Molecular investigation of the mRNA transcript of the neurotoxin encoding the sodium channel in the venom of the scorpion Mesobutus apeus in the southwestern region of Iran
Subject Areas : Plasma biomarkers
Rojin Asadian
1
,
Abdolhassan Doulah
2
*
1 - Department of Biology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
2 - Department of Biology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
Keywords: Scorpion venom, Cloning, Sodium channel neurotoxin, Mesobuthus eupeus,
Abstract :
Abstract Background and aim: Peptides in scorpion venom are of interest to researchers due to their toxic and medicinal properties. This study was carried out with the aim of molecular investigation, sequencing, phylogenetic characterization and cloning of the gene encoding the neurotoxin effective on the sodium channel in the venom of the scorpion Mesobutus eupeus. Materials and Methods: The studied scorpions were caught during a night patrol operation from Khuzestan province, Ahvaz city. RNA samples were extracted from scorpion telson tissue. After cDNA synthesis, the initial fragment was amplified using degenerated primers and the amplicon was sequenced. Next, specific primers were designed based on the obtained sequence and the amplification of the gene was done. The amplified gene was cloned using the pTG19-T vector in the competent E. coli DH5-α host bacterium. After screening the transformed colonies, plasmid DNA was extracted and the gene was sequenced. Results: Bioinformatic studies showed that the peptide has conserved sequences similar to the peptide neurotoxin effective on the sodium channel in the scorpion M. eupeus, which confirms the nature of this peptide. Conclusions: In addition to determining the sequence and molecular and phylogenetic characteristics, in this study the mentioned peptide gene was cloned in E. coli DH5-α, which can be used for future pharmacological and medical studies on this toxin.
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