Webinar

Pain Research: WRPRFa as a Novel Tool for Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 3 (ASIC3)

19 November 2025

3:00pm

Join this webinar to learn how WRPRFa, a novel peptide tool selective for ASIC3, advances pain research and supports drug discovery in peripheral nociceptors.

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated ion channels that play key roles in both physiological and pathological processes. Among them, ASIC1a and ASIC3 have been strongly implicated in pain perception. However, separating their individual contributions to nociceptive signaling has been challenging due to the limited availability of highly selective pharmacological tools.

In this webinar, Dr Nien-Du Yang (Senior Scientist, Latigo Biotherapeutics) and Dr James Costantin (Scientific Market Development Manager – Ion Channels, Eurofins DiscoverX) will present recent findings on the discovery and functional characterization of WRPRFa, a potent and selective peptide modulator of ASIC3. This novel tool offers researchers the ability to interrogate ASIC3 biology with greater precision, providing new insights into its role in pain pathways and its potential as a therapeutic target for novel analgesics.

Together, these advances expand the possibilities for drug discovery, from target validation through preclinical development.

In this webinar, you’ll learn:

  1. How manual and automated patch-clamp platforms define structure–activity relationships of peptidic ion channel modulators.
  2. Why WRPRFa is a valuable selective tool for studying ASIC3 biology, a promising target in pain research and analgesic discovery.

How electrophysiological data demonstrate the robustness and suitability of Eurofins DiscoverX ASIC3 cell lines for drug discovery.

Register your details now >>

SPEAKERS

Dr Nien-Du Yang

Dr Nien-Du Yang – Senior Scientist, Latigo Biotherapeutics, Inc

Nien-Du Yang earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, where he studied ion channel biophysics and pharmacology with a focus on voltage-gated potassium channels and their role in neuronal excitability. He joined Latigo Biotherapeutics in 2023, where he applies his expertise in ion channels and electrophysiology to the company’s drug discovery programs.

Dr James Costantin

Dr James Costantin – Scientific Market Development Manager – Ion Channels, Eurofins DiscoverX                 

Dr James Costantin began his career as an ion channel patch-clamper in academia. After earning a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Texas Medical School (M.D. Anderson Cancer Center), he completed electrophysiology postdoctoral research at UCLA and UC Berkeley. In 2002, he moved to industry, joining Molecular Devices as an Application Scientist and later Product Manager for the IonWorks line of automated patch-clamp (APC) instruments. He went on to join Nanion Technologies in 2015, supporting the SyncroPatch line of APC systems. Since 2022, James has been with Eurofins DiscoverX, where he manages the ion channel cell line product portfolio and oversees a fully functional ion channel laboratory utilizing a 384-well APC platform.

FAQs

Is the webinar free?
Yes – there is no charge to watch the webinar, either live or on-demand.

When will the webinar take place?
The webinar will take place live on 19 November 15:00 PM GMT.

I’m busy. Can I watch it later?
The webinar will become available to watch on-demand shortly after the live webinar takes place.

What are the benefits of attending live?
During the live webinar, you’ll be able to ask the speakers your questions, which will then be answered during the live Q&A session towards the end of the webinar.

How long will the webinar be?
This webinar will last for up to one hour.

What do I need to watch this webinar?
All you need is a computer with an internet connection. Be sure to use headphones if in an office environment.

Do I receive a certificate?
Yes, you will receive a certificate if you attend the webinar live. The certificate will be sent with your on-demand video link.