AccScience Publishing / IMO / Online First / DOI: 10.36922/imo.4353
REVIEW

Therapeutic potential and characteristics of Smp43 peptide (scorpion venom) and its interaction with cellular signaling pathways: A review

Radwa Abdallnasser Amen1*
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1 Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
IMO 2024, 1(1), 70–82; https://doi.org/10.36922/imo.4353
Submitted: 29 July 2024 | Accepted: 12 August 2024 | Published: 21 August 2024
© 2024 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution -Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC-by the license) ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ )
Abstract

Smp43 peptide, derived from the venom of the scorpion Scorpio Maurus Palmatus, exhibits significant potential across a range of therapeutic domains due to its diverse biological actions. Interestingly, Smp43 possesses robust anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, enabling it to scavenge free radicals and suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines. This dual functionality makes Smp43 a viable candidate for the treatment of conditions associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Furthermore, its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity is indicative of its efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains. This antibacterial action is primarily characterized by the disruption of bacterial membranes and interference with intracellular processes. In addition, Smp43’s antiviral potential is highlighted by its broad-spectrum activity against viral infections and its ability to modulate host immune responses. The peptide also shows promise in cancer therapy, as it has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis and autophagy, impacting apoptotic pathways, the production of reactive oxygen species, and cellular autophagy mechanisms. In conclusion, Smp43 has the capacity to modulate key signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, and ERK/MAPK, thereby influencing crucial cellular processes such as autophagy, metabolism, cell growth, and survival.

Keywords
Smp43 peptide
Antiviral
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Antibacterial
Cancer
Apoptosis
Autophagy
Funding
None.
Conflict of interest
The author declares no conflict of interest.
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