Conotoxins as selective inhibitors of neuronal ion channels, receptors and transporters.

Abstract

Cone snails have evolved a vast array of peptide toxins for prey capture and defence. These peptides are directed against a wide variety of pharmacological targets, making them an invaluable source of ligands for studying the properties of these targets in normal and diseased states. A number of these peptides have shown efficacy in vivo, including inhibitors of calcium channels, the norepinephrine transporter, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, NMDA receptors and neurotensin receptors, with several having undergone pre-clinical or clinical development for the treatment of pain.

• Authors: Richard J Lewis
• Journal: IUBMB life (IUBMB Life) Vol. 56 Issue 2 Pg. 89-93 (Feb 2004) ISSN: 1521-6543 [Print] England
• PMID: 15085932 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Calcium Channel Blockers
• Conotoxins
• Ion Channels
• Norepinephrine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
• Receptors, Neurotransmitter
• SLC6A2 protein, human
• Symporters

Topics

• Animals
• Calcium Channel Blockers (pharmacology)
• Conotoxins (pharmacology)
• Humans
• Ion Channels (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Neurons (metabolism)
• Norepinephrine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
• Receptors, Neurotransmitter (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Symporters (antagonists & inhibitors)