
  • Translational Research, Biomedical*

Substances

  • ERG1 Potassium Channel
  • Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels
  • KCNH2 protein, human