Molecular Basis for Inhibition of the Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Kv1.3 by Peptide Toxins
thesis
posted on 2024-10-11, 06:11authored byKaroline Sanches
Kv1.3, a voltage-gated potassium channel, is upregulated in autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases, making it an attractive drug target. Peptide toxins from scorpion and sea anemone venoms are potent blockers of ion channels like Kv1.1 and Kv1.3, but their blocking mechanisms are not well characterised. This thesis utilises solution NMR spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics simulations to investigate the inhibition of Kv1.3 by peptide toxins. We developed a strategy for structural investigation of Kv1.3 that can be applied to studying other peptide toxins with potential potassium channel inhibitory activity, enhancing our understanding and aiding targeted therapeutic development.