PEPTIDE AZEMIOPSIN SELECTIVELY INTERACTING WITH NICOTINIC ACETYLCHOLINE RECEPTORS OF MUSCLE TYPE

摘要

The invention relates to the biologically active peptides which block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and can find application in the field of biochemistry, biotechnology and medicine. Peptide azemiopsin has the following amino acid sequence:H₂N-Asp¹-Asn²-Trp³-Trp⁴-Pro⁵-Lys⁶-Pгo⁷-Pro⁸-His⁹-Gln¹⁰-Gly¹¹-Pro¹²-Arg¹³-Pro¹⁴-Pro¹⁵-Arg¹⁶-Pro¹⁷-Arg¹⁸-Pro¹⁹-Lys²⁰-Pro²¹-COX, where X is OH or NH2 group, and possesses the capacity to interact selectively with muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Peptide can be used as a basis for the development of myorelaxants selectively blocking muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The invention represents a new type of natural toxins interacting with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and lacking disulphide bonds. 5 figures.