Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels: A Prominent Target of Marine Toxins.

ABSTRACT: Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are considered to be one of the most important ion channels given their remarkable physiological role. VGSCs constitute a family of large transmembrane proteins that allow transmission, generation, and propagation of action potentials. This occurs by conducting Na+ ions through the membrane, supporting cell excitability and communication signals in various systems. As a result, a wide range of coordination and physiological functions, from locomotion to cognition, can be accomplished. Drugs that target and alter the molecular mechanism of VGSCs' function have highly contributed to the discovery and perception of the function and the structure of this channel. Among those drugs are various marine toxins produced by harmful microorganisms or venomous ani

SUBMITTER: Mackieh R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8537899 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature