ML67-33 rapidly and reversibly affects K2P2.1 (TREK-1) (EC50s: 36.3 μM and 9.7 μM in cell-free and HEK293 cells, respectively). ML67-33 is a selective activator of temperature- and mechano-sensitive K2P channels.
Lig4-4 is a TREK-1 current inhibitor (IC50 = 2.06 μM) that has demonstrated potential for use as a protective agent against cerebral ischemia. It has been postulated that the neuroprotective effects of Lig4-4 against cerebral ischemia may be attributed to the modulation of Bcl-2 and cleaved-caspase-3 expression, leading to the inhibition of neuronal apoptosis.
C3001a is a selective activator for TREK, against other two-pore domain K+(K2P) channels. C3001a binds to the cryptic binding site formed by P1 and TM4 in TREK-1. C3001a targets TREK channels in the peripheral nervous system to reduce the excitability of nociceptive neurons. In neuropathic pain, C3001a alleviated spontaneous pain and cold hyperalgesia. In a mouse model of acute pancreatitis, C3001a alleviated mechanical allodynia and inflammation. C3001a represents a lead compound which could advance the rational design of peripherally acting analgesics targeting K2P channels without opioid-like adverse effects.