Probing central and peripheral calcium channel sybtypes with novel omega conotoxins

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New toxins including omega-conotoxin CVID have been discovered from fish eating cone snails found on the Great Barrier Reef. These toxins discriminate between ion channel receptors on nerve cells that allow calcium ions to enter the cell and nerve transmission to continue. Of great importance is the fact that CVID specifically and potently blocks nerves that transmit pain responses. This project is involved with understanding the nolecular basis for this action with the goal of underpinning the design of even more selective agents that will ameliorate pain while reducing side effects.