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Guadarrama-Martínez A, Neri-Castro E, Boyer L, Alagón A. Variability in antivenom neutralization of Mexican viperid snake venoms. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012152. [PMID: 38717980 PMCID: PMC11078402 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Each year, 3,800 cases of snakebite envenomation are reported in Mexico, resulting in 35 fatalities. The only scientifically validated treatment for snakebites in Mexico is the use of antivenoms. Currently, two antivenoms are available in the market, with one in the developmental phase. These antivenoms, produced in horses, consist of F(ab')2 fragments generated using venoms from various species as immunogens. While previous studies primarily focused on neutralizing the venom of the Crotalus species, our study aims to assess the neutralization capacity of different antivenom batches against pit vipers from various genera in Mexico. METHODOLOGY We conducted various biological and biochemical tests to characterize the venoms. Additionally, we performed neutralization tests using all three antivenoms to evaluate their effectiveness against lethal activity and their ability to neutralize proteolytic and fibrinogenolytic activities. RESULTS Our results reveal significant differences in protein content and neutralizing capacity among different antivenoms and even between different batches of the same product. Notably, the venom of Crotalus atrox is poorly neutralized by all evaluated batches despite being the primary cause of envenomation in the country's northern region. Furthermore, even at the highest tested concentrations, no antivenom could neutralize the lethality of Metlapilcoatlus nummifer and Porthidium yucatanicum venoms. These findings highlight crucial areas for improving existing antivenoms and developing new products. CONCLUSION Our research reveals variations in protein content and neutralizing potency among antivenoms, emphasizing the need for consistency in venom characteristics as immunogens. While Birmex neutralizes more LD50 per vial, Antivipmyn excels in specific neutralization. The inability of antivenoms to neutralize certain venoms, especially M. nummifer and P. yucatanicum, highlights crucial improvement opportunities, given the medical significance of these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alid Guadarrama-Martínez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Gómez Palacio, Durango, México
| | - Leslie Boyer
- Department of Pathology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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2
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Modahl CM, Han SX, van Thiel J, Vaz C, Dunstan NL, Frietze S, Jackson TNW, Mackessy SP, Kini RM. Distinct regulatory networks control toxin gene expression in elapid and viperid snakes. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:186. [PMID: 38365592 PMCID: PMC10874052 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10090-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venom systems are ideal models to study genetic regulatory mechanisms that underpin evolutionary novelty. Snake venom glands are thought to share a common origin, but there are major distinctions between venom toxins from the medically significant snake families Elapidae and Viperidae, and toxin gene regulatory investigations in elapid snakes have been limited. Here, we used high-throughput RNA-sequencing to profile gene expression and microRNAs between active (milked) and resting (unmilked) venom glands in an elapid (Eastern Brown Snake, Pseudonaja textilis), in addition to comparative genomics, to identify cis- and trans-acting regulation of venom production in an elapid in comparison to viperids (Crotalus viridis and C. tigris). RESULTS Although there is conservation in high-level mechanistic pathways regulating venom production (unfolded protein response, Notch signaling and cholesterol homeostasis), there are differences in the regulation of histone methylation enzymes, transcription factors, and microRNAs in venom glands from these two snake families. Histone methyltransferases and transcription factor (TF) specificity protein 1 (Sp1) were highly upregulated in the milked elapid venom gland in comparison to the viperids, whereas nuclear factor I (NFI) TFs were upregulated after viperid venom milking. Sp1 and NFI cis-regulatory elements were common to toxin gene promoter regions, but many unique elements were also present between elapid and viperid toxins. The presence of Sp1 binding sites across multiple elapid toxin gene promoter regions that have been experimentally determined to regulate expression, in addition to upregulation of Sp1 after venom milking, suggests this transcription factor is involved in elapid toxin expression. microRNA profiles were distinctive between milked and unmilked venom glands for both snake families, and microRNAs were predicted to target a diversity of toxin transcripts in the elapid P. textilis venom gland, but only snake venom metalloproteinase transcripts in the viperid C. viridis venom gland. These results suggest differences in toxin gene posttranscriptional regulation between the elapid P. textilis and viperid C. viridis. CONCLUSIONS Our comparative transcriptomic and genomic analyses between toxin genes and isoforms in elapid and viperid snakes suggests independent toxin regulation between these two snake families, demonstrating multiple different regulatory mechanisms underpin a venomous phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra M Modahl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, U.K..
| | - Summer Xia Han
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Fulcrum Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, U.S.A
| | - Jory van Thiel
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, U.K
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Candida Vaz
- Human Development, Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Seth Frietze
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, U.S.A
| | - Timothy N W Jackson
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen P Mackessy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, U.S.A
| | - R Manjunatha Kini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, U.S.A..
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3
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Zarzosa V, Lomonte B, Zamudio F, Ponce-López R, Olvera-Rodríguez F, Borja M, Alagón A, Neri-Castro E. Venom of the neotropical rattlesnake, Crotalus culminatus: Intraspecific variation, neutralization by antivenoms, and immunogenicity in rabbits. Biochimie 2024; 216:160-174. [PMID: 37890695 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Crotalus culminatus is a medically significant species of rattlesnake in Mexico [1]. While the proteomic composition of its venom has been previously reported for both juvenile and adult specimens, there has been limited research into its functional properties, with only a few studies, including one focusing on coagulotoxicity mechanisms. In this study, we aimed to compare the biochemical and biological activities of the venom of juvenile and adult snakes. Additionally, we assessed antibody production using the venoms of juveniles and adults as immunogens in rabbits. Our findings reveal lethality and proteolytic activity differences between the venoms of juveniles and adults. Notably, juvenile venoms exhibited high proportions of crotamine, while adult venoms displayed a reduction of this component. A commercially available antivenom demonstrated effective neutralization of lethality of both juvenile and adult venoms in mice. However, it failed to neutralize the paralytic activity induced by crotamine, which, in contrast, was successfully inhibited by antibodies obtained from hyperimmunized rabbits. These results suggest the potential inclusion of C. culminatus venom from juveniles in commercial antivenom immunization schemes to generate antibodies targeting this small myotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Zarzosa
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, C.P. 62210, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501, Costa Rica
| | - Fernando Zamudio
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, C.P. 62210, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Roberto Ponce-López
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, C.P. 62210, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Felipe Olvera-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, C.P. 62210, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Miguel Borja
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Avenida Universidad s/n, Fracc, Filadelfia, C.P. 35010, Gómez Palacio, Dgo., Mexico
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, C.P. 62210, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico.
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Avenida Universidad s/n, Fracc, Filadelfia, C.P. 35010, Gómez Palacio, Dgo., Mexico; Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, C.P. 62210, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico.
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Phan P, Deshwal A, McMahon TA, Slikas M, Andrews E, Becker B, Kumar TKS. A Review of Rattlesnake Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 16:2. [PMID: 38276526 PMCID: PMC10818703 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Venom components are invaluable in biomedical research owing to their specificity and potency. Many of these components exist in two genera of rattlesnakes, Crotalus and Sistrurus, with high toxicity and proteolytic activity variation. This review focuses on venom components within rattlesnakes, and offers a comparison and itemized list of factors dictating venom composition, as well as presenting their known characteristics, activities, and significant applications in biosciences. There are 64 families and subfamilies of proteins present in Crotalus and Sistrurus venom. Snake venom serine proteases (SVSP), snake venom metalloproteases (SVMP), and phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are the standard components in Crotalus and Sistrurus venom. Through this review, we highlight gaps in the knowledge of rattlesnake venom; there needs to be more information on the venom composition of three Crotalus species and one Sistrurus subspecies. We discuss the activity and importance of both major and minor components in biomedical research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuc Phan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
| | - Anant Deshwal
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Tyler Anthony McMahon
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Matthew Slikas
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Elodie Andrews
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Brian Becker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
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5
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Sartim MA, Nogueira RC, Cavalcante TTA, Sousa LO, Monteiro WM, Cintra ACO, Neto-Neves EM, Sampaio SV. Hemodynamic impairment induced by Crotoxin using in vivo and ex vivo approach in a rat model. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 232:123408. [PMID: 36709813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Crotalus durissus snakebite represent 10 % of snakebite cases in Brazil, which cardiovascular disorders are associated with severe cases. Considering crotoxin (CTX) as the major venom component, the present study aimed to evaluate the hemodynamic alterations induced by CTX using in vivo and ex vivo approaches in a rat model. In vivo cardiac function parameters were analyzed from anesthetized rats treated with CTX or saline only (Sham), along with serum creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) and lung myeloperoxidase. From the same animals, hearts were isolated and functional parameters evaluated in Langendorff method ex vivo. CTX binding to myoblast cell line in vitro were evaluated using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. CTX was capable of reducing arterial and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, along with left ventricle pressure development or decay during systole (LVdP/dtmax and LVdP/dtmin) in vivo, however no differences were found in the ex vivo approach, showing that intrinsic heart function was preserved. In vitro, CTX binding to myoblast cell line was mitigated by hexamethonium, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. The present study has shown that CTX induce hemodynamic failure in rats, which can help improve the clinical management of cardiovascular alterations during Crotalus durissus snakebite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A Sartim
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Department of Research and Development, University Nilton Lins, Manaus, Brazil; Department of Teaching and Research, Fundação de Medicina Tropical, Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Renato C Nogueira
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas O Sousa
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Wuelton M Monteiro
- Department of Teaching and Research, Fundação de Medicina Tropical, Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil; Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Adélia C O Cintra
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Evandro M Neto-Neves
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil
| | - Suely V Sampaio
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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6
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Arnaud-Franco G, Ríos-Castro E, Velasco-Suárez A, García-de León FJ, Beltrán LF, Carbajal-Saucedo A. Venom comparisons of endemic and micro-endemic speckled rattlesnakes Crotalus mitchellii, C. polisi and C. thalassoporus from Baja California Peninsula. Toxicon 2023; 224:107030. [PMID: 36649760 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A high diversity of rattlesnake species can be found in the Baja California peninsula and the island of the Gulf of California, nevertheless, their venom has been poorly evaluated. The aim of this work was to present the first characterization of endemic Crotalus mitchellii, micro endemic C. polisi and C. thalassoporus venoms. All samples provoke human plasma coagulation showing doses in the rank of 2.3-41.0 μg and also produce rapid hydrolysis of the alpha chain of bovine fibrinogen while the beta chain is attacked at larger incubation periods by C. polisi and especially by C. thalassoporus. Phospholipase activity ranging from 23.2 to 173.8 U/mg. The venoms of C. thalassoporus and C. polisi show very high hemorrhagic activity (from 0.03 to 0.31 μg). A total of 130 toxin-related proteins were identified and classified into ten families. Crotalus mitchellii venom was characterized by high abundance of crotoxin-like and other phospholipase proteins (34.5%) and serine proteinases (29.8%). Crotalus polisi showed a similar proportion of metalloproteinases (34%) and serine proteinases (22.8%) components with important contribution of C-type lectins (14.3%) and CRiSP (14.0%) proteins. Venom of C. thalassoporus is dominated by metalloproteases that amount to more than 66% of total toxin proteins. These results provide a foundation for comprehending the biological, ecological and evolutionary significance of venom composition of speckled rattlesnake from the Baja California peninsula.
