Molecular cloning and genomic organization of a K(+) channel toxin from the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch.

A full-length cDNA encoding the precursor of a K(+) channel toxin (BmTX2) was first isolated from a venom-gland cDNA library of the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch. The precursor is composed of a signal peptide of 21 residues and a mature toxin of 37 residues with three disulfide bridges. The genomic gene of BmTX2 was also cloned and sequenced. It consisted of two exons, disrupted by an intron of 81 bp inserted in the region encoding signal peptide.