Venom peptides regulating Ca2+ homeostasis: neuroprotective potential.

Abstract

Venom peptides specialized in modulating intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) offer a treasure trove of pharmacological properties to regulate aberrant Ca²⁺ homeostasis in disease. Combined with emerging advances across peptide optimization, disease models, and functional bioassays, these venom peptides could unlock new therapies restoring Ca²⁺ homeostasis. In this opinion, we explore the pharmacology of venom peptides modulating [Ca²⁺]_i signaling along with recent breakthroughs propelling venom peptide-based drug discovery. We predict a transformative era in therapeutic development harnessing venom peptides targeting dysfunctional Ca²⁺ signaling in intractable conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases.