Conotoxins of the O-superfamily affecting voltage-gated sodium channels

The venoms of predatory cone snails harbor a rich repertoire of peptide toxins that are valuable research tools, but recently have also proven to be useful drugs. Among the conotoxins with several disulfide bridges, the O-superfamily toxins are characterized by a conserved cysteine knot pattern: C-C-CC-C-C. While ω-conotoxins and κ-conotoxins block Ca2+ and K+ channels, respectively, the closely related δ- and μO-conotoxins affect voltage-gated Na+ channels (Nav channels). δ-conotoxins mainly remove the fast inactivation of Nav channels and, thus, functionally resemble long-chain scorpion α-toxins. μO-conotoxins are functionally similar to μ-conotoxins, since they inhibit the ion flow through Nav channels. Recent results from functional and structural assays have gained insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms. Both types of toxins are voltage-sensor toxins interfering with the voltage-sensor elements of Nav channels.