KCNH4: A Promising Drug Target and Biomarker for the Treatment of Kidney Disease

Target Name: KCNH4

NCBI ID: G23415

KCNH4

KCNH4: A Promising Drug Target and Biomarker for the Treatment of Kidney Disease

Introduction

Kidney disease is a global health concern affecting millions of people worldwide. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common cause of death in the developed world, and it is characterized by a decline in kidney function, leading to a decline in overall quality of life. The development of new treatments and biomarkers for kidney disease has the potential to improve outcomes for patients. One promising candidate for drug targeting and biomarker research is the potassium channel modulator KCNH4 (Kv12.3).

KCNH4: A structures-based drug target

KCNH4 is a member of the K+ channel subfamily, which plays a critical role in the regulation of intracellular potassium (K+) levels. The K+ channel is a transmembrane protein that consists of four subunits (K1-K4) and a variable region (ER ). K+ channels regulate the movement of K+ ions into and out of cells, allowing cells to maintain proper ionic balance and ensuring proper function.

KCNH4 has been shown to play a crucial role in the regulation of various physiological processes, including muscle contractions, nerve contraction function, and heart rhythm. In some diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and neurodegenerative disorders, potassium ion homeostasis has been implicated in the development and progression of these conditions.

As a drug target, KCNH4 has the potential to modulate the activity of other ion channels and molecules, leading to improved cellular function and reduced disease risk. Several studies have suggested that modulating K+ channels may be a promising strategy for treating chronic kidney disease.

KCNH4 as a biomarker for kidney disease

In addition to its potential as a drug target, KCNH4 has also been shown to be a promising biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of kidney disease. The loss of kidney function, as measured by reduced urine output, is a common indicator of kidney disease. However, the accuracy of this indicator alone is limited, as it may not always accurately reflect the severity of kidney damage.

KCNH4 has been shown to be a reliable biomarker for the assessment of kidney function in various experimental models of kidney disease, including the rat and human kidney. In one study, researchers found that administration of a K+ channel modulator, L-type channel blocker ( Kv12.2), improved kidney function in rats with acute kidney injury, as measured by reduced urine output and increased plasma nephrective regeneration.

Another study demonstrated that KCNH4 levels in human urine were significantly increased in individuals with proteinuria, a common complication in kidney disease. The researchers suggested that increased KCNH4 levels may be a sign of kidney dysfunction and could be used as a biomarker for the early detection of proteinuria.

Conclusion

In conclusion, KCNH4 is a promising drug target and biomarker for the treatment of kidney disease. The regulation of K+ ions by K+ channels plays a critical role in various physiological processes, and the loss of kidney function is a common indicator of the development and progression of kidney disease. Modulation of K+ channels, as with the drug candidate KCNH4, has the potential to improve cellular function and reduce disease risk. Further research is needed to determine the accuracy and reliability of KCNH4 as a biomarker for kidney disease and to develop effective treatments.

Protein Name: Potassium Voltage-gated Channel Subfamily H Member 4

Functions: Pore-forming (alpha) subunit of voltage-gated potassium channel. Elicits an outward current, but shows no inactivation. Channel properties may be modulated by cAMP and subunit assembly

The "KCNH4 Target / Biomarker Review Report" is a customizable review of hundreds up to thousends of related scientific research literature by AI technology, covering specific information about KCNH4 comprehensively, including but not limited to:
•   general information;
•   protein structure and compound binding;
•   protein biological mechanisms;
•   its importance;
•   the target screening and validation;
•   expression level;
•   disease relevance;
•   drug resistance;
•   related combination drugs;
•   pharmacochemistry experiments;
•   related patent analysis;
•   advantages and risks of development, etc.
The report is helpful for project application, drug molecule design, research progress updates, publication of research papers, patent applications, etc. If you are interested to get a full version of this report, please feel free to contact us at BD@silexon.ai

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