α-Conotoxin ImI is a 12-amino-acid disulfide-rich peptide isolated from Conus imperialis. Unlike the classical muscle-directed α3/5 conotoxins, ImI belongs to the α4/3 structural class and is best known for antagonism of neuronal α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

This distinct pharmacological profile makes ImI particularly relevant to neuronal nAChR research, receptor–ligand interaction studies, electrophysiology, and structural investigation of α7 receptor recognition.

Product Information

The original characterization established both the mature sequence and native Cys2–Cys8/Cys3–Cys12 connectivity.

Neuronal nAChR Selectivity

ImI is most frequently associated with α7 nAChRs and has also been studied against other neuronal receptor combinations, including α9-containing receptors. Activity varies with receptor subtype, species, and assay system, making those variables important when comparing published potency values.

Recent structural work has directly visualized α-Conotoxin ImI bound to the human α7 nicotinic receptor, further establishing this peptide as a useful structural probe for ligand recognition at the extracellular receptor interface.

A Different α-Conotoxin Scaffold

The 4/3 loop arrangement differentiates ImI from the shorter muscle-selective 3/5 peptides such as GI, SI, SIA, and MI.

That difference is useful for laboratories comparing how loop size, charge distribution, aromatic residues, and disulfide-constrained geometry affect nAChR subtype recognition.

Sequence and Disulfide Connectivity

The mature sequence is:

GCCSDPRCAWRC-NH₂

Native disulfide bonds connect Cys2–Cys8 and Cys3–Cys12.

For synthetic analog programs, residues in both intercysteine loops can be modified while maintaining the overall scaffold to evaluate receptor affinity and subtype selectivity. Related sequences can be evaluated through our Custom Peptide Synthesis capabilities.

Laboratory and Quality Considerations

For functional nAChR work, the selected material should be assessed for identity, purity, oxidation state, and intended disulfide connectivity.

Our Peptide Quality Control resources provide additional information on analytical HPLC, mass spectrometry, and batch documentation.

Researchers comparing ImI with other naturally derived receptor probes can browse Bioactive Toxin-Derived Peptides.

Storage and Handling

Store the lyophilized peptide according to batch-specific conditions. After reconstitution, consider solvent composition, concentration, pH, storage temperature, and freeze–thaw history when establishing assay handling procedures.

Research Use Only

α-Conotoxin ImI is supplied for research use only. It is not intended for therapeutic, or human use.