Structure of myotoxin II, a catalytically inactive Lys49 phospholipase A₂ homologue from Atropoides nummifer venom

Lys49 snake-venom phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) homologues are highly myotoxic proteins which, although lacking catalytic activity, possess the ability to disrupt biological membranes, inducing significant muscle-tissue loss and permanent disability in severely envenomed patients. Since the structural basis for their toxic activity is still only partially understood, the structure of myotoxin II, a monomeric Lys49 PLA₂ homologue from Atropoides nummifer, has been determined at 2.08 Å resolution and the anion-binding site has been characterized.