Recombinant Beta-mammal toxin Css4 protein (His tag)

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Beta-mammal toxin Css4 also known as Css4 is a peptide toxin with a molecular mass of approximately 4 kDa. It is primarily expressed in the venom of the scorpion Centruroides suffusus suffusus. This toxin is a small polypeptide that operates by targeting ion channels particularly sodium channels in mammalian cells. Css4 can modify the behavior of these channels often leading to altered cellular excitability.

Biological function summary

Css4 affects the function of sodium channels by binding to specific sites causing changes in the channel's activation and inactivation processes. This interaction can result in prolonged sodium influx which can lead to neuronal depolarization. Css4 acts as a neurotoxin and does not form part of a larger complex but its effects on ion channel modulation have made it a subject of interest in neurobiological studies.

Pathways

Css4 impacts processes related to the functioning of neuronal sodium channels which are integral to the action potential pathway. The toxin's binding to sodium channels can influence the generation and propagation of action potentials. It shares relationships with other toxins such as those from jellyfish and cone snails which also target ion channels and modulate ion flux.

Associated diseases and disorders

Css4's ability to alter neuronal excitability links it to conditions involving atypical nervous system activity such as epilepsy and pain disorders. The toxin's interaction with sodium channels parallels the mechanisms observed in diseases where ion channelopathies are involved. Proteins affected by similar mechanisms like the NaV1.7 sodium channel are of interest in relation to pain management making Css4 a potential tool for exploring therapeutic avenues.