Crotamine

Crotamine is a basic peptide present in the venom of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. Multiple biological functions have been attributed to Crotamine. It is a natural cell-penetrating peptide with selective biological action towards actively proliferating cell types. Moreover, it has been reported that crotamine is a blocker of Kv1.3 (IC50 around 300 nM) as well as Kv1.1 and Kv1.2. It has analgesic properties and myonecrotic effects. In addition, crotamine belongs to the beta-defensin peptides and as such demonstrates antibacterial properties by interacting with lipid membranes.