Sequence of the cDNA coding for the lethal neurotoxin Tx1 from the Brazilian "armed" spider Phoneutria nigriventer predicts the synthesis and processing of a preprotoxin

Marcelo R.V. Diniz, Mark J.I. Paine, Carlos R. Diniz, R. David G. Theakston, Julian M. Crampton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A cDNA library was constructed from the venom glands of the Brazilian "armed" spider, Phoneutria nigriventer, and a clone coding for Tx1, a lethal toxin, was identified and sequenced. The sequence data derived from this cDNA clone combined with the previously determined amino acid sequence predict that Tx1 is initially synthesized as a preprotoxin. Four segments (comprising the signal sequence, a short, 15-amino acid, glutamate-rich sequence, the functional toxin, and 2 glycine residues) can be distinguished. The structure of the preprotoxin and the proposed processing steps required to form the mature Tx1 toxin show similarities with the synthesis and processing of ω-agatoxin IA.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15340-15342
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry
Volume268
Issue number21
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Jul 1993

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