New analgesics based on u-conotoxins: structure based design of helical mimetics

Voltage-gated sodium channels contain a specific binding dite for a family of cone shell toxins known as u-conotoxins. volatege-gated sodium channels are involved in paid perception and u-contoxins block these channels, so this family of toxins shows considerable potential as analgesics. This project seeks to further understanf the three-dimensional structures and structure function relationships of this group of u-conotoxins, including their interaction with volatege-gated sodium channels. we also aim to harness their analgesic properties in non-peptide miemtics of the native toxins; such mimetics constitute lead compunds for the development of new therapeutics for the treatment of pain.