Chlorotoxin
Also known as: CTX, TM-601, scorpion toxin chlorotoxin
Chlorotoxin is a 36 amino acid peptide found in the venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus quinquestriatus. It is notable in cancer cell research for its ability to attach selectively to glioma cells in laboratory models while showing little interaction with normal brain cells, a selectivity that makes it a widely used tool for tumor targeting questions.
Quick Reference
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Overview
Chemical compound
Chlorotoxin is a 36-amino acid peptide found in the venom of the deathstalker scorpion which blocks small-conductance chloride channels. The fact that chlorotoxin binds preferentially to glioma cells has allowed the development of methods for the treatment and diagnosis of several types of cancer.
Mechanism of Action
In cell studies, chlorotoxin binds to glioma cell surfaces and is linked to internalization of the chloride channel ClC-3, which may slow the movement and growth of those cells in culture. It also interacts with MMP2 at the cell surface in a complex with MT1-MMP and TIMP2, reducing the enzyme activity there, and its binding to some tumor cell lines depends on surface annexin A2.
Research History
Chlorotoxin was characterized from scorpion venom and drew research attention for its selective binding to glioma cells. Laboratory work linked it to a chloride channel found on those cells and to interactions with the enzyme MMP2 and the surface protein annexin A2. It is also cataloged under the aliases CTX and TM-601.
What Researchers Are Saying
Community Reports - Not Medical Advice
The following is aggregated from public forums, Reddit, and research communities. These are anecdotal reports from researchers only - not verified clinical data and not a recommendation of any kind.
Chlorotoxin (also known as CTX, TM-601) is studied within the peptide research community. Scorpion venom peptide that selectively binds glioma cells; studied in tumor-targeting and chloride channel research.
Last updated October 28, 2026
Research status: emerging. Chlorotoxin appears across peptide research forums and academic literature. Researchers note this compound falls in the other category.
Last updated October 28, 2026
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