Poneratoxin

Poneratoxin
Identifiers
SymbolPoneratoxin
SCOP21G92 / SCOPe / SUPFAM
OPM superfamily151
OPM protein1g92

Poneratoxin is a paralyzing neurotoxic peptide made by the bullet ant Paraponera clavata. It prevents inactivation of voltage gated sodium channels and therefore blocks synaptic transmission in the central nervous system.[1] Specifically, poneratoxin acts on voltage gated sodium channels in skeletal muscle fibers, causing paralysis, and nociceptive fibers, causing pain.[2] It is rated as a 4 plus on the Schmidt sting pain index, the highest possible rating with that system, and its effects can cause waves of pain up to twelve hours after a single sting.[3] It is additionally being studied for its uses in biological insecticides.[4]

  1. ^ Szolajska E, Poznanski J, Ferber ML, Michalik J, Gout E, Fender P, Bailly I, Dublet B, Chroboczek J (June 2004). "Poneratoxin, a neurotoxin from ant venom. Structure and expression in insect cells and construction of a bio-insecticide". European Journal of Biochemistry. 271 (11): 2127–36. doi:10.1111/j.1432-1033.2004.04128.x. PMID 15153103.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference reexamination was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Conniff R (2009-08-10). "Oh, Sting, Where Is Thy Death?". newyorktimes.com. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  4. ^ Touchard A, Aili SR, Fox EG, Escoubas P, Orivel J, Nicholson GM, Dejean A (January 2016). "The Biochemical Toxin Arsenal from Ant Venoms". Toxins. 8 (1): 30. doi:10.3390/toxins8010030. PMC 4728552. PMID 26805882.