Venoms to drugs: selective ion channel modulators from spider venom for treatment of epilepsy and stroke
Abstract: The venoms of arthropod predators such as spiders, scorpions and centipedes are dominated by disulfide-rich
peptides that evolved to target neuronal ion channels in prey and predators. We use these natural combinatorial libraries
of ion channel modulators to isolate peptides that target ion channels involved in human nervous system diseases. I will
show recent examples from our lab of spider-venom peptides with very different modes of action that are providing leads
for the treatment of epilepsy and stroke. I will describe the discovery and biophysical characterization of these peptides,
including their 3D structure and mode of action, and demonstrate their therapeutic effects in relevant animal models .
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The perfect opportunity to attend cutting-edge research presentations involving CAI researchers or collaborators, each Tuesday at 9:30am in the CAI Seminar Room, entry via CAI main doors, facing Wep Harris oval (see map).
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