Voltage-activated sodium (Nav) channels are crucial for the generation and propagation of nerve impulses, and as such are amongst the most widely targeted ion channels by both toxins and drugs. The four voltage sensors in Nav channels have distinct amino acid sequences, raising fundamental questions about their relative contributions to the function and pharmacology of the channel. We use four-fold symmetric voltage-activated potassium (Kv) channels as reporters to examine the contributions of individual Nav channel S3b-S4 paddle motifs to the kinetics of voltage sensor activation and to toxin receptors. Our results uncover binding sites for toxins from tarantula and scorpion venom on each of the four paddle motifs in Nav channels and reveal how paddle-specific interactions can be used to reshape Nav channel activity. One paddle motif is unique in that it slows voltage sensor activation and toxins selectively targeting this motif impede Nav channel inactivation. This reporter approach and the principles that emerge will be useful in developing new drugs for treating pain and Nav channelopathies.

Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$811,445
Indirect Cost
City
State
Country
Zip Code
Lee, Chul Won; Bae, Chanhyung; Lee, Jaeho et al. (2012) Solution structure of kurtoxin: a gating modifier selective for Cav3 voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels. Biochemistry 51:1862-73
Bosmans, Frank; Puopolo, Michelino; Martin-Eauclaire, Marie-France et al. (2011) Functional properties and toxin pharmacology of a dorsal root ganglion sodium channel viewed through its voltage sensors. J Gen Physiol 138:59-72
Bosmans, Frank; Milescu, Mirela; Swartz, Kenton J (2011) Palmitoylation influences the function and pharmacology of sodium channels. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 108:20213-8
Lee, Chul Won; Eu, Young-Jae; Min, Hye Jung et al. (2011) Expression and characterization of recombinant kurtoxin, an inhibitor of T-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 416:277-82
Bosmans, Frank; Swartz, Kenton J (2010) Targeting voltage sensors in sodium channels with spider toxins. Trends Pharmacol Sci 31:175-82
Bosmans, Frank; Martin-Eauclaire, Marie-France; Swartz, Kenton J (2008) Deconstructing voltage sensor function and pharmacology in sodium channels. Nature 456:202-8