TEVC Recording in Xenopus Oocytes

Heterologous expression

In order to study the physiological and pharmacological properties of membrane proteins, like ion channels or transporters, these proteins can be expressed in heterologous expression systems. We routinely use oocytes from the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis as an expression system. Because we have our own Xenopus colony, a continuously high quality of our oocytes is assured.
Xenopus oocytes allow to record reliable and reproducible membrane currents elicited after activation of voltage-gated or ligand-gated ion channels as well as membrane transporters by Two-Electrode Voltage-Clamp (TEVC) techniques. Expression rates are often as high as 90% depending on the contruct used for injection. Because we use an automated system for both cDNA or cRNA injection and for TEVC recording, large numbers of cells can be tested within a short period of time.

For voltage-gated ion channels, like for example Panx1 hemichannels, almost every necessary voltage protocol can be used. In addition, specific pharmacologically active compounds can be applied that block or facilitate ion channel activity.
For ligand-gated ion channels, like for example the GABAA receptor, a fast application system assures proper activation, facilitation or inactivation of the ion channel of interest.

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