Mutagenesis of the Peptide Inhibitor of ASIC3 Channel Introduces Binding to Thumb Domain of ASIC1a but Reduces Analgesic Activity.

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), which act as proton-gating sodium channels, have garnered attention as pharmacological targets. ASIC1a isoform, notably prevalent in the central nervous system, plays an important role in synaptic plasticity, anxiety, neurodegeneration, etc. In the peripheral nervous system, ASIC1a shares prominence with ASIC3, the latter well established for its involvement in pain signaling, mechanical sensitivity, and inflammatory hyperalgesia.

Opioid Analgesic as a Positive Allosteric Modulator of Acid-Sensing Ion Channels.

Tafalgin (Taf) is a tetrapeptide opioid used in clinical practice in Russia as an analgesic drug for subcutaneous administration as a solution (4 mg/mL; concentration of 9 mM). We found that the acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are another molecular target for this molecule. ASICs are proton-gated sodium channels that mediate nociception in the peripheral nervous system and contribute to fear and learning in the central nervous system.

First Anti-Inflammatory Peptide AnmTX Sco 9a-1 from the Swimming Sea Anemone .

A novel peptide AnmTX Sco 9a-1 with the β-hairpin fold was isolated from the swimming sea anemone (Actinostolidae family). The peptide consists of 28 amino acid residues, including modified hydroxyproline residue, and its measured molecular mass is 2960 Da. The peptide was not toxic on mice; however, it stimulated their exploratory motivation and active search behavior, and demonstrated an anti-anxiety effect.

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Are Novel Targets of APETx-like Toxins from the Sea Anemone .

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are prototypical ligand-gated ion channels, provide cholinergic signaling, and are modulated by various venom toxins and drugs in addition to neurotransmitters. Here, four APETx-like toxins, including two new toxins, named Hmg 1b-2 Met and Hmg 1b-5, were isolated from the sea anemone and characterized as novel nAChR ligands and acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) modulators. All peptides competed with radiolabeled α-bungarotoxin for binding to muscle-type and human α7 nAChRs.