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7
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Fu Q, Hu T, Yang Y, Zhao M. Transcriptome analysis reveals phenanthrene degradation strategy of Pseudomonas stutzeri LH-42. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:65. [PMID: 36718409 PMCID: PMC9883372 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03473-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are often released into the environment during the combustion and processing of fossil fuels and are capable of causing significant pollution to people and the environment. One of the representative substances of PAHs is phenanthrene, which is often studied as a model compound for PAHs treatment. In this study, we compared the results of transcriptome analysis of Pseudomonas stutzeri LH-42 in two different culture conditions under phenanthrene-induced culture (test group) and glucose-induced culture (control group), and analysed the key enzymatic mechanisms of Pseudomonas stutzeri LH-42 in the biodegradation of phenanthrene. In our experiments, the transcriptome results showed that a total of 380 genes were more than twofold differentially expressed in the test group, of which 187 genes were significantly up-regulated in expression under Phenanthrene induction. Among the 380 differentially expressed genes, 90 genes were involved in Phenanthrene biodegradation, mainly including genes involved in biometabolism, cellular chemotaxis, substrate transport, signal induction and other related processes. Based on the transcriptome sequence analysis of Pseudomonas stutzeri LH-42 at the time of phenanthrene induction, a total of 25 dioxygenase genes were identified, and the related genes were mainly concentrated in two relatively concentrated clusters of PAHs biodegradation genes. The transcriptome analysis resulted in a complete set of enzyme genes related to the phenanthrene biodegradation pathway. The analysis of key enzymes led to the inference of a possible phenanthrene biodegradation pathway: the salicylic acid degradation pathway. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for in situ remediation of PAHs-contaminated environments using Pseudomonas stutzeri LH-42. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03473-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Fu
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 Hunan China
| | - Tingting Hu
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 Hunan China
| | - Yu Yang
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 Hunan China
| | - Mengshi Zhao
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 Hunan China
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8
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Grabowsky ER, Saviola AJ, Alvarado-Díaz J, Mascareñas AQ, Hansen KC, Yates JR, Mackessy SP. Montane Rattlesnakes in México: Venoms of Crotalus tancitarensis and Related Species within the Crotalus intermedius Group. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:72. [PMID: 36668891 PMCID: PMC9867100 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Crotalus intermedius group is a clade of rattlesnakes consisting of several species adapted to a high elevation habitat, primarily in México. Crotalus tancitarensis was previously classified as C. intermedius, until individuals occurring on Cerro Tancítaro in Michoacán, México, were reevaluated and classified as a new species (C. tancitarensis) based on scale pattern and geographic location. This study aimed to characterize the venom of C. tancitarensis and compare the venom profile to those of other species within the Crotalus intermedius group using gel electrophoresis, biochemical assays, reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and lethal toxicity (LD50) assays. Results show that the venom profiles of species within the Crotalus intermedius group are similar, but with distinct differences in phospholipase A2 (PLA2), metalloproteinase PI (SVMP PI), and kallikrein-like serine proteinase (SVSP) activity and relative abundance. Proteomic analysis indicated that the highland forms produce venoms with 50-60 protein isoforms and a composition typical of type I rattlesnake venoms (abundant SVMPs, lack of presynaptic PLA2-based neurotoxins), as well as a diversity of typical Crotalus venom components such as serine proteinases, PLA2s, C-type lectins, and less abundant toxins (LAAOs, CRiSPs, etc.). The overall venom profile of C. tancitarensis appears most similar to C. transversus, which is consistent with a previous mitochondrial DNA analysis of the Crotalus intermedius group. These rattlesnakes of the Mexican highlands represent a radiation of high elevation specialists, and in spite of divergence of species in these Sky Island habitats, venom composition of species analyzed here has remained relatively conserved. The majority of protein family isoforms are conserved in all members of the clade, and as seen in other more broadly distributed rattlesnake species, differences in their venoms are largely due to relative concentrations of specific components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Grabowsky
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | - Anthony J. Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Javier Alvarado-Díaz
- INIRENA (Instituto de Investigaciones sobre los Recursos Naturales), Morelia CP 58330, Michoacán, Mexico
| | | | - Kirk C. Hansen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - John R. Yates
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Stephen P. Mackessy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
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Lüddecke T, Paas A, Harris RJ, Talmann L, Kirchhoff KN, Billion A, Hardes K, Steinbrink A, Gerlach D, Fry BG, Vilcinskas A. Venom biotechnology: casting light on nature's deadliest weapons using synthetic biology. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1166601. [PMID: 37207126 PMCID: PMC10188951 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1166601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Venoms are complex chemical arsenals that have evolved independently many times in the animal kingdom. Venoms have attracted the interest of researchers because they are an important innovation that has contributed greatly to the evolutionary success of many animals, and their medical relevance offers significant potential for drug discovery. During the last decade, venom research has been revolutionized by the application of systems biology, giving rise to a novel field known as venomics. More recently, biotechnology has also made an increasing impact in this field. Its methods provide the means to disentangle and study venom systems across all levels of biological organization and, given their tremendous impact on the life sciences, these pivotal tools greatly facilitate the coherent understanding of venom system organization, development, biochemistry, and therapeutic activity. Even so, we lack a comprehensive overview of major advances achieved by applying biotechnology to venom systems. This review therefore considers the methods, insights, and potential future developments of biotechnological applications in the field of venom research. We follow the levels of biological organization and structure, starting with the methods used to study the genomic blueprint and genetic machinery of venoms, followed gene products and their functional phenotypes. We argue that biotechnology can answer some of the most urgent questions in venom research, particularly when multiple approaches are combined together, and with other venomics technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Lüddecke
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- *Correspondence: Tim Lüddecke,
| | - Anne Paas
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Richard J. Harris
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lea Talmann
- Syngenta Crop Protection, Stein, Switzerland
| | - Kim N. Kirchhoff
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
| | - André Billion
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kornelia Hardes
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- BMBF Junior Research Group in Infection Research “ASCRIBE”, Giessen, Germany
| | - Antje Steinbrink
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Doreen Gerlach
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
| | - Bryan G. Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Nie X, Chen Q, Wang C, Huang W, Lai R, Lu Q, He Q, Yu X. Venom Variation of Neonate and Adult Chinese Cobras in Captivity Concerning Their Foraging Strategies. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14. [PMID: 36136536 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14090598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The venom and transcriptome profile of the captive Chinese cobra (Naja atra) is not characterized until now. Here, LC-MS/MS and illumine technology were used to unveil the venom and trascriptome of neonates and adults N. atra specimens. In captive Chinese cobra, 98 co-existing transcripts for venom-related proteins was contained. A total of 127 proteins belong to 21 protein families were found in the profile of venom. The main components of snake venom were three finger toxins (3-FTx), snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP), cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP), cobra venom factor (CVF), and phosphodiesterase (PDE). During the ontogenesis of captive Chinese cobra, the rearrangement of snake venom composition occurred and with obscure gender difference. CVF, 3-FTx, PDE, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in adults were more abundant than neonates, while SVMP and CRISP in the neonates was richer than the adults. Ontogenetic changes in the proteome of Chinese cobra venom reveals different strategies for handling prey. The levels of different types of toxin families were dramatically altered in the wild and captive specimens. Therefore, we speculate that the captive process could reshape the snake venom composition vigorously. The clear comprehension of the composition of Chinese cobra venom facilitates the understanding of the mechanism of snakebite intoxication and guides the preparation and administration of traditional antivenom and next-generation drugs for snakebite.
