Structure Activity Relationship of Venom Toxins Targeting Potassium Channels.

BACKGROUND: Peptide toxins are naturally occurring rich sources of highly specific bioactive compounds from venomous animals acting on various types of ion channels.

OBJECTIVE: This study mainly highlights targeting of one of the largest families of ion channels i.e. potassium channels via venom toxins.

METHOD: Data for reported venom toxins from diverse species is gathered and analyzed at sequence and structural extent.

RESULTS: The similarities and differences among toxins have been demonstrated along with structure activity relationship of potassium channels with these toxins.

CONCLUSION: This review highlights the importance of functionally important residues and structural scaffolds of venoms interacting with potassium channels.