The three-dimensional structure of chemically synthesized CnErg1 (Ergtoxin), which specifically blocks HERG (human ether-a-go-go-related gene) K+ channels, was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. CnErg1 consists of a triple-stranded beta-sheet and an alpha-helix, as is typical of K+ channel scorpion toxins ...
The three-dimensional structure of chemically synthesized CnErg1 (Ergtoxin), which specifically blocks HERG (human ether-a-go-go-related gene) K+ channels, was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. CnErg1 consists of a triple-stranded beta-sheet and an alpha-helix, as is typical of K+ channel scorpion toxins. The peptide structure differs from the canonical structures in that the first beta-strand is shorter and is nearer to the second beta-strand rather than to the third beta-strand on the C-terminus. There is also a large hydrophobic patch on the surface of the toxin, surrounding a central lysine residue, Lys13. We postulate that this hydrophobic patch is likely to form part of the binding surface of the toxin.
Related Citations:
A toxin to nervous, cardiac, and endocrine ERG K+ channels isolated from Centruroides noxius scorpion venom. Gurrola, G.B., Rosati, B., Rocchetti, M., Pimienta, G., Zaza, A., Arcangeli, A., Olivotto, M., Possani, L.D., Wanke, E. (1999) FASEB J 13: 953
Disulfide bridges of ergtoxin, a member of a new sub-family of peptide blockers of the ether-a-go-go-related K+ channel Scaloni, A., Bottiglieri, C., Ferrara, L., Corona, M., Gurrola, G.B., Batista, C., Wanke, E., Possani, L.D. (2000) FEBS Lett 479: 156
Organizational Affiliation:
School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. a.torres@mmb.usyd.edu.au
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