Conotoxins: Novel probes for ion channel structure and function

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Conotoxins: Novel probes for ion channel structure and function. Voltage-dependent and ligand-gated ion channels are intrinsic membrane proteins that play a central role in communication in excitable cells, particularly in the nervous system. The primary goals of this project are (i) to define at a molecular level, the structural and functional determinants of ion channel/conotoxin interactions and (ii) develop new probes that advance neurophysiological research. The diversity and distribution of ion channel types and subtypes being uncovered through the use of molecular biology and conotoxin probes presents an exciting opportunity for the future development of novel ion channel therapeutics.