The Hepatitis E virus (HEV) structural protein 2 (also known as ORF2) is a major viral capsid protein that encapsidates the viral genome. It has been shown to bind to the 5' end of the genomic RNA [].Interestingly, ORF2 has an secreted isoform that inhibits antibody-mediated neutralization from the host [].
The zinc finger protein Sp2 (specificity protein 2) is a member of the glutamine-rich Sp family of transcription factors. It is essential for early mouse development and autonomous proliferation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts [].
Scorpion venoms contain a variety of peptides toxic to mammals, insects and crustaceans. Among these peptides there is a family of short toxins (30 to 40 residues) [, ]. This entry represents members of this family with potassium channel blocking activity []. KTX 12 Sp2 toxin from Scorpiops pococki has shown a strong immunosuppressant effect, being an interesting therapeutic agent for autoimmune disease treatment []. This entry also includes NU-buthitoxin-Ptr1a, a toxin that acts as an agonist on melanocortin receptors and does not show activity on mammalian sodium or potassium channels []. Toxin BmK NSPK from Manchurian scorpion, is a voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel inhibitor that augments neurite extension via NGF/TrkA signaling pathway. As Kv channels may represent molecular targets to modulate spinal cord neurons development and regeneration, they become interesting targets to develop treatments for spinal cord injury [].
