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Ageitos L, Torres MDT, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Biologically Active Peptides from Venoms: Applications in Antibiotic Resistance, Cancer, and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315437. [PMID: 36499761 PMCID: PMC9740984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides are potential therapeutic alternatives against global diseases, such as antimicrobial-resistant infections and cancer. Venoms are a rich source of bioactive peptides that have evolved over time to act on specific targets of the prey. Peptides are one of the main components responsible for the biological activity and toxicity of venoms. South American organisms such as scorpions, snakes, and spiders are important producers of a myriad of peptides with different biological activities. In this review, we report the main venom-derived peptide families produced from South American organisms and their corresponding activities and biological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Ageitos
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marcelo D. T. Torres
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Correspondence:
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Muller JAI, Chan LY, Toffoli-Kadri MC, Mortari MR, Craik DJ, Koehbach J. Antinociceptive peptides from venomous arthropods. TOXIN REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2022.2065510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. I. Muller
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lai Y. Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Monica C. Toffoli-Kadri
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcia R. Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IB/University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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3
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Soares-Silva B, Beserra-Filho JIA, Morera PMA, Custódio-Silva AC, Maria-Macêdo A, Silva-Martins S, Alexandre-Silva V, Silva SP, Silva RH, Ribeiro AM. The bee venom active compound melittin protects against bicuculline-induced seizures and hippocampal astrocyte activation in rats. Neuropeptides 2022; 91:102209. [PMID: 34808488 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2021.102209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neuropathology characterized by an abnormal hyperactivity of neurons that generate recurrent, spontaneous, paradoxical and synchronized nerve impulses, leading or not to seizures. This neurological disorder affects around 70 million individuals worldwide. Pharmacoresistance is observed in about 30% of the patients and long-term use of antiepileptics may induce serious side effects. Thus, there is an interest in the study of the therapeutic potential of bioactive substances isolated from natural products in the treatment of epilepsy. Arthropod venoms contain neurotoxins that have high affinity for molecular structures in the neural tissue such as receptors, transporters and ion channels both in glial and neuronal membranes. This study evaluated the potential neuroprotective effect of melittin (MEL), an active compound of bee venom, in the bicuculline-induced seizure model (BIC) in rats. Male Wistar rats (3 months, 250-300 g) were submitted to surgery for the implantation of a unilateral cannula in the lateral ventricle. After the recovery period, rats received a microinjection of saline solution or MEL (0.1 mg per animal). Firstly, rats were evaluated in the open field (20 min) and in the elevated plus maze (5 min) tests after received microinjection of saline or MEL. After, 30 min later animals received BIC (100 mg/ml) or saline, and their behaviors were analyzed for 20 min in the open field according to a seizure scale. At the end, rats were euthanized, brains collected and processed to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry evaluation. No changes were observed in MEL-treated rats in the open field and elevated plus maze. However, 90% of MEL-treated animals were protected against seizures induced by BIC. There was an increase in the latency for the onset of seizures, accompanied by a reduction of GFAP-immunoreactivity cells in the dentate gyrus and CA1. Thus, our study suggests that MEL has an anticonvulsant potential, and further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in this action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José Ivo Araújo Beserra-Filho
- Departament of Biosciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Amanda Maria-Macêdo
- Departament of Biosciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | | | | | - Sara Pereira Silva
- Departament of Biosciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | - Regina Helena Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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4
