Modulatory features of the novel spider toxin μ-TRTX-Df1a isolated from the venom of the spider Davus fasciatus.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Naturally occurring dysfunction of voltage-gated sodium (Na_V ) channels results in complex disorders such as chronic pain, making these channels an attractive target for new therapies. In the pursuit of novel Na_V modulators, we investigated spider venoms for new inhibitors of Na_V channels.

Experimental approach

We used high-throughput screens to identify a Na_V modulator in venom of the spider Davus fasciatus. Further characterization of this venom peptide was undertaken using fluorescent and electrophysiological assays, molecular modelling and a rodent pain model.

Key results

We identified a potent Na_V inhibitor named μ-TRTX-Df1a. This 34-residue peptide fully inhibited responses mediated by

SUBMITTER: Cardoso FC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5513869 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature