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Jiang H, Wang Y, Zhang G, Jia A, Wei Z, Wang Y. Identification and Evolutionary Analysis of the Widely Distributed CAP Superfamily in Spider Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:240. [PMID: 38922134 PMCID: PMC11209345 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060240] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Venom plays a crucial role in the defense and predation of venomous animals. Spiders (Araneae) are among the most successful predators and have a fascinating venom composition. Their venom mainly contains disulfide-rich peptides and large proteins. Here, we analyzed spider venom protein families, utilizing transcriptomic and genomic data, and highlighted their similarities and differences. We show that spiders have specific combinations of toxins for better predation and defense, typically comprising a core toxin expressed alongside several auxiliary toxins. Among them, the CAP superfamily is widely distributed and highly expressed in web-building Araneoidea spiders. Our analysis of evolutionary relationships revealed four subfamilies (subA-subD) of the CAP superfamily that differ in structure and potential functions. CAP proteins are composed of a conserved CAP domain and diverse C-terminal domains. CAP subC shares similar domains with the snake ion channel regulator svCRISP proteins, while CAP subD possesses a sequence similar to that of insect venom allergen 5 (Ag5). Furthermore, we show that gene duplication and selective expression lead to increased expression of CAP subD, making it a core member of the CAP superfamily. This study sheds light on the functional diversity of CAP subfamilies and their evolutionary history, which has important implications for fully understanding the composition of spider venom proteins and the core toxin components of web-building spiders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongcen Jiang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (H.J.)
| | - Yiru Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (H.J.)
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (H.J.)
| | - Anqiang Jia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (H.J.)
- Yazhouwan National Laboratory, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Wei
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (H.J.)
| | - Yi Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (H.J.)
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2
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Wang Y, Shu J, Yang H, Hong K, Yang X, Guo W, Fang J, Li F, Liu T, Shan Z, Shi T, Cai S, Zhang J. Nav1.7 Modulator Bearing a 3-Hydroxyindole Backbone Holds the Potential to Reverse Neuropathic Pain. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1063-1073. [PMID: 38449097 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a growing global health problem affecting at least 10% of the world's population. However, current chronic pain treatments are inadequate. Voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) play a pivotal role in regulating neuronal excitability and pain signal transmission and thus are main targets for nonopioid painkiller development, especially those preferentially expressed in dorsal root ganglial (DRG) neurons, such as Nav1.6, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8. In this study, we screened in virtual hits from dihydrobenzofuran and 3-hydroxyoxindole hybrid molecules against Navs via a veratridine (VTD)-based calcium imaging method. The results showed that one of the molecules, 3g, could inhibit VTD-induced neuronal activity significantly. Voltage clamp recordings demonstrated that 3g inhibited the total Na+ currents of DRG neurons in a concentration-dependent manner. Biophysical analysis revealed that 3g slowed the activation, meanwhile enhancing the inactivation of the Navs. Additionally, 3g use-dependently blocked Na+ currents. By combining with selective Nav inhibitors and a heterozygous expression system, we demonstrated that 3g preferentially inhibited the TTX-S Na+ currents, specifically the Nav1.7 current, other than the TTX-R Na+ currents. Molecular docking experiments implicated that 3g binds to a known allosteric site at the voltage-sensing domain IV(VSDIV) of Nav1.7. Finally, intrathecal injection of 3g significantly relieved mechanical pain behavior in the spared nerve injury (SNI) rat model, suggesting that 3g is a promising candidate for treating chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jirong Shu
- Guangdong Chiral Drug Engineering Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Haoyi Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Kemiao Hong
- Guangdong Chiral Drug Engineering Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Xiangji Yang
- Guangdong Chiral Drug Engineering Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Weijie Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jie Fang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Fuyi Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Tao Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhiming Shan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology; The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), Shenzhen 518020, China
- Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Taoda Shi
- Guangdong Chiral Drug Engineering Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Song Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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Guo R, Guo G, Wang A, Xu G, Lai R, Jin H. Spider-Venom Peptides: Structure, Bioactivity, Strategy, and Research Applications. Molecules 2023; 29:35. [PMID: 38202621 PMCID: PMC10779620 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010035] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Spiders (Araneae), having thrived for over 300 million years, exhibit remarkable diversity, with 47,000 described species and an estimated 150,000 species in existence. Evolving with intricate venom, spiders are nature's skilled predators. While only a small fraction of spiders pose a threat to humans, their venoms contain complex compounds, holding promise as drug leads. Spider venoms primarily serve to immobilize prey, achieved through neurotoxins targeting ion channels. Peptides constitute a major part of these venoms, displaying diverse pharmacological activities, and making them appealing for drug development. Moreover, spider-venom peptides have emerged as valuable tools for exploring human disease mechanisms. This review focuses on the roles of spider-venom peptides in spider survival strategies and their dual significance as pharmaceutical research tools. By integrating recent discoveries, it provides a comprehensive overview of these peptides, their targets, bioactivities, and their relevance in spider survival and medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyin Guo
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; (R.G.)
| | - Gang Guo
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital), Kunming 650118, China;
| | - Aili Wang
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; (R.G.)
| | - Gaochi Xu
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; (R.G.)
| | - Ren Lai
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; (R.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming-Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China
| | - Hui Jin
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; (R.G.)
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4
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Venom-derived pain-causing toxins: insights into sensory neuron function and pain mechanisms. Pain 2022; 163:S46-S56. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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5
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Duran P, Loya-López S, Ran D, Tang C, Calderon-Rivera A, Gomez K, Stratton HJ, Huang S, Xu YM, Wijeratne EMK, Perez-Miller S, Shan Z, Cai S, Gabrielsen AT, Dorame A, Masterson KA, Alsbiei O, Madura CL, Luo G, Moutal A, Streicher J, Zamponi GW, Gunatilaka AAL, Khanna R. The natural product argentatin C attenuates postoperative pain via inhibition of voltage-gated sodium and T-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 180:1267-1285. [PMID: 36245395 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Postoperative pain occurs in as many as 70% of surgeries performed worldwide. Postoperative pain management still relies on opioids despite their negative consequences, resulting in a public health crisis. Therefore, it is important to develop alternative therapies to treat chronic pain. Natural products derived from medicinal plants are potential sources of novel biologically active compounds for development of safe analgesics. In this study, we screened a library of natural products to identify small molecules that target the activity of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels that have important roles in nociceptive sensory processing. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Fractions derived from the Native American medicinal plant, Parthenium incanum, were assessed using depolarization-evoked calcium influx in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Further separation of these fractions yielded a cycloartane-type triterpene identified as argentatin C, which was additionally evaluated using whole-cell voltage and current-clamp electrophysiology, and behavioural analysis in a mouse model of postsurgical pain. KEY RESULTS Argentatin C blocked the activity of both voltage-gated sodium and low-voltage-activated (LVA) calcium channels in calcium imaging assays. Docking analysis predicted that argentatin C may bind to NaV 1.7-1.9 and CaV 3.1-3.3 channels. Furthermore, argentatin C decreased Na+ and T-type Ca2+ currents as well as excitability in rat and macaque DRG neurons, and reversed mechanical allodynia in a mouse model of postsurgical pain. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS These results suggest that the dual effect of argentatin C on voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels supports its potential as a novel treatment for painful conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paz Duran
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Santiago Loya-López
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dongzhi Ran
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Cheng Tang
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA.,NYU Pain Research Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Aida Calderon-Rivera
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kimberly Gomez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Harrison J Stratton
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Sun Huang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ya-Ming Xu
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - E M Kithsiri Wijeratne
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Samantha Perez-Miller
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zhiming Shan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Song Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Anna T Gabrielsen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Angie Dorame
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Kyleigh A Masterson
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Omar Alsbiei
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Cynthia L Madura
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Guoqin Luo
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - John Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - A A Leslie Gunatilaka
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA.,NYU Pain Research Center, New York, New York, USA
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6
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McArthur JR, Wen J, Hung A, Finol-Urdaneta RK, Adams DJ. µ-Theraphotoxin-Pn3a inhibition of Ca V3.3 channels reveals a novel isoform-selective drug binding site. eLife 2022; 11:74040. [PMID: 35858123 PMCID: PMC9342953 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Low voltage-activated calcium currents are mediated by T-type calcium channels CaV3.1, CaV3.2, and CaV3.3, which modulate a variety of physiological processes including sleep, cardiac pace-making, pain, and epilepsy. CaV3 isoforms’ biophysical properties, overlapping expression, and lack of subtype-selective pharmacology hinder the determination of their specific physiological roles in health and disease. We have identified μ-theraphotoxin Pn3a as the first subtype-selective spider venom peptide inhibitor of CaV3.3, with >100-fold lower potency against the other T-type isoforms. Pn3a modifies CaV3.3 gating through a depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation thus decreasing CaV3.3-mediated currents in the normal range of activation potentials. Paddle chimeras of KV1.7 channels bearing voltage sensor sequences from all four CaV3.3 domains revealed preferential binding of Pn3a to the S3-S4 region of domain II (CaV3.3DII). This novel T-type channel pharmacological site was explored through computational docking simulations of Pn3a, site-directed mutagenesis, and full domain II swaps between CaV3 channels highlighting it as a subtype-specific pharmacophore. This research expands our understanding of T-type calcium channel pharmacology and supports the suitability of Pn3a as a molecular tool in the study of the physiological roles of CaV3.3 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R McArthur
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Jierong Wen
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rocio K Finol-Urdaneta
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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7
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George K, Lopez-Mateos D, Abd El-Aziz TM, Xiao Y, Kline J, Bao H, Raza S, Stockand JD, Cummins TR, Fornelli L, Rowe MP, Yarov-Yarovoy V, Rowe AH. Structural and Functional Characterization of a Novel Scorpion Toxin that Inhibits NaV1.8 via Interactions With the DI Voltage Sensor and DII Pore Module. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:846992. [PMID: 35662692 PMCID: PMC9160825 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.846992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.8 regulates transmission of pain signals to the brain. While NaV1.8 has the potential to serve as a drug target, the molecular mechanisms that shape NaV1.8 gating are not completely understood, particularly mechanisms that couple activation to inactivation. Interactions between toxin producing animals and their predators provide a novel approach for investigating NaV structure-function relationships. Arizona bark scorpions produce Na+ channel toxins that initiate pain signaling. However, in predatory grasshopper mice, toxins inhibit NaV1.8 currents and block pain signals. A screen of synthetic peptide toxins predicted from bark scorpion venom showed that peptide NaTx36 inhibited Na+ current recorded from a recombinant grasshopper mouse NaV1.8 channel (OtNaV1.8). Toxin NaTx36 hyperpolarized OtNaV1.8 activation, steady-state fast inactivation, and slow inactivation. Mutagenesis revealed that the first gating charge in the domain I (DI) S4 voltage sensor and an acidic amino acid (E) in the DII SS2 – S6 pore loop are critical for the inhibitory effects of NaTx36. Computational modeling showed that a DI S1 – S2 asparagine (N) stabilizes the NaTx36 – OtNaV1.8 complex while residues in the DI S3 – S4 linker and S4 voltage sensor form electrostatic interactions that allow a toxin glutamine (Q) to contact the first S4 gating charge. Surprisingly, the models predicted that NaTx36 contacts amino acids in the DII S5 – SS1 pore loop instead of the SS2 – S6 loop; the DII SS2 – S6 loop motif (QVSE) alters the conformation of the DII S5 – SS1 pore loop, enhancing allosteric interactions between toxin and the DII S5 – SS1 pore loop. Few toxins have been identified that modify NaV1.8 gating. Moreover, few toxins have been described that modify sodium channel gating via the DI S4 voltage sensor. Thus, NaTx36 and OtNaV1.8 provide tools for investigating the structure-activity relationship between channel activation and inactivation gating, and the connection to alternative pain phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran George
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Diego Lopez-Mateos
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt
- Amsaal Venom Farm L.L.C., Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yucheng Xiao
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jake Kline
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Hong Bao
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Syed Raza
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - James D. Stockand
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Theodore R. Cummins
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Luca Fornelli
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Matthew P. Rowe
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ashlee H. Rowe
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
- *Correspondence: Ashlee H. Rowe,
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