Challenges and opportunities for access to Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products in Brazil.

BACKGROUND AIMS: The marketing authorization of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) in Brazil is recent. The features of these therapies impose specialized regulatory action and are consequently challenging for developers. The goal of this study was to identify the industry's experience in clinical development, marketing authorization and access to ATMPs through the Unified Health System (SUS, acronym in Portuguese), from a regulatory perspective. METHODS: A survey containing structured questions was conducted among research participants who work at companies that commercialize ATMPs. A descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: We invited 15 foreign pharmaceutical companies, of which 10 agreed to participate. Overall, participants assessed that Brazil has a well-established regulatory system, especially the sanitary registration by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), which ensures the quality, safety, and efficacy of the products. The Agency's good interaction with the regulated sector, the harmonization of sanitary and ethical assessment systems with other countries, and the analysis time in the biosafety assessment of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) stand out as positive in industry's evaluation. On the other hand, it is important to advance the pricing regulation for these products since Brazilian regulations do not establish specific criteria for ATMP. One of the biggest challenges is the difficulty for the SUS in reimbursing these very high-cost therapies, especially using current Health Technology Assessment (HTA) methods. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the increasing number of approvals of cell and gene therapies in Brazil in the coming years, a close dialogue between the industry and the public sector is recommended to advance regulatory improvements (pricing and HTA). Additionally, the construction of policies to promote the national Health Economic-Industrial Complex, based on a mission-oriented vision that encourages innovative models of financing, especially those that consider risk-sharing and co-financing technologies, will help provide the population with universal, equitable and sustainable access to ATMP in the SUS.

Immobilization of the ß-galactosidase enzyme by encapsulation in polymeric matrices for application in the dairy industry.

Lactose intolerance affects approximately 65% of the global adult population, leading to the demand for lactose-free products. The enzyme ß-galactosidase (ßG) is commonly used in the industry to produce such products, but its recovery after lactose hydrolysis is challenging. In this scenario, the study aims to encapsulate ßG within capsules, varying in dimensions and wall materials, to ensure their suitability for efficient industrial recovery. The enzyme ßG was encapsulated through ionic gelation using alginate and its blends with pectin, maltodextrin, starch, or whey protein as wall materials. The capsules produced underwent evaluation for encapsulation efficiency, release profiles, activity of the ßG enzyme, and the decline in enzyme activity when reused over multiple cycles. Alginate at 5% wt/vol concentrations, alone or combined with polymers such as maltodextrin, starch, or whey protein, achieved encapsulation efficiencies of approximately 98%, 98%, 80%, and 88%, respectively. The corresponding enzyme recovery rates were 34%, 19%, 31%, and 48%. Capsules made with an alginate-pectin blend exhibited no significant hydrolysis and maintained an encapsulation efficiency of 79%. Encapsulation with alginate alone demonstrated on poor retention of enzyme activity, showing a loss of 74% after just 4 cycles of reuse. Conversely, when alginate was mixed with starch or whey protein concentrate, the loss of enzyme activity was less than 40% after 4 reuses. These results highlight the benefits of combining encapsulation materials to improve enzyme recovery and reuse, offering potential economic advantages for the dairy industry.

Exploring the impact of high-energy diets on cattle: Insights into subacute rumen acidosis, insulin resistance, and hoof health.

Cattle lameness remains a significant concern, causing economic losses and compromising animal welfare. Claw horn lesions have been identified as a major cause of lameness in dairy cows, but their correlation with high-energy diets and ruminal acidosis remains unclear. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of a high-starch diet and a conventional diet on the rumen environment, acute-phase proteins, and metabolic alterations, with a particular focus on insulin resistance and the consequent implications for the histology of the hooves in Holstein steers. A total of 16 animals were divided into the high-starch (HS; 37% starch) and conventional (CON; 16.8% starch) groups. Glucose tolerance tests (GTT), blood analyses, rumen fluid analyses, and histological evaluations of the hoof tissue were conducted over a 102-d experimental period. The HS group showed a lower ruminal pH than the CON group, and with values indicating SARA. The plasma glucose and IGF-1 concentrations were higher in the HS group, suggesting an anabolic state. Both groups exhibited an increase in the insulin area under the curve (AUC) after the GTT on d 102. Histological analysis of the hooves showed a reduction in the length and width of the epidermal lamella in both groups. We found a significant negative correlation between the insulin AUC and the length and width of the epidermal lamella. Because both groups were similarly affected, the hypothesis that histological alterations were caused by the experimental diets still needs confirmation. Additionally, the development of SARA was not essential for the observed histological changes in the hoof. Further studies are warranted to thoroughly investigate the role of insulin and IGF-1 imbalances in claw health.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Based Products: Challenges and Clinical Therapeutic Options.

