Biomedical subjects

C W Chi

Publications and source records attributed to C W Chi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Prognostic significance of heat shock protein-27 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma and its relation to histologic grading and survival.

BACKGROUND: The expression of heat shock protein-27 (HSP-27) has been detected in some human tumors. In this study the authors investigated HSP-27 expression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and examined its prognostic significance. METHODS: Expression of HSP-27 was studied in 58 HCC and adjacent noncancerous liver tissues by immunohistochemical stain. The relation between its expression and eight known prognostic factors was evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 58 HCC tissues studied, the presence of HSP-27 was demonstrated in 45 tissues (77.6%); low expression (</= 25%) was demonstrated in 17 tissues and high expression (> 25%) was demonstrated in 28 tissues. A significantly higher distribution of HSP-27 expression in HCC tissues compared with adjacent noncancerous liver tissues was obtained (P < 0.0001). Patients with high HSP-27 expression had a significantly higher histologic tumor grade than those with low HSP-27 expression (P = 0.001). The 5-year disease free survival rate of patients with high HSP-27 expression was 21.4% versus 59.3% for patients with low HSP-27 expression (P < 0.001). A similar relation was observed with overall survival (33.3% vs. 64. 8%; P = 0.009). HSP-27 expression was also identified to be a significant and powerful prognostic indicator for disease free survival (odds ratio = 2.25; P = 0.034) and for overall survival (odds ratio = 2.72; P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: The current study data suggest that HSP-27 expression is a powerful prognostic indicator and is related to histologic grade and survival of patients with HCC.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Increase of mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA in response to oxidative stress in human cells.

Mitochondrial respiratory function is impaired in the target tissues of patients with mitochondrial diseases and declines with age in various human tissues. It is generally accepted that respiratory-chain defects result in enhanced production of reactive oxygen species and free radicals in mitochondria. Recently, we have demonstrated that the copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is increased in the lung tissues of elderly human subjects. The mtDNA copy number was suggested to be increased by a feedback mechanism that compensates for defects in mitochondria harbouring mutated mtDNA and a defective respiratory system. However, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we treated a human lung fibroblast cell line, MRC-5, with H(2)O(2) at concentrations of 90-360 microM. After the treatment for 24-72 h, we found that cells were arrested at G(0) and G(1) phases but that mitochondrial mass and mtDNA content were significantly increased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, the oxidative stress induced by buthionine sulphoximine was also found to cause an increase in mitochondrial mass of the treated cells. Increased uptake of a vital mitochondrial dye Rhodamine 123 and enhanced tetrazolium [MTT, 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide] reduction revealed that the mitochondria increased by H(2)O(2) treatment were functional. In addition, the increase in the mitochondrial mass was also observed in cell-cycle-arrested cells induced by mimosine, lovastatin and genistein. Taken together, these findings suggest that the increase in mitochondrial mass and mtDNA content are the early molecular events of human cells in response to endogenous or exogenous oxidative stress through cell-cycle arrest.

Cell Cycle↗

PubMed2000

No association between butyrylcholinesterase K-variant and Alzheimer disease in Chinese.

Increased butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity has been reported to be associated with the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles and may consequently be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD). Because the catalytic activity of BChE-K variant is reduced by one-third compared with non-variant, we speculated that BChE-K variant has a protective effect on AD. However, Lehmann et al. [1997] reported a synergistic effect between the genes for BChE-K variant and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) epsilon 4, which increases the risk for late onset AD. In the present study, we tested 89 Chinese AD patients and 101 Chinese controls and found no evidence of association between BCHE-K and AD of either early or late onset (age > 65 years). No evidence of a synergistic effect was found between the BCHE-K variant and APOE epsilon 4 in this study. Our data suggest that BChE-K variant has no modifying effect on the pathogenesis of AD. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 96:167-169, 2000.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Genomic organization of three novel toxins from the scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch that are active on potassium channels.

The cDNA and genomic DNA of three novel toxins from the scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch that are active on K(+) channels, designated BmKTX (where KTX is kaliotoxin), BmTX1 and BmTX2, were cloned and sequenced. On the basis of their known amino acid sequences, gene-specific primers for 3' and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) were designed and synthesized. By overlapping the two partial cDNA sequences obtained by 3' and 5' RACE, their full-length cDNA sequences were completed. BmKTX encodes a signal peptide of 22 amino acid residues and a mature toxin of 38 residues, whereas BmTX1 and BmTX2 encode signal peptides of 20 and 21 residues respectively and a mature toxin of 38 residues for each. Their cDNA-deduced amino acid sequences were totally consistent with those determined except that the C-terminus of BmKTX had an additional Gly residue, which was removed during post-translational processing and was indispensable for the amidation of its C-terminal Lys residue. In addition, the first deduced amino acid for both BmTX1 and BmTX2 is Gln instead of pyro-Glu in the reported toxins, which obviously also undergoes post-translational processing. The genomic DNA species of these three toxins were also amplified by PCR, then cloned and sequenced. They all consisted of two exons disrupted by a small single intron. All of these introns were inserted within the signal peptides at position -6 for BmKTX and at position -5 for both BmTX1 and BmTX2 upstream of the mature toxins, and consisted of 87, 87 and 80 bp respectively.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Human gastric cancer kinase profile and prognostic significance of MKK4 kinase.

