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XB-ART-36009
BMC Struct Biol 2007 Apr 20;7:28. doi: 10.1186/1472-6807-7-28.
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Structure of alpha-conotoxin BuIA: influences of disulfide connectivity on structural dynamics.

Jin AH , Brandstaetter H , Nevin ST , Tan CC , Clark RJ , Adams DJ , Alewood PF , Craik DJ , Daly NL .


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Alpha-conotoxins have exciting therapeutic potential based on their high selectivity and affinity for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The spacing between the cysteine residues in alpha-conotoxins is variable, leading to the classification of sub-families. BuIA is the only alpha-conotoxin containing a 4/4 cysteine spacing and thus it is of significant interest to examine the structure of this conotoxin. In the current study we show the native globular disulfide connectivity of BuIA displays multiple conformations in solution whereas the non-native ribbon isomer has a single well-defined conformation. Despite having multiple conformations in solution the globular form of BuIA displays activity at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, contrasting with the lack of activity of the structurally well-defined ribbon isomer. These findings are opposite to the general trends observed for alpha-conotoxins where the native isomers have well-defined structures and the ribbon isomers are generally disordered. This study thus highlights the influence of the disulfide connectivity of BuIA on the dynamics of the three-dimensional structure.

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Species referenced: Xenopus
Genes referenced: chrna4 prss1


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References [+] :
Azam, Alpha-conotoxin BuIA, a novel peptide from Conus bullatus, distinguishes among neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. 2005, Pubmed, Xenbase