pEGFP-N1-mediated BmK CT expression suppresses the migration of glioma.

Gliomas can diffuse into the normal brain and this invasion of glioma cells involves modification of receptor-mediated adhesive properties of tumor cells, degradation and remodeling of extracellular matrix by tumor-secreted metalloproteinase (MMPs) such as MMP-2, consequently creating an intercellular space for invasion of glioma cells. BmK CT, one of the key toxins in scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch venom, is a novel blocker of the chloride ion channel and MMP-2. In this report, a recombinant plasmid pEGFP-N1-BmK CT was constructed and characterized by in vitro studies. The results showed that pEGFP-N1 mediated BmK CT expression displayed a high activity in suppressing cell migration via MMP-2. The potential therapeutic effect of pEGFP-N1 mediated BmK CT against rat glioma C6 cells was assessed and its potential mechanism was elucidated. It represented an approach for developing a novel therapeutic agent-recombinant plasmid pEGFP-N1-BmK CT as an efficient and powerful adjuvant.