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) are being tried in a vast range of clinical applications. These cells can be isolated from different donor tissues by using several methods, or they can even be derived from induced pluripotent stem cells or embryonic stem cells. However, ATMP heterogeneity may impact product identity and potency, and, consequently, clinical trial outcomes. In this review, we discuss these topics and the need to establish minimal criteria regarding the manufacturing of MSCs so that these innovative therapeutics may be better positioned to contribute to the advancement of regenerative medicine.

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and cell senescence: new therapeutic option?

Anthracyclines are chemotherapeutic drugs widely used in the frontline of cancer treatment. The therapeutic mechanisms involve the stabilization of topoisomerase IIα, DNA, and the anthracycline molecule in a ternary complex that is recognized as DNA damage. Redox imbalance is another vital source of oxidative DNA damage. Together, these mechanisms lead to cytotoxic effects in neoplastic cells. However, anthracycline treatment can elicit cardiotoxicity and heart failure despite the therapeutic benefits. Topoisomerase IIß and oxidative damage in cardiac cells have been the most reported pathophysiological mechanisms. Alternatively, cardiac cells can undergo stress-induced senescence when exposed to anthracyclines, a state primarily characterized by cell cycle arrest, organelle dysfunction, and a shift to senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The SASP can propagate senescence to neighboring cells in an ongoing process that leads to the accumulation of senescent cells, promoting cellular dysfunction and extracellular matrix remodeling. Therefore, the accumulation of senescent cardiac cells is an emerging pathophysiological mechanism associated with anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. This paradigm also raises the potential for therapeutic approaches to clear senescent cells in treating anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (i,e, senolytic therapies).

Extracellular Vesicles and Cardiac Aging.

Global population aging is a major challenge to health and socioeconomic policies. The prevalence of diseases progressively increases with aging, with cardiovascular disease being the major cause of mortality among elderly people. The allostatic overload imposed by the accumulation of cardiac senescent cells has been suggested to play a pivotal role in the aging-related deterioration of cardiovascular function. Senescent cells exhibit intrinsic disorders and release a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Most of these SASP compounds and damaged molecules are released from senescent cells by extracellular vesicles (EVs). Once secreted, these EVs can be readily incorporated by recipient neighboring cells and elicit cellular damage or otherwise can promote extracellular matrix remodeling. This has been associated with the development of cardiac dysfunction, fibrosis, and vascular calcification, among others. The molecular signature of these EVs is highly variable and might provide important information for the development of aging-related biomarkers. Conversely, EVs released by the stem and progenitor cells can exert a rejuvenating effect, raising the possibility of future anti-aging therapies.

Effects of calcium chloride substitution on the physicochemical properties of Minas Frescal cheese.

The aim in this research paper was to investigate the effect of using calcium monophosphate (MCP) and MCP mixed with commercial phosphates salts, in total or partial replacement of calcium chloride (CaCl2) in the manufacture of Minas Frescal cheese. Initially, model cheeses were made to perform the rheological analysis during the coagulation process. Of these, the five best treatments were chosen to carry out the production of Minas Frescal cheese, used only CaCl2 and MCP, and partial replacements of MCP + polyphosphate, MCP + potassium monophosphate (MKP) and MCP. The cheeses showed no significant difference in physicochemical composition, yield and syneresis, however, the cheese with partial replacement of CaCl2 by MCP + polyphosphate and MCP + MKP showed the highest hardness values, like the control. This demonstrates that it is possible to replace calcium chloride without significant changes in the physicochemical characteristics and yield of Minas Frescal cheese, and it is still possible to modulate the hardness of the cheese produced according to the type of calcium/phosphate source used. This allows the industry to replace the source of calcium in the manufacture of Minas Frescal cheese according to the desired hardness.

