🎯 Drug Targets

Small molecule modulator of gap junction channel activity

AQP1 functions as a water channel protein facilitating transmembrane water flux, with emerging evidence suggesting its involvement in neuroinflammatory processes and potential contribution to neuronal cell volume regulation and edema formation in neurodegenerative conditions. In the context of neurodegeneration, AQP1 may modulate neuronal and glial cell responses to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular metabolic perturbations, making it a potential strategic target for therapeutic intervention.

Small molecule agonists or modulators of lysosomal calcium channel activity

Small molecule modulator of mechanosensitive ion channel activity

CHR2 functions as a light-gated cation channel that opens in response to blue light (470nm), allowing depolarization through Na+ and Ca2+ influx. Therapeutic approaches would involve delivering CHR2 via gene therapy to degenerated neurons or photoreceptors, enabling light-dependent control of neural activity for vision restoration or neuromodulation applications.

MCU inhibitors block the mitochondrial calcium uniporter channel, reducing excessive calcium accumulation in mitochondria that leads to oxidative stress, energy depletion, and cell death. This mechanism may protect against ischemic injury, neurodegeneration, and heart failure by preserving mitochondrial function and preventing apoptosis in calcium-sensitive tissues.

Water channel inhibitor or modulator