title: A genetically encoded bioluminescent indicator for the sodium channel activity in living cells.
abstract: We have developed a genetically encoded bioluminescent indicator for the Na(+) channel, in which Na(+)-sensitive Gaussia luciferase is fused with the voltage-gated Na(+) channel. This indicator is capable of detecting Na(+) flow through the pores of Na(+) channels. Because of high sensitivity and low background in luminescence assays, the absence of toxicity, and a wide linear dynamic range, this luciferase can be used to generate a novel, genetically encoded Na(+) channel indicator. It may provide a high-throughput screening system for drug discovery against Na(+) channels, which should be useful in controlling lethal cardiac arrhythmias, epileptic seizures, and intolerable pain associated with terminal stages of cancer. It may also offer a system for monitoring the Na(+) channel activity in living cells, which may be useful in illuminating neuronal activity in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan.
authors.forename: Asami
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kaihara
authors.forename: Akihiko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sunami
authors.forename: Junko
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kurokawa
authors.forename: Tetsushi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Furukawa
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods; D003445:Crustacea; D015195:Drug Design; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000187:drug effects; D008156:Luciferases / Q000737:chemistry; D049449:Luminescence; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D051381:Rats; D012964:Sodium / Q000737:chemistry; D015222:Sodium Channels / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D015222:Sodium Channels; D012964:Sodium; D008156:Luciferases