Characterization of Three Venom Peptides from the Spitting Spider Scytodes thoracica

PLoS One. 2016 May 26;11(5):e0156291. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156291. eCollection 2016.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Cystine Knot Motifs
  • Gryllidae / drug effects
  • Gryllidae / growth & development
  • Gryllidae / metabolism
  • Models, Molecular
  • Peptide Fragments / chemistry
  • Peptide Fragments / pharmacology*
  • Predatory Behavior
  • Protein Conformation
  • Saliva / metabolism*
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Spider Venoms / chemistry
  • Spider Venoms / pharmacology*
  • Spiders / growth & development
  • Spiders / metabolism*
  • Thoracica / drug effects*

Substances

  • Peptide Fragments
  • Spider Venoms