STRUCTURAL UNDERSTANDING OF CYTOTOXIN 1 OF NAJA SPUTATRIX: A POTENTIAL ANTICANCER AGENT

Snake venom cytotoxin from different Naja species possesses significant cytotoxic activity on tumor cells. The cytoxin from snake venom can exert a plethora of biological activities including depolarization and muscular cell contraction, lysis of variety of cells such as red blood cells, epithelial cells and fetal lung cells, and also apoptotic activity on certain types of tumor cells. In the present article, we have effectively utilized comparative modeling approach to propose the first molecular model structure of cytotoxin 1 of Naja sputatrix. Â The charge distribution on the structure and distribution of secondary structural elements were also investigated with the aid of In silico based approach. A homology structural model of the protein was generated and analyzed to deduce molecular enrichment strategy. The model data and other relevant post model analysis data provides a clear understanding of molecular structure of cytotoxin 1 of Naja sputatrix and its relevant cytotoxic potential for the development of a beneficial anticancer natural lead compound. Keywords: Cytotoxin 1, Naja Sputatrix, Anticancer Agent, Snake Venom, Structural model, Malayan cobra