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1: Nature. 2006 Mar 23;440(7083):463-9.Click here to read Links

hERG potassium channels and cardiac arrhythmia.

Sanguinetti MC, Tristani-Firouzi M.

Department of Physiology, University of Utah, 95 South 2000 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA. sanguinetti@cvrti.utah.edu

hERG potassium channels are essential for normal electrical activity in the heart. Inherited mutations in the HERG gene cause long QT syndrome, a disorder that predisposes individuals to life-threatening arrhythmias. Arrhythmia can also be induced by a blockage of hERG channels by a surprisingly diverse group of drugs. This side effect is a common reason for drug failure in preclinical safety trials. Insights gained from the crystal structures of other potassium channels have helped our understanding of the block of hERG channels and the mechanisms of gating.

PMID: 16554806 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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  • Potassium (Glu-K® , K+ 10® , K+ 8® , ...)

    Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, and digestive system. Usually the food you eat supplies all of the potassium you need. However, certain diseases (e.g., kidney dis...

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