Skinner W S, Adams M E, Quistad G B, Kataoka H, Cesarin B J, Enderlin F E, Schooley D A
Zoecon Research Institute, Sandoz Crop Protection, Palo Alto, California 94304.
J Biol Chem. 1989 Feb 5;264(4):2150-5.
Two classes of paralytic toxins were isolated from the venom of Agelenopsis aperta and their chemical and larvicidal properties characterized. Five acylpolyamine toxins (alpha-agatoxins) of molecular masses 452, 488, 489, 504, and 505 Da produce immediate but reversible paralysis in Manduca sexta following injection. Six insecticidal peptides (mu-agatoxins) produce a gradual but irreversible paralysis. The complete amino acid sequences (36-38 residues) of the mu-agatoxins are presented. These peptides contain eight half-cystines and are quite similar in sequence. At least four of these toxins are amidated at the carboxyl terminus. The secondary structure of one of these toxins (mu-Aga V) was investigated.
