Ion Channel Studies

iPSC Sensory Neurons

Advancing Pain Research with iPSC-Derived Sensory Neuron Electrophysiology

A High-Throughput Platform for DRG Nociceptor Characterization

Sygnature Discovery offers industry-leading electrophysiology services using iPSC-derived sensory neurons for high-throughput screening, compound profiling and ion channel characterization. Our iPSC sensory neuron assay services provide human-relevant, scalable solutions for advancing pain research and early-stage drug discovery.

Mature Neuronal Activity
Our iPSC-derived DRG neurons display key electrophysiological characteristics of sensory neurons including:

  • Physiologically-relevant resting membrane potential
  • Spontaneous firing
  • Evoked action potentials
Pharmacological Validation
Enabling precise, high-throughput assessment of voltage and ligand-gated ion channel activity relevant to neuronal function.

  • Robust responses to known modulators
  • Electrophysiological profiles sensitive to voltage-gated sodium and potassium channel modulators
  • Ligand-gated channel activity confirmed using well-characterized references
Scalable Drug Discovery Solutions
Our optimized iPSC electrophysiology platform utilizes automated patch clamp to deliver:

  • Excellent seal and series resistance
  • High success rates
  • Reliable ion channel characterization across low, medium and high-throughput formats
  • Support for validation studies, compound profiling and screening

Sygnature Discovery’s iPSC Electrophysiology Platform

Physiologically relevant DRG electrophysiology

Our platform captures the firing potential and functional maturity of sensory neurons, creating a dependable foundation for pain-focused discovery workflows.

As iPSC-derived DRG neurons mature in culture, they exhibit hallmark features of native nociceptors. Action potentials can be evoked and modulated, enabling functional validation of ion channel activity and assessment of pharmacological assets.

Representative traces of evoked action potential in iPSC-derived DRG neurons under control conditions and in the presence of 500 nM TTX, demonstrating sodium channel blockage
Figure 1: Representative evoked action potentials in iPSC-derived DRG neurons under control conditions (dark blue) and following an application of 500 nM tetrodotoxin (TTX, light grey). 

High-Throughput Electrophysiology

With the capacity to measure and modulate individual ion channel responses, our platform supports the generation of high-quality, pharmacological data from physiologically relevant cell systems.

Consistent expression of voltage-gated sodium channels is observed across a six-week maturation period, supporting reliable assay windows. The ability to generate concentration-response data across a range of pharmacological agents enables high-throughput screening applications.

Bar chart showing percentage of iPSC-derived DRG neurons expressing Nav channels across a six-week maturation period.
Figure 2: Percentage of iPSC-derived DRG neurons expressing sodium currents (Nav) from week 1 to week 6 in culture, confirming consistent maturation and readiness for screening. 
Overlay of sodium current traces in iPSC-derived DRG neurons at increasing concentration of TTX, illustrating dose-dependent inhibition.
Figure 3: Sodium current traces from iPSC-derived DRG neurons following exposure to increasing concentration of TTX, illustrating dose-dependent inhibition. 

Ready to Advance Your Pain Research?

Our iPSC electrophysiology services and DRG neuron assay services are available for custom assay development, target validation, high-throughput ion channel screening and compound profiling. Get in touch now to learn more.

Contact Syganture Discovery

To learn more about our services or to request a quote.

Case Studies from SB Drug Discovery

iPSC Sensory Neuron Case Study

Discovery how Sygnature Discovery uses iPSC-derived DRG neurons and automated electrophysiology to study ion channel activity in sensory neurons – advancing pain and sensory disorder research. 

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