Putative molecular mechanism of defensin interaction with the membrane of the sensory neuron

: NP-1 defensin decreased effective charge transfer in the activation gating system of TTX-resistant (slow) sodium channels in a dose-dependent manner. The dissociation constant and Hill coefficient values were KD = 2 pM and X--0.9. Geometry of the NP-1 defensin molecule was built using its primary structure with three S-S briges and fully optimised in the framework of molecular mechanics method. The data obtained explain experimental results of stechiometry 1:1 due to ligand-receptor interaction by the only outward directed carboxyl group of Glu 14 which might form a hydrogen bond with a single binding site of non-identified defensin membrane receptor.