The amino acid sequence of a weak trypsin inhibitor B from Dendroaspis Polylepis polylepis (black mamba) venom

The sequence of protein B, a weak trypsin inhibitor from black mamba venom was determined. The sequence differs much from other proteinase inhibitors of snake venom, bovine pancreas, snail and turtle egg. The phylogenetic relationship of B and its homologues, the basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz-type group, was investigated. The elapid snake proteins are grouped on a separate branch from the turtle egg - bovine - snail group, the viper inhibitor and the B-chain of beta-bungarotoxin each being a unique position.