In Memoriam: Gérard Dupré (1947–2026) — A Life Devoted to the Study of Scorpions

Posted by
  Photo Credit: Le Parisien In Memoriam: Gérard Dupré (1947–2026) — A Life Devoted to the Study of Scorpions The passing of Gérard Dupré (1947–2026) is a deeply felt loss for those of us who share an interest in the study of scorpions and other arachnids. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to documenting and preserving arachnological knowledge, contributing valuable work on scorpion taxonomy, distribution, and bibliography. His careful attention to the literature helped bring clarity and organization to a field whose history spans centuries and many languages. Gérard was also closely associated with the journal Arachnides , which became an important outlet for sharing research, faunistic records, and historical notes within the arachnological community. Through this work, he helped ensure that observations and studies—large and small—were preserved and made accessible to others with similar scientific interests. Beyond his scholarly contributions, Gérard was a humble and gen...

Unraveling neuroprotection with Kv1.3 potassium channel blockade by a scorpion venom peptide

Posted by

 


Unraveling neuroprotection with Kv1.3 potassium channel blockade by a scorpion venom peptide

Abstract

Voltage-gated potassium channels play a crucial role in cellular repolarization and are potential therapeutic targets in neuroinflammatory disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. This study explores Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom for neuroactive peptides. We identified the αKtx12 peptide as a potent neuroprotective agent. In SH-SY5Y cells, αKtx12 significantly enhances viability, validating its pharmacological potential. And in the animal model, we elucidate central nervous system (CNS) mechanism of αKtx12 through neuroproteomic analyses highlighting αKtx12 as a valuable tool for characterizing neuroplasticity and neurotropism, revealing its ability to elicit more physiological responses. The peptide’s potential to promote cell proliferation and neuroprotection suggests a role in functional recovery from nervous system injury or disease. This research unveils the neuroactive potential of scorpion venom-derived αKtx12’s, offering insights into its pharmacological utility. The peptide’s impact on neuronal processes suggests a promising avenue for therapeutic development, particularly in neurodegenerative conditions.

Ferreira, V. F., Vigerelli, H., Fernandes, K. R., Juliano, M. A., Nencioni, A. L., & Pimenta, D. C. (2024). Unraveling neuroprotection with Kv1.3 potassium channel blockade by a scorpion venom peptide. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79152-1