Early detection and treatment of diseases is critical for optimal treatment outcome. This technology presents two potassium channels that can be used as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for a variety of diseases including atrial fibrillation, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Mutations in these potassium channels can serve as early diagnostic markers of these diseases. In select cases direct inhibition or activation of these channels can alleviate the symptoms of the related pathologies further expanding the potential of these potassium channels as new therapeutic targets. Development of this technology has the potential to yield needed diagnostic kits or new therapeutic agents.
Mutations in these two potassium channels correlate with some cardiopulmonary diseases. More importantly, for many of the cardiopulmonary indications, mutations in these genes often precede the manifestation of symptoms detectable by conventional methods. Development of a robust diagnostic test can allow for earlier therapeutic intervention and precision of treatment unrivaled by current techniques. Additionally, therapeutic targeting of these channels has been shown to reduce the progression and symptoms of these diseases. Bringing such therapies to the clinic can allow for less invasive treatment of diseases where the only other therapeutic options are invasive surgical procedures.
Whole-exome sequencing has been used to confirm the relevance of these mutations. Moreover, direct targeting of these potassium channels has been shown to improve function in animal models of these diseases.
Patent Pending (WO 2007/133654)
Tech Ventures Reference: IR 1654, 1760, 1871, 1974, CU13144