Characterisation of the gene encoding the alpha-toxin Amm V from the scorpion Androctonus mauretanicus mauretanicus.

The full-length cDNA encoding the scorpion alpha-toxin Amm V was amplified from a cDNA library produced from the venom glands of the scorpion Androctonus mauretanicus mauretanicus from Morocco. We deduced the amino acid sequence of the encoded precursor protein and found that the mature toxin was similar to the previously characterised toxin. The genomic DNA sequence encoding the toxin was also amplified, subcloned and sequenced. This also led to the isolation of a new Amm V related-gene. Then, for the first time, we studied changes in the level of toxin mRNA synthesis over time.