Conotoxins

Inquiry

Conotoxins are a diverse family of neurotoxic peptides derived from the venom of cone snails, a group of marine mollusks found in tropical and subtropical waters. They are usually composed of 15 to 30 amino acids and usually have 2 to 3 disulfide bonds. The diversity of conotoxins constitutes a treasure trove of pharmacological probes and is of great significance for the study of ion channels. Conotoxins not only have the diversity of marine bioactive substances, but also have novel structures, unique functions, high affinity, and high specificity. Due to their low molecular weight, they are easy to use as molecular models for structure-activity studies, and have great application prospects in new drug design.

Classification

As neurotoxins, conotoxins can target various ion channels, receptors, and transporters in the nervous system. According to the receptor targets they act on, conotoxins can be divided into multiple subtypes such as α, μ, ω, δ, and κ. Each class of conotoxins has specific biological activities and therapeutic potentials, making them important subjects of research in pharmacology and drug discovery.

α-Conotoxins. These target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and are known for their role in modulating neurotransmission. We offer a range of α-conotoxins:

μ-Conotoxins. These inhibit sodium channels, primarily affecting neuromuscular transmission and pain signaling pathways. We offer a range of μ-conotoxins:

ω-Conotoxins. These selectively target calcium channels, influencing neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability. We offer a range of ω-conotoxins:

κ-Conotoxins. These are known to affect potassium channels, thereby influencing repolarization and neuronal signaling. We offer a range of κ-conotoxins:

δ-Conotoxins. These interact with a variety of receptors and ion channels, contributing to the complexity of conotoxin pharmacology.

Mechanisms of Action

To date, the mechanisms of action of five conotoxins have been identified:

α-Conotoxin. Inhibitors of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
μ-Conotoxin. Inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium channels.
ω-Conotoxin. Inhibitors of N-type voltage-gated calcium channels.
δ-Conotoxin. Inhibitors of the inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels.
κ-Conotoxin. Inhibitors of voltage-gated potassium channels.

Biological Activities

Analgesic properties. Conotoxins have a significant analgesic effect and can relieve pain by blocking the transmission of pain signals.
Muscle paralysis. Certain conotoxins can lead to muscle paralysis by blocking neuromuscular transmission. This is achieved by inhibiting presynaptic calcium channels, thus preventing the release of acetylcholine.
Neuroprotection. Conotoxins also have important applications in neuroprotection, which can protect the nervous system from damage and have the potential to resist cerebral ischemia.
Ion channel modulation. Many conotoxins selectively inhibit or activate various types of ion channels, including sodium (Na⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), and potassium (K⁺) channels. This modulation can lead to altered neurotransmitter release and cellular excitability.

Alfa Chemistry has a deep research foundation in the field of marine chemistry and is committed to providing customers with a series of high-quality conotoxins, including α-conotoxins, µ-conotoxins, ω-conotoxins, δ-conotoxins and κ-conotoxins. If you have any requirements, please contact us immediately, we will serve you wholeheartedly.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.