Pmu1a, a novel spider toxin with dual inhibitory activity at pain targets hNaV 1.7 and hCaV 3 voltage-gated channels

Abstract

Venom-derived peptides targeting ion channels involved in pain are regarded as a promising alternative to current, and often ineffective, chronic pain treatments. Many peptide toxins are known to specifically and potently block established therapeutic targets, among which the voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels are major contributors. Here, we report on the discovery and characterization of a novel spider toxin isolated from the crude venom of Pterinochilus murinus that shows inhibitory activity at both hNa_V 1.7 and hCa_V 3.2 channels, two therapeutic targets implicated in pain pathways. Bioassay-guided HPLC fractionation revealed a 36-amino acid peptide with three disulfide bridges named μ/ω-theraphotoxin-Pmu1a (Pmu1a). Following isolation and characterization, the toxin was chemically synthesized and its biological activity was further assessed using electrophysiology, revealing Pmu1a to be a toxin that potently blocks both hNa_V 1.7 and hCa_V 3. Nuclear magnetic resonance structure determination of Pmu1a shows an inhibitor cystine knot fold that is the characteristic of many spider peptides. Combined, these data show the potential of Pmu1a as a basis for the design of compounds with dual activity at the therapeutically relevant hCa_V 3.2 and hNa_V 1.7 voltage-gated channels.

Keywords: dual activity; inhibitory cystine knot; spider peptide; voltage-gated calcium channel; voltage-gated sodium channel.