nAChRs, found in cell membranes, facilitate nerve-muscle signal transmission, impacting processes like neurotransmission. α7 or α3β2 subtypes are particularly significant. Due to experimental challenges with nAChRs, Ac-AChBP, a structural homolog, is often used for research. Conotoxin-ImI, a cyclic peptide from cone snails, blocks nAChRs. Studying how it deactivates Ac-AChBP could unveil therapeutic agents targeting nAChRs. Given their role in neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s, targeting nAChRs with conotoxin-based drugs holds promise for treatments.
To use conotoxin-ImI drugs for Alzheimer’s treatment, we need to refine its mechanism to selectively target only Alzheimer’s-related nAChRs, and ideally with minimal impact on overall functionality, ensuring it doesn’t harm the patient.
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