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11
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Zheng SR, Sun Y, Zhao HY, Wen L, Ji X, Gao JF. Differences between Two Groups of Burmese Vipers (Viperidae: Azemiops) in the Proteomic Profiles, Immunoreactivity and Biochemical Functions of Their Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:572. [PMID: 36006235 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Two recently revised Azemiops snakes with apparent differences in their external appearances and skeletal morphologies but unclear genetic boundaries have been proposed. Some researchers have refrained from using the newly proposed taxonomy because these two “species” might be two clades corresponding to different geographical populations of Azemiops feae. To improve the understanding of the kinship of these two Burmese viper groups, more of their characteristics should be explored in depth. We performed a comparative analysis of the proteomic profiles and biochemical activities of snake venoms from these two groups (Sichuan A. feae and Zhejiang A. feae) and evaluated the immunorecognition capacity of commercial antivenoms toward them. Eight protein families were identified in venoms from these two groups, while phospholipase B was only detected in venom from Sichuan A. feae. These protein families displayed varying degrees of differences in relative abundance between venoms, and phospholipase A2 (Sichuan A. feae: 57.15%; Zhejiang A. feae: 65.94%) was the predominated component. Gloydius brevicaudus antivenom exhibited the strongest capacity to immunologically recognize these two venoms, but this was mainly limited to components with high molecular masses, some of which differed between venoms. Additionally, Zhejiang A. feae venom was more toxic than Sichuan A. feae venom, and the venoms expressed remarkable differences in enzymatic activities, probably resulting from the variation in the relative abundance of specific protein families. Our findings unveil differences between the two Burmese viper groups in terms of proteomic profiles, immunoreactivity, and the biochemical functions of their venoms. This information will facilitate the management of snakebites caused by these snakes.
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12
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Neri-castro E, Zarzosa V, Colis-torres A, Fry BG, Olvera-rodríguez A, Jones J, Reyes-velazquez J, Zamudio F, Borja M, Alagón A, Lomonte B. Proteomic and toxicological characterization of the venoms of the most enigmatic group of rattlesnakes: The long-tailed rattlesnakes. Biochimie 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Gopalan SS, Perry BW, Schield DR, Smith CF, Mackessy SP, Castoe TA. Origins, genomic structure and copy number variation of snake venom myotoxins. Toxicon 2022; 216:92-106. [PMID: 35820472 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Crotamine, myotoxin a and homologs are short peptides that often comprise major fractions of rattlesnake venoms and have been extensively studied for their bioactive properties. These toxins are thought to be important for rapidly immobilizing mammalian prey and are implicated in serious, and sometimes fatal, responses to envenomation in humans. While high quality reference genomes for multiple venomous snakes are available, the loci that encode myotoxins have not been successfully assembled in any existing genome assembly. Here, we integrate new and existing genomic and transcriptomic data from the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis) to reconstruct, characterize, and infer the chromosomal locations of myotoxin-encoding loci. We integrate long-read transcriptomics (Pacific Bioscience's Iso-Seq) and short-read RNA-seq to infer gene sequence diversity and characterize patterns of myotoxin and paralogous β-defensin expression across multiple tissues. We also identify two long non-coding RNA sequences which both encode functional myotoxins, demonstrating a newly discovered source of venom coding sequence diversity. We also integrate long-range mate-pair chromatin contact data and linked-read sequencing to infer the structure and chromosomal locations of the three myotoxin-like loci. Further, we conclude that the venom-associated myotoxin is located on chromosome 1 and is adjacent to non-venom paralogs. Consistent with this locus contributing to venom composition, we find evidence that the promoter of this gene is selectively open in venom gland tissue and contains transcription factor binding sites implicated in broad trans-regulatory pathways that regulate snake venoms. This study provides the best genomic reconstruction of myotoxin loci to date and raises questions about the physiological roles and interplay between myotoxin and related genes, as well as the genomic origins of snake venom variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth S Gopalan
- Department of Biology, 501 S. Nedderman Dr., The University of Texas Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Blair W Perry
- Department of Biology, 501 S. Nedderman Dr., The University of Texas Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA; School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Drew R Schield
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Cara F Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, 501 20th Street, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, 80639, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 12801 East 17th Avenue, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Stephen P Mackessy
- School of Biological Sciences, 501 20th Street, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, 80639, USA
| | - Todd A Castoe
- Department of Biology, 501 S. Nedderman Dr., The University of Texas Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA.
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14
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Abstract
The fascination and fear of snakes dates back to time immemorial, with the first scientific treatise on snakebite envenoming, the Brooklyn Medical Papyrus, dating from ancient Egypt. Owing to their lethality, snakes have often been associated with images of perfidy, treachery and death. However, snakes did not always have such negative connotations. The curative capacity of venom has been known since antiquity, also making the snake a symbol of pharmacy and medicine. Today, there is renewed interest in pursuing snake-venom-based therapies. This Review focuses on the chemistry of snake venom and the potential for venom to be exploited for medicinal purposes in the development of drugs. The mixture of toxins that constitute snake venom is examined, focusing on the molecular structure, chemical reactivity and target recognition of the most bioactive toxins, from which bioactive drugs might be developed. The design and working mechanisms of snake-venom-derived drugs are illustrated, and the strategies by which toxins are transformed into therapeutics are analysed. Finally, the challenges in realizing the immense curative potential of snake venom are discussed, and chemical strategies by which a plethora of new drugs could be derived from snake venom are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Matilde F Viegas
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Saulo L da Silva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreimar M Soares
- Biotechnology Laboratory for Proteins and Bioactive Compounds from the Western Amazon, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, National Institute of Epidemiology in the Western Amazon (INCT-EpiAmO), Porto Velho, Brazil.,Sao Lucas Universitary Center (UniSL), Porto Velho, Brazil
| | - Maria J Ramos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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15
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Rao WQ, Kalogeropoulos K, Allentoft ME, Gopalakrishnan S, Zhao WN, Workman CT, Knudsen C, Jiménez-Mena B, Seneci L, Mousavi-Derazmahalleh M, Jenkins TP, Rivera-de-Torre E, Liu SQ, Laustsen AH. The rise of genomics in snake venom research: recent advances and future perspectives. Gigascience 2022; 11:6562531. [PMID: 35365832 PMCID: PMC8975721 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms represent a danger to human health, but also a gold mine of bioactive proteins that can be harnessed for drug discovery purposes. The evolution of snakes and their venom has been studied for decades, particularly via traditional morphological and basic genetic methods alongside venom proteomics. However, while the field of genomics has matured rapidly over the past 2 decades, owing to the development of next-generation sequencing technologies, snake genomics remains in its infancy. Here, we provide an overview of the state of the art in snake genomics and discuss its potential implications for studying venom evolution and toxinology. On the basis of current knowledge, gene duplication and positive selection are key mechanisms in the neofunctionalization of snake venom proteins. This makes snake venoms important evolutionary drivers that explain the remarkable venom diversification and adaptive variation observed in these reptiles. Gene duplication and neofunctionalization have also generated a large number of repeat sequences in snake genomes that pose a significant challenge to DNA sequencing, resulting in the need for substantial computational resources and longer sequencing read length for high-quality genome assembly. Fortunately, owing to constantly improving sequencing technologies and computational tools, we are now able to explore the molecular mechanisms of snake venom evolution in unprecedented detail. Such novel insights have the potential to affect the design and development of antivenoms and possibly other drugs, as well as provide new fundamental knowledge on snake biology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Qiao Rao
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.,Department of Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Genomics Institute-Research, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Konstantinos Kalogeropoulos
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten E Allentoft
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, 6102, Bentley Perth, Australia.,Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5, 1350, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shyam Gopalakrishnan
- Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5, 1350, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Wei-Ning Zhao
- Department of Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Genomics Institute-Research, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Christopher T Workman
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Knudsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Belén Jiménez-Mena
- DTU Aqua, Technical University of Denmark, Vejlsøvej 39, 8600, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Lorenzo Seneci
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mahsa Mousavi-Derazmahalleh
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, 6102, Bentley Perth, Australia
| | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Si-Qi Liu
- Department of Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Genomics Institute-Research, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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16
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Nachtigall PG, Freitas-de-sousa LA, Mason AJ, Moura-da-silva AM, Grazziotin FG, Junqueira-de-azevedo ILM. Differences in PLA2 Constitution Distinguish the Venom of Two Endemic Brazilian Mountain Lanceheads, Bothrops cotiara and Bothrops fonsecai. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:237. [PMID: 35448846 PMCID: PMC9028134 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14040237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Interspecific differences in snake venom compositions can result from distinct regulatory mechanisms acting in each species. However, comparative analyses focusing on identifying regulatory elements and patterns that led to distinct venom composition are still scarce. Among venomous snakes, Bothrops cotiara and Bothrops fonsecai represent ideal models to complement our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of venom production. These recently diverged species share a similar specialized diet, habitat, and natural history, but each presents a distinct venom phenotype. Here, we integrated data from the venom gland transcriptome and miRNome and the venom proteome of B. fonsecai and B. cotiara to better understand the regulatory mechanisms that may be acting to produce differing venom compositions. We detected not only the presence of similar toxin isoforms in both species but also distinct expression profiles of phospholipases A2 (PLA2) and some snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) and snake venom serine proteinases (SVSPs) isoforms. We found evidence of modular expression regulation of several toxin isoforms implicated in venom divergence and observed correlated expression of several transcription factors. We did not find strong evidence for miRNAs shaping interspecific divergence of the venom phenotypes, but we identified a subset of toxin isoforms whose final expression may be fine-tuned by specific miRNAs. Sequence analysis on orthologous toxins showed a high rate of substitutions between PLA2s, which indicates that these toxins may be under strong positive selection or represent paralogous toxins in these species. Our results support other recent studies in suggesting that gene regulation is a principal mode of venom evolution across recent timescales, especially among species with conserved ecotypes.
