Nucleotide sequence of a cDNA encoding ammodytin L

Ammodytin L is a very basic phospholipase A sub(2) homologue isolated from European viper (Vipera ammodytes)) venom as the fraction 1. A cDNA coding for ammodytin L was found by screening a venom gland cDNA library with a mixed oligonucleotide probe deduced from the part of a highly conserved region responsible for calcium binding found in most phospholipase A sub(2). It codes for a 122 amino acid residue mature protein, preceded by a 16 residue signal peptide. Ammodytin L cDNA shows about 90% nucleotide and 74% amino acid similarity to ammodytoxins C and B.