title: Conotoxins and their regulatory considerations.
abstract: Venom derived peptides from marine cone snails, conotoxins, have demonstrated unique pharmacological targeting properties that have been pivotal in advancing medical research. The awareness of their true toxic origins and potent pharmacological nature is emphasized by their 'select agent' classification by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We briefly introduce the biochemical and pharmacological aspects of conotoxins, highlighting current advancements into their biological engineering, and provide details to the present regulations that govern their use in research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
authors.forename: Parashar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Thapa
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Espiritu
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
authors.forename: Chino C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Cabalteja
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA. Electronic address: jbingham@hawaii.edu.
authors.forename: Jon-Paul
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Bingham
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D020916:Conotoxins / Q000145:classification / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D052078:Conus Snail / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D020916:Conotoxins
keywords: Conotoxins; Cyclic peptides; Peptides; Regulation; Select agents