Abstract
Mechanically sensitive ion channels (MSCs) are ubiquitous. They exist as two major types: those in specialized receptors that require fibrous proteins to transmit forces to the channel, and those in non-specialized tissues that respond to stress in the lipid bilayer. While few MSCs have been cloned, the existing structures show no sequence or structural homology - an example of convergent evolution. The physiological function of MSCs in many tissues is not known, but they probably arose from the need for cell volume regulation. Recently, a peptide called GsMTx4 was isolated from tarantula venom and is the first specific reagent for mechanosensitive channels. GsMTx4 is a ∼ 4kD peptide with a hydrophobic face opposite a positively charged face. It is active in the D and L forms, and appears non-toxic to mice. GsMTx4 has shown physiological effects on cationic MSCs in heart, smooth muscle, astrocytes, and skeletal muscle. By itself, GsMTx4 can serve as a lead compound or as a potential drug. Its availability opens clinical horizons in the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies including cardiac arrhythmia, muscular dystrophy and glioma.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 287-295 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Current Drug Targets: CNS and Neurological Disorders |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Mechanical transduction dystrophy glioma arrhythmia peptide
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience
- Pharmacology