Slotoxin, alphaKTx1.11, a new scorpion peptide blocker of MaxiK channels that differentiates between alpha and alpha+beta (beta1 or beta4) complexes

FEBS Lett. 2001 Sep 21;505(3):369-73. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(01)02791-0.

Abstract

A novel peptide from Centruroides noxius Hoffmann scorpion venom was isolated and sequenced. The 37 amino acid peptide belongs to the charybdotoxin sub-family (alphaKTx1) and was numbered member 11. alphaKTx1.11 has 75% sequence identity with iberiotoxin and 54% with charybdotoxin. alphaKTx1.11 revealed specificity for mammalian MaxiK channels (hSlo), thus, was named slotoxin. Slotoxin blocks the MaxiK pore-forming alpha subunit reversibly (K(d)=1.5 nM). Slotoxin association with alpha+beta (beta1 or beta4) channels was approximately 10 times slower than iberiotoxin and charybdotoxin, leading to a lack of effect on alpha+beta4 when tested at 100 nM for 5 min. Thus, slotoxin is a better tool to distinguish MaxiK alpha+beta complexes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel alpha Subunits
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Potassium Channel Blockers*
  • Potassium Channels / chemistry
  • Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated*
  • Scorpion Venoms / chemistry*
  • Scorpion Venoms / isolation & purification
  • Scorpion Venoms / pharmacology*
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel alpha Subunits
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
  • Potassium Channel Blockers
  • Potassium Channels
  • Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated
  • Scorpion Venoms
  • alphaKTx1.11