HERG Meaning and
Definition
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hERG, also known as human Ether-a-go-go-Related Gene, refers to a specific gene present in humans that encodes a potassium ion channel protein. This protein plays a crucial role in the electrical activity of the heart by facilitating the flow of potassium ions across the cell membrane. The hERG channel is primarily found in the ventricles of the heart, which are responsible for pumping blood to the rest of the body.
The hERG channel protein functions to repolarize the cardiac cells after each contraction, allowing them to reset and prepare for the next cycle. By controlling the movement of potassium ions, the hERG channel helps regulate the duration of the cardiac action potential, ensuring the proper timing and coordination of heartbeats.
Mutations or abnormalities in the hERG gene can lead to an imbalance or malfunctioning of the ion channel protein. Such dysfunctions can result in a condition called long QT syndrome, which is characterized by an extended QT interval on an electrocardiogram. Prolonged QT intervals can lead to a higher risk of arrhythmias, including potentially life-threatening ones, such as Torsades de Pointes.
Given its importance in regulating the electrical activity of the heart, the hERG channel and its associated gene have become subjects of extensive research in the field of cardiology and pharmacology. Many drugs and compounds undergo rigorous testing to assess their potential to interfere or block the hERG channel, as this can cause QT interval prolongation and increase the risk of arrhythmias.
Common Misspellings for HERG
- hrerg
- herrg
- h4erg
- he4rg
- h3erg
- he3rg
- heerg
- hereg
- hefrg
- hetrg
- he5rg
- her5g
- her4g
- herhg
- hherg
- hergg
- hEzG
- h erg
- he rg
- her g
Etymology of HERG
The term hERG is derived from the full name of the gene it refers to, which is human Ether-à-go-go-Related Gene. The gene was first discovered in 1992 during research on the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, where mutations in the gene caused slowed heart rates. This led to the identification of a similar gene in humans that plays a critical role in regulating the electrical activity of the heart. To emphasize its connection to the fruit fly gene, the name hERG was adopted as an abbreviation for the human version of the Ether-à-go-go-Related Gene.
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