Therapeutic Approaches to Genetic Ion Channelopathies and Perspectives in Drug Discovery
fphar-07-00121 May 7, 2016 Time: 11:45 # 1 REVIEW published: 10 May 2016 doi: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00121 Therapeutic Approaches to Genetic Ion Channelopathies and Perspectives in Drug Discovery Paola Imbrici1*, Antonella Liantonio1, Giulia M. Camerino1, Michela De Bellis1, Claudia Camerino2, Antonietta Mele1, Arcangela Giustino3, Sabata Pierno1, Annamaria De Luca1, Domenico Tricarico1, Jean-Francois Desaphy3 and Diana Conte1 1 Department of Pharmacy – Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy, 2 Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy, 3 Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy In the human genome more than 400 genes encode ion channels, which are transmembrane proteins mediating ion fluxes across membranes. Being expressed in all cell types, they are involved in almost all physiological processes, including sense perception, neurotransmission, muscle contraction, secretion, immune response, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Due to the widespread tissue distribution of ion channels and their physiological functions, mutations in genes encoding ion channel subunits, or their interacting proteins, are responsible for inherited ion channelopathies. These diseases can range from common to very rare disorders and their severity can be mild, Edited by: disabling, or life-threatening. In spite of this, ion channels are the primary target of only Maria Cristina D’Adamo, University of Perugia, Italy about 5% of the marketed drugs suggesting their potential in drug discovery. The current Reviewed by: review summarizes the therapeutic management of the principal ion channelopathies Mirko Baruscotti, of central and peripheral nervous system, heart, kidney, bone, skeletal muscle and University of Milano, Italy Adrien Moreau, pancreas, resulting from mutations in calcium, sodium, potassium, and chloride ion Institut Neuromyogene – École channels.
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