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17
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Neri-Castro E, Strickland JL, Carbajal-Márquez RA, Zuñiga Adán J, Ponce-López R, Olvera-Rodríguez F, Alagón A. Characterization of the venom and external morphology of a natural hybrid between Crotalus atrox and Crotalus mictlantecuhtli. Toxicon 2022; 207:43-7. [PMID: 35007607 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Here we report, for the first time, a natural hybrid between Crotalus atrox and C. mictlantecuhtli based on intermediate characteristics of the external morphology and venom. Morphologically, the individual had characteristics of both parent species. The hybrid's venom exhibited an intermediate composition including the presence of crotoxin which has never been documented in C. atrox but is well documented in C. mictlantecuhtli. The hybrid's venom was highly toxic and showed an intermediate proteolytic activity between the parental species. The two Mexican antivenoms were able to neutralize the hybrid's venom's lethality.
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18
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Dingwoke EJ, Adamude FA, Mohamed G, Klein A, Salihu A, Abubakar MS, Sallau AB. Venom proteomic analysis of medically important Nigerian viper Echis ocellatus and Bitis arietans snake species. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 28:101164. [PMID: 34765747 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming remains a neglected tropical disease which poses severe health hazard, especially for the rural inhabitants in Africa. In Nigeria, vipers are responsible for the highest number of deaths. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with LC-MS/MS was used to analyze the crude venoms of Echis ocellatus (Carpet viper) and Bitis arietans (Puff adder) in order to understand their venom proteomic identities. Results obtained revealed that gel-free proteomic analysis of the crude venoms led to the identification of 85 and 79 proteins, respectively. Seventy-eight (78) proteins were common between the two snake species with a 91.8% similarity score. The identified proteins belong to 18 protein families in E. ocellatus and 14 protein families in B. arietans. Serine proteases (22.31%) and metalloproteinases (21.06%) were the dominant proteins in the venom of B. arietans; while metalloproteinases (34.84%), phospholipase A2s (21.19%) and serine proteases (15.50%) represent the major toxins in the E. ocellatus venom. Other protein families such as three-finger toxins and cysteine-rich venom proteins were detected in low proportions. This study provides an insight into the venom proteomic analysis of the two Nigerian viper species, which could be useful in identifying the toxin families to be neutralized in case of envenomation. Venom proteomic of Nigeria's most medically important snakes is presented. SVMP, SVSP and PLA2 were the major toxin families in E. ocellatus and B. arietans. The venom proteomes of these vipers displayed 91.8% similarity in composition.
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19
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Snake venoms contain many protein and peptide isoforms with high levels of sequence variation, even within a single species. AREAS COVERED In this review, we highlight several examples, from both published and unpublished work in our lab, demonstrating how a combined venom gland transcriptome and proteome methodology allows for comprehensive characterization of venoms, including those from understudied rear-fanged snake species, and we provide recommendations for using these approaches. EXPERT OPINION When characterizing venoms, peptide mass fingerprinting using databases built predominately from protein sequences originating from model organisms can be disadvantageous, especially when the intention is to document protein diversity. Therefore, the use of species-specific venom gland transcriptomes corrects for the absence of these unique peptide sequences in databases. The integration of transcriptomics and proteomics improves the accuracy of either approach alone for venom profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony J Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Stephen P Mackessy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, USA
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20
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Colis-Torres A, Neri-Castro E, Strickland JL, Olvera-Rodríguez A, Borja M, Calvete J, Jones J, Parkinson CL, Bañuelos J, López de León J, Alagón A. Intraspecific venom variation of Mexican West Coast Rattlesnakes (Crotalus basiliscus) and its implications for antivenom production. Biochimie 2021; 192:111-124. [PMID: 34656669 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Intraspecific variation in snake venoms has been widely documented worldwide. However, there are few studies on this subject in Mexico. Venom characterization studies provide important data used to predict clinical syndromes, to evaluate the efficacy of antivenoms and, in some cases, to improve immunogenic mixtures in the production of antivenoms. In the present work, we evaluated the intraspecific venom variation of Crotalus basiliscus, a rattlesnake of medical importance and whose venom is used in the immunization of horses to produce one of the Mexican antivenoms. Our results demonstrate that there is variation in biological and biochemical activities among adult venoms and that there is an ontogenetic change from juvenile to adult venoms. Juvenile venoms were more lethal and had higher percentages of crotamine and crotoxin, while adult venoms had higher percentages of snake venom metalloproteases (SVMPs). Additionally, we documented crotoxin-like PLA2 variation in which specimens from Zacatecas, Sinaloa and Michoacán (except 1) lacked the neurotoxin, while the rest of the venoms had it. Finally, we evaluated the efficacy of three lots of Birmex antivenom and all three were able to neutralize the lethality of four representative venoms but were not able to neutralize crotamine. We also observed significant differences in the LD50 values neutralized per vial among the different lots. Based on these results, we recommend including venoms containing crotamine in the production of antivenom for a better immunogenic mixture and to improve the homogeneity of lots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Colis-Torres
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Jason L Strickland
- Department of Biology, University of South Alabama, 5871 USA Dr. N, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA
| | - Alejandro Olvera-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Miguel Borja
- Facultad Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Av. Universidad s/n. Fracc. Filadelfia, C.P. 35010, Gómez Palacio, Dgo, Mexico
| | - Juan Calvete
- Laboratorio de Venómica Evolutiva y Traslacional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Jaime Roig 11, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jason Jones
- Herp.mx A.C, Villa del Álvarez, Colima, Mexico
| | - Christopher L Parkinson
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Forestry, and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, 190 Collings St. Clemson, SC, 29631, USA
| | - Jorge Bañuelos
- Herp.mx A.C, Villa del Álvarez, Colima, Mexico; Unidad Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Edificio de Biología Campus II Ave. Preparatoria S/N, Col. Agronómica, 98066, ZacatecasZacatecas, Mexico
| | - Jorge López de León
- Hospital General Norberto Treviño Zapata, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
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21
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Franco-Servín C, Neri-Castro E, Bénard-Valle M, Alagón A, Rosales-García RA, Guerrero-Alba R, Poblano-Sánchez JE, Silva-Briano M, Guerrero-Barrera AL, Sigala-Rodríguez JJ. Biological and Biochemical Characterization of Coronado Island Rattlesnake ( Crotalus helleri caliginis) Venom and Antivenom Neutralization. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13080582. [PMID: 34437453 PMCID: PMC8402616 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13080582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Baja California Peninsula has over 250 islands and islets with many endemic species. Among them, rattlesnakes are the most numerous but also one of the least studied groups. The study of island rattlesnake venom could guide us to a better understanding of evolutionary processes and the description of novel toxins. Crotalus helleri caliginis venom samples were analyzed to determine possible ontogenetic variation with SDS-PAGE in one and two dimensions and with RP-HPLC. Western Blot, ELISA, and amino-terminal sequencing were used to determine the main components of the venom. The biological and biochemical activities demonstrate the similarity of C. helleri caliginis venom to the continental species C. helleri helleri, with both having low proteolytic and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity but differing due to the absence of neurotoxin (crotoxin-like) in the insular species. The main components of the snake venom were metalloproteases, serine proteases, and crotamine, which was the most abundant toxin group (30–35% of full venom). The crotamine was isolated using size-exclusion chromatography where its functional effects were tested on mouse phrenic nerve–hemidiaphragm preparations in which a significant reduction in muscle twitch contractions were observed. The two Mexican antivenoms could neutralize the lethality of C. helleri caliginis venom but not the crotamine effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Franco-Servín
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Tisular, Departamento de Morfología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes CP 20131, Ags, Mexico;
- Colección Zoológica, Departamento de Biología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes CP 20131, Ags, Mexico;
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001 Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca CP 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (E.N.-C.); (M.B.-V.); (A.A.)
| | - Melisa Bénard-Valle
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001 Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca CP 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (E.N.-C.); (M.B.-V.); (A.A.)
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001 Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca CP 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (E.N.-C.); (M.B.-V.); (A.A.)
| | - Ramsés Alejandro Rosales-García
- Colección Zoológica, Departamento de Biología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes CP 20131, Ags, Mexico;
| | - Raquel Guerrero-Alba
- Laboratorio de Electrofisiología, Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes CP 20131, Ags, Mexico;
| | - José Emanuel Poblano-Sánchez
- Laboratorio Clínico de Especialidades del Hospital General ISSSTE, Av. Universidad 410, Aguascalientes CP 20010, Ags, Mexico;
| | - Marcelo Silva-Briano
- Laboratorio de Ecología, Departamento de Biología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes CP 20131, Ags, Mexico;
| | - Alma Lilián Guerrero-Barrera
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Tisular, Departamento de Morfología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes CP 20131, Ags, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (A.L.G.-B.); (J.J.S.-R.)
| | - José Jesús Sigala-Rodríguez
- Colección Zoológica, Departamento de Biología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes CP 20131, Ags, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (A.L.G.-B.); (J.J.S.-R.)
