A Recurrent Motif: Diversity and Evolution of ShKT Domain Containing Proteins in the Vampire Snail Cumia reticulata.

ABSTRACT: Proteins of the ShK superfamily are characterized by a small conserved domain (ShKT), first discovered in small venom peptides produced by sea anemones, and acting as specific inhibitors of voltage-dependent and calcium-activated K⁺ channels. The ShK superfamily includes both small toxic peptides and larger multifunctional proteins with various functions. ShK toxins are often important components of animal venoms, where they perform different biological functions including neurotoxic and immunosuppressive effects. Given their high specificity and effectiveness, they are currently regarded as promising pharmacological lead compounds for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Here, we report on the molecular analysis of ShKT domain containing proteins produced by the Mediterranean vampire sna

SUBMITTER: Gerdol M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6409789 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature