Exploring ion channel toxins from the Swedish Fauna

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https://lnu.diva-portal.org/smash/project.jsf?pid=project:6220

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Title [sv]

Nya jonkanalstoxiner från svensk fauna

Title [en]

Exploring ion channel toxins from the Swedish Fauna

Abstract [en]

Venoms and toxins play an important role in nature’s chemical ecology, and are intriguing sources for discovery of pharmacological tools, insecticides, and drugs. The overall aim of the current project is the exploration of a neglected source of animal toxins: the peptides that ribbon worms (nemerteans) use to capture their prey and for their defense. We have recently discovered a novel family of peptide toxins with potent and instant activity on voltage gated sodium channels, with specificity on invertebrates (supported by VR 2014-3327, running from 2015-2018).In the current project we will continue the exploration of nemertean toxins by addressing the following specific aims:Map the diversity and occurrence of all families of peptide toxins specific to nemerteans, using transcriptomics and peptidomics.Establish routes for large scale production of novel toxins, by recombinant expression and solid phase peptide synthesis.Characterize the biological activities of toxins, by studies in vitro and in vivo.The current project will provide fundamental insights into the biology of nemerteans and their chemical arsenal, and the role of these intriguing toxins in nature.¬†It will also guide us about potential uses of nemertean toxins, such as in health care or agriculture.