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22
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Seneci L, Zdenek CN, Bourke LA, Cochran C, Sánchez EE, Neri-Castro E, Bénard-Valle M, Alagón A, Frank N, Fry BG. A symphony of destruction: Dynamic differential fibrinogenolytic toxicity by rattlesnake (Crotalus and Sistrurus) venoms. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 245:109034. [PMID: 33766656 PMCID: PMC8162888 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2021.109034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
What factors influence the evolution of a heavily selected functional trait in a diverse clade? This study adopts rattlesnakes as a model group to investigate the evolutionary history of venom coagulotoxicity in the wider context of phylogenetics, natural history, and biology. Venom-induced clotting of human plasma and fibrinogen was determined and mapped onto the rattlesnake phylogenetic tree to reconstruct the evolution of coagulotoxicity across the group. Our results indicate that venom phenotype is often independent of phylogenetic relationships in rattlesnakes, suggesting the importance of diet and/or other environmental variables in driving venom evolution. Moreover, the striking inter- and intraspecific variability in venom activity on human blood highlights the considerable variability faced by physicians treating envenomation. This study is the most comprehensive effort to date to describe and characterize the evolutionary and biological aspects of coagulotoxins in rattlesnake venom. Further research at finer taxonomic levels is recommended to elucidate patterns of variation within species and lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Seneci
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), Leiden University, 2333 BE Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Christina N Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Lachlan A Bourke
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Chip Cochran
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Elda E Sánchez
- National Natural Toxins Research Center (NNTRC), Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, MSC 224, 975 West Avenue B, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologa, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico
| | - Melisa Bénard-Valle
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologa, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologa, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico
| | | | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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23
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Claunch NM, Holding M, Frazier JT, Huff EM, Schonour RB, Vernasco B, Moore IT, Rokyta DR, Taylor EN. Experimental Manipulation of Corticosterone Does Not Affect Venom Composition or Functional Activity in Free-Ranging Rattlesnakes. Physiol Biochem Zool 2021; 94:286-301. [PMID: 34166170 DOI: 10.1086/714936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractVenom is an integral feeding trait in many animal species. Although venom often varies ontogenetically, little is known about the proximate physiological mediators of venom variation within individuals. The glucocorticoid hormone corticosterone (CORT) can alter the transcription and activation of proteins, including homologues of snake venom components such as snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2). CORT is endogenously produced by snakes, varies seasonally and also in response to stress, and is a candidate endogenous mediator of changes in venom composition and functional activity. Here, we tested the hypothesis that CORT induces changes in snake venom by sampling the venom of wild adult rattlesnakes before and after they were treated with either empty (control) or CORT-filled (treatment) Silastic implants. We measured longitudinal changes in whole-venom composition, whole-venom total protein content, and enzymatic activity of SVMP and PLA2 components of venom. We also assessed the within-individual repeatability of venom components. Despite successfully elevating plasma CORT in the treatment group, we found no effect of CORT treatment or average plasma CORT level on any venom variables measured. Except for total protein content, venom components were highly repeatable within individuals ([Formula: see text]). Our results indicate that the effects of CORT, a hormone commonly associated with stress and metabolic functions, in adult rattlesnake venom are negligible. Our findings bode well for venom researchers and biomedical applications that rely on the consistency of venoms produced from potentially stressed individuals and provide an experimental framework for future studies of proximate mediators of venom variation across an individual's life span.
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24
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Hatakeyama DM, Jorge Tasima L, da Costa Galizio N, Serino-Silva C, Fabri Bittencourt Rodrigues C, Rodrigues Stuginski D, Stefanini Sant’Anna S, Fernandes Grego K, Tashima AK, Nishiduka ES, de Morais-Zani K, Tanaka-Azevedo AM. From birth to adulthood: An analysis of the Brazilian lancehead (Bothrops moojeni) venom at different life stages. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253050. [PMID: 34111213 PMCID: PMC8191990 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Brazilian lancehead (Bothrops moojeni) has a wide distribution in Brazil and represents a serious public health hazard. Previous works reported that the symptoms of snakebites caused by B. moojeni juveniles’ bites were mainly related to coagulation, while those caused by adults’ bites had a more prominent local damage. In this work, we analyzed the venoms of B. moojeni at different life stages to better understand the ontogeny shift in this species. Snakes were grouped by age and sex, and venom pools were formed accordingly. Compositional analyses by one-dimensional electrophoresis (1-DE), chromatography, and mass spectrometry revealed that ontogenetic changes might be mostly related to phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and metalloproteases. Regarding the venoms functional aspect, proteolytic, L-amino acid oxidase, PLA2, and coagulant in vitro activities were assayed, but only the first and the last ones showed age-related changes, with the venom of snakes up to 1 year-old displaying lower proteolytic and higher coagulant activities, while those from 2 years-old onward presented the opposite relation. The venoms of 3 years-old snakes were exceptions to the compositional and functional pattern of adults as both venoms presented profiles similar to neonates. Sex-related differences were observed in specific groups and were not age-related. In vivo experiments (median lethal dose and hemorrhagic activity) were statistically similar between neonates and adults, however we verified that the adult venom killed mice faster comparing to the neonates. All venoms were mostly recognized by the antibothropic serum and displayed similar profiles to 1-DE in western blotting. In conclusion, the Brazilian lancehead venom showed ontogenetic shift in its composition and activities. Furthermore, this change occurred in snakes from 1 to 2 years-old, and interestingly the venom pools from 3 years-old snakes had particular characteristics, which highlights the importance of comprehensive studies to better understand venom variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Miki Hatakeyama
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lídia Jorge Tasima
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nathália da Costa Galizio
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caroline Serino-Silva
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caroline Fabri Bittencourt Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Karen de Morais-Zani
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anita Mitico Tanaka-Azevedo
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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25
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Pucca MB, Bernarde PS, Rocha AM, Viana PF, Farias RES, Cerni FA, Oliveira IS, Ferreira IG, Sandri EA, Sachett J, Wen FH, Sampaio V, Laustsen AH, Sartim MA, Monteiro WM. Crotalus Durissus Ruruima: Current Knowledge on Natural History, Medical Importance, and Clinical Toxinology. Front Immunol 2021; 12:659515. [PMID: 34168642 PMCID: PMC8219050 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.659515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crotalus durissus ruruima is a rattlesnake subspecies mainly found in Roraima, the northernmost state of Brazil. Envenomings caused by this subspecies lead to severe clinical manifestations (e.g. respiratory muscle paralysis, rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure) that can lead to the victim’s death. In this review, we comprehensively describe C. d. ruruima biology and the challenges this subspecies poses for human health, including morphology, distribution, epidemiology, venom cocktail, clinical envenoming, and the current and future specific treatment of envenomings by this snake. Moreover, this review presents maps of the distribution of the snake subspecies and evidence that this species is responsible for some of the most severe envenomings in the country and causes the highest lethality rates. Finally, we also discuss the efficacy of the Brazilian horse-derived antivenoms to treat C. d. ruruima envenomings in Roraima state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sérgio Bernarde
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Centro Multidisciplinar, Universidade Federal do Acre, Cruzeiro do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Patrik F Viana
- National Institute of Amazonian Research, Biodiversity Coordination, Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Raimundo Erasmo Souza Farias
- National Institute of Amazonian Research, Biodiversity Coordination, Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Felipe A Cerni
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Brazil.,Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isadora S Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isabela G Ferreira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Eliseu A Sandri
- Insikiram Institute of Indigenous Higher Studies, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Sachett
- Department of Medicine and Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil.,Department of Teaching and Research, Alfredo da Matta Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Fan Hui Wen
- Antivenom Production Section, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanderson Sampaio
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Marco A Sartim
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil.,Institute of Biological Sciences, Amazonas Federal University, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Wuelton M Monteiro
- Department of Medicine and Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil.,Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
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26
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Deshwal A, Phan P, Datta J, Kannan R, Thallapuranam SK. A Meta-Analysis of the Protein Components in Rattlesnake Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13060372. [PMID: 34071038 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The specificity and potency of venom components give them a unique advantage in developing various pharmaceutical drugs. Though venom is a cocktail of proteins, rarely are the synergy and association between various venom components studied. Understanding the relationship between various components of venom is critical in medical research. Using meta-analysis, we observed underlying patterns and associations in the appearance of the toxin families. For Crotalus, Dis has the most associations with the following toxins: PDE; BPP; CRL; CRiSP; LAAO; SVMP P-I and LAAO; SVMP P-III and LAAO. In Sistrurus venom, CTL and NGF have the most associations. These associations can predict the presence of proteins in novel venom and understand synergies between venom components for enhanced bioactivity. Using this approach, the need to revisit the classification of proteins as major components or minor components is highlighted. The revised classification of venom components is based on ubiquity, bioactivity, the number of associations, and synergies. The revised classification can be expected to trigger increased research on venom components, such as NGF, which have high biomedical significance. Using hierarchical clustering, we observed that the genera's venom compositions were similar, based on functional characteristics rather than phylogenetic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anant Deshwal
- Division of Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Phuc Phan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Jyotishka Datta
- Department of Statistics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Ragupathy Kannan
- Department of Biology, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Fort Smith, AR 72913, USA
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27
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Ponce-López R, Neri-Castro E, Olvera-Rodríguez F, Sánchez EE, Alagón A, Olvera-Rodríguez A. Neutralization of crotamine by polyclonal antibodies generated against two whole rattlesnake venoms and a novel recombinant fusion protein. Toxicon 2021; 197:70-78. [PMID: 33894246 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Crotamine is a paralyzing toxin (MW: ~5 kDa) found in different proportions in some rattlesnake venoms (up to 62%). Mexican pit viper antivenoms have shown low immunoreactivity against crotamine, which is an urgent quality to be improved. The objective of this work was to evaluate the ability of a novel recombinant fusion protein composed of sphingomyelinase D and crotamine, and two whole venoms from Crotalus molossus nigrescens and C. oreganus helleri to produce neutralizing antibodies against crotamine. These immunogens were separately used for immunization procedures in rabbits. Then, we generated three experimental antivenoms to test their cross-reactivity via western-blot against crotamine from 7 species (C. m. nigrescens, C. o. helleri, C. durissus terrificus, C. scutulatus salvini, C. basiliscus, C. culminatus and C. tzabcan). We also performed pre-incubation neutralization experiments in mice to measure the neutralizing potency of each antivenom against crotamine induced hind limb paralysis. Our antivenoms showed broad recognition across crotamine from most of the tested species. Also, neutralization against crotamine paralysis symptom was successfully achieved by our three antivenoms, albeit with different efficiencies. Our results highlight the use of crotamine enriched venoms and our novel recombinant fusion protein as promising immunogens to improve the neutralizing potency against crotamine for the improvement of Mexican antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ponce-López
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62210, Mexico
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62210, Mexico
| | - Felipe Olvera-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62210, Mexico
| | - Elda E Sánchez
- National Natural Toxins Research Center (NNTRC) and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62210, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Olvera-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62210, Mexico.
