Scytonema varium is a cultured cyanobacterium of the genus Scytonema.[1] It is one of many anti viral protein producing algae. In a similar manner to Cyanovirin-N from Nostoc Ellipsosporum and griffithsin from the red algae Griffithsia, Scytonema varium secretes the broad-spectrum antiviral protein scytovirin which can inactivate both the HIV virus,[1] and Ebola virus,[2] offering hope of treatment for many diseases with viral etiology (cause). It is currently being investigated as a topical microbicide for HIV prophylaxis.[3]

Scytonema varium
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Cyanobacteria
Class: Cyanophyceae
Order: Nostocales
Family: Scytonemataceae
Genus: Scytonema
Species:
S. varium
Binomial name
Scytonema varium
Kützing, 1849

References

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  1. ^ a b Bokesch HR, O'Keefe BR, McKee TC, Pannell LK, Patterson GM, Gardella RS, Sowder RC 2nd, Turpin J, Watson K, Buckheit RW Jr, Boyd MR (Mar 2003). "A potent novel anti-HIV protein from the cultured cyanobacterium Scytonema varium". Biochemistry. 42 (9): 2578–84. doi:10.1021/bi0205698. PMID 12614152.
  2. ^ Garrison, A. R.; Giomarelli, B. G.; Lear-Rooney, C. M.; Saucedo, C. J.; Yellayi, S; Krumpe, L. R.; Rose, M; Paragas, J; Bray, M; Olinger Jr, G. G.; McMahon, J. B.; Huggins, J; O'Keefe, B. R. (2014). "The cyanobacterial lectin scytovirin displays potent in vitro and in vivo activity against Zaire Ebola virus". Antiviral Research. 112C: 1–7. doi:10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.09.012. PMC 4258435. PMID 25265598.
  3. ^ Xiong C; O'Keefe BR; Botos I; Wlodawer A; McMahon JB (Apr 2006). "Overexpression and purification of scytovirin, a potent, novel anti-HIV protein from the cultured cyanobacterium Scytonema varium". Protein Expr Purif. 46 (2): 233–9. doi:10.1016/j.pep.2005.09.019. PMID 16289703.