Bengalin

Bengalin is a 72 kDa bioactive protein isolated from the venom of the Indian black scorpion, Heterometrus bengalensis, which exhibits potent anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on human leukemic cells [Das Gupta et al., 2010, Toxicon]. It primarily targets the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway, leading to a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, the release of cytochrome c, and the activation of the caspase cascade, specifically caspases 9 and 3 [Gomes et al., 2007, Indian J Exp Biol]. Research indicates that Bengalin also modulates the balance of pro-apoptotic (Bax) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) proteins and suppresses the expression of heat shock proteins HSP70 and HSP90, which are critical for the survival of malignant cells [Choudhury et al., 2015, Tumor Biology]. By inducing G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death, Bengalin serves as a significant lead compound for developing novel therapies against leukemia, particularly chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) [PubMed, PMID: 20603138]. However, its clinical application is currently limited by the complexities of venom-derived protein pharmacology, including potential immunogenicity and the requirement for precise delivery mechanisms to minimize systemic toxicity.

Other names

Heterometrus bengalensis venom protein72 kDa scorpion venom proteinBengalin toxin

Bengalin induces apoptosis in leukemic cells primarily through the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway, involving the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c, and activation of Caspase-9 and Caspase-3. It also shifts the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in favor of apoptosis and inhibits the expression of chaperone proteins HSP70 and HSP90.