Voltage-gated sodium channel modulation by scorpion alpha-toxins. |
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Authors: | Frank Bosmans Jan Tytgat |
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Affiliation: | Laboratory of Toxicology, University of Leuven, O and N 2, Postbus 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. |
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Abstract: | Voltage-gated Na(+) channels are integral membrane proteins that function as a gateway for a selective permeation of sodium ions across biological membranes. In this way, they are crucial players for the generation of action potentials in excitable cells. Voltage-gated Na(+) channels are encoded by at least nine genes in mammals. The different isoforms have remarkably similar functional properties, but small changes in function and pharmacology are biologically well-defined, as underscored by mutations that cause several diseases and by modulation of a myriad of compounds, respectively. This review will stress on the modulation of voltage-gated Na(+) channels by scorpion alpha-toxins. Nature has designed these two classes of molecules as if they were predestined to each other: an inevitable 'encounter' between a voltage-gated Na(+) channel isoform and an alpha-toxin from scorpion venom indeed results in a dramatically changed Na(+) current phenotype with clear-cut consequences on electrical excitability and sometimes life or death. This fascinating aspect justifies an overview on scorpion venoms, their alpha-toxins and the Na(+) channel targets they are built for, as well as on the molecular determinants that govern the selectivity and affinity of this 'inseparable duo'. |
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Keywords: | Voltage-gated sodium channel Scorpion α-toxin Site 3 |
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