Venom-derived peptide modulators of cation-selective channels : friend, foe or frenemy
Author
Bajaj, Saumya
Han, Jingyao
Date of Issue
2019School
Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine)
Version
Published version
Abstract
Ion channels play a key role in our body to regulate homeostasis and conduct electrical signals. With the help of advances in structural biology, as well as the discovery of numerous channel modulators derived from animal toxins, we are moving toward a better understanding of the function and mode of action of ion channels. Their ubiquitous tissue distribution and the physiological relevancies of their opening and closing suggest that cation channels are particularly attractive drug targets, and years of research has revealed a variety of natural toxins that bind to these channels and alter their function. In this review, we provide an introductory overview of the major cation ion channels: potassium channels, sodium channels and calcium channels, describe their venom-derived peptide modulators, and how these peptides provide great research and therapeutic value to both basic and translational medical research.
Subject
Ion Channel
Venom
Science::Medicine
Venom
Science::Medicine
Type
Journal Article
Series/Journal Title
Frontiers in Pharmacology
Rights
© 2019 Bajaj and Han. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Collections
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2019.00058
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