A comprehensive protocol for efficient differentiation of human NPCs into electrically competent neurons.

Background: The study of neurons is fundamental to unraveling the complexities of the nervous system. Primary neuronal cultures from rodents have long been a cornerstone of experimental studies, yet limitations related to their non-human nature and ethical concerns have prompted the development of alternatives. In recent years, the derivation of neurons from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) has emerged as a powerful option, offering a scalable source of cells for diverse applications.

Analgesic Effect of the Lysine-Containing Short Peptide Is Due to Modulation of the Na1.8 Channel Activation Gating System.

The present work continues our recent series of articles that aim to elucidate the ligand-receptor binding mechanism of short cationic peptides to the Na1.8 channel in the nociceptive neuron. The applied methodological approach has involved several methods: the patch-clamp experimental evaluation of the effective charge of the Na1.

Role of the Rhamnosyl Residue of Ouabain in the Activation of the Na,K-ATPase Signaling Function.

The signaling or non-pumping Na,K-ATPase function was first observed by us in the nociceptive neuron; Na,K-ATPase transduced the signals from the opioid-like receptors to Na1.8 channels. This study elucidates the role of the rhamnosyl residue of ouabain in the activation of the Na,K-ATPase signaling function.

Role of the Guanidinium Groups in Ligand-Receptor Binding of Arginine-Containing Short Peptides to the Slow Sodium Channel: Quantitative Approach to Drug Design of Peptide Analgesics.

Several arginine-containing short peptides have been shown by the patch-clamp method to effectively modulate the Na1.8 channel activation gating system, which makes them promising candidates for the role of a novel analgesic medicinal substance. As demonstrated by the organotypic tissue culture method, all active and inactive peptides studied do not trigger the downstream signaling cascades controlling neurite outgrowth and should not be expected to evoke adverse side effects on the tissue level upon their medicinal administration.