Structures of the distinct binding poses of three agonistic peptide toxins—bullet-ant-derived toxin δ-paraponeritoxin-Pc1a, cone snail ι-conotoxin RXIA and the globular β-scorpion toxin Cn2—on the human Nav1.6–β1 channel complex illustrate a diversity in binding poses and mechanisms of action.

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are effective anticancer biotherapeutics, often referred to as “magic bullets” due to their high specificity and cytotoxicity. This unique drug class consists of cytoto...

SV2A, an essential membrane protein in neurotransmission, is known as the receptor of clostridial neurotoxins and target of anti-epileptic drugs. Here the authors show details of the binding site for ...

Researcher Spotlight - In our study, we demonstrate for the first time the existence of large conformational changes in Botox and explain their purpose.

Nature Structural & Molecular Biology - Frontotemporal dementias can be caused by mutations in MAPT, which encodes the protein tau; the mutant protein forms harmful aggregates in the brain....

Studies in zebra finches show that dopamine has a key role as a reinforcement signal in the trial-and-error process of learning that underlies complex natural behaviours.

The paralysing toxin deployed by the male blue-lined octopus might help to protect him from being eaten.

These small particles are reminiscent of paper flowers or desert roses. Physicians can use them to guide medicines to a precise destination within the body. Better yet, the particles can easily be tra...