Systematic study of binding of μ-conotoxins to the sodium channel NaV1.4.

ABSTRACT: Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) are fundamental components of the nervous system. Their dysfunction is implicated in a number of neurological disorders, such as chronic pain, making them potential targets for the treatment of such disorders. The prominence of the NaV channels in the nervous system has been exploited by venomous animals for preying purposes, which have developed toxins that can block the NaV channels, thereby disabling their function. Because of their potency, such toxins could provide drug leads for the treatment of neurological disorders associated with NaV channels. However, most toxins lack selectivity for a given target NaV channel, and improving their selectivity profile among the NaV1 isoforms is essential for their development as drug leads. Computational method

SUBMITTER: Mahdavi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4280544 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature