Tricky CRAC channels not so tricky on Qube and QPatch

Calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) ion channel currents (ICRAC) are critical in many diseases. Compounds modulating ICRAC have been developed towards treatment for autoimmunity (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, mast cell-related disorders), metastatic breast cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and viral infections, and may help to prevent transplant rejection.

One of the most advanced CRAC drug discovery programmes has been performed by CalciMedica, with their Auxora compound in clinical trials for diseases as diverse as pancreatitis & Covid-19.

The ability to efficiently record these channels on automated patch clamp (APC) would be advantageous. However, some APC platforms struggle to make recordings without ‘seal enhancer’ solutions containing high calcium and fluoride, both ions cause problems recording ICRAC.

Addressing this tricky channel on APC, Sophion’s scientists have successfully recorded ICRAC on QPatch and Qube without the need for problematic calcium or fluoride.

For more info & publications on CRAC channels and efficient APC recordings, click here.