Purification, molecular cloning and functional characterization of HelaTx1 (Heterometrus laoticus): the first member of a new κ-KTX subfamily.

ABSTRACT: Given their medical importance, most attention has been paid toward the venom composition of scorpions of the Buthidae family. Nevertheless, research has shown that the venom of scorpions of other families is also a remarkable source of unique peptidyl toxins. The κ-KTx family of voltage-gated potassium channel (VGPC) scorpion toxins is hereof an example. From the telson of the scorpion Heterometrus laoticus (Scorpionidae), a peptide, HelaTx1, with unique primary sequence was purified through HPLC and sequenced by Edman degradation. Based on the amino acid sequence, the peptide could be cloned and the cDNA sequence revealed. HelaTx1 was chemically synthesized and functionally characterized on VGPCs of the Shaker-related, Shab-related, Shaw-related and Shal-related subfamilies. Furthermore,

SUBMITTER: Vandendriessche T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3644210 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature