Scorpion Venom Peptides Emerge as Novel Ion Channel Modulators for Neurotherapeutics
A Frontiers in Pharmacology review cataloged 176 neuropeptides across 16 families found in the venoms of 107 scorpion species, highlighting Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK) peptides as selective ion channel modulators. Examples include MarTX (selective for BK(α+β4) channels) and BmKTX (Kv1.3 blocker) — positioning scorpion venom as an underexplored source of next-generation neurotherapeutic leads for pain, epilepsy, and autoimmune conditions.