Inhibiting KCNJ2 for traumatic brain injury

Inhibition of the mechanosensory channel KCNJ2 could help treat traumatic brain injury by preventing the development of downstream neurodegenerative processes including TDP-43 dysfunction and tau phosphorylation.

In a genome-wide CRISPR screen of iPSC-derived cortical neuronal organoids subjected to high intensity focused ultrasound waves to mimic traumatic injury, mechanosensory channels were enriched among the top protective hits. KCNJ2 was the top hit, and many KCNJ2-interacting proteins were found among the other top hits. ...