In this article, the topic of Ssm spooky toxin will be addressed from different perspectives, analyzing its importance, impact and relevance in today's society. Various aspects related to Ssm spooky toxin will be explored, as well as its implications at a social, cultural, economic and political level. Throughout the article, different opinions and points of view will be presented, with the aim of offering a comprehensive and enriching vision about Ssm spooky toxin. In addition, possible solutions and initiatives will be examined to address the challenges that Ssm spooky toxin poses, in order to encourage dialogue and reflection around this topic.
Spooky toxin | |
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Identifiers | |
Organism | |
Symbol | SsTx |
PDB | 5X0S |
Spooky toxin (SsTx) is a small peptide neurotoxin. It is found in the venom of Chinese red-headed centipedes (Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans), also known as golden head centipedes. It is originally composed of 76 amino acids (sequence: MEKKIIFLVFLVAL LALPGFISTEVIKK DTPYKKRKFPYKSEC LKACATSFTG GDESRIQEGKPG FFKCTCYFTTG, disulfide bonds Cys43-Cys69, Cys47-Cys71), with a molecular weight of 6017.5 daltons, but loses the first 23 residues and becomes 53 residues long (sequence EVIKKDTPYKKRKFPYKSECLKACATSFTGGDESRIQEGKPGFFKCTCYFTTG, disulfide bonds Cys20-Cys46, Cys24-Cys48). SsTx is currently thought to be unique to Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans.
By blocking KCNQ channels (preventing potassium from flowing into and out of cells) SsTx disrupts cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and nervous systems; where snake venoms typically only affect circulatory or nervous systems, and venom from spiders, scorpions, and snails typically only target nervous systems. This allows for golden headed centipedes to target larger prey up to 15 times their size.
The venom of the Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans is already being widely used as a traditional medicine in Asian countries. Claimed medicinal uses include antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anticancer.