Stichodactyla helianthus Neurotoxin (ShK) trifluoroacetate salt

ShK toxin blocks voltage-dependent potassium channel (Kv1.3 channel). ShK toxin can be isolated from the whole body extract of the Caribbean sea anemone (Stichodactylu helianthus). ShK toxin competes with dendrotoxin I and α-dendrotoxin for binding to synaptosomal membranes of rat brain, facilitates acetylcholine release. ShK toxin suppresses K+ currents in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. ShK toxin also inhibits T lymphocyte proliferation[1][2].

Research Areas >> Inflammation/Immunology

Signaling Pathways >> Membrane Transporter/Ion Channel >> Potassium Channel

Kv1.3 Channel[2]

[1]. Castañeda O, et al. Characterization of a potassium channel toxin from the Caribbean Sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus. Toxicon. 1995 May;33(5):603-13.  

[2]. Beeton C, et al. The D-diastereomer of ShK toxin selectively blocks voltage-gated K+ channels and inhibits T lymphocyte proliferation. J Biol Chem. 2008 Jan 11;283(2):988-97.