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Title: Characterization of the omega-conotoxin target. Evidence for tissue-specific heterogeneity in calcium channel types

Journal Article · · Biochemistry; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/bi00377a024· OSTI ID:6524553

Omega-Conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx-VIA) is a 27 amino acid peptide from the venom of the fish-hunting snail, Conus geographus, that blocks voltage-activated Ca channels. The characterization of a biologically active, homogeneous /sup 125/I-labeled monoiodinated Tyr/sup 22/ derivative of omega-conotoxin GVIA and its use in binding and cross-linking studies are described. The /sup 125/I-labeled toxin is specifically cross-linked to a receptor protein with an apparent M/sub r/ of 135,000. The stoichiometry between omega-conotoxin and nitrendipine binding sites in different chick tissues was determined. Skeletal muscle has a high concentration of (/sup 3/H)nitrendipine binding sites but no detectable omega-conotoxin sites. Brain microsomes have both binding sites, but omega-conotoxin targets are in excess. These results, combined with recent electrophysiological studies define four types of Ca channels in chick tissues, N, T, L/sub n/ (omega sensitive), and L/sub m/ (omega insensitive), and are consistent with the hypothesis that the ..cap alpha..-subunits of certain neuronal Ca/sup 2 +/ channels (L/sub n/, N) are the molecular targets of omega-conotoxin GVIA.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City
OSTI ID:
6524553
Journal Information:
Biochemistry; (United States), Vol. 26:3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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