7miy

Publication Abstract from PubMed

The neuronal-type (N-type) voltage-gated calcium (Ca(v)) channels, which are designated Ca(v)2.2, have an important role in the release of neurotransmitters(1-3). Ziconotide is a Ca(v)2.2-specific peptide pore blocker that has been clinically used for treating intractable pain(4-6). Here we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of human Ca(v)2.2 (comprising the core alpha1 and the ancillary alpha2delta-1 and beta3 subunits) in the presence or absence of ziconotide. Ziconotide is thoroughly coordinated by helices P1 and P2, which support the selectivity filter, and the extracellular loops (ECLs) in repeats II, III and IV of alpha1. To accommodate ziconotide, the ECL of repeat III and alpha2delta-1 have to tilt upward concertedly. Three of the voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) are in a depolarized state, whereas the VSD of repeat II exhibits a down conformation that is stabilized by Ca(v)2-unique intracellular segments and a phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate molecule. Our studies reveal the molecular basis for Ca(v)2.2-specific pore blocking by ziconotide and establish the framework for investigating electromechanical coupling in Ca(v) channels.

Structure of human Ca(v)2.2 channel blocked by the painkiller ziconotide.,Gao S, Yao X, Yan N Nature. 2021 Aug;596(7870):143-147. doi: 10.1038/s41586-021-03699-6. Epub 2021 , Jul 7. PMID:34234349^[1]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.