Saxiphilin functions as a 'toxin sponge' protein that counteracts the effects of saxitoxin poisoning.

ABSTRACT: Saxitoxin (STX) is among the most potent toxins known, is classified as a chemical weapon, and is the archetype of the paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) family produced by marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms (HAB)^1-3. STX causes paralysis and death through inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels (Na_Vs), has no antidote, and poses a public health and commercial fishing threat due to its accumulation in seafood and increasing HAB occurrences^1,4. Although STX is lethal to varied vertebrates^5-7, including humans^4,8,9, certain frogs resist STX poisoning^6,7. This phenotype is thought to depend on soluble 'toxin sponge' high-affinity STX binding proteins (saxiphilins, Sxphs)^6,7,10,11 that provide resistance thro

SUBMITTER: Nixon SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12667915 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature