Exploring Ion Channel Magnetic Pharmacology: Are Magnetic Cues a Viable Alternative to Ion Channel Drugs?

Abstract

We explore the potential of using magnetic cues as a novel approach to modulating ion channel expression, which could provide an alternative to traditional pharmacological interventions. Ion channels are crucial targets for pharmacological therapies, and ongoing research in this field continues to introduce new methods for treating various diseases. However, the efficacy of ion channel drugs is often compromised by issues such as target selectivity, leading to side effects, toxicity, and complex drug interactions. These challenges, along with problems like drug resistance and difficulties in crossing biological barriers, highlight the need for innovative strategies. In this context, the proposed use of magnetic cues to modulate ion channel expression may offer a promising solution to address these limitations, potentially improving the safety and effectiveness of treatments, particularly for long-term use. Key developments in this area are reviewed, the relationships between changes in ion channel expression and magnetic fields are summarized, knowledge gaps are identified, and central issues relevant to future research are discussed.

Keywords: cell membrane; ion channel drug; ion channels; magnetic cues; magnetic field; magnetic nanoparticles.

FIGURE 1

Membrane potentials (in mV) for different cell types [13]. The potential values were taken from [14, 15] and references therein. At the top, a magical tuning knob is shown that adjusts the membrane potential through a magnetic field. The question is: Can the cell membrane potential be regulated using a magnetic field?

FIGURE 2

Ion channel opening and increase in cytosolic Ca²⁺ in C2C12 myotubes occur under the application of pulses of a 70 mT magnetic field with a frequency of 10 Hz. The application of magnetic field pulses also triggers actin polymerization (on the left). The cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels reverted to basal values each time the alternating magnetic field was turned off (on the right). Reproduced with permission from [24].

FIGURE 3

Modulation of intracellular (left) and extracellular (right) calcium waves with a magnetic field, which generates mechanical stress on the cell membrane through a chain of BMNs. A low‐frequency alternating magnetic field changes both the amplitude and frequency of calcium waves [9].