Tethering neuropeptides and toxins for modulation of ion channels and receptors

摘要

The present invention provides a method for tethering peptides, including neuropeptides and peptide toxins, including naturally occurring and mutant or altered peptides, to a surface, including the cell surface. The tethered peptides are not naturally tethered or attached to a surface, including a cell surface, or through a cell membrane. The tethered neuropeptides and toxins are useful in the targeted modulation of synaptic transmission and for regulation of cellular physiology, including neurophysiology, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. The use of these tethered peptides, including neuropeptides and toxins, in therapeutic and diagnostic methods and screening assays is also provided.