Scorpine-like peptides

Authors

Karen S. Luna Ramirez, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied EcologyFollow
Juana María Jimenez-Vargas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
Lourival D. Possani, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico

RIS ID

111092

Publication Details

Luna-Ramirez, K., Jimenez-Vargas, J. & Possani, L. D. (2016). Scorpine-like peptides. Single Cell Biology, 5 (2), 1000138-1-1000138-3.

Abstract

Scorpine-like peptides are intriguing and unique compounds of scorpion venom. They possess two well-defined regions that confers them bi-functionality. The N-terminal region is similar to scorpion antimicrobial peptides lacking disulfide bridges, whereas the C-terminal region contains six cysteines forming three disulfide bridges that tightly bind the peptide. Scorpine-like peptides have shown activity against bacteria (i.e. B. subtilis, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa), fungi and also as potassium channel blockers. Additionally, they have been successful in controlling malaria and some types of viruses.