Alterations of protein tyrosine kinase are often associated with uncontrolled cell growth and tumor progression. Knowledge of the overall expression pattern of tyrosine kinases should prove beneficial in understanding the signaling pathways involved in gastric cancer oncogenesis and in providing possible biomarkers for gastric cancer progression. To establish a general tyrosine-kinase expression profile, degenerated polymerase chain reaction primers designed from the consensus catalytic kinase motifs were used to amplify protein tyrosine kinase molecules from gastric cancer tissues. We observed more than 50 tyrosine and serine/threonine kinases from matching pairs of gastric cancer tissue and normal mucosa. Based on this new kinase profile information, we selected the MKK4 gene for further immunohistochemical studies. Statistical analysis of MKK4 protein expression and clinicopathological features indicated that MKK4 kinase expression could serve as a significant prognostic factor for relapse-free survival and for overall survival. We demonstrated a simple and sensitive method for establishing protein tyrosine-kinase expression profiles of human gastric cancer tissues as well as for discovering novel and useful clinical biomarkers from such kinase expression profiles.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

The gene cloning and sequencing of Bm-12, a chlorotoxin-like peptide from the scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch.

According to the known amino acid sequence of Bm-12, a short chain insect neurotoxin from the venom of the scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch (BmK) with considerable primary sequence homology to chlorotoxin, the gene specific primers were designed and synthesized for 3' and 5'RACE (Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends). The two partial cDNA fragments obtained by 3' and 5'RACE were cloned and sequenced, and the full length cDNA sequence of Bm-12 was then completed by overlapping these two partial cDNA sequences. The predicted amino acid sequence consists of 59 amino acid residues including a putative signal peptide of 24 residues and a mature toxin of 35 residues. The predicted amino acid sequence of Bm-12 was almost consistent with the determined, different only in one residue at position 27, Lys was replaced by Gly. Based on the determined cDNA sequence, and using the total DNA isolated from the scorpion venom glands as a template, the genomic DNA of Bm-12 was also amplified by PCR and sequenced. The genomic DNA sequence revealed an intron of 93 bp present within the signal peptide region.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

In vitro and in vivo suppression of growth of rat liver epithelial tumor cells by antisense oligonucleotide against protein kinase C-alpha.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It has been hypothesized that liver stem cells may be activated and proliferate upon liver injury and may participate in the development of liver cancer. GP7TB, a rat liver epithelial tumor cell line, possesses characteristics of liver stem-like cells and can develop into a tumor in syngeneic Fischer 344 rat. We found that protein kinase C-alpha (PKC-alpha) is overexpressed in GP7TB cells. The importance of PKC-alpha for this liver tumor cell was elucidated. METHODS: Antisense oligonucleotide (ODN) was applied to suppress the production of PKC-alpha in GP7TB cells in vitro and in vivo. Cell viability was measured by acid phosphatase assay. The cellular levels of PKC-alpha and Bcl-2 were monitored by Western-blot analysis. Activation of nuclear factor NF-kappaB was analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Cell cycle phase distribution was monitored by FACScan. Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay and histochemical staining of tumor tissue sections. The in vivo experiment was conducted by implanting tumor mass of GP7TB in the liver of F-344 rat and continuous delivery of the ODN by a mini-osmotic pump. RESULTS: Antisense ODN effectively suppressed the level of PKC-alpha that resulted in the decrease of Bcl-2 and nuclear NF-kappaB. The cumulative viable cells also decreased dramatically for the antisense-treated group. FACScan showed that the cells were arrested at early S-phase. These cells in turn went into apoptosis without completing a cell cycle. It was found that growth of the tumor was suppressed efficiently by antisense ODN. Cell apoptosis was found in the orthotopic tumor. The normal liver cells were not affected. CONCLUSIONS: A lethal effect of depressing the level of PKC-alpha in GP7TB cells and success in suppressing orthotopic tumor growth in vivo suggests that PKC-alpha antisense ODN would be a promising therapeutic agent for some liver cancers.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed2000