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Deuis JR, Ragnarsson L, Robinson SD, Dekan Z, Chan L, Jin AH, Tran P, McMahon KL, Li S, Wood JN, Cox JJ, King GF, Herzig V, Vetter I. The Tarantula Venom Peptide Eo1a Binds to the Domain II S3-S4 Extracellular Loop of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Na V1.8 to Enhance Activation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:789570. [PMID: 35095499 PMCID: PMC8795738 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.789570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms from cone snails and arachnids are a rich source of peptide modulators of voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels, however relatively few venom-derived peptides with activity at the mammalian NaV1.8 subtype have been isolated. Here, we describe the discovery and functional characterisation of β-theraphotoxin-Eo1a, a peptide from the venom of the Tanzanian black and olive baboon tarantula Encyocratella olivacea that modulates NaV1.8. Eo1a is a 37-residue peptide that increases NaV1.8 peak current (EC50 894 ± 146 nM) and causes a large hyperpolarising shift in both the voltage-dependence of activation (ΔV50-20.5 ± 1.2 mV) and steady-state fast inactivation (ΔV50-15.5 ± 1.8 mV). At a concentration of 10 μM, Eo1a has varying effects on the peak current and channel gating of NaV1.1-NaV1.7, although its activity is most pronounced at NaV1.8. Investigations into the binding site of Eo1a using NaV1.7/NaV1.8 chimeras revealed a critical contribution of the DII S3-S4 extracellular loop of NaV1.8 to toxin activity. Results from this work may form the basis for future studies that lead to the rational design of spider venom-derived peptides with improved potency and selectivity at NaV1.8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Deuis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lotten Ragnarsson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Samuel D. Robinson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Zoltan Dekan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lerena Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ai-Hua Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Poanna Tran
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kirsten L. McMahon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shengnan Li
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - John N. Wood
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James J. Cox
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Volker Herzig
- GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
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Diochot S. Pain-related toxins in scorpion and spider venoms: a face to face with ion channels. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210026. [PMID: 34925480 PMCID: PMC8667759 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a common symptom induced during envenomation by spiders and scorpions.
Toxins isolated from their venom have become essential tools for studying the
functioning and physiopathological role of ion channels, as they modulate their
activity. In particular, toxins that induce pain relief effects can serve as a
molecular basis for the development of future analgesics in humans. This review
provides a summary of the different scorpion and spider toxins that directly
interact with pain-related ion channels, with inhibitory or stimulatory effects.
Some of these toxins were shown to affect pain modalities in different animal
models providing information on the role played by these channels in the pain
process. The close interaction of certain gating-modifier toxins with membrane
phospholipids close to ion channels is examined along with molecular approaches
to improve selectivity, affinity or bioavailability in vivo for
therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Diochot
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7275 et Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), 06560 Valbonne, France. Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Université Côte d'Azur Valbonne France
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6
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Smallwood TB, Clark RJ. Advances in venom peptide drug discovery: where are we at and where are we heading? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:1163-1173. [PMID: 33914674 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1922386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Animal venoms are a complex mixture of bioactive molecules that have evolved over millions of years for prey capture and defense from predators. Venom consists of many different types of molecules, with disulfide-rich peptides being a major component in most venoms. The study of these potent and highly selective molecules has led to the development of venom-derived drugs for diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic pain. As technologies have improved, more bioactive peptides have been discovered from venomous animals. Many of these molecules may have applications as tools for understanding normal and disease physiology, therapeutics, cosmetics or in agriculture.Areas covered: This article reviews venom-derived drugs approved by the FDA and venom-derived peptides currently in development. It discusses the challenges faced by venom-derived peptide drugs during drug development and the future for venom-derived peptides.Expert opinion: New techniques such as toxin driven discovery are expanding the pipeline of venom-derived peptides. There are many venom-derived peptides currently in preclinical and clinical trials that would have remained undiscovered using traditional approaches. A renewed focus on venoms, with advances in technology, will broaden the diversity of venom-derived peptide therapeutics and expand our knowledge of their molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor B Smallwood
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Richard J Clark
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
