Novel K(+)-channel-blocking toxins from the venom of the scorpion Centruroides limpidus limpidus Karsch

Of Seven New K+ Channel Inhibitor Peptides of Centruroides bonito, α-KTx 2.24 Has a Picomolar Affinity for Kv1.2

Seven new peptides denominated CboK1 to CboK7 were isolated from the venom of the Mexican scorpion Centruroides bonito and their primary structures were determined. The molecular weights ranged between 3760.4 Da and 4357.9 Da, containing 32 to 39 amino acid residues with three putative disulfide bridges. The comparison of amino acid sequences with known potassium scorpion toxins (KTx) and phylogenetic analysis revealed that CboK1 (α-KTx 10.5) and CboK2 (α-KTx 10.6) belong to the α-KTx 10.x subfamily, whereas CboK3 (α-KTx 2.22), CboK4 (α-KTx 2.23), CboK6 (α-KTx 2.21), and CboK7 (α-KTx 2.24) bear > 95% amino acid similarity with members of the α-KTx 2.x subfamily, and CboK5 is identical to Ce3 toxin (α-KTx 2.10). Electrophysiological assays demonstrated that except CboK1, all six other peptides blocked the Kv1.2 channel with Kd values in the picomolar range (24-763 pM) and inhibited the Kv1.3 channel with comparatively less potency (Kd values between 20-171 nM). CboK3 and CboK4 inhibited less than 10% and CboK7 inhibited about 42% of Kv1.1 currents at 100 nM concentration. Among all, CboK7 showed out-standing affinity for Kv1.2 (Kd = 24 pM), as well as high selectivity over Kv1.3 (850-fold) and Kv1.1 (~6000-fold). These characteristics of CboK7 may provide a framework for developing tools to treat Kv1.2-related channelopathies.

The venom of the scorpion Centruroides limpidus, which causes the highest number of stings in Mexico, is neutralized by two recombinant antibody fragments

Phage display and directed evolution have made it possible to generate recombinant antibodies in the format of single chain variable fragments (scFvs) capable of neutralizing different toxins and venoms of Mexican scorpions. Despite having managed to neutralize a significant number of venoms, some others have not yet been completely neutralized, due to the diversity of the toxic components present in them. An example is the venom of the scorpion Centruroides limpidus, which contains three toxins of medical importance, called Cll1, Cll2 and Cl13. The first two are neutralized by scFv 10FG2, while Cl13, due to its sequence divergence, was not even recognized. For this reason, the aim of the present work was the generation of a new scFv capable of neutralizing Cl13 toxin and thereby helping to neutralize the whole venom of this scorpion. By hybridoma technology, a monoclonal antibody (mAb B7) was generated, which was able to recognize and partially neutralize Cl13 toxin. From mAb B7, its scFv format was obtained, named scFv B7 and subjected to three cycles of directed evolution. At the end of these processes, scFv 11F which neutralized Cl13 toxin was obtained. This scFv, administered in conjunction with scFv 10FG2, allowed to fully neutralize the whole venom of Centruroides limpidus scorpion.

Arthropod toxins acting on neuronal potassium channels

Arthropod venoms are a rich mixture of biologically active compounds exerting different physiological actions across diverse phyla and affecting multiple organ systems including the central nervous system. Venom compounds can inhibit or activate ion channels, receptors and transporters with high specificity and affinity providing essential insights into ion channel function. In this review, we focus on arthropod toxins (scorpions, spiders, bees and centipedes) acting on neuronal potassium channels. A brief description of the K⁺ channels classification and structure is included and a compendium of neuronal K⁺ channels and the arthropod toxins that modify them have been listed. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'

Functional and immuno-reactive characterization of a previously undescribed peptide from the venom of the scorpion Centruroides limpidus

A previously undescribed toxic peptide named Cl13 was purified from the venom of the Mexican scorpion Centruroides limpidus. It contains 66 amino acid residues, including four disulfide bonds. The physiological effects assayed in 7 different subtypes of voltage gated Na⁺-channels, showed that it belongs to the β-scorpion toxin type. The most notorious effects were observed in subtypes Nav1.4, Nav1.5 and Nav1.6. Although having important sequence similarities with two other lethal toxins from this scorpion species (Cll1m and Cll2), the recently developed single chain antibody fragments (scFv) of human origin were not capable of protecting against Cl13. At the amino acid sequence level, in 3 stretches of peptide Cl13 (positions 7-9, 30-38 and 62-66) some differences with respect to other similar toxins are observed. Some of these differences coincide with contact points with the human antibody fragments.