Male predominance in hepatocellular carcinoma: new insight and a possible therapeutic alternative.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancers in the world. The male to female ratio is 3-6 to 1 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Although steroid hormones and receptors have been examined extensively for their role in the growth regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma, the direct stimulation of hepatocellular carcinoma by steroid hormones still awaits elucidation. On the other hand, clinical trials using antagonists for steroid hormones to treat hepatocellular carcinoma were found to be mostly ineffective. Recently it has been found that 2-methoxyestradiol - an estrogen metabolite - is effective in growth inhibition of various tumor cells as well as in angiogenesis inhibition. Since estrogen is metabolized in the liver, it is conceivable that females with menstruation cycles have more estrogen metabolized in their liver, consequently more 2-methoxyestradiol produced which could inhibit tumor growth in situ. We propose that the low incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma found in females may have resulted from the high levels of 2-methoxyestradiol produced in the liver during their reproductive years. Consequently, the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma in females is delayed significantly as compared to males. The potential of using 2-methoxyestradiol for treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after resection of tumor should be explored.

2-Methoxyestradiol↗

PubMed2000

Serum interleukin-10 but not interleukin-6 is related to clinical outcome in patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical significance of preoperative serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: IL-10 is an immunosuppressive factor and IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a role in host defense mechanisms. Both have been reported to be related to the disease prognosis in some human solid tumors. Their role in human HCC has not been investigated. METHODS: Preoperative serum samples of 67 patients with HCC who underwent potentially curative resection and 27 normal healthy donors were assayed. Levels of IL-10 and IL-6 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The clinical significance of serum IL-10 and IL-6 was evaluated and compared with conventional clinicopathologic factors. RESULTS: Levels of IL-10 and IL-6 were significantly higher in patients with HCC than in healthy subjects. There was no correlation between IL-10 and IL-6 levels. Tumor resection resulted in a decrease in IL-10 and IL-6 levels. On univariate analysis, patients with high IL-10 levels had a worse disease-free survival, but IL-6 levels had no correlation with the disease-free survival. Multivariate analysis identified IL-10 levels as a predictor of postresectional outcome, in addition to the well-established clinical risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HCC, the preoperative serum IL-10 level is related to the clinical outcome. IL-10 may play an important role in the progression of HCC.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

PubMed2000

Tumor necrosis factor gene polymorphism and septic shock in surgical infection.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship of the genotype distribution of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha polymorphism with regard to the plasma TNF-alpha concentration and the development of septic shock as well as mortality of infected patients in a surgical intensive care unit (SICU). DESIGN: A total of 112 postoperative critically ill infected patients were prospectively enrolled. SETTING: SICU of a tertiary university-affiliated medical center. PATIENTS: Patients who were consecutively admitted to the SICU because of surgical infection with sepsis. INTERVENTION: Blood sampling. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Blood sample was obtained 24 hrs after intensive care unit (ICU) admission or within 2 hrs after the onset of septic shock to determine the plasma TNF-alpha level and to analyze the genotype of the biallelic polymorphism of the TNF-alpha. RESULTS: The allele frequency of the TNF2 in our infected ICU patients was 12%. Forty-two (37.5%) patients admitted fulfilled the criteria of septic shock during their ICU stay. Patients carrying the TNF2 allele were not more likely to develop septic shock, nor did they have a higher mortality rate. In the patients with septic shock, those carrying the TNF2 allele had a significantly higher mortality rate than those with the homozygous TNF1 genotype (92% vs. 62%, p < .05). In those who developed septic shock, the TNF2 allele was significantly associated with higher TNF levels. CONCLUSION: In patients admitted to SICU with surgical infection, the frequency of TNF2 allele was higher than in the general population. SICU patients with TNF2 allele did not show a higher incidence of developing septic shock, nor was there a higher baseline TNF-alpha level after infection. However, once septic shock had developed, the mortality rate was higher in those patients carrying the TNF2 allele.

APACHE↗

PubMed2000

Nonhistone protein purified from porcine kidney acts as a suicide substrate inhibitor on furin-like enzyme.

AIM: To search and purify a naturally occurring protein inhibitor of the furin-like enzyme from the porcine kidney. METHODS: Recombinant kexin, a furin-like enzyme, from the yeast secretion expression was used as a target enzyme. The inhibitor component was extracted and purified from the acetone powder of porcine kidney. The inhibitory activity was monitored using a fluorogenic peptide substrate Boc-Arg-Val-Arg-MCA at spectrofluorimeter. RESULTS: The purified inhibitor component is a basic protein with an isoelectric point over 9.5. Its partial N-terminal sequence of 22 residues was determined, showing a high homology with nonhistone chromosomal protein HMG-17 in which there are four sites composed of dibasic residues, susceptible to be cleaved by the furin-like enzyme. This nonhistone protein could strongly compete with the fluorogenic substrate. However, this nonhistone protein would be degraded as a substrate by kexin if it was incubated with the enzyme for long time before adding the fluorogenic substrate, and subsequently lost its temporary inhibitory activity. CONCLUSION: The nonhistone protein isolated from the porcine kidney functioned as a suicide substrate inhibitor for the furin-like enzyme.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

The gene expression of coagulation factor VIII in mammalian cell lines.

Both the full-length and B domain-deleted cDNA of factor VIII were constructed in plasmid pcDNA3, respectively, and successfully expressed in Cos-7 cells. The yield of recombinant factor VIII-deltaB (0.4 U/mL/10(6) cells/day) was approximately four times higher than that of the recombinant factor VIII. In addition, it was indicated that the gene expression of factor VIII is specific for cells from different tissues. The highest expression level was found in the hepatocellular carcinoma line SMMC-7721, followed by kidney, ovary, and lung cell lines. To compare the efficiency of gene expression of recombinant factor VIII, the factor VIII-deltaB gene was further reconstructed in different forms in the expression plasmid pCMV-dhfr for transient gene expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The redundant 5'- and 3'-untranslated sequences of factor VIII-deltaB were deleted. The cDNA encoding the heavy and light chains of factor VIII were constructed, respectively. Among them the high yield of the recombinant factor VIII was found in the coexpression of the heavy and light chain cDNA fragments of factor VIII. The deletion of the redundant 5'-untranslated sequence of factor VIII-deltaB was also beneficial for gene expression. As expected, the gene coexpression of factor VIII-deltaB and von Willibrand Factor cloned by the long-polymerase chain reaction method was also helpful for enhancing the expression level of recombinant factor VIII. A monoclonal antibody raised against factor VIII was prepared and used for the specific assay of recombinant factor VIII by the competitive ELISA method, the assay results were consistent with those determined by the one-stage bioassay.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Genomic organization of three neurotoxins active on small conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels from the scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch.

According to the known primary sequences of three neurotoxins active on small conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels from the scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch, their corresponding cDNAs were cloned and sequenced using 3'- and 5'-RACE. All of them encoded a signal peptide composed of 28 residues and a mature toxin of 29, 28 and 33 residues, respectively. Their cDNA deduced sequences were totally consistent with those determined, and the C-terminal amidation of one neurotoxin was confirmed. The genomic DNAs of these three toxins were also amplified by PCR, cloned and sequenced. They all consisted of two exons disrupted by a small single intron. All of these introns were inserted within the signal peptide at the same -10 position upstream from the mature toxin, consisting of 94, 78 and 87 bp, respectively.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Up-regulation of multidrug resistance transporter expression by berberine in human and murine hepatoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Berberine, one of the major constitutents of alkaloids of Coptis chinensis is frequently utilized in the treatment of inflammation and liver-related diseases. In Chinese herbal medicine, Coptis chinensis is used as a prophylactic drug to treat gastrointestinal disorders. In a previous study, the authors found that berberine reduced cell proliferation and alpha-fetoprotein expression in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Multidrug resistance transporter (pgp-170) is known to be overexpressed in HepG2 cells. Whether berberine regulates the expression of pgp-170 in HepG2 and other hepatoma cell lines is unknown and worthy of investigation. METHODS: Human and murine hepatoma cells were treated with berberine (0.32, 3.2, 32, and 320 microM), tamoxifen (1 microM), or verapamil (10 microM) for 24 hours. Flow cytometry was used to measure retention of a fluorescence dye, rhodamine 123, and the level of immunoreactive pgp-170 in berberine-treated hepatoma cells. RESULTS: Berberine up-regulated the expression of pgp-170 in three human hepatoma cell lines. The function of pgp-170 was blocked by tamoxifen and verapamil, resulting in increased retention of rhodamine 123. Retention of rhodamine 123 was significantly reduced in berberine-treated hepatoma cells. CONCLUSIONS: Berberine modulates the expression and function of pgp-170 in hepatoma cells. These results suggest that treatment of tumor cells with berberine may result in reduced retention of chemotherapeutic agents.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

PubMed1999

Expression and purification of the BmK M1 neurotoxin from the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch.

