Precision ligands for receptor discovery and validation
Receptor pharmacology relies on ligands that distinguish between closely related binding sites, report conformational changes, and support structural studies. Venom Supplies catalogs venom-derived and engineered toxins that fulfill these roles across nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), voltage-gated channels, GPCR-associated ion channels, and emerging receptor families. Each product is supplied with potency, kinetic, and structural data enabling rigorous pharmacological profiling.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and ligand-gated channels
Venoms have historically provided the most selective nAChR ligands:
- Recombinant α-bungarotoxin (PTX-RCT-001) offers antibody-grade purity for ligand-binding studies and cryo-EM sample preparation.
- Fluorescent α-bungarotoxin derivative (PTX-PPT-009) tracks receptor trafficking in live-cell imaging and high-content screening.
- Crotalus neurotoxin complex (PTX-SNV-001) provides presynaptic modulation for neuromuscular synapse investigations.
Employ these ligands in radioligand displacement, surface plasmon resonance, or fluorescence polarization assays, using provided Kd and kon/koff values to model receptor occupancy dynamics.
G protein-coupled receptor modulation
While venoms primarily target ion channels, several peptides indirectly influence GPCR signaling by modulating upstream channels or receptor complexes. TRP channel modulators (e.g., PTX-SPV-005 Theraphosa TRP Modulator Set) alter calcium influx that drives GPCR signaling cascades. Integrate these toxins into arrestin recruitment or second messenger assays to parse signaling bias.
Structure–function insights
Toxins serve as conformational probes in structural biology:
- Use ω-conotoxins (PTX-MTX-001) to stabilize CaV channels for cryo-EM.
- Apply μ-conotoxin analogs (PTX-PPT-002) to map sodium channel pore architecture through site-directed mutagenesis or computational docking.
- Combine toxins with cross-linking mass spectrometry to identify binding interfaces and allosteric sites.
Experimental design considerations
- Affinity and kinetics: Use COA-provided binding constants to set appropriate ligand concentrations for saturation, competition, or kinetic assays.
- Receptor context: Confirm expression levels, post-translational modifications, and co-factors. Venom Supplies supplies guidance on cell systems compatible with each toxin.
- Signal readouts: Choose readouts aligned with receptor class—fluorescence, electrophysiology, radioligand counts, or biophysical sensors.
- Orthogonal validation: Cross-validate toxin effects with small molecules or genetic perturbations to confirm receptor specificity.
Safety and documentation
Receptor assays frequently involve high ligand concentrations and extended incubation. Follow SDS recommendations for PPE, waste disposal, and decontamination. Our Quality & Compliance page outlines QC checkpoints (LC-MS, HPLC, binding assays) ensuring reproducibility across batches.
Linked resources
- Explore the Toxins by Target catalog to quickly match ligands with receptor families.
- Dive into complementary applications: Neuroscience and Pain Research.
- Reference educational content in Venom toxin guides and the blog post From venom to therapeutic lead: an overview for researchers.
By supplying thoroughly characterized ligands and consultative expertise, Venom Supplies empowers receptor pharmacologists to dissect binding mechanisms, quantify signaling bias, and accelerate translational programs.