Sophion user publications: Q2 2026’s latest ion channel research
Q2 2026 served up a strong line-up of ion channel research, with themes ranging from new psychoactive substances (NPS) pharmacology to venom biology and a novel APC application to detect ‘red-tide’ toxins. The common thread, as ever, is that exquisitely small molecular effects can have very tangible biological, real-life consequences.
We have selected the following studies to showcase::
- In two papers from Linköping University, Norman et al. took a close look at the fast-moving and unruly world of designer benzodiazepine NPS. One paper examined in vitro GABAA receptor activity and binding at the α+/γ2– interface across 53 prescription and designer benzodiazepines, while the other tracked the emergence and GABAA receptor activity of ethylbromazolam.
- Herzig et al., University of Queensland, brought venom chemistry to the fore with Ht1a and Gg1a, two spider venom peptides shown to be toxic to the honeybee parasite Varroa mite by topical application. It is another demonstration of how natural products, in the right hands, can be recast as precision anti-parasitics.
- In a collaboration between Dstl-Porton Down and Queen’s University Belfast, Rachel Whiting et al. turned to saxitoxin, developing a cell-based automated patch clamp assay to detect its functional activity. A highly innovative APC application for a notoriously potent toxin with real-world human health issues, this work may lead to more sensitive and robust methods to detect and neutralize ‘shellfish poisoning’.
Congratulations to all authors contributing to this quarterly round-up.