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Isolation, characterization and total regioselective synthesis of the novel μO-conotoxin MfVIA from Conus magnificus that targets voltage-gated sodium channels
Vetter, I.; Dekan, Z.; Knapp, O.; Adams, D.J.; Alewood, P.F.; Lewis, R.J. (2012). Isolation, characterization and total regioselective synthesis of the novel μO-conotoxin MfVIA from Conus magnificus that targets voltage-gated sodium channels. Biochem. Pharmacol. 84(4): 540-548. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2012.05.008
In: Biochemical Pharmacology. Pergamon Press: London; New York. ISSN 0006-2952; e-ISSN 1873-2968, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keyword
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    µO-conotoxin Regioselective disulfide bond synthesis Voltage-gated sodium channels FLIPR Patch-clamp Electrophysiology

Authors  Top 
  • Vetter, I., more
  • Dekan, Z.
  • Knapp, O.
  • Adams, D.J.
  • Alewood, P.F.
  • Lewis, R.J.

Abstract
    The μO-conotoxins are notable for their unique selectivity for Nav1.8 over other sodium channel isoforms, making them attractive drug leads for the treatment of neuropathic pain. We describe the discovery of a novel μO-conotoxin, MfVIA, from the venom of Conus magnificus using high-throughput screening approaches. MfVIA was found to be a hydrophobic 32-residue peptide (amino acid sequence RDCQEKWEYCIVPILGFVYCCPGLICGPFVCV) with highest sequence homology to μO-conotoxin MrVIB. To overcome the synthetic challenges posed by μO-conotoxins due to their hydrophobic nature and difficult folding, we developed a novel regioselective approach for the synthesis of μO-conotoxins. Performing selective oxidative deprotections of the cysteine side-chain protecting groups of the fully protected peptide allowed manipulations in organic solvents with no chromatography required between steps. Using this approach, we obtained correctly folded MfVIA with increased synthetic yields. Biological activity of MfVIA was assessed using membrane potential-sensitive dyes and electrophysiological recording techniques. MfVIA preferentially inhibits Nav1.8 (IC50 95.9 ± 74.3 nM) and Nav1.4 (IC50 81 ± 16 nM), with significantly lower affinity for other Nav subtypes (IC50 431–6203 nM; Nav1.5 > 1.6 ∼ 1.7 ∼ 1.3 ∼ 1.1 ∼ 1.2). This improved approach to μO-conotoxin synthesis will facilitate the optimization of μO-conotoxins as novel analgesic molecules to improve pain management.

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