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McMahon KL, Vetter I, Schroeder CI. Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Inhibition by µ-Conotoxins. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:55. [PMID: 38251271 PMCID: PMC10819908 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
µ-Conotoxins are small, potent pore-blocker inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels, which have been identified as pharmacological probes and putative leads for analgesic development. A limiting factor in their therapeutic development has been their promiscuity for different NaV channel subtypes, which can lead to undesirable side-effects. This review will focus on four areas of µ-conotoxin research: (1) mapping the interactions of µ-conotoxins with different NaV channel subtypes, (2) µ-conotoxin structure-activity relationship studies, (3) observed species selectivity of µ-conotoxins and (4) the effects of µ-conotoxin disulfide connectivity on activity. Our aim is to provide a clear overview of the current status of µ-conotoxin research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten L. McMahon
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- The School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Christina I. Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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Pereira AFM, Cavalcante JS, Angstmam DG, Almeida C, Soares GS, Pucca MB, Ferreira Junior RS. Unveiling the Pain Relief Potential: Harnessing Analgesic Peptides from Animal Venoms. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2766. [PMID: 38140106 PMCID: PMC10748172 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of pain encompasses a complex interplay of sensory and emotional experiences associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Accurately describing and localizing pain, whether acute or chronic, mild or severe, poses a challenge due to its diverse manifestations. Understanding the underlying origins and mechanisms of these pain variations is crucial for effective management and pharmacological interventions. Derived from a wide spectrum of species, including snakes, arthropods, mollusks, and vertebrates, animal venoms have emerged as abundant repositories of potential biomolecules exhibiting analgesic properties across a broad spectrum of pain models. This review focuses on highlighting the most promising venom-derived toxins investigated as potential prototypes for analgesic drugs. The discussion further encompasses research prospects, challenges in advancing analgesics, and the practical application of venom-derived toxins. As the field continues its evolution, tapping into the latent potential of these natural bioactive compounds holds the key to pioneering approaches in pain management and treatment. Therefore, animal toxins present countless possibilities for treating pain caused by different diseases. The development of new analgesic drugs from toxins is one of the directions that therapy must follow, and it seems to be moving forward by recommending the composition of multimodal therapy to combat pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Flávia Marques Pereira
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil;
| | - Joeliton S. Cavalcante
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil; (J.S.C.); (D.G.A.)
| | - Davi Gomes Angstmam
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil; (J.S.C.); (D.G.A.)
| | - Cayo Almeida
- Center of Mathematics, Computing Sciences and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 09280-560, SP, Brazil;
| | - Gean S. Soares
- Delphina Rinaldi Abdel Azil Hospital and Emergency Room (HPSDRAA), Manaus 69093-415, AM, Brazil;
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University, Araraquara 14801-320, SP, Brazil;
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira Junior
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil;
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil; (J.S.C.); (D.G.A.)
- Center for Translational Science and Development of Biopharmaceuticals FAPESP/CEVAP, São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil
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3
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Zhou M, Yang M, Wen H, Xu S, Han C, Wu Y. O1-conotoxin Tx6.7 cloned from the genomic DNA of Conus textile that inhibits calcium currents. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2023; 29:e20220085. [PMID: 37283723 PMCID: PMC10241523 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2022-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Conotoxins exhibit great potential as neuropharmacology tools and therapeutic candidates due to their high affinity and specificity for ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors or transporters. The traditional methods to discover new conotoxins are peptide purification from the crude venom or gene amplification from the venom duct. Methods In this study, a novel O1 superfamily conotoxin Tx6.7 was directly cloned from the genomic DNA of Conus textile using primers corresponding to the conserved intronic sequence and 3' UTR elements. The mature peptide of Tx6.7 (DCHERWDWCPASLLGVIYCCEGLICFIAFCI) was synthesized by solid-phase chemical synthesis and confirmed by mass spectrometry. Results Patch clamp experiments on rat DRG neurons showed that Tx6.7 inhibited peak calcium currents by 59.29 ± 2.34% and peak potassium currents by 22.33 ± 7.81%. In addition, patch clamp on the ion channel subtypes showed that 10 μM Tx6.7 inhibited 56.61 ± 3.20% of the hCaV1.2 currents, 24.67 ± 0.91% of the hCaV2.2 currents and 7.30 ± 3.38% of the hNaV1.8 currents. Tx6.7 had no significant toxicity to ND7/23 cells and increased the pain threshold from 0.5 to 4 hours in the mouse hot plate assay. Conclusion Our results suggested that direct cloning of conotoxin sequences from the genomic DNA of cone snails would be an alternative approach to obtaining novel conotoxins. Tx6.7 could be used as a probe tool for ion channel research or a therapeutic candidate for novel drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maojun Zhou
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics,
State Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Anticancer Drugs, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Manyi Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, NHC Key
Laboratory of Nanobiological Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,
Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huiling Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi,
China
| | - Shun Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular
Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Cuifang Han
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular
Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Yun Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular
Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
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4
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Groome JR. Historical Perspective of the Characterization of Conotoxins Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21040209. [PMID: 37103349 PMCID: PMC10142487 DOI: 10.3390/md21040209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine toxins have potent actions on diverse sodium ion channels regulated by transmembrane voltage (voltage-gated ion channels) or by neurotransmitters (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channels). Studies of these toxins have focused on varied aspects of venom peptides ranging from evolutionary relationships of predator and prey, biological actions on excitable tissues, potential application as pharmacological intervention in disease therapy, and as part of multiple experimental approaches towards an understanding of the atomistic characterization of ion channel structure. This review examines the historical perspective of the study of conotoxin peptides active on sodium channels gated by transmembrane voltage, which has led to recent advances in ion channel research made possible with the exploitation of the diversity of these marine toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Groome
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
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Chen ZH, Guo YW, Li XW. Recent advances on marine mollusk-derived natural products: chemistry, chemical ecology and therapeutical potential. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:509-556. [PMID: 35942896 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00021k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2011-2021Marine mollusks, which are well known as rich sources of diverse and biologically active natural products, have attracted significant attention from researchers due to their chemical and pharmacological properties. The occurrence of some of these marine mollusk-derived natural products in their preys, predators, and associated microorganisms has also gained interest in chemical ecology research. Based on previous reviews, herein, we present a comprehensive summary of the recent advances of interesting secondary metabolites from marine mollusks, focusing on their structural features, possible chemo-ecological significance, and promising biological activities, covering the literature from 2011 to 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Hui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yue-Wei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
| | - Xu-Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
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Yang M, Zhou M. μ-conotoxin TsIIIA, a peptide inhibitor of human voltage-gated sodium channel hNa v1.8. Toxicon 2020; 186:29-34. [PMID: 32758497 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
TsIIIA, the first μ-conotoxin from Conus tessulatus, can selectively inhibit rat tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channels. TsIIIA also shows potent analgesic activity in a mice hotplate analgesic assay, but its effect on human sodium channels remains unknown. In this study, eight human sodium channel subtypes, hNav1.1- hNav1.8, were expressed in HEK293 or ND7/23 cells and tested on the chemically synthesized TsIIIA. Patch clamp experiments showed that 10 μM TsIIIA had no effects on the tetrodotoxin-sensitive hNav1.1, hNav1.2, hNav1.3, hNav1.4, hNav1.6 and hNav1.7, as well as tetrodotoxin-resistant hNav1.5. For tetrodotoxin-resistant hNav1.8, concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 μM TsIIIA reduced the hNav1.8 currents to 59.26%, 36.21% and 24.93% respectively. Further detailed dose-effect experiments showed that TsIIIA inhibited hNav1.8 currents with an IC50 value of 2.11 μM. In addition, 2 μM TsIIIA did not induce a shift in the current-voltage relationship of hNav1.8. Taken together, the hNav1.8 peptide inhibitor TsIIIA provides a pharmacological probe for sodium channels and a potential therapeutic agent for pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manyi Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, NHC Key Laboratory of Nanobiological Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Maojun Zhou
- Department of Oncology, State Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Anticancer Drugs, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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Gallo A, Boni R, Tosti E. Neurobiological activity of conotoxins via sodium channel modulation. Toxicon 2020; 187:47-56. [PMID: 32877656 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Conotoxins (CnTX) are bioactive peptides produced by marine molluscs belonging to Conus genus. The biochemical structure of these venomous peptides is characterized by a low number of amino acids linked with disulfide bonds formed by a high degree of post-translational modifications and glycosylation steps which increase the diversity and rate of evolution of these molecules. CnTX different isoforms are known to target ion channels and, in particular, voltage-gated sodium (Na+) channels (Nav channels). These are transmembrane proteins fundamental in excitable cells for generating the depolarization of plasma membrane potential known as action potential which propagates electrical signals in muscles and nerves for physiological functions. Disorders in Nav channel activity have been shown to induce neurological pathologies and pain states. Here, we describe the current knowledge of CnTX isoform modulation of the Nav channel activity, the mechanism of action and the potential therapeutic use of these toxins in counteracting neurological dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Raffele Boni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100, Potenza, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
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Wu Y, Zhang G, Zhou M. Inhibitory and anti-inflammatory effects of two antimicrobial peptides moronecidin and temporin-1Dra against Propionibacterium acnes in vitro and in vivo. J Pept Sci 2020; 26:e3255. [PMID: 32567152 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is one of the main pathogenetic mechanisms of acne. Antimicrobial peptides with low-drug resistance and nonresidual are potential anti-acne agents. In this study, two antimicrobial peptides named temporin-1Dra and moronecidin were synthesized and tested their antimicrobial activity against P. acnes in vitro and in vivo. These two peptides inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and P. acnes. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of temporin-1Dra and moronecidin to P. acnes were 30 and 10 μM, respectively. Both peptides exhibited strong resistance to heat and pH, but no obvious cytotoxicity to HaCaT cells. They also displayed persistent antimicrobial activities in the microbial challenge test. In the P. acnes-induced inflammation mouse model, moronecidin significantly decreased the ear swelling thickness in a concentration-dependent manner. At the 14th day after injection, 20 μg/day moronecidin reduced the ear swelling thickness to 46.15 ± 5.23% compared with the normal cream group. Tissue staining showed that moronecidin effectively reduced abscess and thickness of the dermis layer. Our results indicate that the antimicrobial peptide moronecidin could be developed as a potential natural anti-acne agent in the cosmetics or pharmaceutical industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Guangxian Zhang
- School of Fundamental Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Maojun Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Structural Biology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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9
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Inhibitory effect of the antimicrobial peptide BLP-7 against Propionibacterium acnes and its anti-inflammatory effect on acne vulgaris. Toxicon 2020; 184:109-115. [PMID: 32540219 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a Gram-positive commensal bacterium, which is involved in the pathogenesis and inflammation of acne vulgaris. An antimicrobial peptide named bombinin-like peptide 7 (BLP-7), which was determined from Bombina orientalis, has been shown to possess certain antibacterial activity. This study was carried out with synthesized BLP-7 on the basis of the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities against P. acnes in vitro and in vivo. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of BLP-7 against P. acnes is 5 μM. And BLP-7 exhibits strong resistance to heat, pH and salt concentration, but no significant cytotoxicity to normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). Using the co-culture of P. acnes and NHEKs, this study demonstrated that BLP-7 significantly reduced the production of interleukin (IL)-8 and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), as well as the expression of these two pro-inflammatory cytokines at the transcriptional level. In a separate study, using the rat ear edema model, BLP-7 significantly suppressed P. acnes-induced skin inflammation, reducing the ear thickness by 54.21% of the negative control group. These results suggest that due to its anti-P. acnes and anti-inflammatory activities, BLP-7 could be used as a potential anti-acne agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Abalde
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva; Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC); Madrid Spain
| | - Manuel J. Tenorio
- Departamento CMIM y Q. Inorgánica-INBIO, Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad de Cádiz; Puerto Real Spain
| | - Juan E. Uribe
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva; Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC); Madrid Spain
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Smithsonian Institution; National Museum of Natural History; Washington District of Columbia USA
- Grupo de Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología Molecular; Universidad del Magdalena; Santa Marta Colombia
| | - Rafael Zardoya
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva; Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC); Madrid Spain
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Prashanth JR, Dutertre S, Lewis RJ. Pharmacology of predatory and defensive venom peptides in cone snails. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2018; 13:2453-2465. [PMID: 29090697 DOI: 10.1039/c7mb00511c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cone snails are predatory gastropods whose neurotoxic venom peptides (conotoxins) have been extensively studied for pharmacological probes, venom evolution mechanisms and potential therapeutics. Conotoxins have a wide range of structural and functional classes that continue to undergo accelerated evolution that underlies the rapid expansion of the genus over their short evolutionary history. A number of pharmacological classes, driven by separately evolved defensive and predatory venoms, have been hypothesised to facilitate shifts in prey that exemplify the adaptability of cone snails. Here we provide an overview of these pharmacological families and discuss their ecological roles and evolutionary impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutty Rajan Prashanth
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, 4072, Australia.
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Wu Y, Ma H, Zhang F, Zhang C, Zou X, Cao Z. Selective Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Peptide Toxins from Animal Venom: Pharmacological Probes and Analgesic Drug Development. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:187-197. [PMID: 29161016 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) play critical roles in action potential generation and propagation. Nav channelopathy as well as pathological sensitization contribute to allodynia and hyperalgesia. Recent evidence has demonstrated the significant roles of Nav subtypes (Nav1.3, 1.7, 1.8, and 1.9) in nociceptive transduction, and therefore these Navs may represent attractive targets for analgesic drug discovery. Animal toxins are structurally diverse peptides that are highly potent yet selective on ion channel subtypes and therefore represent valuable probes to elucidate the structures, gating properties, and cellular functions of ion channels. In this review, we summarize recent advances on peptide toxins from animal venom that selectively target Nav1.3, 1.7, 1.8, and 1.9, along with their potential in analgesic drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation
and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation
and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation
and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chunlei Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation
and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaohan Zou
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation
and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhengyu Cao
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation
and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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13
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Tosti E, Boni R, Gallo A. µ-Conotoxins Modulating Sodium Currents in Pain Perception and Transmission: A Therapeutic Potential. Mar Drugs 2017; 15:E295. [PMID: 28937587 PMCID: PMC5666403 DOI: 10.3390/md15100295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Conus genus includes around 500 species of marine mollusks with a peculiar production of venomous peptides known as conotoxins (CTX). Each species is able to produce up to 200 different biological active peptides. Common structure of CTX is the low number of amino acids stabilized by disulfide bridges and post-translational modifications that give rise to different isoforms. µ and µO-CTX are two isoforms that specifically target voltage-gated sodium channels. These, by inducing the entrance of sodium ions in the cell, modulate the neuronal excitability by depolarizing plasma membrane and propagating the action potential. Hyperexcitability and mutations of sodium channels are responsible for perception and transmission of inflammatory and neuropathic pain states. In this review, we describe the current knowledge of µ-CTX interacting with the different sodium channels subtypes, the mechanism of action and their potential therapeutic use as analgesic compounds in the clinical management of pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 75100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy.
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