The gene encoding a neurotoxin (BmK M1) from the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae at a high level with the alcohol dehydrogenase promoter. SDS-PAGE of the culture confirmed expression and showed secretion into medium from yeast. Recombinant BmK M1 was purified rapidly and efficiently by ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography to homogeneity, produced a single band on tricine-SDS-PAGE, and processed the homologous N-terminus. Amino acid analysis and N-terminal sequencing demonstrated that the recombinant toxin was processed correctly from the alpha-mating factor leader sequence and was chemically identical to the native form. The expressed recombinant BmK M1 was toxic for mice, which indicated that it was biologically active. Quantitative estimation showed that recombinant BmK M1 had an LD(50) similar to that of the native toxin.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

The cDNA sequence of an excitatory insect selective neurotoxin from the scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch.

The full-length cDNA of an excitatory insect selective neurotoxin was amplified from total cDNAs of venomous glands of the scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch (BmK) using the 3'RACE and 5'RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends, RACE) method and sequenced. The cDNA encoded a precursor of the insect toxin of 88 amino acid residues, including a signal peptide of 18 residues and a mature toxin of 70 residues. The cDNA deduced sequence of this toxin was homologous with the determined amino acid sequence of BmK IT1, an excitatory insect toxin purified from the scorpion venom, except for three different residues, two at the positions 24-25, and another in the COOH-terminus of the toxin. Among them the COO-terminal residue Gly in the cDNA deduced sequence was predominantly different from the conserved residue Asn found in other known scorpion excitatory insect toxins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Gene cloning and sequencing of BmK AS and BmK AS-1, two novel neurotoxins from the scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch.

Based on the known amino acid sequences of BmK AS and BmK AS-1, the gene specific primers were designed and synthesized for 3' and 5' RACE (Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends). Their partial cDNA fragments obtained by 3' and 5' RACE were cloned and sequenced, and the full length cDNA sequences of BmK AS and BmK AS-1 were then completed by overlapping their two partial cDNA sequences, respectively. The predicted amino acid sequences both consist of 85 amino acid residues including a putative signal peptide of 19 residues and a mature toxin of 66 residues. They are different in 17 amino acid residues, among them 11 residues in the mature toxin. The predicted amino acid sequences of BmK AS and BmK AS-1 were almost consistent with those determined and revised (personal communication), only different in one and two residues at their COO-terminal parts, respectively. Based on the determined cDNA sequences, and using the total DNAs isolated from the scorpion venom glands as a template, the genomic DNAs of BmK AS and BmK AS-1 were also amplified by PCR and sequenced. It showed that no intron was inserted in their open reading frames, while in the exon of signal peptide sequences of other Na+, K+ and Cl- channel toxins from the same scorpion, an intron is usually found. However, the Northern blot hybridization results indicated that the sizes of their mRNA should be around 800 bp. Their extra sequences around 400 bp which might function as an intron should be located at their 5' untranslated regions.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed1999

Molecular characterization of a new excitatory insect neurotoxin with an analgesic effect on mice from the scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch.

Besides the neurotoxins active on mammals, a new excitatory insect selective toxin with a mice analgesic activity was found and purified from the venom of the scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch (BmK) (Ji, Y.H., Mansuelle, P., Terakawa, S., Kopeyan, C., Yanaihara, N., Hsu, K., Rochat, H., 1996. Toxicon 34, 987; Luo, M.J., Xiong, Y.M., Wang, M., Wang, D.C., Chi, C.W., 1997. Toxicon 35, 723.). This peptide (designated as BmK IT-AP) is composed of 72 amino acid residues. Its primary structure was determined by automated Edman degradation of the N-terminal part of the reduced and S-carboxamidemethylated protein and its lysylendopeptidase degraded fragments. Based on the determined sequence, the gene specific primers were designed and synthesized for 3' and 5' RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends). Their partial cDNA fragments obtained by 3' and 5' RACEwere cloned and sequenced and the full length cDNA sequence of BmK IT-AP was then completed by overlapping their two partial cDNA sequences. It encodes a precursor of 90 amino acid residues: a signal peptide of 18 residues and a mature peptide of 72 residues which are consistent with the determined protein sequence of BmK IT-AP. The genomic DNA of the peptide was also amplified by PCR from the scorpion genomic DNA and sequenced, which is a first report on the genomic structure of a scorpion toxin specific for insects. Its sequence revealed an intron of 590 bp inserted in the end part of the signal peptide. The peptide caused a fast excitatory contraction paralysis on house fly larvae. Furthermore, the peptide also showed an obvious analgesic effect on mice, as assayed by using a twisting test model. This effect of BmK IT-AP well characterized at molecular level is first reported among the known scorpion insect neurotoxins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