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Background
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GsMTx4 has been isolated from the venom of the spider Grammostola rosea. This cationic hydrophobic polypeptide blocks mechanosensitive ion channels (also named strechactivated channels or SACs), without having effect on wholecell voltage-sensitive currents. This Toxin acts by perturbing the interface between the channel and the lipid bilayer without necessarily being in physical contact with thechannel. Also it affects the membrane motor of outer hair cells at low doses. It does not inhibit the potassium channel KvAP (from the archaeon Aeropyrum pernix).
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