Anesthetics as Chemical Tools to Study the Structure and Function of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors

2005 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 451-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugo Arias ◽  
Pankaj Bhumireddy
Keyword(s):  
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors ◽  
Acetylcholine Receptors ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Nicotinic Acetylcholine ◽  
Chemical Tools ◽  
And Function

scholarly journals Venom-Derived Neurotoxins Targeting Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 3373
Author(s):  
Ayaulym Bekbossynova ◽  
Albina Zharylgap ◽  
Olena Filchakova
Keyword(s):  
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors ◽  
Cholinergic System ◽  
Acetylcholine Receptors ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Structural Determinants ◽  
Nicotinic Acetylcholine ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Marine Snails ◽  
And Function ◽  
Proteins And Peptides

Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter described. The receptors targeted by acetylcholine are found within organisms spanning different phyla and position themselves as very attractive targets for predation, as well as for defense. Venoms of snakes within the Elapidae family, as well as those of marine snails within the Conus genus, are particularly rich in proteins and peptides that target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Such compounds are invaluable tools for research seeking to understand the structure and function of the cholinergic system. Proteins and peptides of venomous origin targeting nAChR demonstrate high affinity and good selectivity. This review aims at providing an overview of the toxins targeting nAChRs found within venoms of different animals, as well as their activities and the structural determinants important for receptor binding.

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