Alpha-Conotoxins: Selective Probes For Nicotinic Receptor Subtype Structure And Function (2007-2009)
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are intrinsic membrane proteins that play a central role in communication in excitable cells, particularly in the nervous system. The primary goals of this project are (i) to define at a molecular level, the structural and functional determinants of nicotinic receptor-conotoxin interactions, and (ii) develop new selective probes that advance neurophysiological research. The diversity and distribution of nicotinic receptor subtypes being uncovered through the use of molecular biology and selective conotoxin probes presents an exciting opportunity for the discovery of new therapeutic agents.