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Cardoso FC, Castro J, Grundy L, Schober G, Garcia-Caraballo S, Zhao T, Herzig V, King GF, Brierley SM, Lewis RJ. A spider-venom peptide with multitarget activity on sodium and calcium channels alleviates chronic visceral pain in a model of irritable bowel syndrome. Pain 2021; 162:569-581. [PMID: 32826759 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Chronic pain is a serious debilitating condition that affects ∼20% of the world's population. Currently available drugs fail to produce effective pain relief in many patients and have dose-limiting side effects. Several voltage-gated sodium (NaV) and calcium (CaV) channels are implicated in the etiology of chronic pain, particularly NaV1.1, NaV1.3, NaV1.7-NaV1.9, CaV2.2, and CaV3.2. Numerous NaV and CaV modulators have been described, but with few exceptions, they display poor potency and/or selectivity for pain-related channel subtypes. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of 2 novel tarantula-venom peptides (Tap1a and Tap2a) isolated from Theraphosa apophysis venom that modulate the activity of both NaV and CaV3 channels. Tap1a and Tap2a inhibited on-target NaV and CaV3 channels at nanomolar to micromolar concentrations and displayed moderate off-target selectivity for NaV1.6 and weak affinity for NaV1.4 and NaV1.5. The most potent inhibitor, Tap1a, nearly ablated neuronal mechanosensitivity in afferent fibers innervating the colon and the bladder, with in vivo intracolonic administration reversing colonic mechanical hypersensitivity in a mouse model of irritable bowel syndrome. These findings suggest that targeting a specific combination of NaV and CaV3 subtypes provides a novel route for treatment of chronic visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C Cardoso
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joel Castro
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Luke Grundy
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gudrun Schober
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sonia Garcia-Caraballo
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tianjiao Zhao
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Volker Herzig
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stuart M Brierley
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Yousuf A, Sadeghi M, Adams DJ. Venom-Derived Peptides Inhibiting Voltage-Gated Sodium and Calcium Channels in Mammalian Sensory Neurons. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1349:3-19. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-4254-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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9
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Cardoso FC. Multi-targeting sodium and calcium channels using venom peptides for the treatment of complex ion channels-related diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114107. [PMID: 32579958 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Venom peptides are amongst the most exquisite group of bioactive molecules able to alter the normal physiology of organisms. These bioactive peptides penetrate tissues and blood vessels to encounter a number of receptors and ion channels to which they bind with high affinity and execute modulatory activities. Arachnid is the most diverse class of venomous animals often rich in peptides modulating voltage-gated sodium (NaV), calcium (CaV), and potassium (KV) channels. Spider venoms, in particular, contain potent and selective peptides targeting these channels, with a few displaying interesting multi-target properties for NaV and CaV channels underlying disease mechanisms such as in neuropathic pain, motor neuron disease and cancer. The elucidation of the pharmacology and structure-function properties of these venom peptides are invaluable for the development of effective drugs targeting NaV and CaV channels. This perspective discusses spider venom peptides displaying multi-target properties to modulate NaV and CaV channels in regard to their pharmacological features, structure-function relationships and potential to become the next generation of effective drugs to treat neurological disorders and other multi-ion channels related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Rd., St Lucia, QLD AU 4072, Australia
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10
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Spider Knottin Pharmacology at Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels and Their Potential to Modulate Pain Pathways. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11110626. [PMID: 31671792 PMCID: PMC6891507 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11110626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs) are a key determinant of neuronal signalling. Neurotoxins from diverse taxa that selectively activate or inhibit NaV channels have helped unravel the role of NaV channels in diseases, including chronic pain. Spider venoms contain the most diverse array of inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) toxins (knottins). This review provides an overview on how spider knottins modulate NaV channels and describes the structural features and molecular determinants that influence their affinity and subtype selectivity. Genetic and functional evidence support a major involvement of NaV subtypes in various chronic pain conditions. The exquisite inhibitory properties of spider knottins over key NaV subtypes make them the best lead molecules for the development of novel analgesics to treat chronic pain.
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Maatuf Y, Geron M, Priel A. The Role of Toxins in the Pursuit for Novel Analgesics. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11020131. [PMID: 30813430 PMCID: PMC6409898 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11020131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a major medical issue which reduces the quality of life of millions and inflicts a significant burden on health authorities worldwide. Currently, management of chronic pain includes first-line pharmacological therapies that are inadequately effective, as in just a portion of patients pain relief is obtained. Furthermore, most analgesics in use produce severe or intolerable adverse effects that impose dose restrictions and reduce compliance. As the majority of analgesic agents act on the central nervous system (CNS), it is possible that blocking pain at its source by targeting nociceptors would prove more efficient with minimal CNS-related side effects. The development of such analgesics requires the identification of appropriate molecular targets and thorough understanding of their structural and functional features. To this end, plant and animal toxins can be employed as they affect ion channels with high potency and selectivity. Moreover, elucidation of the toxin-bound ion channel structure could generate pharmacophores for rational drug design while favorable safety and analgesic profiles could highlight toxins as leads or even as valuable therapeutic compounds themselves. Here, we discuss the use of plant and animal toxins in the characterization of peripherally expressed ion channels which are implicated in pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossi Maatuf
- The Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel.
| | - Matan Geron
- The Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel.
| | - Avi Priel
- The Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel.
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12
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Zhang Y, Peng D, Huang B, Yang Q, Zhang Q, Chen M, Rong M, Liu Z. Discovery of a Novel Na v1.7 Inhibitor From Cyriopagopus albostriatus Venom With Potent Analgesic Efficacy. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1158. [PMID: 30386239 PMCID: PMC6198068 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spider venoms contain a vast array of bioactive peptides targeting ion channels. A large number of peptides have high potency and selectivity toward sodium channels. Nav1.7 contributes to action potential generation and propagation and participates in pain signaling pathway. In this study, we describe the identification of μ-TRTX-Ca2a (Ca2a), a novel 35-residue peptide from the venom of Vietnam spider Cyriopagopus albostriatus (C. albostriatus) that potently inhibits Nav1.7 (IC50 = 98.1 ± 3.3 nM) with high selectivity against skeletal muscle isoform Nav1.4 (IC50 > 10 μM) and cardiac muscle isoform Nav1.5 (IC50 > 10 μM). Ca2a did not significantly alter the voltage-dependent activation or fast inactivation of Nav1.7, but it hyperpolarized the slow inactivation. Site-directed mutagenesis analysis indicated that Ca2a bound with Nav1.7 at the extracellular S3–S4 linker of domain II. Meanwhile, Ca2a dose-dependently attenuated pain behaviors in rodent models of formalin-induced paw licking, hot plate test, and acetic acid-induced writhing. This study indicates that Ca2a is a potential lead molecule for drug development of novel analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiao Zhang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Dezheng Peng
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Biao Huang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiuchu Yang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Qingfeng Zhang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Minzhi Chen
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Mingqiang Rong
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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13
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Chen C, Xu B, Shi X, Zhang M, Zhang Q, Zhang T, Zhao W, Zhang R, Wang Z, Li N, Fang Q. GpTx-1 and [Ala 5 , Phe 6 , Leu 26 , Arg 28 ]GpTx-1, two peptide Na V 1.7 inhibitors: analgesic and tolerance properties at the spinal level. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:3911-3927. [PMID: 30076786 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The voltage-gated sodium channel NaV 1.7 is considered a therapeutic target for pain treatment based on human genetic evidence. GpTx-1 and its potent analogue [Ala5 , Phe6 , Leu26 , Arg28 ]GpTx-1 (GpTx-1-71) were recently characterized as NaV 1.7 inhibitors in vitro. Furthermore, the present work was conducted to investigate the analgesic properties of these two peptides in different pain models after spinal administration. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The antinociceptive activities of both GpTx-1 and GpTx-1-71 were investigated in mouse models of acute, visceral, inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Furthermore, the side effects of GpTx-1 and GpTx-1-71 were evaluated in rotarod, antinociceptive tolerance, acute hyperlocomotion and gastrointestinal transit tests. KEY RESULTS The i.t. administration of both GpTx-1 and GpTx-1-71 dose-dependently produced powerful antinociception in the different pain models. This effect was attenuated by the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone, suggesting the involvement of the opioid system. In this study, repeated administration of these two_peptides produced spinal analgesia without a loss of potency over 8 days in mouse models of acute, inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Moreover, spinal administration of GpTx-1 and GpTx-1-71 did not induce significant effects on motor coordination, evoke acute hyperlocomotion or increase gastrointestinal transit time. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data indicate that the NaV 1.7 peptide inhibitors GpTx-1 and GpTx-1-71 produce powerful, nontolerance-forming analgesia in preclinical pain models, which might be dependent on the endogenous opioid system. In addition, at the spinal level, the limited side effects imply that these NaV 1.7 peptide inhibitors could be potentially developed as GpTx-1-based drugs for pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nano-Micro Materials Research, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Biao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuerui Shi
