Cloning and characterization of a cDNA sequence encoding the precursor of a chlorotoxin-like peptide from the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch

Toxicon. 2000 Aug;38(8):1009-14. doi: 10.1016/s0041-0101(99)00212-3.

Abstract

A full-length cDNA sequence encoding the precursor of a venom peptide with homology to chlorotoxin (named BmKCT) was isolated from a cDNA library made from the venom glands of the Chinese Scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch. The encoded precursor of BmKCT was 59 amino acid residues long including a signal peptide of 24 residues and a mature toxin of 35 residues with four disulfide bridges. The sequence of BmKCT is similar (68% identities) to that of chlorotoxin isolated from Leiurus quinguestriatus quinquestriatus. BmKCT is the first report of the cDNA sequences encoding four-disulfide-bridged short-chain toxins from Buthus martensuii Karsch so far.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA / biosynthesis*
  • DNA / chemistry
  • Gene Library
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neurotoxins / genetics*
  • Oligonucleotides / chemical synthesis
  • Peptides / genetics*
  • Scorpion Venoms / genetics*
  • Scorpions / genetics*

Substances

  • Neurotoxins
  • Oligonucleotides
  • Peptides
  • Scorpion Venoms
  • Chlorotoxin
  • DNA

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF135821