Isolation, characterization, cloning and expression of an alpha-neurotoxin from the venom of the Mexican coral snake Micrurus laticollaris (Squamata: Elapidae)

► We purify, characterize and clone an alpha neurotoxin from Micrurus laticollaris coral snake. ► MlatA1 antagonizes muscular and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. ► Antibodies against native toxin recognize similar proteins in some Micrurus venoms. ► Recombinant toxin was devoid of toxic activity.