Venom peptides: Rethinking voltage-gated sodium channel inhibition

Voltage-gated sodium channels (Na_V) are integral in almost all aspects of human physiology, including cardiac and muscle function and pain perception. In this webinar, peptide inhibitors derived from venomous toxins will be explored.

The sodium channel subtype Na_V1.7 has been genetically validated to be involved in nociception. Peptide toxins isolated from venomous creatures are potent inhibitors of human voltage-gated sodium channels, with venom peptides selective against Na_V1.7 showing great potential as therapeutic pain relief agents. They function to inhibit Na_V activity by blocking the pore domain (pore blockers) or by binding to the membrane-embedded voltage sensor domain of the sodium channel (gating-modifier toxins).

However, despite intensive research efforts into Na_V1.7 inhibitors, there has been little in the way of translation, likely due to our lack of understanding on how to achieve subtype selectivity, completely inhibit Na_V1.7 and how to move from effective in vitro to in vivo inhibitors.

In this webinar, delineating the mechanism of action behind venom peptide inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels will be presented. This will include discussion on engineering peptides to  achieve subtype specificity and complete inhibition of specific sodium channels to unlock the potential of potent venom peptides as therapeutic leads for the treatment of pain.

If you have problems viewing the webinar, please contact maritha.lundin@gyrosproteintech.com