Elucidating The Mechanisms Of Alpha-conotoxin-induced Calcium Channel Inhibition Via G Protein-coupled Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,082.00
Summary
N-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are membrane proteins involved in neurotransmission and play a major role in pain. VGCCs are a well-established target for the development of analgesics. Our recent research identified that VGCCs can be inhibited by ?-conotoxins from the venom of marine snails by targeting ?-aminobutyric acid receptors in sensory neurons. We will characterize this novel form of modulation of VGCCs by ?-conotoxins and define the pathways that lead to VGCC inhibition.