Cnidarian Toxins Acting on Voltage-Gated Ion Channels

Abstract

Abstract: Voltage-gated ion channels generate electrical activity in excitable cells. As such, they are essential components of neuromuscular and neuronal systems, and are targeted by toxins from a wide variety of phyla, including the cnidarians. Here, we review cnidarian toxins known to target voltage-gated ion channels, the specific channel types targeted, and, where known, the sites of action of cnidarian toxins on different channels.

Keywords

• Cnidaria
• ion channels
• toxin
• sodium channel
• potassium channel