Functional Analysis of a Gene Encoding a Chlorotoxin-like Peptide Derived from Scorpion Toxin
- VernacularTitle:东亚钳蝎氯毒素BmKCT的表达和功能鉴定
- Author:
Rui YANG
;
Fang PENG
;
Hui LIU
;
Zhijian CAO
;
Wenxin LI
;
Xin MAO
;
Dahe JIANG
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
scorpion;
chlorotoxin;
BmKCT;
chloride channels;
patch-clamp
- From:
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
2005;21(1):19-23
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
A full-length cDNA sequence encoding for the precursor of a venom peptide (named BmKCT) with homology to chlorotoxin has been isolated from a cDNA library made from the venom glands of the Chinese Scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch. The sequence of BmKCT is similar (68 % identities) to that of chlorotoxin isolated from Leiurus quinquestriatus quinquestriatus. To understand the biological function of BmKCT, this peptide was expressed using pGEX expression system and purified using GST affinity column and gel filtration.Whole cell patch-clamping recording showed that BmKCT could significantly inhibit chloride currents of gliomas cells, and the inhibitory effect was reversible. These results suggested that BmKCT might belong to the class of short chain toxins blocking the chloride ion channels.
