The Molecular Basis of Conantokin Antagonism of NMDA Receptor Function

The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptor, has been implicated in a host of chronic and acute neurological disorders. Accordingly, much emphasis has been placed on the development of safe and effective therapeutic agents that specifically antagonize this target. The conantokins are a class of small, naturally occurring peptides that inhibit ion flow through the NMDAR. Some conantokins demonstrate receptor subunit selectivity, a pharmacological attribute of emerging importance in the search for suitable drug candidates. The current review summarizes the NMDAR inhibitory properties of the conantokins, including structure-function relationships and mechanism of action. This information is fundamental to the rational design of suitable agents that can effectively treat pathophysiologies linked to NMDAR dysfunction.