Con-ikot-ikot

UniProtKB accession:  P0CB20

Grouped By:  Matching UniProtKB accession

UniProtKB description:  Potently and selectively blocks the desensitization of ionotropic glutamate AMPA receptors (GRIA1, GRIA2, GRIA3 and GRIA4) (PubMed:19481459, PubMed:35377397). Binds to a different site than does the drug cyclothiazide (PubMed:19481459). The toxin acts like a straitjacket on the 'gating ring' of the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the receptor (PubMed:25103405). It does so by restraining the domains via both intra- and interdimer cross-links such that agonist-induced closure of the LBD 'clamshells' is transduced into an irislike expansion of the gating ring (PubMed:25103405). Compared to other desensitization blockers, it is a poor stabilizer of the open channel because toxin-bound AMPA receptors undergo frequent brief closures (PubMed:35377397). In vitro, application of the toxin to hippocampal slices causes a large and rapid increase in resting AMPA receptor-mediated current leading to neuronal death (PubMed:19481459).