ASSAY FOR DETECTING CHANGE IN MEMBRANE POTENTIAL

摘要

Improved methods for detecting changes in ion channel activity are described. A membrane with first and second ion channels is provided. The transmembrane potential of the membrane is predominantly set by the first or second ion channel, which are in dominant/recessive relationship and have opposite effects on the transmembrane potential. When the first ion channel is dominant, inhibition of that ion channel allows the second ion channel to predominantly set the transmembrane potential. Because the ion channels have opposite effects on the transmembrane potential, the magnitude of the change in transmembrane potential when the first ion channel is inhibited is greater than the magnitude of the change when the first ion channel is inhibited in the absence of the second ion channel. Such enhanced changes in transmembrane potential are more readily detectable. The methods can be used as screening assays to identify inhibitors of ion channel activity. Corresponding methods allowing identification of activators and enhancers of ion channel activity are also described.