TASK Channels Pharmacology: New Challenges in Drug Design

J Med Chem. 2019 Nov 27;62(22):10044-10058. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00248. Epub 2019 Jul 15.

Abstract

Rational drug design targeting ion channels is an exciting and always evolving research field. New medicinal chemistry strategies are being implemented to explore the wild chemical space and unravel the molecular basis of the ion channels modulators binding mechanisms. TASK channels belong to the two-pore domain potassium channel family and are modulated by extracellular acidosis. They are extensively distributed along the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, and their expression is up- and downregulated in different cancer types, which makes them an attractive therapeutic target. However, TASK channels remain unexplored, and drugs designed to target these channels are poorly selective. Here, we review TASK channels properties and their known blockers and activators, considering the new challenges in ion channels drug design and focusing on the implementation of computational methodologies in the drug discovery process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Design*
  • Drug Discovery
  • Humans
  • Potassium Channel Blockers / pharmacology*
  • Potassium Channels / chemistry*
  • Potassium Channels / metabolism*
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain / metabolism

Substances

  • Potassium Channel Blockers
  • Potassium Channels
  • Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain