Toxins and venom components that target voltage-gated sodium (Na) channels have evolved numerous times due to the importance of this class of ion channels in the normal physiological function of peripheral and central neurons as well as cardiac and skeletal muscle. Na channel activators in particular have been isolated from the venom of spiders, wasps, snakes, scorpions, cone snails and sea anemone and are also produced by plants, bacteria and algae. These compounds have provided key insight into the molecular structure, function and pathophysiological roles of Na channels and are important tools due to their at times exquisite subtype-selectivity. We review the pharmacology of Na channel activators with particular emphasis on mammalian isoforms and discuss putative applications for these compounds. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.04.014 | DOI Listing |
J Exp Bot
January 2025
National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India.
Plants deploy cellular Ca2+ elevation as a signal for environmental stress signaling. Extracellular ATP (eATP) is released into the extracellular matrix when cells are wounded. DOES NOT RESPOND TO NUCLEOTIDES 1 (DORN1), a key legume-type lectin receptor, senses and binds eATP and activates Ca2+ signaling.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFViruses
December 2024
Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, HHSC-1518, 701 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
This study explores the effects of plant compounds on human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced W12 cervical precancer cells and bioelectric signaling. The aim is to identify effective phytochemicals, both individually and in combination, that can prevent and treat HPV infection and HPV associated cervical cancer. Phytochemicals were tested using growth inhibition, combination, gene expression, RT PCR, and molecular docking assays.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPharmaceutics
January 2025
Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA.
: The co-formulation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is a growing strategy in biopharmaceutical development, particularly when it comes to improving solubility and bioavailability. This study explores a co-precipitation method to prepare co-formulated crystals of griseofulvin (GF) and dexamethasone (DXM), utilizing nanostructured, functionalized polylactic glycolic acid (PLGA) as a solubility enhancer. : An antisolvent precipitation technique was employed to incorporate PLGA at a 3% concentration into the co-formulated GF and DXM, referred to as DXM-GF-PLGA.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNutrients
January 2025
Instituto de Bioeletricidade Celular (IBIOCEL): Ciência & Saúde, Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Rua João Pio Duarte Silva, 241, Sala G 301, Florianópolis 88038-000, SC, Brazil.
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome that has grown globally to become a significant public health challenge. Hypothesizing that the plasma membrane protein, transient receptor potential ankyrin-1, is a pivotal target in insulin resistance, we investigated the mechanism of action of cinnamaldehyde (CIN), an electrophilic TRPA1 agonist, in skeletal muscle, a primary insulin target. Specifically, we evaluated the effect of CIN on insulin resistance, hepatic glycogen accumulation and muscle and adipose tissue glucose uptake.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPharmaceuticals (Basel)
December 2024
Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum 63514, Egypt.
: Despite the availability of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) that can manage seizures, they often come with cognitive side effects. Furthermore, the role of oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory responses in epilepsy and the limitations of current AEDs necessitate exploring alternative therapeutic options. Medicinal plants, e.
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