SHORT NEUROTOXIN alpha

Product Name:SHORT NEUROTOXIN alpha

Synonyms:alpha-Toxin (Naja nigricollis)

CAS No:54992-19-7

Purity:95%

Molar Mass:6795

Chemical Formula:C281H457N89O91S8

Storage:Store at -20 degrees Celsius

Sequence:LECHNQQSSQPPTTKTCPGETNCYKKVWRDHRGTIIERGCGCPTVKPGIKLNCCTTDKCNN

Target:nAChRs

Application:

Short Neurotoxin Alpha is a small peptide toxin derived from the venom of certain snakes, particularly those in the Elapidae family, such as cobras. This neurotoxin primarily targets nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) at the neuromuscular junction, where it binds with high affinity and blocks the action of acetylcholine. By inhibiting these receptors, Short Neurotoxin Alpha disrupts normal neuromuscular signaling, leading to paralysis. It is widely used in research to study the structure and function of nAChRs, as well as the mechanisms of neurotoxicity and receptor-ligand interactions. Its potency and specificity make it a critical tool in neuropharmacology and toxicology studies.

Current Research:

Short Neurotoxin Alpha, a peptide derived from snake venom, is a member of the three-finger toxin (3FTx) family. Known for its potent neurotoxic properties, this small protein primarily targets nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) at the neuromuscular junction, effectively inhibiting synaptic transmission.
Mechanism of Action
Short Neurotoxin Alpha binds to the alpha-subunit of nAChRs with high affinity, competitively blocking acetylcholine from interacting with the receptor. This inhibition disrupts the depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane, leading to paralysis. Its rapid and reversible binding dynamics make it a valuable tool for studying receptor function and synaptic physiology.
Applications in Research
Neurophysiology Studies: Short Neurotoxin Alpha is extensively used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of nAChR-mediated synaptic transmission. It helps delineate receptor subtypes and their specific roles in neuromuscular signaling.
Pharmacological Research: This neurotoxin is employed in the screening and development of nAChR-targeting drugs, offering insights into treatments for diseases such as myasthenia gravis and certain forms of epilepsy.
Structure-Function Relationship: Its interaction with nAChRs is critical for understanding the structural basis of ligand-receptor binding, contributing to the design of receptor modulators.
Structural Characteristics
As a member of the three-finger toxin family, Short Neurotoxin Alpha has a compact structure stabilized by disulfide bridges. This configuration ensures both high stability and specificity in its interactions with nAChRs, making it an ideal probe in experimental studies.
Conclusion
Short Neurotoxin Alpha is a powerful tool in the fields of neurobiology and pharmacology. Its precision in targeting nAChRs has advanced our understanding of synaptic transmission and facilitated the development of therapeutic agents for receptor-related disorders. Its continued study underscores its significance in the exploration of neuromuscular physiology.

Reference:

Mordvintsev, D. Y., Polyak, Y. L., Levtsova, O. V., Tourleigh, Y. V., Kasheverov, I. E., Shaitan, K. V., ... & Tsetlin, V. I. (2005). A model for short α-neurotoxin bound to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo californica: comparison with long-c