| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mfr No | |
| Accession Number | |
| Activity | |
| Alternative Names | Delta-buthitoxin-Hj2a, Delta-BUTX-Hj2a, Voltage-gated Na+ channels |
| Concentration | |
| Form | Lyophilized |
| Formulation | |
| Gene ID | |
| Molecular Weight | |
| Product Type | |
| Purity | |
| Reconstitution | |
| Solubility | Centrifuge the vial before adding solvent (10,000 x g for 5 minutes) to spin down all the powder to the bottom of the vial. The lyophilized product may be difficult to visualize. Add solvent directly to the centrifuged vial. Tap the vial to aid in dissolving the lyophilized product. Tilt and gently roll the liquid over the walls of the vial. Avoid vigorous vortexing. Light vortexing for up to 3 seconds is acceptable if needed. The product is soluble in pure water at high micromolar concentrations (100 µM - 1 mM). For long-term storage in solution, we recommend preparing a stock solution by dissolving the product in double-distilled water (ddH2O) at a concentration between 100-1000x of the final working concentration. Divide the stock solution into small aliquots and store at -20°C. Before use, thaw the relevant vial(s) and dilute to the desired working concentration in your working buffer. Centrifuge all product preparations before use. It is recommended to prepare fresh solutions in working buffers just before use. Avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles to maintain biological activity. |
| Source | Synthetic protein |
| Species | |
| Storage | |
| Target |
Overview
Hj2a Toxin is a research-grade protein/peptide reagent used in research settings. It is commonly applied as a tool reagent related to NaV1.1, Voltage-gated Na+ channels biology and/or assay development. It is supplied in Lyophilized format to support flexible downstream use in RUO workflows. Researchers commonly pair it with applications such as Electrophysiology.
Key elements and design rationale
- Molecular identity: MW: 7118 Da, Formula: C304H458N90O93S8.
- Source / origin: Hottentotta judaicus (Black scorpion) (Buthotus judaicus).
- Quality attributes: Purity: ≥98% (HPLC); Bioassay tested: Yes; Sterile / endotoxin-free: No.
Modifications
Disulfide bonds between: Cys12-Cys63, Cys16-Cys36, Cys22-Cys46 and Cys26-Cys48 Arg64 - C-terminal amidation
When used as a biochemical or pharmacological tool, results are best interpreted relative to the experimental system (species, expression level, and assay readout) and with appropriate negative and competition-style controls where relevant. This product is intended for research use only.
Biological background
δ-buthitoxin-Hj2a (Hj2a) is a peptidyl toxin originally isolated from the venom of the scorpion, Hottentotta jayakari. Hj2a acts as a voltage-gated sodium (Nav) 1.1 channel activator, but it also harbors promiscuous activity towards multiple human NaV channel subtypes. Hj2a is unique in that it exhibits a dual α/β mode of action by modifying both the inactivation (α-toxin activity) and activation (β-toxin activity) properties of the NaV1.1 channel1.NaV channels are involved in a wide array of physiological processes and play a fundamental role in normal neurological function, especially in the initiation and propagation of action potentials. In particular, the NaV1.1 channel is predominantly expressed in inhibitory interneurons of the brain and it plays a major role in regulating brain rhythms and cognitive functions. Mutations in the NaV1.1 channel were shown to be associated with Dravet syndrome (DS), a severe form of pediatric epilepsy. Selective modulators of the NaV1.1 channel can be useful therapeutics for DS treatment since they target the underlying molecular deficit. The unusual dual mode of action of Hj2a provides an alternative approach for the development of selective NaV1.1 channel modulators for the treatment of DS1,2.
Research relevance and current trends
- Using high-specificity ligands, toxins, and engineered peptides to dissect closely related receptor/channel subtypes and signaling microdomains.
- Pairing labeled (e.g., fluorescent) proteins/peptides with advanced imaging to map surface expression, trafficking, and nanoscale organization.
- Increasing emphasis on reproducibility through standardized characterization (identity, purity, and lot QC) and transparent reporting of reagent attributes.
Common research applications
- Electrophysiology: commonly used to compare signal, binding, or functional readouts across conditions without implying a specific protocol.
Across these use cases, changes in signal or functional readout are generally interpreted as evidence of differences in target abundance, accessibility, or engagement, but alternative explanations (matrix effects, off-target interactions, or assay artifacts) should be considered.
Notes for experimental interpretation
- Assay context matters: binding assays, functional modulation, and detection workflows can yield different readouts even for the same target system.
- Target complexity: closely related family members, splice variants, and post-translational modifications can influence apparent specificity and potency.
- Matrix and sample effects: buffer composition, detergents, and biological matrices may alter stability or apparent activity; interpret with appropriate controls.
- Control concepts: include negative controls and orthogonal validation (e.g., genetic perturbation or alternative reagents) to support robust interpretation.
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Srairi-Abid, N.
et al. (2008) FEBS J.275, 4641.
Chow, C.Y.
et al. (2020) ACS Pharmacol. Transl. Sci.3, 119.
Depienne, C.
et al. (2008) J. Med. Genet.46, 183.
