New molecule may help prevent cystic fibrosis

New research has identified new molecules that can help prevent diseases caused by ion channel errors, such as cystic fibrosis.

Ion channels are proteins found in cell membranes that create tiny openings in the membrane that regulate the movement of specific ions. Defective ion channels are the underlying cause of many diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis, in which transport of chloride ions is impaired.

A synthetic transporter that can carry chlorides through a lipid bilayer membrane has been developed that may potentially replace the function of the wrong channel. However, these transporters may also carry protons or hydroxide ions, which may destroy the pH homeostasis in the human body and lead to unwanted toxic effects.

Involving an international research team, this new study published in the journal Chemistry is the first to show an example of anion transporters with high selectivity for chlorine in protons and hydroxides. The researchers first demonstrated that proton/hydroxide transport is a side-effect of the neglected synthetic anion transporters that were previously assumed to carry anions. To solve this problem, the researchers synthesized two new molecules that showed high selectivity for protons and hydroxide-carrying chloride ions. One of the compounds is able to transport chlorides in real cells without seriously affecting lysosomal pH.

The first author, Ph.D. student, Wu Xin from the University of Southampton, said: "These new discoveries represent a shift in the design patterns of transshipments and provide important clues on how to develop anion transporters for different biomedical applications. We found that different The class of anion transporters can behave differently in the regulation of ion gradients, membrane potentials, and pH gradients in cells. You need to choose the right molecules for the biological effects needed to treat a disease."

The co-author and the new director, Professor Phil Gale, head of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Southampton, said: "We have demonstrated the ability of the development molecule to replace chloride channels without destroying the possibility of pH balance. A significant step in the biomedical application of anion transporters in anti-cystic fibrosis and other diseases caused by ion channel defects."