
Background and PurposeNALCN is a Na+ leak, GPCR‐activated channel that regulates the resting membrane potential and neuronal excitability. Despite numerous possible roles for NALCN in both normal physiology and disease processes, lack of specific blockers hampers further investigation.Experimental ApproachThe effect of N‐benzhydryl quinuclidine compounds on NALCN channels was demonstrated using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings in HEK293T cells overexpressing NALCN and acutely isolated nigral dopaminergic neurons that express NALCN endogenously. Src kinase activity was measured using a Src kinase assay kit, and voltage and current‐clamp recordings from nigral dopaminergic neurons were used to measure NALCN currents and membrane potentials.Key ResultsN‐benzhydryl quinuclidine compounds inhibited NALCN channels without affecting TRPC channels, another important route for Na+ leak. In HEK293T cells overexpressing NALCN, N‐benzhydryl quinuclidine compounds potently suppressed muscarinic M3 receptor‐activated NALCN currents. Structure–function relationship studies suggest that the quinuclidine ring with a benzhydryl group imparts the ability to inhibit NALCN currents regardless of Src family kinases. Moreover, N‐benzhydryl quinuclidine compounds inhibited not only GPCR‐activated NALCN currents but also background Na+ leak currents and hyperpolarized the membrane potential in native midbrain dopaminergic neurons that express NALCN endogenously.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese findings suggest that N‐benzhydryl quinuclidine compounds have a pharmacological potential to directly inhibit NALCN channels and could be a useful tool to investigate functions of NALCN channels.
Quinuclidines, HEK293 Cells, src-Family Kinases, Humans, Membrane Proteins, Benzhydryl Compounds, Ion Channels
Quinuclidines, HEK293 Cells, src-Family Kinases, Humans, Membrane Proteins, Benzhydryl Compounds, Ion Channels
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 17 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
