4ez1

Structural highlights

Function

CA1A_CONBU Alpha-conotoxins bind to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) and inhibit them. This peptide potently blocks numerous mammalian nAChR subtypes (alpha-6 or -3/beta-2 or -3 > alpha-6 or-3/beta-4 > alpha-3/beta-2 > alpha-3/beta-4 > alpha-4/beta-4 = alpha-2/beta-4 > alpha-7 > alpha-2/beta-2 >> alpha-4/beta-2). Recovery from toxin block is markedly slower for beta-4 versus beta-2 subunit-containing nAChRs. Thus, it represents a novel probe for distinguishing between beta-2 and beta-4-containing nAChRs.

See Also

• Acetylcholine binding protein 3D structures