Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel auxilliary subunit alpha 2 delta and uses thereof

The Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel auxiliary subunit α2δ-1 is the target/receptor of gabapentinoid compounds known to exert therapeutic effects as for example in Epilepsy and Neuropathic pain. Gabapentinoids are known to exert their action via binding Arginine (R) within an RRR motif located at the N-terminal of the α2δ-1. The present invention describes a novel binding site for gabapentinoids which is located within the VGCC_a2 domain and within an IKAK aminoacid sequence of the α2δ-1. Such newly identified amino acid binding site finds utility in the identification and characterization of novel compounds with therapeutic properties in Neuropathic Pain and in other disorders and conditions in which α2δ-1 is involved in.