αC-Conotoxin-PrXA

Product Name:αC-Conotoxin-PrXA

Purity:95%

Molar Mass:3541.1

Chemical Formula:C160H249N43O44S2

Storage:Store at -20 degrees Celsius

Sequence:Thr-Tyr-Gly-Ile-Tyr-Asp-Ala-Lys-Pro-Hyp-Phe-Ser-Cys13-Ala-Gly-Leu-Arg-Gly-Gly-Cys20-Val-Leu-Pro-Hyp-Asn-Leu-Arg-Hyp-Lys-Phe-Lys-Glu-NH2

Target:AChR

Application:

αC-Conotoxin PrXA is a peptide toxin derived from the venom of the cone snail Conus parius. It selectively targets and inhibits nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), specifically influencing the α7 subtype. This receptor is involved in modulating neurotransmission, inflammation, and cognitive processes. By blocking α7 nAChRs, αC-Conotoxin PrXA helps researchers explore the role of these receptors in neurophysiological functions, including memory, learning, and inflammatory pathways. It is valuable in studying conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and neuroinflammation. Due to its specificity, αC-Conotoxin PrXA offers potential for therapeutic development aimed at modulating α7 receptor activity in related disorders.

Current Research:

αC-Conotoxin PrXA is a paralytic peptide neurotoxin isolated from the venom of Conus parius, a marine cone snail species. This 32-amino-acid peptide functions as a competitive antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), specifically targeting neuromuscular subtypes.

Structural Characteristics

αC-Conotoxin PrXA comprises 32 amino acids and features a single disulfide bond, distinguishing it from other conotoxins that typically possess multiple disulfide bridges. This structural configuration contributes to its unique binding properties and specificity.

Mechanism of Action

αC-Conotoxin PrXA competitively inhibits nAChRs by binding to the α/δ and α/γ subunit interfaces, with a higher affinity for the α/δ interface. This interaction blocks acetylcholine from activating the receptor, thereby inhibiting synaptic transmission at neuromuscular junctions.

Pharmacological Profile

Electrophysiological studies have demonstrated that αC-Conotoxin PrXA potently antagonizes mouse muscle nAChRs, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 1.8 nM for adult (α1β1εδ) and 3.0 nM for fetal (α1β1γδ) receptor subtypes.

Research Applications

Due to its specificity and potency, αC-Conotoxin PrXA serves as a valuable tool in neuropharmacological research:

Receptor Characterization: It aids in elucidating the structural and functional dynamics of neuromuscular nAChRs.

Drug Development: Insights into its interaction with nAChRs contribute to the design of novel therapeutics for neuromuscular disorders.

Conclusion

αC-Conotoxin PrXA is a potent and selective inhibitor of neuromuscular nAChRs, offering significant insights into synaptic transmission mechanisms and potential therapeutic avenues for neuromuscular conditions.

Reference:

Jimenez, E. C., Olivera, B. M., & Teichert, R. W. (2007). αC-conotoxin PrXA: a new family of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists. Biochemistry, 46(30), 8717-8724.