The Therapeutic Potential of Targeting the K Ir 1.1 (Renal Outer Medullary K + ) Channel

Abstract

Kir1.1 (renal outer medullary K+) channels are potassium channels expressed almost exclusively in the kidney and play a role in the body's electrolyte and water balance. Potassium efflux through Kir1.1 compliments the role of transporters and sodium channels that are the targets of known diuretics. Consequently, loss-of-function mutations in men and rodents are associated with salt wasting and low blood pressure. On this basis, Kir1.1 inhibitors may have value in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. Efforts to develop small molecule Kir1.1 inhibitors produced MK-7145, which entered into clinical trials. The present manuscript describes the structure-activity relationships associated with this scaffold alongside other preclinical Kir1.1 blockers.