Sj7170, a Unique Dual-function Peptide with a Specific α-Chymotrypsin Inhibitory Activity and a Potent Tumor-activating Effect from Scorpion Venom

Abstract

Background: Sj7170 is a new peptide from scorpion venom. Results: Sj7170 specifically inhibits the activity of ␣-chymotrypsin. Sj7170 promotes glioblastoma tumorigenesis and metastasis by up-regulating cyclin D1 and Snail. Conclusion: Sj7170 not only specifically inhibits ␣-chymotrypsin activity but also promotes the tumorigenesis and metastasis of glioblastoma. Significance: Sj7170 is a unique dual-function peptide with a protease inhibitory activity and a potent tumor-activating effect.

Vidatox 30 CH has tumor activating effect in hepatocellular carcinoma

“…However, there are not previous studies that could help in dose selection. Based on our experiments here reported and in line with previous studies on the venom of scorpion Jendeki36, we can conclude that the concentration of Vidatox used has not anti-neoplastic effects in DENA-induced rat HCCs. Instead, in this disease as well as in HCC derived cell lines, Vidatox enhances proliferation and invasion capability.…”

Scorpion venoms and associated toxins as anticancer agents: update on their application and mechanism of action

“…In a similar manner, pET‐28a‐Sj7170 (isolated from Scorpiops jendeki ) induced growth by 75% in the U‐87 (human glioblastoma) cell line compared to the control group. It increased the cell population in the S phase and promoted the expression of cyclin D1 (Song et al, 2014) (Table 4).…”

Discoveries of Serine Protease Inhibitors from Scorpions

“…Sj7170 was finally reported to accelerate cellular migration and invasion by increasing the expression of the transcription factor Snail and then inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, Sj7170 was found to change cell morphology as well as cytoskeleton of U87 cells by the GTPase pathway [21].…”

“…However, SjAPI-2 is the first neurotoxin with a unique Ascaris-type fold, which provides novel insights into the divergent evolution of neurotoxins from venomous animals [48]. In addition, Sj7170 was reported as a unique dual-function peptide, i.e., a specific α-chymotrypsin inhibitor and a potent tumorigenesis / metastasis activator [21]. Chymotrypsin inhibitor, Sj7170, was found to promote cell proliferation and colony formation by up-regulating the expression of cyclin D1 in vitro.…”

“…Many studies reported that animal venoms contain Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors [12,[17][18][19]. Similarly, Kunitz-type as well as Ascaris-type serine protease inhibitors have been reported to be present in scorpions, and most of them have been identified by cDNA cloning and transcriptomic analysis [10,11,[20][21][22].…”