The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides

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  The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides Abstract Mesobuthus martensii , the source species of the traditional Chinese medicine “Quanxie”, has long been utilized for its therapeutic properties. Venom peptides are recognized as the major active molecular basis of these pharmacological activities. Despite this, their development as therapeutic agents remains poorly explored. In this study, we performed an integrated multi-omics investigation to systematically explore the venom peptides of Mesobuthus martensii . We generated a chromosome-level genome assembly of Mesobuthus martensii using third-generation sequencing technologies, yielding a genome size of 1.08 Gb with a contig N50 of 46.46 Mb. Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses led to the identification of 51 putative novel venom peptide candidates. From the broader venom peptide set, five lysine- and arginine-rich candidates were select...

Seven New Guanidine Derivatives and One New Hypoxanthine Derivative Isolated from the Scorpion Buthus martensii and Potential Anti-Neuroinflammatory Activity

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Seven New Guanidine Derivatives and One New Hypoxanthine Derivative Isolated from the Scorpion Buthus martensii and Potential Anti-Neuroinflammatory Activity

Abstract

Twelve guanidine derivatives (1–12), including seven new compounds (martensiiagms A–G, 1–7), one new hypoxanthine derivative (martensiiagm H, 13), and 15 known compounds (14–28) were isolated from the whole body of Buthus martensii Karsch and identified by analysis of data. Subsequent biological evaluations revealed the anti-inflammatory activity of compound 1. It attenuates the neuroinflammation and oxidative stress levels prompted by lipopolysaccharide. This attenuation is accomplished by a specific action on mitochondria, which, in turn, caused a significant decrease in reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Seven New Guanidine Derivatives and One New Hypoxanthine Derivative Isolated from the Scorpion Buthus martensii and Potential Anti-Neuroinflammatory Activity
Ke-Ming Li, Wei-Fen Li, Yong-Ming Yan, Guangyi Yang, and Yong-Xian Cheng
Journal of Natural Products Article ASAP