ML335 targets potassium channelsML335 inhibits TWIK2 channel-mediated potassium efflux and attenuates mitochondrial damage in MSU crystal-induced inflammation.
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We explored the role of potassium in the inflammatory response to gout, specifically focusing on a potassium channel called TWIK2. This channel significantly contributes to the release of potassium ions, an important step in activating a particle known as the NLRP3 inflammasome, which triggers inflammation.
Our study examined the effects of a compound named ML335, known to modulate potassium channels, on inflammation caused by MSU crystals in gout. Notably, ML335 showed the best results among five tested compounds when it came to inhibiting potassium efflux through TWIK2. This means that ML335 can keep potassium levels balanced, making it a potential new treatment approach for gout.
In our investigations, we found that ML335 effectively limited the release of the inflammatory molecule IL-1β and prevented mitochondrial damage by blocking the expression of MARCH5, a protein that contributes to this injury. Through its actions, ML335 showed promise in improving mitochondrial function and reducing overall inflammation induced by MSU crystals, both in lab settings and in live animal models.
Overall, our findings suggest that targeting potassium channels, particularly using ML335, may pave the way for innovative treatments for gout, addressing both the inflammatory response and the associated cellular damage.