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Structure and function of snake venom cysteine-rich secretory proteins

Toxicon. 2004 Sep 1;44(3):227-31. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2004.05.023.

Abstract

Cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) are primarily found in the epididymis of mammals and are expressed in diverse organisms. However, the functions of most CRISPs remain unknown. Recent studies reveal that CRISPs are widely distributed in snake venoms and that they inhibit smooth muscle contraction and cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels. In this review, we discuss recent findings on several snake venom-derived CRISPs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Cysteine / metabolism*
  • Ion Channels / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Muscle Contraction / drug effects
  • Muscle, Smooth / drug effects
  • Protein Binding
  • Snake Venoms / genetics*
  • Snake Venoms / toxicity
  • Snakes / genetics
  • Snakes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Ion Channels
  • Snake Venoms
  • Cysteine