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28
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Adamude FA, Dingwoke EJ, Abubakar MS, Ibrahim S, Mohamed G, Klein A, Sallau AB. Proteomic analysis of three medically important Nigerian Naja (Naja haje, Naja katiensis and Naja nigricollis) snake venoms. Toxicon 2021; 197:24-32. [PMID: 33775665 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Proteomics technologies enable a comprehensive study of complex proteins and their functions. The venom proteomes of three medically important Nigerian Elapidae snakes Naja haje, Naja katiensis and Naja nigricollis was studied using HILIC coupled with LC-MS/MS analysis. Results revealed a total of 57, 55, and 46 proteins in the venoms of N. haje, N. katiensis, and N. nigricollis, respectively, with molecular mass ranging between 5 and 185 kDa. These snakes have 38 common proteins in addition to 3 uncommon proteins: actiflagelin, cathelicidin, and cystatin identified in their venoms. The identified proteins belonged to 14 protein families in N. haje and N. katiensis, and 12 protein families in N. nigricollis. Of the total venom proteins, 3FTx was the most abundant protein family, constituting 52% in N. haje and N. katiensis, and 41% in N. nigricollis, followed by PLA2, constituting 37% in N. nigricollis, 26% in N. haje, and 24% in N. katiensis. Other protein families, including LAAO, CRISPs, VEGF, PLB, CVF, SVMP, SVH, AMP, PI, Globin, Actin, and C-type lectins, were also detected, although, at very low abundances. Quantification of the relative abundance of each protein revealed that alpha and beta fibrinogenase and PLA2, which constituted 18-26% of the total proteome, were the most abundant. The 3 uncommon proteins have no known function in snake venom. However, actiflagelin activates sperm motility; cystatin inhibits angiogenesis, while cathelicidin exerts antimicrobial effects. The three Nigerian Naja genus proteomes displayed 70% similarity in composition, which suggests the possibility of formulating antivenom that may cross-neutralise the venoms of cobra species found in Nigeria. These data provide insights into clinically relevant peptides/proteins present in the venoms of these snakes. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD024627.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Amin Adamude
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Venom, Antivenom and Natural Toxins Research Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Emeka John Dingwoke
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Venom, Antivenom and Natural Toxins Research Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
| | - Mujitaba Suleiman Abubakar
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Venom, Antivenom and Natural Toxins Research Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Sani Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Venom, Antivenom and Natural Toxins Research Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Gadija Mohamed
- Agri-Food Systems and Omics, Post-Harvest and Agro-Processing Technologies, Agricultural Research Council, Infrutec-Nietvoorbij, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa
| | - Ashwil Klein
- Proteomics Research Unit, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Abdullahi Balarabe Sallau
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Venom, Antivenom and Natural Toxins Research Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
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29
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Seneci L, Zdenek CN, Chowdhury A, Rodrigues CFB, Neri-Castro E, Bénard-Valle M, Alagón A, Fry BG. A Clot Twist: Extreme Variation in Coagulotoxicity Mechanisms in Mexican Neotropical Rattlesnake Venoms. Front Immunol 2021; 12:612846. [PMID: 33815366 PMCID: PMC8011430 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.612846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rattlesnakes are a diverse clade of pit vipers (snake family Viperidae, subfamily Crotalinae) that consists of numerous medically significant species. We used validated in vitro assays measuring venom-induced clotting time and strength of any clots formed in human plasma and fibrinogen to assess the coagulotoxic activity of the four medically relevant Mexican rattlesnake species Crotalus culminatus, C. mictlantecuhtli, C. molossus, and C. tzabcan. We report the first evidence of true procoagulant activity by Neotropical rattlesnake venom in Crotalus culminatus. This species presented a strong ontogenetic coagulotoxicity dichotomy: neonates were strongly procoagulant via Factor X activation, whereas adults were pseudo-procoagulant in that they converted fibrinogen into weak, unstable fibrin clots that rapidly broke down, thereby likely contributing to net anticoagulation through fibrinogen depletion. The other species did not activate clotting factors or display an ontogenetic dichotomy, but depleted fibrinogen levels by cleaving fibrinogen either in a destructive (non-clotting) manner or via a pseudo-procoagulant mechanism. We also assessed the neutralization of these venoms by available antivenom and enzyme-inhibitors to provide knowledge for the design of evidence-based treatment strategies for envenomated patients. One of the most frequently used Mexican antivenoms (Bioclon Antivipmyn®) failed to neutralize the potent procoagulant toxic action of neonate C. culminatus venom, highlighting limitations in snakebite treatment for this species. However, the metalloprotease inhibitor Prinomastat substantially thwarted the procoagulant venom activity, while 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid (DMPS) was much less effective. These results confirm that venom-induced Factor X activation (a procoagulant action) is driven by metalloproteases, while also suggesting Prinomastat as a more promising potential adjunct treatment than DMPS for this species (with the caveat that in vivo studies are necessary to confirm this potential clinical use). Conversely, the serine protease inhibitor 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF) inhibited the direct fibrinogen cleaving actions of C. mictlantecuhtli venom, thereby revealing that the pseudo-procoagulant action is driven by kallikrein-type serine proteases. Thus, this differential ontogenetic variation in coagulotoxicity patterns poses intriguing questions. Our results underscore the need for further research into Mexican rattlesnake venom activity, and also highlights potential limitations of current antivenom treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Seneci
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Christina N Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Abhinandan Chowdhury
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Caroline F B Rodrigues
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Melisa Bénard-Valle
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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30
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Senji Laxme RR, Khochare S, Attarde S, Suranse V, Iyer A, Casewell NR, Whitaker R, Martin G, Sunagar K. Biogeographic venom variation in Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) and the preclinical inefficacy of antivenom therapy in snakebite hotspots. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009247. [PMID: 33764996 PMCID: PMC7993602 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Snakebite in India results in over 58,000 fatalities and a vast number of morbidities annually. The majority of these clinically severe envenomings are attributed to Russell's viper (Daboia russelii), which has a near pan-India distribution. Unfortunately, despite its medical significance, the influence of biogeography on the composition and potency of venom from disparate D. russelii populations, and the repercussions of venom variation on the neutralisation efficacy of marketed Indian antivenoms, remain elusive. METHODS Here, we employ an integrative approach comprising proteomic characterisation, biochemical analyses, pharmacological assessment, and venom toxicity profiling to elucidate the influence of varying ecology and environment on the pan-Indian populations of D. russelii. We then conducted in vitro venom recognition experiments and in vivo neutralisation assays to evaluate the efficacy of the commercial Indian antivenoms against the geographically disparate D. russelii populations. FINDINGS We reveal significant intraspecific variation in the composition, biochemical and pharmacological activities and potencies of D. russelii venoms sourced from five distinct biogeographic zones across India. Contrary to our understanding of the consequences of venom variation on the effectiveness of snakebite therapy, commercial antivenom exhibited surprisingly similar neutralisation potencies against the majority of the investigated populations, with the exception of low preclinical efficacy against the semi-arid population from northern India. However, the ability of Indian antivenoms to counter the severe morbid effects of Daboia envenoming remains to be evaluated. CONCLUSION The concerning lack of antivenom efficacy against the north Indian population of D. russelii, as well as against two other 'big four' snake species in nearby locations, underscores the pressing need to develop pan-India effective antivenoms with improved efficacy in high snakebite burden locales.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. R. Senji Laxme
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Suyog Khochare
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Saurabh Attarde
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Vivek Suranse
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Ashwin Iyer
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Romulus Whitaker
- Madras Crocodile Bank Trust/Centre for Herpetology. East Coast Road, Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gerard Martin
- The Liana Trust. Survey #1418/1419 Rathnapuri, Hunsur, Karnataka, India
| | - Kartik Sunagar
