Acylpolyamine toxins from spiders have been characterized to selectively block calcium-permeable iGlu receptors in neurons, belonging to the AMPA class of neurons. Variations of these chemicals from other species have been used to selectivly block potassium, sodium and calcium voltage-gated channels in mammals. In additon to acting as a precise tool for chemical genetics, some therapeutic applications may be on the horizon.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Small Molecules from Spiders Used as Chemical Probes
Acylpolyamine toxins from spiders have been characterized to selectively block calcium-permeable iGlu receptors in neurons, belonging to the AMPA class of neurons. Variations of these chemicals from other species have been used to selectivly block potassium, sodium and calcium voltage-gated channels in mammals. In additon to acting as a precise tool for chemical genetics, some therapeutic applications may be on the horizon.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment