From venoms to BBB-shuttles. MiniCTX3: a molecular vector derived from scorpion venom

Chem Commun (Camb). 2018 Nov 8;54(90):12738-12741. doi: 10.1039/c8cc06725b.

Abstract

The present study aims to develop chlorotoxin (CTX), from Giant Yellow Israeli scorpion venom, as a new BBB-shuttle. Minimised versions of CTX were prepared to reduce its complexity while enhancing its BBB-shuttle capacity and preserving its protease-resistance. MiniCTX3, a monocyclic lactam-bridge peptidomimetic, was capable of transporting nanoparticles across endothelial cell monolayers. Our results reveal animal venoms as an outstanding source of new families of BBB-shuttles.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / chemistry
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / metabolism*
  • Endothelial Cells / chemistry
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Peptidomimetics / chemical synthesis
  • Peptidomimetics / chemistry
  • Peptidomimetics / metabolism*
  • Scorpion Venoms / chemical synthesis
  • Scorpion Venoms / chemistry
  • Scorpion Venoms / metabolism*
  • Scorpions / chemistry

Substances

  • Peptidomimetics
  • Scorpion Venoms
  • Chlorotoxin