Aging Triggers Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Mice.

Direct analysis of isolated mitochondria from old mice enables a better understanding of heart senescence dysfunction. Despite a well-defined senescent phenotype in cardiomyocytes, the mitochondrial state in aged cardiomyocytes is still unclear. Here, we report data about mitochondrial function in old mice. Isolated cardiomyocytes' mitochondria were obtained by differential centrifugation from old and young mice hearts to perform functional analyses of mitochondrial O2 consumption, transmembrane potential, ROS formation, ATP production, and swelling. Our results show that mitochondria from old mouse hearts have reduced oxygen consumption during the phosphorylative states of complexes I and II. Additionally, these mitochondria produced more ROS and less ATP than those of young hearts. Mitochondria from old hearts also showed a depolarized membrane potential than mitochondria from young hearts and, as expected, a greater electron leak. Our results indicate that mitochondria from senescent cardiomyocytes are less efficient in O2 consumption, generating more ROS and producing less ATP. Furthermore, the phosphorylative state of complexes I and II presents a functional defect, contributing to greater leakage of protons and ROS production that can be harmful to the cell.

Pseudomonas carnis isolated from blue discolored fresh cheese and insights into the phylogeny.

Most Pseudomonas spp. are responsible for spoilage in refrigerated foods such as alteration in flavor, texture and appearance. Samples of Minas Frescal cheese with blue discoloration were analysed and contained a high Pseudomonas concentration (7.72 ± 0.36 log CFU/g). Out of the 26 Pseudomonas isolates that were analyzed in our study, 19 demonstrated the capability of producing a diffusible dark pigment. Thus, a pigment-producing isolate (C020) was selected by rep-PCR fingerprinting and subsequently subjected to whole-genome sequencing. The draft genome assembled comprises 42 contigs totaling 6,366,75 bp with an average G + C content of 59.97%, and the species prediction performed by TYGS server, based on the draft genome sequence, identified the C020 as Pseudomonas carnis. In order to investigate the phylogenetic relationships of this isolate with strains already identified of this species, we performed an analysis based on whole-genomic sequences. First, an analysis of all P. carnis genomes deposited in GenBank to date shows that 11% (4/37) are misidentified, and belong to the Pseudomonas paracarnis species. A comparative analysis based on phylogenomic analysis has showed that there is no evolutionary relationship between P. carnis strains carrying second copies of trp genes related to blue discoloration (trpABCDF). This finding reinforces the assertion that these genes are contained in a mobile genetic element. However, it is worth noting that all strains carrying these secondary gene copies have exclusively been isolated from food sources. This observation provides valuable insights into the potential origins and dispersion dynamics of this genetic trait within the species.

Landscape of Brazilian research and development public funding in advanced therapies: lessons learned and a roadmap for middle-income economies.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) have reached the forefront of biotechnological innovation, partly due to public funders' efforts in the early stages of research and development (R&D). Data on investment in R&D of ATMPs are recognized as scarce, particularly in developing countries. Because of the numerous peculiarities of the Brazilian health system and the science and technology (S&T) system, the country is a good example for the evaluation of public investments in R&D of ATMPs. The aim of this study is to analyze the evolution of investments made by the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Brazil and partners in the ATMP field between 2004 and 2020. METHODS: A descriptive analysis was performed based on secondary data. The analysis was based on S&T and innovation research and support for research infrastructure in the field. The database was stratified by year of funding, ATMP type, type of study or research infrastructure project, amount invested in the project, targeted disease for which clinical trials in ATMPs were developed and financing sector (health, education, S&T and economic). RESULTS: The investments coordinated by MoH (61.5%) in partnership with the S&T, education and economic sectors (38.5%) consisted of Int$137.35 million in 282 ATMP projects. Funding included S&T and innovation research (67% of the total amount) and projects to implement or maintain infrastructure in selected research centers (32.98%). With regard to global convergence, cell therapy was the type of ATMP that most benefited from public investment, totaling 82.23% of the total funding in the analyzed period. Cardiology (29%) and neurology (21%) were the main focus of clinical trials. Following the global trend of public sector R&D funding, the number of basic and pre-clinical research projects represented 78.06% of the total number of projects. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the need to implement improvements in ATMP R&D financing policy in Brazil, the country has made important steps in the field and can serve as a benchmark for other countries with socioeconomic similarities. Among the main lessons are the prioritization of research aligned with the health needs of the population, cross-sector articulation by the health policymaker to coordinate R&D efforts of the sector and formulation of a specific sector policy (Programa Genomas Brasil, the Brazilian National Program of Genomic and Precision Medicine) to promote knowledge translation.

