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Characterization of Three Venom Peptides from the Spitting Spider Scytodes thoracica.

ABSTRACT: We present the solution-state NMR structures and preliminary functional characterizations of three venom peptides identified from the spitting spider Scytodes thoracica. Despite little sequence identity to other venom peptides, structural characterization reveals that these peptides contain an inhibitor cystine knot motif common to many venom peptides. These are the first structures for any peptide or protein from spiders of the Scytodidae family. Many venom peptides target neuronal ion channels or receptors. However, we have not been able to determine the target of these Scytodes peptides so we can only state with certainty the channels and receptors that they do not target.

SUBMITTER: Ariki NK

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4881942 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Characterization of Three Venom Peptides from the Spitting Spider Scytodes thoracica.

Ariki Nathanial K NK Muñoz Lisa E LE Armitage Elizabeth L EL Goodstein Francesca R FR George Kathryn G KG Smith Vanessa L VL Vetter Irina I Herzig Volker V King Glenn F GF Loening Nikolaus M NM

PloS one 20160526 5

We present the solution-state NMR structures and preliminary functional characterizations of three venom peptides identified from the spitting spider Scytodes thoracica. Despite little sequence identity to other venom peptides, structural characterization reveals that these peptides contain an inhibitor cystine knot motif common to many venom peptides. These are the first structures for any peptide or protein from spiders of the Scytodidae family. Many venom peptides target neuronal ion channels ...[more]

PMID: 27227898

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