Amino acid sequences of cytotoxin-like basic proteins derived from cobra venoms

Amino acid sequences of cytotoxin-like basic proteins (CLBPs), purified from the venoms of Formosan cobra (Naja naja atra) and Indian cobra (Naja naja), were reinvestigated. The determined sequences differed from those reported previously by Takechi et al. [(1985) Biochem. Int. 11, 795-802; (1987) Biochem. Int. 14, 145-152]. The sequence of CLBPs at residues 25-30 was found to be hydrophilic as compared with those of cytotoxins. The difference in the hydrophobicity of this region might be responsible for the difference in their cytotoxic activities.