The nucleotide sequence of the translated and untranslated regions of a cDNA for myotoxin a from the venom of prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis)

Abstract

Myotoxin a, isolated from C. viridis viridis venom, is a myonecrotizing agent present in many snake venoms. A cDNA library was prepared from mRNA obtained from the venom glands of a C. viridis viridis. The complete base sequence of a cDNA corresponding to an mRNA encoding myotoxin a was determined. The 5' untranslated region has 15 nucleotides, while the 3' untranslated region has 109 nucleotides. The translated portion of the myotoxin a cDNA encodes a start methionine, a signal peptide, the myotoxin a peptide sequence, and an additional lysine residue. It is likely that myotoxin a is secreted as the cDNA encodes a signal peptide immediately 5' to the myotoxin a peptide code.