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mengna Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qinqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Weidong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Run Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zilong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Quan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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14
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Pluskal T, Weng JK. Natural product modulators of human sensations and mood: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Chem Soc Rev 2018; 47:1592-1637. [PMID: 28933478 DOI: 10.1039/c7cs00411g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Humans perceive physical information about the surrounding environment through their senses. This physical information is registered by a collection of highly evolved and finely tuned molecular sensory receptors. A multitude of bioactive, structurally diverse ligands have evolved in nature that bind these molecular receptors. The complex, dynamic interactions between the ligands and the receptors lead to changes in our sensory perception or mood. Here, we review our current knowledge of natural products and their derived analogues that interact specifically with human G protein-coupled receptors, ion channels, and nuclear hormone receptors to modulate the sensations of taste, smell, temperature, pain, and itch, as well as mood and its associated behaviour. We discuss the molecular and structural mechanisms underlying such interactions and highlight cases where subtle differences in natural product chemistry produce drastic changes in functional outcome. We also discuss cases where a single compound triggers complex sensory or behavioural changes in humans through multiple mechanistic targets. Finally, we comment on the therapeutic potential of the reviewed area of research and draw attention to recent technological developments in genomics, metabolomics, and metabolic engineering that allow us to tap the medicinal properties of natural product chemistry without taxing nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Pluskal
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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15
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Pennington MW, Czerwinski A, Norton RS. Peptide therapeutics from venom: Current status and potential. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 26:2738-2758. [PMID: 28988749 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Peptides are recognized as being highly selective, potent and relatively safe as potential therapeutics. Peptides isolated from the venom of different animals satisfy most of these criteria with the possible exception of safety, but when isolated as single compounds and used at appropriate concentrations, venom-derived peptides can become useful drugs. Although the number of venom-derived peptides that have successfully progressed to the clinic is currently limited, the prospects for venom-derived peptides look very optimistic. As proteomic and transcriptomic approaches continue to identify new sequences, the potential of venom-derived peptides to find applications as therapeutics, cosmetics and insecticides grows accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrzej Czerwinski
- Peptides International, Inc., 11621 Electron Drive, Louisville, KY 40299, USA
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 381 Royal Parade, Monash University, Parkville, 3052, Australia
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16
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Deuis JR, Wingerd JS, Winter Z, Durek T, Dekan Z, Sousa SR, Zimmermann K, Hoffmann T, Weidner C, Nassar MA, Alewood PF, Lewis RJ, Vetter I. Analgesic Effects of GpTx-1, PF-04856264 and CNV1014802 in a Mouse Model of NaV1.7-Mediated Pain. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8030078. [PMID: 26999206 PMCID: PMC4810223 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8030078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations of Na(V)1.7 lead to congenital insensitivity to pain, a rare condition resulting in individuals who are otherwise normal except for the inability to sense pain, making pharmacological inhibition of Na(V)1.7 a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of pain. We characterized a novel mouse model of Na(V)1.7-mediated pain based on intraplantar injection of the scorpion toxin OD1, which is suitable for rapid in vivo profiling of Na(V)1.7 inhibitors. Intraplantar injection of OD1 caused spontaneous pain behaviors, which were reversed by co-injection with Na(V)1.7 inhibitors and significantly reduced in Na(V)1.7(-/-) mice. To validate the use of the model for profiling Na(V)1.7 inhibitors, we determined the Na(V) selectivity and tested the efficacy of the reported Na(V)1.7 inhibitors GpTx-1, PF-04856264 and CNV1014802 (raxatrigine). GpTx-1 selectively inhibited Na(V)1.7 and was effective when co-administered with OD1, but lacked efficacy when delivered systemically. PF-04856264 state-dependently and selectively inhibited Na(V)1.7 and significantly reduced OD1-induced spontaneous pain when delivered locally and systemically. CNV1014802 state-dependently, but non-selectively, inhibited Na(V) channels and was only effective in the OD1 model when delivered systemically. Our novel model of Na(V)1.7-mediated pain based on intraplantar injection of OD1 is thus suitable for the rapid in vivo characterization of the analgesic efficacy of Na(V)1.7 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Deuis
