CRISPRa screening with real-world evidence identifies potential pharmaceutical targets for SARS-CoV2

CONTEXT:  New research from Stanford University School of Medicine in California has identified a potential viral entry mechanism through potassium channels.  SARS-CoV2 is more than a respiratory disease.  Neurological and cardiac issues can also occur and after recovery in long COVID.  Focus on the KCNA6 potassium channel could provide a suitable target for future drug therapy.

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1. “The study suggests prescription drugs could be repurposed as treatments for COVID-19 illness not requiring hospitalization. ” 

2. “CRISPRa identifies potassium channels as neuronal entry factors and druggable targets for SARS-CoV-2. ” 

3. “Research led by Le Cong of Stanford University School of Medicine in California indicates that the KCNA6 potassium channel may help with viral entry and promote infection. ” 

4. “This could be significant in light of reports that emerging SARS-COV-2 variants are often less dependent on ACE2 binding and resistant to antibody therapeutics.” 

Source URL: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210706/CRISPRa-identifies-potassium-channels-as-neuronal-entry-factors-and-druggable-targets-for-SARS-CoV-2.aspx