This toxin is part of the Kunitz peptide family and has been shown to be an activator of G protein-coupled inwardly-rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels 1/2, involved in the regulation of cellular excitability.

The name AsKC11 is an acronym for Anemonia sulcata kalicludine, the species it originates from and its predicted mechanism of action.

[2] AsKC11 is a peptide that can be purified from the venom of the Mediterranean snakelocks sea anemone, Anemonia sulcata.

[3] In Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), twenty proteins showed more than 70% similarity with AsKC11.

[3][1] Kunitz-type peptides are found in several species such as scorpions, snakes, spiders, and sea anemones.

More specifically, it activates GIRKs 1/2 channels (heterotetrameric protein), predominantly in cardiac cells and in the brain.

The calculated equilibrium dissociation constant to represent the affinity of AsKC11 to GIRK1/2 channels has been found to be 80.9 μM.

[3] GIRK1/2 activation increases inward rectification of potassium, which aids in resting membrane maintenance and regulation of the length and shape of action potentials.