Structure and activity analysis of two spider toxins that alter sodium channel inactivation kinetics

Biochemistry. 2009 Apr 14;48(14):3078-88. doi: 10.1021/bi802158p.

Abstract

In this work, Phoneutria nigriventer toxins PnTx2-5 and PnTx2-6 were shown to markedly delay the fast inactivation kinetics of neuronal-type sodium channels. Furthermore, our data show that they have significant differences in their interaction with the channel. PnTx2-6 has an affinity 6 times higher than that of PnTx2-5, and its effects are not reversible within 10-15 min of washing. PnTx2-6 partially (59%) competes with the scorpion alpha-toxin AaHII, but not with the scorpion beta-toxin CssIV, thus suggesting a mode of action similar to that of site 3 toxins. However, PnTx2-6 is not removed by strong depolarizing pulses, as in the known site 3 toxins. We have also established the correct PnTx2-5 amino acid sequence and confirmed the sequence of PnTx2-6, in both cases establishing that the cysteines are in their oxidized form. A structural model of each toxin is proposed. They show structures with poor alpha-helix content. The model is supported by experimental and theoretical tests. A likely binding region on PnTx2-5 and PnTx2-6 is proposed on the basis of their different affinities and sequence differences.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Kinetics
  • Models, Molecular
  • Neuropeptides / chemistry
  • Neuropeptides / pharmacology
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Conformation
  • Scorpion Venoms
  • Sodium Channels / drug effects*
  • Sodium Channels / metabolism
  • Spider Venoms / chemistry
  • Spider Venoms / pharmacology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Neuropeptides
  • Peptides
  • Scorpion Venoms
  • Sodium Channels
  • Spider Venoms
  • Tx2-5 protein, Phoneutria nigriventer
  • Tx2-6 protein, Phoneutria nigriventer