β-micrustoxin (Mlx-9), a PLA from snake venom: biochemical characterization and anti-proliferative effect mediated by p53.

Background: Endogenous phospholipases A (PLA) play a fundamental role in inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, apoptosis and cellular senescence. Neurotoxins with PLA activity are found in snake venoms from the Elapidae and Viperidae families. The mechanism of action of these neurotoxins have been studied using hippocampal and cerebellar neuronal cultures showing [Ca]i increase, mitochondrial depolarization and cell death.