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Scorpion toxins are proteins found in the venom of scorpions.Their toxic effect may be mammal- or insect-specific and acts by binding with varying degrees of specificity to members of the Voltage-gated ion channel superfamily; specifically, voltage-gated sodium channels, voltage-gated potassium channels, [3] and Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels.
Charybdotoxin (ChTX) is a 37 amino acid neurotoxin from the venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus (deathstalker) that blocks calcium-activated potassium channels. [2] This blockade causes hyperexcitability of the nervous system. It is a close homologue of agitoxin and both toxins come from Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus.
The protein NMR structure of HsTx1, a scorpion toxin with a canonical disulfide bond connectivity. Maurotoxin (abbreviated MTX) is a peptide toxin from the venom of the Tunisian chactoid scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus , from which it was first isolated and from which the chemical gets its name.
The crude venom of T. serrulatus contains different toxins. Some of the strongest derivates are the neurotoxins tityustoxin and toxin Ts-g. [3] Two types of toxins are considered to be responsible for the main toxic effect: toxin gamma (a β-type toxin) and tityustoxin (TsTX, an α-type toxin), both with a specific affinity to the sodium channel. [4]
In another context, the scorpion portrays human sexuality. [10] Scorpions are used in folk medicine in South Asia, especially in antidotes for scorpion stings. [10] One of the earliest occurrences of the scorpion in culture is its inclusion, as Scorpio, in the 12 signs of the Zodiac by Babylonian astronomers during the Chaldean period. [12]
Cm28, a scorpion toxin from Centruroides margaritatus, selectively blocks voltage-gated potassium channels K V 1.2 and K V 1.3 with high affinity. [1] It also suppresses the activation of human CD4 + effector memory T cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for autoimmune diseases.
Chlorotoxin is a 36-amino acid peptide found in the venom of the deathstalker scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) which blocks small-conductance chloride channels. [2] The fact that chlorotoxin binds preferentially to glioma cells has allowed the development of methods for the treatment and diagnosis of several types of cancer.
Cn2 is a neurotoxin named after and derived from the Centruroides noxius scorpion, which originates from and is endemic in the state of Nayarit, Western Mexico. [1] This scorpion produces a venom in which the Cn2 toxin is the most abundant component; it comprises approximately 6.8% of the scorpion venom.