Solution structure of CnErg1 (Ergtoxin), a HERG specific scorpion toxin
Torres, A.M., Bansal, P., Alewood, P.F., Bursill, J.A., Kuchel, P.W., Vandenberg, J.I.(2003) FEBS Lett 539: 138-142
- PubMed: 12650941 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0014-5793(03)00216-3
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1NE5 - PubMed Abstract: 
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.
Organizational Affiliation: 
School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. a.torres@mmb.usyd.edu.au