Peptides and regulation of calcium channels
AssigneeThe Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
InventorsPhilip M. Best, Ren-Shiang Chen, Zuojun Lin, Thomas Garcia
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Abstract
Calcium channels can be regulated by natural gamma proteins. Herein we disclose embodiments of compositions and methods, particularly involving short peptides which are capable of regulating calcium channel function. Certain short peptides which can inhibit calcium current have structural features from the first transmembrane domain of gamma6 such as a GxxxA motif and adjoining aliphatic residues. In embodiments the peptide compositions and methods are capable of selective efficacy for low voltage-activated calcium channels, such as LVA channel Cav3.1, versus high voltage-activated channels.
Claims28
An isolated peptide consisting of a sequence of 8 to 14 amino acids, wherein the sequence contains a GX3X4X4G-like structural motif, and wherein the sequence comprises X1-X2-X3-X4-X5-X6-X7-X8 (SEQ ID NO:11);
- wherein X1 is L, I, V, or F;
- X2 is G, A, S, or T;
- X3 is L, I, V, A, or F;
- X4 is L, I, V, A, F, or T;
- X4 is L, I, V, A, or F;
- X6 is G, A, or S;
- and each X7 and X8 independently is L, I, V, A, or F;
- wherein said isolated peptide is capable of inhibiting voltage dependent calcium current in a cell.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.