Scorpions from Mexico: From Species Diversity to Venom Complexity

Scorpions are among the oldest terrestrial arthropods, which are distributed worldwide, except for Antarctica and some Pacific islands. Scorpion envenomation represents a public health problem in several parts of the world. Mexico harbors the highest diversity of scorpions in the world, including some of the world's medically important scorpion species. The systematics and diversity of Mexican scorpion fauna has not been revised in the past decade; and due to recent and exhaustive collection efforts as part of different ongoing major revisionary systematic projects, our understanding of this diversity has changed compared with previous assessments. Given the presence of several medically important scorpion species, the study of their venom in the country is also important. In the present contribution, the diversity of scorpion species in Mexico is revised and updated based on several new systematic contributions; 281 different species are recorded. Commentaries on recent venomic, ecological and behavioral studies of Mexican scorpions are also provided. A list containing the most important peptides identified from 16 different species is included. A graphical representation of the different types of components found in these venoms is also revised. A map with hotspots showing the current knowledge on scorpion distribution and areas explored in Mexico is also provided.

Resistance of cervical adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa) to venom from the scorpion Centruroides limpidus limpidus

BACKGROUND

The venom of Centruroides limpidus limpidus (Cll) is a mixture of pharmacologically active principles. The most important of these are toxic proteins that interact both selectively and specifically with different cellular targets such as ion channels. Recently, anticancer properties of the venom from other scorpion species have been described. Studies in vitro have shown that scorpion venom induces cell death, inhibits proliferation and triggers the apoptotic pathway in different cancer cell lines. Herein, after treating human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells with Cll crude venom, their cytotoxic activity and apoptosis induction were assessed.

RESULTS

Cll crude venom induced cell death in normal macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. However, through viability assays, HeLa cells showed high survival rates after exposure to Cll venom. Also, Cll venom did not induce apoptosis after performing ethidium bromide/acridine orange assays, nor was there any evidence of chromatin condensation or DNA fragmentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Crude Cll venom exposure was not detrimental to HeLa cell cultures. This may be partially attributable to the absence of specific HeLa cell membrane targets for molecules present in the venom of Centruroides limpidus limpidus. Although these results might discourage additional studies exploring the potential of Cll venom to treat human papilloma cervical cancer, further research is required to explore positive effects of crude Cll venom on other cancer cell lines.

Venom therapy in multiple sclerosis

To date many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) seek complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) to treat their symptoms as an adjunct to conventionally used therapies. Among the common CAM therapies, there is a renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of venoms in MS. The efficacy of this therapeutic method remains unclear. However, venom-based therapy using bee, snakes and scorpions venom and/or sea anemones toxin has been recently developed because current investigations have identified the various components and molecular mechanism of the effects of venoms under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The aim of this review is to describe the recent findings regarding the role of venoms and their components in treatment of MS disease and that whether venom therapy could be recommended as a complementary treatment or not.

Novel α-KTx peptides from the venom of the scorpion Centruroides elegans selectively blockade Kv1.3 over IKCa1 K+ channels of T cells

From the venom of the Mexican scorpion Centruroides elegans Thorell five peptides were isolated to homogeneity by chromatographic procedures and their full amino acid sequence was determined by automatic Edman degradation. They all belong to the Noxiustoxin subfamily of scorpion toxins and were given the systematic names alpha-KTx 2.8 to 2.12, with trivial names Ce1 to Ce5, respectively. They have 39 amino acid residues, except for Ce3 which has only 38, but all of them have three disulfide bridges, and have molecular weights of 4255, 4267, 4249, 4295 and 4255 atomic mass units, respectively for Ce1 to Ce5. The C-terminal residues of Ce2, Ce4 and Ce5 were found to be amidated. The electrophysiological assay (whole-cell patch-clamp) showed that out of the five peptides, Ce1 (alpha-KTx 2.8), Ce2 (alpha-KTX2.9) and Ce4 (alpha-KTx 2.11) were effective blockers of Kv1.3 channels of human T lymphocytes, whereas these peptides did not inhibit the Ca2+-activated K+ channels (IKCa1) of the same cells. The equilibrium dissociation constants of these peptides for Kv1.3 were 0.70, 0.25 and 0.98nM for Ce1, Ce2 and Ce4, respectively. Furthermore, toxins Ce1, Ce2 and Ce4 practically did not inhibit the related voltage gated Shaker K+ channels, and rKv2.1 channels of the Shab family. The high affinity blockage of Kv1.3 channels by these peptides and their selectivity for Kv1.3 over IKCa1 may have significance in the development of novel tools for suppressing the function of those T cell subsets whose proliferation critically depends on the activity of Kv1.3 channels.

Antitoxin activity of plants used in Mexican traditional medicine against scorpion poisoning

Scorpions, especially in urban areas of tropical and subtropical regions, present a common risk of poisoning. In Mexico, scorpion envenomation is considered a public health problem. Despite the frequency of scorpion sting cases, there are to date no uniform criteria for their treatment. In Mexican traditional medicine, different plant species have been widely used as a remedy for treating scorpion poisoning. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of Bouvardia ternifolia, Aristolochia elegans and Vitex mollis extracts on Centruroides limpidus limpidus venom lethality in mice, and to determine their antagonist activity on guinea pig ileum. The hexane and methanol extract from B. ternifolia modified the LD50 of C. limpidus limpidus venom from 0.750 +/- 0.08 to 1.64 +/- 0.19 and 1.16 +/- 0.14 mg/kg, respectively. The extracts of A. elegans produced lower antitoxic activity, while extracts of V. mollis did not show any protection. On in vitro test, addition of B. ternifolia and A. elegans extracts strongly inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, the ileum contractions induced by venom. In general, the results demonstrated the effectiveness of these two plant species in modifying the lethality of C. limpidus limpidus venom in mice.

Solution structure of BmKK2, a new potassium channel blocker from the venom of chinese scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch

A natural K+ channel blocker, BmKK2 (a member of scorpion toxin subfamily alpha-KTx 14), which is composed of 31 amino acid residues and purified from the venom of the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch, was characterized using whole-cell patch-clamp recording in rat hippocampal neurons. The three dimensional structure of BmKK2 was determined with two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and molecular modelling techniques. In solution this toxin adopted a common alpha/beta-motif, but showed distinct local conformation in the loop between alpha-helix and beta-sheet in comparison with typical short-chain scorpion toxins (e.g., CTX and NTX). Also, the alpha helix is shorter and the beta-sheet element is smaller (each strand consisted only two residues). The unusual structural feature of BmKK2 was attributed to the shorter loop between the alpha-helix and beta-sheet and the presence of two consecutive Pro residues at position 21 and 22 in the loop. Moreover, two models of BmKK2/hKv1.3 channel and BmKK2/rSK2 channel complexes were simulated with docking calculations. The results demonstrated the existence of a alpha-mode binding between the toxin and the channels. The model of BmKK2/rSK2 channel complex exhibited favorable contacts both in electrostatic and hydrophobic, including a network of five hydrogen bonds and bigger interface containing seven pairs of inter-residue interactions. In contrast, the model of BmKK2/hKv1.3 channel complex, containing only three pairs of inter-residue interactions, exhibited poor contacts and smaller interface. The results well explained its lower activity towards Kv channel, and predicted that it may prefer a type of SK channel with a narrower entryway as its specific receptor.

Purification and cDNA cloning of a novel antibacterial peptide with a cysteine-stabilized alphabeta motif from the longicorn beetle, Acalolepta luxuriosa

An antibacterial peptide from the hemolymph of a coleopteran insect, Acalolepta luxuriosa, in the superfamily Cerambyocidea was characterized. The mature antibacterial peptide had 27 amino acid residues with a theoretical molecular weight of 3099.29 and it showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Micrococcus luteus. The deduced amino acid sequence of the peptide showed that it had a cysteine-stabilized alphabeta motif with a C...CXXXC...C...CXC consensus sequence, like insect defensins. However, the results of a multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis with CLUSTAL X indicated that this peptide is a novel peptide with a cysteine-stabilized alphabeta motif that is distant from insect defensins.

Identification of immunorelevant genes from greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) by a subtractive hybridization approach

In this study we have analyzed bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced genes in hemocytes of the Lepidopteran species Galleria mellonella using subtractive hybridization, followed by suppressive PCR. We have found genes that show homologies to molecules, such as gloverin, peptidoglycan recognition proteins and transferrin known to be involved in immunomodulation after bacterial infection in other species. In addition, a few molecules previously not described in the innate immune reactions were detected, such as a RNA binding molecule and tyrosine hydroxylase. Furthermore, the full-length cDNA of a LPS-induced molecule with six toxin-2-like domains is described to be a promising candidate to further elucidate the relationship between toxin- and defensin-like domains in arthropod host defense.

