Sequencing and comparative-bioinformatic analysis of chlorotoxin-like peptide from Iranian scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus

Scorpion neurotoxins have been widely studied in recent years, including investigations into their physiological functions and pharmaceutical properties. Chlorotoxin is one of the most attended toxins that are used in brain cancer therapy at now. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sequencing and comparative –bioinformatic analysis of DNA coding chlorotoxin like peptide from Iranian scorpion mesobuthus eupeus. In this descriptive study Iranian scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus samples were isolated and the total RNA was extracted form venom glands. cDNA was synthesized by RT-PCR and then the sequence encoding a venom peptide with homology to chlorotoxin (named MeICT for Mesobuthus eupeus Iranian Chlorotoxin) was isolated and identified with specific primers for conserved sequences of chlorotoxin like toxins. The sequence of MeICT was 102 nucleotides long and it was similar (88% identities) to that of chlorotoxin isolated from Leiurus quinguestriatus. The sequence identified in this study was compared with other similar venom sequences from other species of scorpion by CustalW server. Homologies analysis showed multiple differences in sequences that can be specific for Iranian subspecies of this scorpion. Furthermore, because of much similarity with chlorotoxin, MeICT may be used as therapeutic agent in glioma cancer.