Conkunitzin-S1 is the first member of a new Kunitz-type neurotoxin family. Structural and functional characterization

J Biol Chem. 2005 Jun 24;280(25):23766-70. doi: 10.1074/jbc.C500064200. Epub 2005 Apr 15.

Abstract

Conkunitzin-S1 (Conk-S1) is a 60-residue neurotoxin from the venom of the cone snail Conus striatus that interacts with voltage-gated potassium channels. Conk-S1 shares sequence homology with Kunitz-type proteins but contains only two out of the three highly conserved cysteine bridges, which are typically found in these small, basic protein modules. In this study the three-dimensional structure of Conk-S1 has been solved by multidimensional NMR spectroscopy. The solution structure of recombinant Conk-S1 shows that a Kunitz fold is present, even though one of the highly conserved disulfide cross-links is missing. Introduction of a third, homologous disulfide bond into Conk-S1 results in a functional toxin with similar affinity for Shaker potassium channels. The affinity of Conk-S1 can be enhanced by a pore mutation within the Shaker channel pore indicating an interaction of Conk-S1 with the vestibule of potassium channels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mollusk Venoms / chemistry*
  • Mollusk Venoms / genetics
  • Mollusk Venoms / pharmacology*
  • Neurotoxins / chemistry*
  • Neurotoxins / genetics
  • Neurotoxins / pharmacology*
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization

Substances

  • Mollusk Venoms
  • Neurotoxins
  • conkunitzin-S1, Conus striatus

Associated data

  • PDB/1YL2