Martentoxin, a novel K+-channel-blocking peptide: purification, cDNA and genomic cloning, and electrophysiological and pharmacological characterization

Martentoxin, a novel K+-channel-specific peptide has been purified and characterized from the venom of the East-Asian scorpion (Buthus martensi Karsch). The whole cDNA precursor sequence suggested that martentoxin was composed of 37 residues with a unique sequence compared with other scorpion neurotoxins. The genomic DNA of martentoxin showed an additional intron situated unexpectedly in the 5' UTR region, besides one located close to the C-terminal of the signal peptide. The patch-clamp recording found that martentoxin at the applied dose of 100 nm could strongly block large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) currents in adrenal medulla chromaffin cells, and BKCa currents blocked by martentoxin could be fully recovered within 30 seconds after washing, which is at least 10 times faster than recovery after charybdotoxin. Meanwhile, a biosensor binding assay showed a fast association rate and a slow dissociation rate of martentoxin binding on rat brain synaptosomes. The binding of martentoxin on rat brain synaptosomes could be inhibited regularly by charybdotoxin, and gradually by toosendanin in a concentration-dependent manner, but not by either apamin or P03 from Buthus martensi. The results thus indicate that martentoxin is a new member in the family of K+-channel-blocking ligands.

Glycine 30 in iberiotoxin is a critical determinant of its specificity for maxi-K versus K(V) channels

Iberiotoxin (IbTX) is a remarkably selective alpha-K toxin peptide (alpha-KTx) inhibitor of the maxi-K channel. In contrast, the highly homologous charybdotoxin inhibits both the maxi-K and K(V)1.3 channels with similar high affinity. The present study investigates the molecular basis for this specificity through mutagenesis of IbTX. The interactions of mutated peptides with maxi-K and K(V)1.3 channels were monitored through dose-dependent displacement of specifically bound iodinated alpha-KTx peptides from membranes expressing these channels. Results of these studies suggest that the presence of a glycine at position 30 in IbTX is a major determinant of its specificity while the presence of four unique acidic residues in IbTX is not.

Molecular localization and crossreactivity of two epitopes of noxiustoxin from scorpion Centruroides noxius, identified by a panel of monoclonal antibodies and peptide mimotopes

Mimotopes derived from peptide phage display libraries may reproduce basic functions of epitopes including their antigenicity. In case of toxins, this property makes phage displayed mimotopes highly specific vaccine components free of the toxicity. To explore the potential of mimotopes for vaccine development, their ability of substituting the whole toxin molecule deserves a detailed characterization. We used mimotopes of noxiustoxin (NTX), a neurotoxin from scorpion Centruroides noxius, for studying its epitopes recognized by a panel of six monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), as well as their crossreactivity with homologous toxins from other species of the Centruroides genus. Although competitive (displacement) immunoassay showed that all six mAbs inhibit each other for binding to whole NTX molecule, the mimotopes used as specific probes allowed separation of the mAbs into two functional groups recognizing distinct non-overlapping epitopes mapped on the opposite sites of the three-dimensional structure of the toxin. The use of mimotopes permitted a precise specificity analysis of a panel of antibodies raised against this toxin, that may be very important for immunological characterization of other scorpion toxins and for vaccine development.

Solution structure of BmP01 from the venom of scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch

From the venom of scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch,a short peptide (BmP01, 29 amino acid residues) was isolated and characterized as previously reported (Lebren, R. R., et al. (1997) Eur. J. Biochem. 245, 457-464). It was shown to reduce 33% outward K(+) channel (hippocampal neurons) currents at 10 microM. The solution structure of BmP01 was determined by 2D (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The NOEs, coupling constants, and H-D exchange obtained from NMR spectroscopy were used in structural calculations. The conformation of BmP01 is composed of a short alpha-helix (Cys 3-Thr 12) and a two-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet (Ala 15-Asp 20 and Lys 23-Pro 28). There are three disulfide bridges (Cys 3-Cys 19, Cys 6-Cys 24 and Cys 10-Cys 26) connecting the alpha-helix and beta-sheet. Asp 20 to Lys 23 form a type II turn linking the two strands. Structural and electrostatic potential comparison between BmP01 and its analogues are also presented.

