Unraveling neuroprotection with Kv1.3 potassium channel blockade by a scorpion venom peptide

Voltage-gated potassium channels play a crucial role in cellular repolarization and are potential therapeutic targets in neuroinflammatory disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. This study explores Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom for neuroactive peptides. We identified the alpha Ktx12 peptide as a potent neuroprotective agent. In SH-SY5Y cells, alpha Ktx12 significantly enhances viability, validating its pharmacological potential. And in the animal model, we elucidate central nervous system (CNS) mechanism of alpha Ktx12 through neuroproteomic analyses highlighting alpha Ktx12 as a valuable tool for characterizing neuroplasticity and neurotropism, revealing its ability to elicit more physiological responses. The peptide's potential to promote cell proliferation and neuroprotection suggests a role in functional recovery from nervous system injury or disease. This research unveils the neuroactive potential of scorpion venom-derived alpha Ktx12's, offering insights into its pharmacological utility. The peptide's impact on neuronal processes suggests a promising avenue for therapeutic development, particularly in neurodegenerative conditions.