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Joshua S Wingerd
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Zoltan Winter
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology and Department of Anaesthesiology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Durek
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Zoltan Dekan
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Silmara R Sousa
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Katharina Zimmermann
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology and Department of Anaesthesiology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Tali Hoffmann
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology and Department of Anaesthesiology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Christian Weidner
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology and Department of Anaesthesiology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Mohammed A Nassar
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Irina Vetter
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
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17
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Murray JK, Long J, Zou A, Ligutti J, Andrews KL, Poppe L, Biswas K, Moyer BD, McDonough SI, Miranda LP. Single Residue Substitutions That Confer Voltage-Gated Sodium Ion Channel Subtype Selectivity in the NaV1.7 Inhibitory Peptide GpTx-1. J Med Chem 2016; 59:2704-17. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin K. Murray
- Therapeutic Discovery and ‡Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
- Therapeutic Discovery and ∥Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Jason Long
- Therapeutic Discovery and ‡Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
- Therapeutic Discovery and ∥Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Anruo Zou
- Therapeutic Discovery and ‡Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
- Therapeutic Discovery and ∥Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Joseph Ligutti
- Therapeutic Discovery and ‡Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
- Therapeutic Discovery and ∥Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Kristin L. Andrews
- Therapeutic Discovery and ‡Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
- Therapeutic Discovery and ∥Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Leszek Poppe
- Therapeutic Discovery and ‡Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
- Therapeutic Discovery and ∥Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Kaustav Biswas
- Therapeutic Discovery and ‡Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
- Therapeutic Discovery and ∥Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Bryan D. Moyer
- Therapeutic Discovery and ‡Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
- Therapeutic Discovery and ∥Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Stefan I. McDonough
- Therapeutic Discovery and ‡Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
- Therapeutic Discovery and ∥Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Les P. Miranda
- Therapeutic Discovery and ‡Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
- Therapeutic Discovery and ∥Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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18
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Murray JK, Biswas K, Holder JR, Zou A, Ligutti J, Liu D, Poppe L, Andrews KL, Lin FF, Meng SY, Moyer BD, McDonough SI, Miranda LP. Sustained inhibition of the Na V 1.7 sodium channel by engineered dimers of the domain II binding peptide GpTx-1. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:4866-4871. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 06/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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19
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Kwong K, Carr MJ. Voltage-gated sodium channels. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2015; 22:131-9. [PMID: 26043074 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels play a key role in the transmission of sensory information about the status of organs in the periphery. Sensory fibers contain a heterogeneous yet specific distribution of voltage-gated sodium channel isoforms. Major efforts by industry and academic groups are underway to develop medicines that interrupt inappropriate signaling for a number of clinical indications by taking advantage of this specific distribution of channel isoforms. This review highlights recent advances in the study of human channelopathies, animal toxins and channel structure that may facilitate the development of selective voltage-gated sodium channel blockers.
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20
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Murray JK, Ligutti J, Liu D, Zou A, Poppe L, Li H, Andrews KL, Moyer BD, McDonough SI, Favreau P, Stöcklin R, Miranda LP. Engineering Potent and Selective Analogues of GpTx-1, a Tarantula Venom Peptide Antagonist of the NaV1.7 Sodium Channel. J Med Chem 2015; 58:2299-314. [DOI: 10.1021/jm501765v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Philippe Favreau
- Atheris Laboratories, Case Postale
314, CH-1233 Bernex, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Reto Stöcklin
- Atheris Laboratories, Case Postale
314, CH-1233 Bernex, Geneva, Switzerland
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