Other · Conotoxin Peptide
Ziconotide
Also known as ω-conotoxin MVIIA
A synthetic 25-amino acid conotoxin peptide that selectively blocks N-type calcium channels, used in neuroscience research for studying nociception.
- Length
- 25 amino acids
- Half-life
- Approximately 4.5 hours in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
- Mechanism
- Ziconotide is a synthetic equivalent of a peptide from cone snail venom that selectively blocks N-type voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV2.2).
- Studied in
- It is a valuable neurobiology tool for investigating the role of N-type calcium channels in neurotransmitter release and nociceptive signaling pathways.
About Ziconotide
Ziconotide is a synthetic peptide identical to ω-conotoxin MVIIA, a neurotoxin originally isolated from the venom of the marine cone snail Conus magus. This 25-amino acid peptide features a highly constrained structure with three disulfide bonds, which confers significant stability. Its molecular target is the N-type voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV2.2), a key component in neuronal signaling.
By binding with high affinity and selectivity to the alpha-1B subunit of these channels, ziconotide effectively blocks calcium influx into presynaptic nerve terminals. This inhibition prevents the release of neurotransmitters involved in the transmission of nociceptive signals in the spinal cord. In neuroscience laboratories, it is used as a specific pharmacological tool to dissect the contribution of N-type channels to synaptic transmission and sensory signaling cascades. It is a reference compound with a clinical history.
Laboratory notes
- The three intramolecular disulfide bridges are critical for its structure and activity; avoid harsh reducing conditions during handling.
- Ziconotide is a potent neuroactive peptide and should be handled with appropriate laboratory precautions, including gloves and eye protection.
- Its high specificity for N-type calcium channels makes it a superior research tool compared to less selective, small-molecule channel blockers.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Ziconotide
What is the origin of Ziconotide's structure?
It is a synthetic version of ω-conotoxin MVIIA, a peptide found in the venom of the Conus magus marine snail.
What is the specific molecular target of Ziconotide?
Ziconotide selectively binds to and blocks N-type voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV2.2).
Why is Ziconotide useful in neuroscience research?
Its high selectivity allows researchers to specifically inhibit N-type calcium channel function to study their role in neurotransmission and sensory processing.
Is Ziconotide for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.