Isolation, molecular and functional characterization of a new toxin from Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom

Abstract

Tityus serrulatus is considered the most dangerous scorpion in Brazil, being responsible for most severe cases of scorpion envenoming. The venom of T. serrulatus presents in its composition: nucleotide, insoluble mucus, mucopolysaccharides, oligopeptide, low molecular weight molecules, protease inhibitors, histamine releasers, amino acids and other organic compounds. Additionally the venom contains numerous low molecular weight proteins with neurotoxic activity of great importance to understand the functioning of ion channels and neuroexcitable phenomena. Its toxins have been extensively studied and many of them have been isolated and characterized. However, it is estimated by mass spectrometry data (unpublished data of the group) that the number of toxins to be described is much higher than those previously characterized. Recently, a study by the group found evidence of a new toxin present in the fraction VIB from Tityus serrulatus venom. Thus, this study aims to isolate and characterize structurally (amino acid sequence) and functionally this new toxin. For the functional characterization of the novel toxin will be performed electrophysiological tests on sodium and/or potassium voltage-dependent channels cloned and expressed in oocytes, immunoassays of cytokine release in vitro and biochemical determinations of glucose, AST, ALT , CK, urea and plasma creatinine in vivo. The study of toxins from scorpion venom has been shown relevant for providing the molecular basis involved in the mechanism of its toxicity and identify molecules with potential use as drugs or as tools for studies of different biological systems.