Structural and functional consequences of the presence of a fourth disulfide bridge in the scorpion short toxins: solution structure of the potassium channel inhibitor HsTX1

We have determined the three-dimensional structure of the potassium channel inhibitor HsTX1, using nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular modeling. This protein belongs to the scorpion short toxin family, which essentially contains potassium channel blockers of 29 to 39 amino acids and three disulfide bridges. It is highly active on voltage-gated Kv1.3 potassium channels. Furthermore, it has the particularity to possess a fourth disulfide bridge. We show that HsTX1 has a fold similar to that of the three-disulfide-bridged toxins and conserves the hydrophobic core found in the scorpion short toxins. Thus, the fourth bridge has no influence on the global conformation of HsTX1. Most residues spatially analogous to those interacting with voltage-gated potassium channels in the three-disulfide-bridged toxins are conserved in HsTX1. Thus, we propose that Tyr21, Lys23, Met25, and Asn26 are involved in the biological activity of HsTX1. As an additional positively charged residue is always spatially close to the aromatic residue in toxins blocking the voltage-gated potassium channels, and as previous mutagenesis experiments have shown the critical role played by the C-terminus in HsTX1, we suggest that Arg33 is also important for the activity of the four disulfide-bridged toxin. Docking calculations confirm that, if Lys23 and Met25 interact with the GYGDMH motif of Kv1.3, Arg33 can contact Asp386 and, thus, play the role of the additional positively charged residue of the toxin functional site. This original configuration of the binding site of HsTX1 for Kv1.3, if confirmed experimentally, offers new structural possibilities for the construction of a molecule blocking the voltage-gated potassium channels.

A unified nomenclature for short-chain peptides isolated from scorpion venoms: alpha-KTx molecular subfamilies

Peptidyl toxins are used extensively to determine the pharmacology of ion channels. Four families of peptides have been purified from scorpion venom. In this article, the classification of K+-channel-blocking peptides belonging to family 2 peptides and comprising 30-40 amino acids linked by three or four disulfide bridges, will be discussed. Evidence is provided for the existence of 12 molecular subfamilies, named alpha-KTx1-12, containing 49 different peptides. Because of the pharmacological divergence of these peptides, the principle of classification was based on a primary sequence alignment, combined with maximum parsimony and Neighbour-Joining analysis.

Genomic organization of three neurotoxins active on small conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels from the scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch

According to the known primary sequences of three neurotoxins active on small conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels from the scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch, their corresponding cDNAs were cloned and sequenced using 3'- and 5'-RACE. All of them encoded a signal peptide composed of 28 residues and a mature toxin of 29, 28 and 33 residues, respectively. Their cDNA deduced sequences were totally consistent with those determined, and the C-terminal amidation of one neurotoxin was confirmed. The genomic DNAs of these three toxins were also amplified by PCR, cloned and sequenced. They all consisted of two exons disrupted by a small single intron. All of these introns were inserted within the signal peptide at the same -10 position upstream from the mature toxin, consisting of 94, 78 and 87 bp, respectively.

Purification and primary structure of low molecular mass peptides from scorpion (Buthus sindicus) venom

The primary structures of four low molecular mass peptides (Bs 6, 8, 10 and 14) from scorpion Buthus sindicus were elucidated via combination of Edman degradation and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. Bs 8 and 14 are cysteine-rich, thermostable peptides composed of 35-36 residues with molecular weights of 3.7 and 3.4 kDa, respectively. These peptides show close sequence homologies (55-78%) with other scorpion chlorotoxin-like short-chain neurotoxins (SCNs) containing four intramolecular disulfide bridges. Despite the sequence variation between these two peptides (37% heterogeneity) their general structural organization is very similar as shown by their clearly related circular dichroism spectra. Furthermore, Bs6 is a minor component, composed of 38 residues (4.1 kDa) containing six half-cystine residues and having close sequence identities (40-80%) with charybdotoxin-like SCNs containing three disulfide bridges. The non-cysteinic, bacic and thermolabile Bs10 is composed of 34 amino acid residues (3.7 kDa), and belongs to a new class of peptides, with no sequence resemblance to any other so far reported sequence isolated from scorpions. Surprisingly, Bs10 shows some limited sequence analogy with oocyte zinc finger proteins. Results of these studies are discussed with respect to their structural similarities within the scorpion LCNs, SCNs and other biologically active peptides.

