A5082160112- Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Study
- Receptor Mechanisms and Signaling
- Ion channel regulation and function
- Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
- Neuropeptides and Animal Physiology
- Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
- Pain Mechanisms and Treatments
- Insect and Pesticide Research
- Quantum Dots Synthesis And Properties
- Nanocluster Synthesis and Applications
- Cholinesterase and Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Antimicrobial Peptides and Activities
- Healthcare and Venom Research
- Chalcogenide Semiconductor Thin Films
University of Copenhagen
2020-2024
University of the Philippines System
2021-2024
University of Utah
2020-2024
University of the Philippines Diliman
2010-2020
Somatostatin (SS) is a peptide hormone with diverse physiological roles. By investigating deep-water clade of fish-hunting cone snails, we show that predator-prey evolution has generated set SS analogs, each optimized to elicit specific systemic effects in prey. The increased metabolic stability, distinct receptor activation profiles, and chemical diversity the venom analogs make them suitable leads for therapeutic application, including pain, cancer, endocrine disorders. Our findings not...
Abstract Somatostatin and its related peptides (SSRPs) form an important family of hormones with diverse physiological roles. The ubiquitous presence SSRPs in vertebrates several invertebrate deuterostomes suggests ancient origin the SSRP signaling system. However, existence genes outside has not been established, evolutionary history this system remains poorly understood. Our recent discovery SSRP-like toxins (consomatins) venomous marine cone snails (Conus) suggested a mollusks potentially...
We report the discovery and functional characterization of αM-Conotoxin MIIIJ, a peptide from venom fish-hunting cone snail Conus magus. Injections αM-MIIIJ induced paralysis in goldfish (Carassius auratus) but not mice. Intracellular recording skeletal muscles fish (C. frog (Xenopus laevis) revealed that inhibited postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) with an IC50 ~0.1 μM. With comparable potency, reversibly blocked ACh-gated currents (IACh) voltage-clamped X. laevis...
The venom of cone snails has been proven to be a rich source bioactive peptides that target variety ion channels and receptors. α-Conotoxins (αCtx) interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are powerful tools for investigating the structure function various nAChR subtypes. By studying how conotoxins nAChRs, we can improve our understanding these receptors, leading new insights into neurological diseases associated nAChRs. Here, describe discovery characterization novel...
Abstract Persistent pain affects one in five people worldwide, often with severely debilitating consequences. Current treatment options, which can be effective for mild or acute pain, are ill-suited moderate-to-severe persistent resulting an urgent need new therapeutics. In recent years, the somatostatin receptor 4 (SSTR ), is expressed sensory neurons of peripheral nervous system, has emerged as a promising target relief. However, presence several closely related receptors similar...
Venomous animals have evolved diverse molecular mechanisms to incapacitate prey and defend against predators. Most venom components disrupt nervous, locomotor, cardiovascular systems or cause tissue damage. The discovery that certain fish-hunting cone snails use weaponized insulins induce hypoglycemic shock in highlights a unique example of toxins targeting glucose homeostasis. Here, we show that, addition insulins, the deadly fish hunter, Conus geographus, uses selective somatostatin...
The cone snails (family Conidae) are the best known and most intensively studied venomous marine gastropods. However, of total biodiversity mollusks (superfamily Conoidea, >20,000 species), comprise a minor fraction. venoms family Drilliidae, highly diversified in have not previously been investigated. In this report, we provide first biochemical characterization component Drilliidae venom define gene superfamily peptides. A bioactive peptide, cdg14a, was purified from Clavus davidgilmouri...
Abstract Somatostatin (SS) is a peptide hormone with diverse physiological roles. By investigating deep-water clade of fish-hunting cone snails, we show that predator-prey evolution has generated set SS analogs, each optimized to elicit specific systemic effects in prey. The increased metabolic stability, distinct receptor activation profiles, and chemical diversity the venom analogs make them suitable leads for therapeutic application, including pain, cancer endocrine disorders. Our...
Abstract Somatostatin and its related peptides (SSRPs) form an important family of hormones with diverse physiological roles. The ubiquitous presence SSRPs in vertebrates several invertebrate deuterostomes suggests ancient origin the SSRP signaling system. However, existence genes outside has not been established evolutionary history this system remains poorly understood. Our recent discovery SSRP-like toxins (consomatins) venomous marine cone snails ( Conus) suggested a homologous mollusks...