Isolation and structural characterization of a peptide from the venom of scorpion with toxicity towards invertebrates and vertebrates

Using a methodology based on HPLC fractionation, mass spectrometry analysis, and microinjection guide-bioassays, a peptide with toxicity to both insects and mammals was isolated from the venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus, and named LqhIV (after LqhII and LqhIII[1]). The primary sequence, circular dichroism spectrum and three-dimensional structure simulation of LqhIV indicate that it contains similar structure to that of the group of alpha scorpion toxins.