1H NMR structural analysis of novel potassium blocking toxins using a nano-NMR probe

A new class of toxin acting on potassium channels and cross-linked by four disulfide bridges instead of three has been recently described. Two peptides, Pi1 and Pi7, purified from the venom of the scorpion Pandinus imperator belong to this new class. Structural features of one of these new toxins. Pi1, have been investigated by proton nuclear magnetic resonance using a new technology that allows to work with very small amount of compound, in the nanomole range. It is shown that it is possible to collect high quality data set in terms of resolution, lineshape and sensitivity with nanomolar amount of compound using this technology. Preliminary results on Pi7 are also presented. The approach described here is quite attractive for the study of natural compounds such as toxins often available at low amounts.

Evidence for a new class of scorpion toxins active against K+ channels

cDNAs encoding novel long-chain scorpion toxins (64 amino acid residues, including only six cysteines) were isolated from cDNA libraries produced from the venom glands of the scorpions Androctonus australis from Old World and Tityus serrulatus from New World. The encoded peptides were very similar to a recently identified toxin from T. serrulatus, which is active against the voltage-sensitive 'delayed-rectifier' potassium channel, but they were completely different from the long-chain and short-chain scorpion toxins already characterised. However, there was some sequence similarity (42%) between these new toxins, Aa TX Kbeta and Ts TX Kbeta, and scorpion defensins purified from the hemolymph of Buthidae scorpions Leiurus quinquestriatus and A. australis. Thus, according to a multiple sequence alignment using CLUSTAL, these new toxins seem to be related to the scorpion defensins.

A four-disulphide-bridged toxin, with high affinity towards voltage-gated K+ channels, isolated from Heterometrus spinnifer (Scorpionidae) venom

A new toxin, named HsTX1, has been identified in the venom of Heterometrus spinnifer (Scorpionidae), on the basis of its ability to block the rat Kv1.3 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. HsTX1 has been purified and characterized as a 34-residue peptide reticulated by four disulphide bridges. HsTX1 shares 53% and 59% sequence identity with Pandinus imperator toxin1 (Pi1) and maurotoxin, two recently isolated four-disulphide-bridged toxins, whereas it is only 32-47% identical with the other scorpion K+ channel toxins, reticulated by three disulphide bridges. The amidated and carboxylated forms of HsTX1 were synthesized chemically, and identity between the natural and the synthetic amidated peptides was proved by mass spectrometry, co-elution on C18 HPLC and blocking activity on the rat Kv1.3 channels. The disulphide bridge pattern was studied by (1) limited reduction-alkylation at acidic pH and (2) enzymic cleavage on an immobilized trypsin cartridge, both followed by mass and sequence analyses. Three of the disulphide bonds are connected as in the three-disulphide-bridged scorpion toxins, and the two extra half-cystine residues of HsTX1 are cross-linked, as in Pi1. These results, together with those of CD analysis, suggest that HsTX1 probably adopts the same general folding as all scorpion K+ channel toxins. HsTX1 is a potent inhibitor of the rat Kv1.3 channels (IC50 approx. 12 pM). HsTX1 does not compete with 125I-apamin for binding to its receptor site on rat brain synaptosomal membranes, but competes efficiently with 125I-kaliotoxin for binding to the voltage-gated K+ channels on the same preparation (IC50 approx. 1 pM).

Action of babycurus-toxin 1 from the east African scorpion Babycurus centrurimorphus on the isolated cockroach giant axon

A toxin named babycurus-toxin 1 (mol. wt 8191), from telson extracts of the scorpion Babycurus centrurimorphus, was found to depolarize the cockroach giant axon. It progressively blocked the evoked action potentials after a short period of limited repetitive activity and after 30 min of toxin action it became impossible to evoke responses to current stimulations. Voltage-clamp experiments on the sodium current indicated that the toxin in micromolar concentrations progressively decreased the transient inward peak sodium current, but also slowed the activation phase of this sodium current and maintained an inward current during the voltage pulses, which deactivated slowly. The toxin also induced in the insect axon a slowly activating-deactivating component of the sodium current. This suggests that the toxin modifies both activation and inactivation mechanisms of sodium channels. Thus there is some similarity in the electrophysiological effects between BcTx1 and the beta-toxins active on mammals.