Optimizing the Decellularized Porcine Liver Scaffold Protocol.

There are few existing methods for shortening the decellularization period for a human-sized whole-liver scaffold. Here, we describe a protocol that enables effective decellularization of the liver obtained from pigs weigh 120 ± 4.2 kg within 72 h. Porcine livers (approx. 1.5 kg) were decellularized for 3 days using a combination of chemical and enzymatic decellularization agents. After trypsin, sodium deoxycholate, and Triton X-100 perfusion, the porcine livers were completely translucent. Our protocol was efficient to promote cell removal, the preservation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and vascular tree integrity. In conclusion, our protocol is efficient to promote human-sized whole-liver scaffold decellularization and thus useful to generate bioengineered livers to overcome the shortage of organs.

BKCa Channel Activation Attenuates the Pathophysiological Progression of Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Wistar Rats.

PURPOSE: In the present study, the therapeutic efficacy of a selective BKCa channel opener (compound X) in the treatment of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was investigated. METHODS: PAH was induced in male Wistar rats by a single injection of MCT. After two weeks, the MCT-treated group was divided into two groups that were either treated with compound X or vehicle. Compound X was administered daily at 28 mg/kg. Electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and haemodynamic analyses were performed; ex vivo evaluations of pulmonary artery reactivity, right ventricle (RV) and lung histology as well as expression levels of α and ß myosin heavy chain, brain natriuretic peptide, and cytokines (TNFα and IL10) in heart tissue were performed. RESULTS: Pulmonary artery rings of the PAH group showed a lower vasodilatation response to acetylcholine, suggesting endothelial dysfunction. Compound X promoted strong vasodilation in pulmonary artery rings of both control and MCT-induced PAH rats. The untreated hypertensive rats presented remodelling of pulmonary arterioles associated with increased resistance to pulmonary flow; increased systolic pressure, hypertrophy and fibrosis of the RV; prolongation of the QT and Tpeak-Tend intervals (evaluated during electrocardiogram); increased lung and liver weights; and autonomic imbalance with predominance of sympathetic activity. On the other hand, treatment with compound X reduced pulmonary vascular remodelling, pulmonary flow resistance and RV hypertrophy and afterload. CONCLUSION: The use of a selective and potent opener to activate the BKCa channels promoted improvement of haemodynamic parameters and consequent prevention of RV maladaptive remodelling in rats with MCT-induced PAH.

Influence of sucrose reduction on fouling during the production of dulce de leche.

In this Research Communication we focus the food industry´s broad tendency to decrease sugar content in food products onto dulce de leche (DL) and examine the influence of sucrose reduction on the detrimental deposits formed during the production process. The method used to identify the impact produced directly on the heat exchanger during the production of this product with low sucrose content required varying the quantity of sucrose in the milk. Different percentages of sucrose (20, 15, 10, 5 and 0% w/w) were submitted to the DL concentration process in a process simulator. After concentration, the quantification of the deposits formed in each was carried out and these deposits were characterized according to their composition. Methods such as Kjeldahl, Pregl-Dumas and sem-EDS were used. Thus, the work highlights the need to change the product manufacturing process due to changes in the formulation that directly impact the formation of deposits in the equipment used (fouling). This deposit changes significantly in relation to its quantity as well as in relation to the composition and chemical characteristics as the gradual reduction of the sucrose content in the production takes place. Therefore, these impacts must be considered in order to maintain better manufacturing and ensure efficient cleaning of equipment.

Physical properties of UHT light cream: impact of the high-pressure homogenization and addition of hydrocolloids.

The beneficial effects of a healthy diet on the quality of life have prompted the food industry to develop low-fat variants, but fat content directly affects the physicochemical and sensory properties of food products. The utilization of high-pressure homogenization (HP) and incorporation of hydrocolloids have been suggested as strategies to improve the physical stability and rheological properties of light cream. Thus, this study aims to analyze the associated effect of high-pressure homogenization (80 MPa) and three different hydrocolloids: microcrystalline cellulose, locust bean gum and xanthan gum, on emulsion stability and rheological properties of ultra-high-temperature (UHT) light cream (ULC) with a 15% w/w fat content. The stability of ULC was determined by the ζ potential of oil droplets and emulsion stability percentage. Rheological characterization was based on flow behavior tests and dynamic oscillatory measurements, which were carried out in a rheometer. Results showed that the high-pressure homogenization process did not influence the emulsion stability of the treatments. Moreover, the hydrocolloids added to systems present weak interactions with milk proteins since all ULC showed macroscopical phase separation. The samples presented the same rheological behavior and were classified as pseudoplastic fluids (n < 1). ULC treated at 80 MPa was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) more consistent than the treatments at 20 MPa. All ULC showed a predominant elastic behavior (G' > G″), and a remarkable increase in both G' and G″ at 80 MPa. The results presented in this study highlight the potential of HP for altering some rheological characteristics of UHT light cream, for example, to increase its consistency. These results are important for the dairy industry and ingredient suppliers, in the standardization of UHT light cream and/or to develop low-fat products.

Challenges associated with spray drying of lactic acid bacteria: Understanding cell viability loss.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) cultures used in food fermentation are often dried to reduce transportation costs and facilitate handling during use. Dried LAB ferments are generally lyophilized to ensure high cell viability. Spray drying has come to the forefront as a promising technique due to its versatility and lower associated energy costs. Adverse conditions during spray drying, such as mechanical stress, dehydration, heating, and oxygen exposure, can lead to low LAB cell viability. This reduced viability has limited spray drying's industrial applications thus far. This review aims to demonstrate the operations and thermodynamic principles that govern spray drying, then correlate them to the damage suffered by LAB cells during the spray-drying process. The particularities of spray drying that might cause LAB cell death are detailed in this review, and the conclusion may enhance future studies on ways to improve cell viability.

Atrial fibrosis and decreased connexin 43 in rat hearts after exposure to high-intensity infrasound.

BACKGROUND: Noise is an important environmental risk factor. Industrial environments are rich in high-intensity infrasound (hi-IFS), which we have found to induce myocardial and coronary perivascular fibrosis in rats. The effects of exposure to IFS on the ventricles have been studied, but not on the atria. We hypothesized that rats exposed to hi-IFS develop atrial remodeling involving fibrosis and connexin 43, which we sought to evaluate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two Wistar rats, half exposed to hi-IFS (120 dB, <20 Hz) during a maximum period of 12 weeks and half age-matched controls, were studied. Atrial fibrosis was analyzed by Chromotrope-aniline blue staining. The immunohistochemical evaluation of Cx43 was performed using the polyclonal antibody connexin-43 m diluted 1:1000 at 4 °C overnight. Digitized images were obtained with an optical microscope using 400× magnifications. The measurements were performed using image J software. A two-way ANOVA model was used to compare the groups. RESULTS: The mean values of the ratio "atrial fibrosis / cardiomyocytes" increased to a maximum of 0.1095 ± 0,04 and 0.5408 ± 0,01, and of the ratio "CX43 / cardiomyocytes" decreased to 0.0834 ± 0,03 and 0.0966 ± 0,03, respectively in IFS-exposed rats and controls. IFS-exposed rats exhibited a significantly higher ratio of fibrosis (p < .001) and lower ratio of Cx43 (p = .009). CONCLUSION: High-intensity infrasound exposure leads to an increase in atrial interstitial fibrosis and a decrease in connexin 43 in rat hearts. This finding reinforces the need for further experimental and clinical studies concerning the effects of exposure to infrasound.

The ability of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis bv. diacetylactis strains in producing nisin.

Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis bv. diacetylactis is a relevant microorganism for the dairy industry because of its role in the production of aromatic compounds. Despite this technological property, the identification of bacteriocinogenic potential of obtained strains can offer the additional positive aspect of biosafety. A panel of 15 L. lactis subsp. lactis bv. diacetylactis strains was characterised for the presence and expression of bacteriocin related genes, and further investigated regarding the nisin operon. Eight strains were positive only for nisA, and one strain (SBR4) presented a full nisin operon, with sequencing that was shown to be similar to nisin Z. Only SBR4 presented inhibitory activity against 16 microbial target strains. The growth curves of selected targets strains confirmed the inhibitory activity of SBR4 and consequently the nisin production. This research has demonstrated the inhibitory potential of L. lactis subsp. lactis bv. diacetylactis strain, SBR4, due to its ability to produce nisin Z. This biopreservative potential, associated to previously characterised technological properties, allow the indication of this strain as a promising candidate to be used by the dairy industry as a starter or adjunct culture.

Coelozoic parasite of the family Ceratomyxidae (Myxozoa, Bivalvulida) described from motile vermiform plasmodia found in Hemiodus unimaculatus Bloch, 1794.

Myxozoans of the family Ceratomyxidae are common coelozoic parasites of marine, anadromous, and freshwater fish, and may also be found, less frequently, parasitizing the tissue of these hosts. The diversity and ecology of the freshwater species of the genus Ceratomyxa have been poorly investigated, leading to a knowledge gap that restricts the understanding of the distribution and prevalence of this group of parasites. In the present study, parasites were found inside vermiform plasmodia, characterised by oscillatory movements in the characiform species Hemiodus unimaculatus. The crescent-shaped and elongated spores, perpendicular to the suture line, have a mean length of 28.9 ± 2.7 µm and width of 2.6 ± 0.1 µm, with two symmetrical oval polar capsules, 1.9 ± 0.3 µm in length and 1.7 ± 0.2 µm in width, containing polar filaments with three or four coils, located near the central suture, with symmetrical lateral elongations 14.3 ± 1.1 µm in length and binucleate amoeboid sporoplasm. The integrated comparative analysis of the morphological characteristics and partial SSU rRNA sequences supported the identification of a new species of coelozoic Ceratomyxa, found in the gallbladder of H. unimaculatus, from the Tocantins basin, in the municipalities of Estreito and Imperatriz in eastern Brazilian Amazonia.The new species was denominated Ceratomyxa fonsecai n. sp.

Milk quality, production process and physicochemical characteristics of Porungo, an artisanal cheese from the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Porungo is a traditional pasta filata cheese produced using raw milk throughout the southwest region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The objectives of this Research Communication were to evaluate the quality of raw milk used to make Porungo cheese, to characterize its production process, and to determine its chemical composition. The results showed that the raw milk met both Brazilian and international quality requirements. Chemically, Porungo can be classified as a medium to full fat semi-hard fresh cheese. Our study has allowed the first standards and regulations for Porungo to be established in Brazil. By virtue of this, the local producers are able to formalize their activity while consumers can have access to a safe and certified product.

Expression of potassium channels is relevant for cell survival and migration in a murine bone marrow stromal cell line.

S17 is a clonogenic bone marrow stromal (BMS) cell line derived from mouse that has been extensively used to assess both human and murine hematopoiesis support capacity. However, very little is known about the expression of potassium ion channels and their function in cell survival and migration in these cells. Thus, the present study was designed to characterize potassium ion channels using electrophysiological and molecular biological approaches in S17 BMS cells. The whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp technique has been applied to identify potassium ion currents and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) used to determine their molecular identities. Based on gating kinetics and pharmacological modulation of the macroscopic currents we found the presence of four functional potassium ion channels in S17 BMS cells. These include a current rapidly activated and inactivated, tetraethylammonium-sensitive, (IKV ) in most (50%) cells; a fast activated and rapidly inactivating A-type K + current (IK A -like); a delayed rectifier K + current (IK DR ) and an inward rectifier potassium current (IK IR ), found in, respectively 4.5%, 26% and 24% of these cells. RT-PCR confirmed the presence of mRNA transcripts for the alpha subunit of the corresponding functional ion channels. Additionally, functional assays were performed to investigate the importance of potassium currents in cell survival and migration. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide analyses revealed a reduction in cell viability, while wound healing assays revealed reduced migration potential in cells incubated with different potassium channel blockers. In conclusion, our data suggested that potassium currents might play a role in the maintenance of overall S17 cell ionic homeostasis directly affecting cell survival and migration.