CRAC
The calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel plays a prominent role in many diseases. Molecules that modulate the activity of the CRAC current (ICRAC) can be useful for the treatment of a variety of disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, metastatic breast cancer, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, mast cell-related disorders, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and viral infections, as well as having potential to prevent transplant rejection.
CRAC channel assays have been seen as challenging on Automated Patch Clamp (APC) systems. A key challenge is the use of fluoride-containing ‘seal enhancers’. Fluoride is a no-go in assays investigating CRAC channels, and some manufacturers of APC equipment rely solely on seal enhancers to achieve good, high resistance (giga-Ohm) membrane seals, and good seals are critical to accurately and consistently measure very small ICRAC.
Way back in 2008, Sophion published the first application report showcasing a good assay for ICRAC performed on QPatch, without the need for fluoride seal enhancers. Since then, we have published more on this fascinating channel, which is a potential target in many diseases. We also have a robust high throughput screening ICRAC assay on Qube 384
Browse publications below or contact us for input and help.
Posters
Papers
- View Automated Patch-Clamp Technique: Increased Throughput in Functional Characterization and in Pharmacological Screening of Small-Conductance Ca2+ Release-Activated Ca2+ Channels Year: 2008
Reports
- View Icrac on QPatch Year: 2008