Nicotinic a7 on QPatch

Nicotinic α7 currents are challenging on automated platforms due to the fast desensitizing properties of the channel. This property calls for a cell line with exceedingly good expression of the channel. Sophion has previously successfully tested a rat cell line GH4-C1 expressing α7 however this cell line expresses the isoform of the rat and the cell line is not commercially available (Friis et al, 2009). Galantos has cloned a human isoform into a CHO background and this report describes the data obtained with this cell line. Nicotinic α7 is of interest since it has been found to be involved in many normal and pathological conditions. It is important in memory formation, arousal, and attention, nicotine addiction, and nicotine-induced reversal of age-related memory deficits. α7 activation leads to neuroprotection against amiloid-β-induced neurotoxicity, which suggests that the receptor may play an important role in Alzheimer’s disease. Also their role in hippocampal auditory gating has linked the receptor to schizophrenia.