Discovery and development of voltage-gated sodium channel inhibitors

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

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Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The role of voltage-gated sodium channels in pain propagation is indisputable with mounting genetic evidence of sodium channel subtypes NaV1.7-NaV1.9 specifically being involved. Animal toxins are known to target voltage-gated ion channels at high potency and often with exquisite subtype selectivity. Our research focuses on identifying and developing novel sodium channel NaV1.7 selective peptides from the venom of spiders and cone snails to develop novel NaV1.7 inhibitors for the treatment of cancer-associated neuropathic pain.