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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Mouchbahani-Constance S, Sharif-Naeini R. Proteomic and Transcriptomic Techniques to Decipher the Molecular Evolution of Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:154. [PMID: 33669432 PMCID: PMC7920473 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nature's library of venoms is a vast and untapped resource that has the potential of becoming the source of a wide variety of new drugs and therapeutics. The discovery of these valuable molecules, hidden in diverse collections of different venoms, requires highly specific genetic and proteomic sequencing techniques. These have been used to sequence a variety of venom glands from species ranging from snakes to scorpions, and some marine species. In addition to identifying toxin sequences, these techniques have paved the way for identifying various novel evolutionary links between species that were previously thought to be unrelated. Furthermore, proteomics-based techniques have allowed researchers to discover how specific toxins have evolved within related species, and in the context of environmental pressures. These techniques allow groups to discover novel proteins, identify mutations of interest, and discover new ways to modify toxins for biomimetic purposes and for the development of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Sharif-Naeini
- Department of Physiology and Cell Information Systems Group, Alan Edwards Center for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada;
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Arnaud G, García-de León FJ, Beltrán LF, Carbajal-Saucedo A. Proteomic comparison of adult and juvenile Santa Catalina rattlesnake (Crotalus catalinensis) venom. Toxicon 2021; 193:55-62. [PMID: 33545227 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Rattlesnake's venom constitutes an important ecological trait that dynamically changes over time. Venoms of adult and juvenile rattleless rattlesnakes, Crotalus catalinensis, an endemic insular species from the Gulf of California, were compared by electrophoretic profile, fibrinogenolytic activity, and proteomic composition to assess ontogenetic variability. The SDS-PAGE profiles show important differences at 12, 22, and 45 kDa, which were prominent in adult samples and absent in juvenile samples, while bands around 20, 25, and 70 kDa are almost absent in adults. Both venoms hydrolyze Aa and Bb chains of fibrinogen generating different patterns of degradation products. This activity was partially inhibited by EDTA and PMSF and completely abolished only in the presence of both inhibitors. More than 260 proteins were identified and quantified in both venoms by proteomic analysis. Metalloproteinases (more than 60%), serine proteinases (14.5% in adult venom and 17.7% in juvenile venom), and C-type lectins (7.1 and 5.9%) represent the three most abundant toxin-related protein families. Bradykinin inhibitor peptides and L-amino acid oxidases were not detected in juvenile venom. A protein-specific comparison shows that adult and juvenile venom share about 30.5% of total toxin-related proteins, while 32% and 35% are exclusively present in adult and juvenile venoms, respectively. This work represents one of the first efforts to understand phenotypic diversity in the venom composition of insular rattlesnake species from Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Arnaud
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste S.C. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, #195 Col. Playa Palo Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, BCS, CP, 23096, Mexico
| | - Francisco J García-de León
- Laboratorio de Genética para la Conservación, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste S.C. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, #195 Col. Playa Palo Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, BCS, CP, 23096, Mexico
| | - Luis F Beltrán
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste S.C. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, #195 Col. Playa Palo Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, BCS, CP, 23096, Mexico
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Lima EOVD, Tasima LJ, Hatakeyama DM, Serino-Silva C, Rodrigues CFB, Galizio NDC, Chiarelli T, Nishiduka ES, Rocha MMTD, Sant'Anna SS, Grego KF, Tashima AK, Tanaka-Azevedo AM, Morais-Zani KD. Snake venom color and L-amino acid oxidase: An evidence of long-term captive Crotalus durissus terrificus venom plasticity. Toxicon 2021; 193:73-83. [PMID: 33515573 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The venom color variation of Crotalus durissus terrificus (Cdt) is attributed to the presence of the toxin L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO). During the venom milking routine of Instituto Butantan, we have noticed that most venoms of captive Cdt specimens show a yellowish color, while most venoms of wild specimens are white. Here we describe a comparative analysis of long-term captive (LTC) and recently wild-caught (RWC) Cdt, focusing on LAAO variation. For the identification of LAAO in individual venoms, four different approaches were employed: evaluation of the enzymatic activity, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and ELISA. In addition, mass spectrometry analysis was performed using pooled samples. Although some variation among these methodologies was observed, it was possible to notice that the presence of LAAO was significantly higher in the venom of LTC individuals. LAAO was identified in 60-80% LTC specimens and in only 10-12% of RWC specimens. Furthermore, this enzyme accounts for 5.6% of total venom proteins of LTC Cdt pooled venom, while it corresponds to only 0.7% of RWC Cdt pooled venom. These findings strongly suggest that captive maintenance increases the expression of LAAO in Cdt venom.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lídia Jorge Tasima
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil; Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Miki Hatakeyama
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil; Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caroline Serino-Silva
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil; Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caroline Fabri Bittencourt Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil; Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nathália da Costa Galizio
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil; Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tassia Chiarelli
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Anita Mitico Tanaka-Azevedo
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil; Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karen de Morais-Zani
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil; Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Freitas-de-Sousa LA, Nachtigall PG, Portes-Junior JA, Holding ML, Nystrom GS, Ellsworth SA, Guimarães NC, Tioyama E, Ortiz F, Silva BR, Kunz TS, Junqueira-de-Azevedo ILM, Grazziotin FG, Rokyta DR, Moura-da-Silva AM. Size Matters: An Evaluation of the Molecular Basis of Ontogenetic Modifications in the Composition of Bothrops jararacussu Snake Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12120791. [PMID: 33322460 PMCID: PMC7763748 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12120791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ontogenetic changes in venom composition have been described in Bothrops snakes, but only a few studies have attempted to identify the targeted paralogues or the molecular mechanisms involved in modifications of gene expression during ontogeny. In this study, we decoded B. jararacussu venom gland transcripts from six specimens of varying sizes and analyzed the variability in the composition of independent venom proteomes from 19 individuals. We identified 125 distinct putative toxin transcripts, and of these, 73 were detected in venom proteomes and only 10 were involved in the ontogenetic changes. Ontogenetic variability was linearly related to snake size and did not correspond to the maturation of the reproductive stage. Changes in the transcriptome were highly predictive of changes in the venom proteome. The basic myotoxic phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) were the most abundant components in larger snakes, while in venoms from smaller snakes, PIII-class SVMPs were the major components. The snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) identified corresponded to novel sequences and conferred higher pro-coagulant and hemorrhagic functions to the venom of small snakes. The mechanisms modulating venom variability are predominantly related to transcriptional events and may consist of an advantage of higher hematotoxicity and more efficient predatory function in the venom from small snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana A. Freitas-de-Sousa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências-Toxinologia, Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; (N.C.G.); (E.T.)
- Correspondence: (L.A.F.-d.-S.); (A.M.M.-d.-S.); Tel.: +55-11-2627-9779 (A.M.M.-d.-S.)
| | - Pedro G. Nachtigall
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; (P.G.N.); (I.L.M.J.-d.-A.)
| | - José A. Portes-Junior
- Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; (J.A.P.-J.); (F.O.); (B.R.S.); (T.S.K.); (F.G.G.)
| | - Matthew L. Holding
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; (M.L.H.); (G.S.N.); (S.A.E.); (D.R.R.)
| | - Gunnar S. Nystrom
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; (M.L.H.); (G.S.N.); (S.A.E.); (D.R.R.)
| | - Schyler A. Ellsworth
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; (M.L.H.); (G.S.N.); (S.A.E.); (D.R.R.)
| | - Noranathan C. Guimarães
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências-Toxinologia, Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; (N.C.G.); (E.T.)
| | - Emilly Tioyama
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências-Toxinologia, Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; (N.C.G.); (E.T.)
| | - Flora Ortiz
- Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; (J.A.P.-J.); (F.O.); (B.R.S.); (T.S.K.); (F.G.G.)
| | - Bruno R. Silva
- Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; (J.A.P.-J.); (F.O.); (B.R.S.); (T.S.K.); (F.G.G.)
| | - Tobias S. Kunz
- Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; (J.A.P.-J.); (F.O.); (B.R.S.); (T.S.K.); (F.G.G.)
| | | | - Felipe G. Grazziotin
- Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; (J.A.P.-J.); (F.O.); (B.R.S.); (T.S.K.); (F.G.G.)
| | - Darin R. Rokyta
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; (M.L.H.); (G.S.N.); (S.A.E.); (D.R.R.)
| | - Ana M. Moura-da-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências-Toxinologia, Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; (N.C.G.); (E.T.)
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, 69040-000 Manaus, AM, Brazil
- Correspondence: (L.A.F.-d.-S.); (A.M.M.-d.-S.); Tel.: +55-11-2627-9779 (A.M.M.-d.-S.)
