Study on the Analgesic Activity of Peptide from Conus achates

Abstract

Background: As a peptide originally discovered from Conus achates by mass spectrometry and cDNA sequencing, Ac6.4 contains 25 amino acid residues and three disulfide bridges. Our previous study found that this peptide possesses 80% similarity to MVIIA by BLAST and that MVIIA is a potent and selective blocker of N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels in neurons.

Objective: To recognize the target protein and analgesic activity of Ac6.4 from Conus achates.

Methods: In the present study, we synthesized Ac6.4, expressed the Trx-Ac6.4 fusion protein, tested Ac6.4 for its inhibitory activity against Cav2.2 in CHO cells and investigated Ac6.4 and Trx-Ac6.4 for their analgesic activities in mice.

Results: Data revealed that Ac6.4 had strong inhibitory activity against Cav2.2 (IC₅₀ = 43.6 nM). After intracranial administration of Ac6.4 (5, 10, 20 μg/kg) and Trx-Ac6.4 (20, 40, 80 μg/kg), significant analgesia was observed. The analgesic effects (elevated pain thresholds) were dose-dependent.

Conclusion: This study expands our knowledge of the peptide Ac6.4 and provides new possibilities for developing Cav2.2 inhibitors and analgesic drugs.

Keywords: Conus achates; Ac6.4; Cav2.2; N-type calcium ion channel; analgesic; peptide.