Electrophysiological Characterization of the Venom and Toxins from the Scorpion Tityus championi Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels and Molecular Modeling of Tch3, a Toxin with Therapeutic Potential for Pain Relief

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  Electrophysiological Characterization of the Venom and Toxins from the Scorpion Tityus championi Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels and Molecular Modeling of Tch3, a Toxin with Therapeutic Potential for Pain Relief Abstract Scorpion neurotoxins are small peptides that target ion channels and offer opportunities for novel therapeutic discovery. This study analyzed the functional effects of the venom and toxins from the Costa Rican endemic scorpion,  Tityus championi . Initially, crude venom was tested on different isoforms of voltage-gated sodium channels. Our findings revealed that the venom contains toxins that affect mammalian Na V 1.6 and Na V 1.7, as well as the cockroach BgNa V 1 channel. Increased currents through Na V 1.6 and BgNa V 1 channels were associated with bigger window currents and inhibition of inactivation. Decreased Na V 1.7 currents were associated with smaller conductance. Crude venom and TCh3 toxin inhibited action potential generation in invertebr...

Comparison of two populations of the scorpion Centruroides mascota: venom composition and neutralization by a human recombinant antibody

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Centruroides mascota scorpion was described in 2011 by Ponce Saavedra's group as a species of medical importance in the state of Jalisco. In this study, we characterized two populations of scorpions collected in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. Through a morphometric analysis, the determination of the LD50 of the respective venoms, electrophoresis, separation of their components by HPLC, mass spectrometry, and neutralization tests, it has been possible to establish that they correspond to the same species, distributed in different habitats. The scFv 10FG2 antibody fragment, which shows broad cross-neutralization of various scorpion toxins, was evaluated for the first time in the recognition of toxins from this venom and in its neutralization. The recombinant antibody fragment 10FG2 neutralizes 2 LD50 of venom of Centruroides mascota from both localities.

Gómez-Ramírez, I. V., Gonzalez-Santillán, E., Romero-Moreno, J. A., Fernández-Taboada, G., Güereca, L., Zamudio, F., Possani, L. D., Riaño-Umbarila, L., & Becerril, B. (2026). Comparison of two populations of the scorpion Centruroides mascota: Venom composition and neutralization by a human recombinant antibody. Toxicon, 109095. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2026.109095