A novel potassium channel blocking toxin from the scorpion Pandinus imperator: A 1H NMR analysis using a nano-NMR probe

The three-dimensional solution structure of a novel peptide, Pi 1, purified from the venom of the scorpion Pandinus imperator and specific for potassium channels was determined by homonuclear proton NMR methods at 500 MHz from nanomole amounts of compound. P. imperator toxin is a voltage-dependent potassium channel specific peptide capable of blocking the shaker B K+ channels expressed in Sf9 cells in culture (Spodoptera frugiperda cell line no. 9) and displacing labeled noxiustoxin from rat brain synaptosomal membranes. The toxin has only 35 amino acid residues but is stabilized by four disulfide bridges (Cys4-Cys25, Cys10-Cys30, Cys14-Cys32, and Cys20-Cys35) instead of three commonly found in small potassium channel toxins. A detailed nuclear magnetic resonance structure of this protein was obtained using a nano-NMR probe and a combination of two-dimensional proton NMR experiments. The dihedral angles and distance restraints obtained from measured NMR parameters were used in structural calculations in order to determine the solution conformation of the toxin. The structure is organized around a short alpha-helix spanning residues Ser8-Thr18 and a beta-sheet. These two elements of secondary structure are stabilized by two disulfide bridges, Cys10-Cys30 and Cys14-Cys32. The antiparallel beta-sheet is composed of two strands extending from Asn22 to Cys32 with a tight turn at Arg28-Met29 in contact with the N-terminal fragment Leu1-Cys4. Comparison between the 3D structure of Pi 1 and those of other structurally and functionally related scorpion toxins is presented.

A novel structural class of K+-channel blocking toxin from the scorpion Pandinus imperator

A novel peptide was purified and characterized from the venom of the scorpion Pandinus imperator. Analysis of its primary structure reveals that it belongs to a new structural class of K+-channel blocking peptide, composed of only 35 amino acids, but cross-linked by four disulphide bridges. It is 40, 43 and 46% identical to noxiustoxin, margatoxin and toxin 1 of Centruroides limpidus respectively. However, it is less similar (26 to 37% identity) to toxins from scorpions of the geni Leiurus, Androctonus and Buthus. The disulphide pairing was determined by sequencing heterodimers produced by mild enzymic hydrolysis. They are formed between Cys-4-Cys-25, Cys-10-Cys-30, Cys-14-Cys-32 and Cys-20-Cys-35. Three-dimensional modelling, using the parameters determined for charybdotoxin, showed that is it possible to accommodate the four disulphide bridges in the same general structure of the other K+-channel blocking peptides. The new peptide (Pil) blocks Shaker B K+ channels reversibly. It also displaces the binding of a known K+-channel blocker, [125I]noxiustoxin, from rat brain synaptosomal membranes with an IC50 of about 10 nM.

Structural and functional comparison of toxins from the venom of the scorpions Centruroides infamatus infamatus, Centruroides limpidus limpidus and Centruroides noxius

Two novel toxins containing 66 amino acid residues each were isolated from the venom of the scorpions Centruroides infamatus infamatus and Centruroides limpidus limpidus, respectively. Their full amino acid sequences were determined. Comparison of primary structures showed that they share 97% similarity among themselves and 83% to that of toxin 2 from Centruroides noxius. The three toxins studied compete with each other for the same binding sites on membranes prepared from rat brain synaptosomes, suggesting that they are all beta-scorpion toxins. Toxin action was assayed into the microI-2 rat skeletal muscle Na+ channel heterologously expressed into Xenopus oocytes. All three toxins block this Na+ channel in a similar fashion, without affecting inactivation, and showed IC50 values in the micromolar concentration range.

Monoclonal antibodies against noxiustoxin

Noxiustoxin, a 39-amino acid residue peptide isolated from the venom of the Mexican scorpion Centruroides noxius, has previously been shown to affect voltage-dependent K+ channels. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against this toxin and their use in structure-function relationship studies. Six hybridoma clones (BNTX4, -12, -14, -16, -18, and -21) producing MAbs against noxiustoxin were isolated. The epitopes defined by the MAbs are overlapping or in close proximity because no MAb pair could bind simultaneously to the toxin. All the MAbs inhibited to various degrees the binding of the toxin to its receptor sites on rat brain synaptosomal membranes. The venom from other Centruroides species was shown to contain components cross-reacting with the MAbs, suggesting the existence of other NTX-like toxins.