Androcin, a novel type of cysteine-rich venom peptide from Androctonus bicolor, induces akinesia and anxiety-like symptoms in mice.

摘要: A novel type of venom peptide with six disulfide bridges, referred to as Androcin, was identified from the scorpion Androctonus bicolor using a cDNA library strategy. The amino acid sequence Androncin displays little identity other known peptides scorpions. We found that genomic Androcin consists three exons interrupted by two introns are localized in signal and mature encoding regions, inserted phase 2 0, respectively. This organization is unique among those cysteine-rich scorpions described so far. primary secondary structures homologous N-terminal domains insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins; this suggests may block normal function IGFs. Toxicological analysis recombinant revealed able induce severe akinesia anxiety-like symptoms mice. mammalian toxin bridges provides another tool subdue animals. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(4):277–285,