Dear Colleagues,

Ion channels are important targets for therapeutic drugs. A wide range of diseases and disorders stem from ion channel dysfunction. The oceans are a source of toxins that have effects known to inhibit ion channels; many more drugs of therapeutic significance may yet be found within the oceans’ depths. Some marine toxins are already recognized for their great potential to treat, for example, neuropathic pain through their inhibition and blockade of voltage-gated ion channels. As more marine toxins become purified and tested for their effects on ion channels, more applications will inevitably be discovered that have important medical ramifications.
This special issue of Marine Drugs is dedicated to toxins that inhibit ion channels, and seeks to emphasize the importance of channel-inhibiting toxins as potential therapeutic agents and as research tools. It is my honor to serve as Guest Editor for this special issue, and to invite scientists to report recent advances or review the recent literature on the full spectrum of research questions associated with toxins that inhibit ion channels. I eagerly anticipate working with you towards a successful special issue of Marine Drugs focused upon channel-inhibiting marine toxins. On behalf of the journal, I hope this special issue becomes a vehicle for the latest developments in this exciting and important research area.

Dr. Peter C. Ruben
Guest Editor

• voltage-gated ion channels
• ligand-gated ion channels
• receptors
• blockade
• inhibition
• marine toxins
• venom
• antagonist