Biochemical characterization of the lizard toxin gilatoxin

The Gila monster (genus Heloderma) is the only known lizard to produce and inject a venomous secretion. Little is known about the venom from these lizards, and none of the toxins have been isolated until this time. This paper reports the isolation and characterization of a major lethal toxin (gilato...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biochemistry (Easton) 1981-06, Vol.20 (12), p.3517-3522
Main Authors: Hendon, Robert A, Tu, Anthony T
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alkylation
Amino Acids - analysis
Amphibian Venoms - isolation & purification
Animals
Antibodies
Antigen-Antibody Complex
Glycoproteins - analysis
Immunodiffusion
Lizards
Molecular Weight
Oxidation-Reduction
Peptides
Species Specificity
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Summary:The Gila monster (genus Heloderma) is the only known lizard to produce and inject a venomous secretion. Little is known about the venom from these lizards, and none of the toxins have been isolated until this time. This paper reports the isolation and characterization of a major lethal toxin (gilatoxin) from the venoms of Heloderma suspectum and Heloderma horridum. Gilatoxins from both species were similar in amino acid composition, electrophoretic mobility, pI, and immunological reactivity. They are acidic proteins possessing molecular weights of 35 000-37 500 and isoelectric points of 4.25 and consist of a single polypeptide chain. Neither is antigenically related to the venoms of snakes. The toxins are devoid of phospholipase A2 activity and proteolytic, hemorrhagic, and hemolytic activities, with lethality being the only biological activity detectably expressed. The toxins appear to be unique and distinct from those of other venomous animals.
ISSN:0006-2960
1520-4995
DOI:10.1021/bi00515a033