🎯 Drug Targets

KCNK2 encodes a two-pore domain potassium channel (TREK-1) that regulates neuronal excitability, membrane potential, and cellular responsiveness to mechanical and chemical stimuli in the central nervous system. In neurodegeneration, TREK-1 modulation can influence neuronal survival, mitochondrial function, and potentially mitigate oxidative stress and excitotoxicity through precise potassium conductance regulation.

GABRA1 mediates inhibitory neurotransmission through GABA-A receptor subunit composition, modulating neuronal excitability and synaptic signaling. In neurodegeneration contexts, alterations in GABRA1 expression or function can contribute to neuronal hyperexcitability, oxidative stress, and potentially accelerated cellular damage mechanisms associated with progressive neurological disorders.

Small molecule blocker of T-type calcium channel activity

Selective P2X7 receptor antagonists blocking ATP-gated ion channel

AQP1 functions as a water channel protein facilitating transmembrane water flux, with emerging evidence suggesting its involvement in neuroinflammatory processes and potential contribution to neuronal cell volume regulation and edema formation in neurodegenerative conditions. In the context of neurodegeneration, AQP1 may modulate neuronal and glial cell responses to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular metabolic perturbations, making it a potential strategic target for therapeutic intervention.

Small molecule modulator of gap junction channel activity

HCN1 encodes a hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel critical for neuronal pacemaking and synaptic integration, with dysregulation linked to hyperexcitability disorders and potential neurodegeneration mechanisms. Specifically, HCN1 channel dysfunction can alter neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and potentially contribute to neuronal death or dysfunction in conditions like epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases.

Small molecule agonists or modulators of lysosomal calcium channel activity

Small molecule modulator of mechanosensitive ion channel activity

CHR2 functions as a light-gated cation channel that opens in response to blue light (470nm), allowing depolarization through Na+ and Ca2+ influx. Therapeutic approaches would involve delivering CHR2 via gene therapy to degenerated neurons or photoreceptors, enabling light-dependent control of neural activity for vision restoration or neuromodulation applications.

MCU inhibitors block the mitochondrial calcium uniporter channel, reducing excessive calcium accumulation in mitochondria that leads to oxidative stress, energy depletion, and cell death. This mechanism may protect against ischemic injury, neurodegeneration, and heart failure by preserving mitochondrial function and preventing apoptosis in calcium-sensitive tissues.

Water channel inhibitor or modulator