Vm24 Scorpion Toxin
From Proteopedia
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Introduction
Vm24 synthetic scorpion toxin is a peptide toxin isolated from Vaejovis mexicanus scorpion venom. It is a potent inhibitor of Kv1.3 potassium channels of human T lymphocytes. Its high affinity and specificity for human lymphocytes makes it a candidate for the treatment of several autoimmune disorders.
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Protein Source
Gurolla G.B et al [1] isolated the peptide components of Vaejovis mexicanus smithi venom using high-performance liquid chromatography. Over 200 components were identified. The structure of Vm24 was determined by solution NMR spectroscopy, and it was sequenced via trypsin digestion. The a synthetic Vm24 gene was created and artificially translated to produce the synthetic Vm24 toxin displayed.
General Structure
Vm24 is a single chain protein consisting of 36 amino acids. It has a molecular weight of 3,873 daltons. It consists of a three strand (S1,S2,S3) anti-parallel and one single turn with holding the chain together. The disulfides exist between , , , and . The disulfide bonds between and with the C-terminal strand of the β-sheet. The disulfide bridge between connects the Positions and are not well defined because they have a reduced number of Nuclear Overhauser effects NOEs [2] All and Ile4 are buried entirely, but all other residues are exposed.