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Abd El-Aziz TM, Soares AG, Stockand JD. Advances in venomics: Modern separation techniques and mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2020; 1160:122352. [PMID: 32971366 PMCID: PMC8174749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are complex chemical mixtures of biologically active proteins and non-protein components. Toxins have a wide range of targets and effects to include ion channels and membrane receptors, and platelet aggregation and platelet plug formation. Toxins target these effectors and effects at high affinity and selectivity. From a pharmacological perspective, snake venom compounds are a valuable resource for drug discovery and development. However, a major challenge to drug discovery using snake venoms is isolating and analyzing the bioactive proteins and peptides in these complex mixtures. Getting molecular information from complex mixtures such as snake venoms requires proteomic analyses, generally combined with transcriptomic analyses of venom glands. The present review summarizes current knowledge and highlights important recent advances in venomics with special emphasis on contemporary separation techniques and bioinformatics that have begun to elaborate the complexity of snake venoms. Several analytical techniques such as two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, RP-HPLC, size exclusion chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, MALDI-TOF-MS, and LC-ESI-QTOF-MS have been employed in this regard. The improvement of separation approaches such as multidimensional-HPLC, 2D-electrophoresis coupled to soft-ionization (MALDI and ESI) mass spectrometry has been critical to obtain an accurate picture of the startling complexity of venoms. In the case of bioinformatics, a variety of software tools such as PEAKS also has been used successfully. Such information gleaned from venomics is important to both predicting and resolving the biological activity of the active components of venoms, which in turn is key for the development of new drugs based on these venom components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA; Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt.
| | - Antonio G Soares
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA
| | - James D Stockand
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA
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Schonour RB, Huff EM, Holding ML, Claunch NM, Ellsworth SA, Hogan MP, Wray K, McGivern J, Margres MJ, Colston TJ, Rokyta DR. Gradual and Discrete Ontogenetic Shifts in Rattlesnake Venom Composition and Assessment of Hormonal and Ecological Correlates. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12100659. [PMID: 33081249 PMCID: PMC7602723 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12100659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ontogenetic shifts in venom occur in many snakes but establishing their nature as gradual or discrete processes required additional study. We profiled shifts in venom expression from the neonate to adult sizes of two rattlesnake species, the eastern diamondback and the timber rattlesnake. We used serial sampling and venom chromatographic profiling to test if ontogenetic change occurs gradually or discretely. We found evidence for gradual shifts in overall venom composition in six of eight snakes, which sometimes spanned more than two years. Most chromatographic peaks shift gradually, but one quarter shift in a discrete fashion. Analysis of published diet data showed gradual shifts in overall diet composition across the range of body sizes attained by our eight study animals, while the shifts in abundance of different prey classes varied in form from gradual to discrete. Testosterone concentrations were correlated with the change in venom protein composition, but the relationship is not strong enough to suggest causation. Venom research employing simple juvenile versus adult size thresholds may be failing to account for continuous variation in venom composition lifespan. Our results imply that venom shifts represent adaptive matches to dietary shifts and highlight venom for studies of alternative gene regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B. Schonour
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; (R.B.S.); (E.M.H.); (S.A.E.); (M.P.H.); (K.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.M.); (T.J.C.); (D.R.R.)
| | - Emma M. Huff
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; (R.B.S.); (E.M.H.); (S.A.E.); (M.P.H.); (K.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.M.); (T.J.C.); (D.R.R.)
| | - Matthew L. Holding
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; (R.B.S.); (E.M.H.); (S.A.E.); (M.P.H.); (K.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.M.); (T.J.C.); (D.R.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Natalie M. Claunch
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Schyler A. Ellsworth
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; (R.B.S.); (E.M.H.); (S.A.E.); (M.P.H.); (K.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.M.); (T.J.C.); (D.R.R.)
| | - Michael P. Hogan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; (R.B.S.); (E.M.H.); (S.A.E.); (M.P.H.); (K.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.M.); (T.J.C.); (D.R.R.)
| | - Kenneth Wray
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; (R.B.S.); (E.M.H.); (S.A.E.); (M.P.H.); (K.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.M.); (T.J.C.); (D.R.R.)
| | - James McGivern
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; (R.B.S.); (E.M.H.); (S.A.E.); (M.P.H.); (K.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.M.); (T.J.C.); (D.R.R.)
| | - Mark J. Margres
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; (R.B.S.); (E.M.H.); (S.A.E.); (M.P.H.); (K.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.M.); (T.J.C.); (D.R.R.)
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Timothy J. Colston
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; (R.B.S.); (E.M.H.); (S.A.E.); (M.P.H.); (K.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.M.); (T.J.C.); (D.R.R.)
| | - Darin R. Rokyta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; (R.B.S.); (E.M.H.); (S.A.E.); (M.P.H.); (K.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.M.); (T.J.C.); (D.R.R.)
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Ponce-López R, Neri-Castro E, Borja M, Strickland JL, Alagón A. Neutralizing potency and immunochemical evaluation of an anti-Crotalus mictlantecuhtli experimental serum. Toxicon 2020; 187:171-180. [PMID: 32891663 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Snakebite in Mexico is commonly treated with an antivenom which uses Bothrops asper and Crotalus simus venoms as immunogens. Current taxonomic recommendations for the C. simus species complex suggest a novel endemic species from Mexico: Crotalus mictlantecuhtli. The aim of this report was to evaluate the immunogenic properties of C. mictlantecuhtli venom and its potential to generate polyclonal antibodies capable of neutralizing other pitviper venoms. We generated an experimental anti-Crotalus mictlantecuhtli serum, using the rabbit model, to test recognition and neutralizing capacity against the homologous venom as well as venoms from C. atrox, C.basiliscus, C. durissus terrificus, C. scutulatus salvini, C. tzabcan and Ophryacus sphenophrys. Pre-incubation neutralization experiments using our experimental serum showed positive results against venoms containing crotoxin, while venoms from two non-neurotoxic pit-vipers were not neutralized. Rescue experiments in mice showed that, when intravenously injected (i.v.), C. mictlantecuhtli venom is not neutralized by a maximum dose of Antivipmyn® and the experimental serum after 5 min of envenomation, albeit mice envenomated intraperitoneally (i.p.) and rescued i.v. with Antivipmyn® survived even at 50 min after envenomation. Our results highlight the importance of using the highly neurotoxic C. mictlantecuhtli venom to increase antivenom effectiveness against Mexican neurotoxic pitvipers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ponce-López
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62210, Mexico
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62210, Mexico
| | - Miguel Borja
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Av. Universidad s/n. Fracc. Filadelfia, C.P. 35010 Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico
| | - Jason L Strickland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 190 Collings St, Clemson, SC, 29631, USA
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62210, Mexico.
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García-osorio B, Lomonte B, Bénard-valle M, López de León J, Román-domínguez L, Mejía-domínguez NR, Lara-hernández F, Alagón A, Neri-castro E. Ontogenetic changes in the venom of Metlapilcoatlus nummifer, the mexican jumping viper. Toxicon 2020; 184:204-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Neri-Castro E, Sanz L, Olvera-Rodríguez A, Bénard-Valle M, Alagón A, Calvete JJ. Venomics and biochemical analysis of the black-tailed horned pitviper, Mixcoatlus melanurus, and characterization of Melanurutoxin, a novel crotoxin homolog. J Proteomics 2020; 225:103865. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.103865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Neri-Castro E, Bénard-Valle M, Paniagua D, V. Boyer L, D. Possani L, López-Casillas F, Olvera A, Romero C, Zamudio F, Alagón A. Neotropical Rattlesnake ( Crotalus simus) Venom Pharmacokinetics in Lymph and Blood Using an Ovine Model. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12070455. [PMID: 32708875 PMCID: PMC7405010 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12070455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The most abundant protein families in viper venoms are Snake Venom Metalloproteases (SVMPs), Snake Venom Serine Proteases (SVSPs) and Phospholipases (PLA2s). These are primarily responsible for the pathophysiology caused by the bite of pit-vipers; however, there are few studies that analyze the pharmacokinetics (PK) of whole venom (WV) and its protein families. We studied the pathophysiology, PK profile and differential absorption of representative toxins from venom of Neotropical Rattlesnake (Crotalus simus) in a large animal model (ovine). Toxins studied included crotoxin (the main lethal component), which causes moderate to severe neurotoxicity; SVSPs, which deplete fibrinogen; and SVMPs, which cause local tissue damage and local and systemic hemorrhage. We found that Whole Venom (WV) was highly bioavailable (86%) 60 h following intramuscular (IM) injection, and extrapolation suggests that bioavailability may be as high as 92%. PK profiles of individual toxins were consistent with their physicochemical properties and expected clinical effects. Lymph cannulated animals absorbed 1.9% of WV through lymph during the first 12 h. Crotoxin was minimally detectable in serum after intravenous (IV) injection; however, following IM injection it was detected in lymph but not in blood. This suggests that crotoxin is quickly released from the blood toward its tissue targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Neri-Castro
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (E.N.-C.); (M.B.-V.); (L.D.P.); (A.O.); (F.Z.)
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Unidad de Posgrado, Edificio B Primer Piso, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Melisa Bénard-Valle
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (E.N.-C.); (M.B.-V.); (L.D.P.); (A.O.); (F.Z.)
| | - Dayanira Paniagua
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada, Baja California 22860, Mexico;
| | - Leslie V. Boyer
- Venom Immunochemistry, Pharmacology, and Emergency Response (VIPER) Institute, University of Arizona,1501 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA;
| | - Lourival D. Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (E.N.-C.); (M.B.-V.); (L.D.P.); (A.O.); (F.Z.)
| | - Fernando López-Casillas
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
| | - Alejandro Olvera
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (E.N.-C.); (M.B.-V.); (L.D.P.); (A.O.); (F.Z.)
| | - Camilo Romero
- Centro Universitario UAEM Amecameca, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Amecameca de Juárez 56900, Mexico;
| | - Fernando Zamudio
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (E.N.-C.); (M.B.-V.); (L.D.P.); (A.O.); (F.Z.)
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (E.N.-C.); (M.B.-V.); (L.D.P.); (A.O.); (F.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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Casewell NR, Jackson TNW, Laustsen AH, Sunagar K. Causes and Consequences of Snake Venom Variation. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:570-581. [PMID: 32564899 PMCID: PMC7116101 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are mixtures of toxins that vary extensively between and within snake species. This variability has serious consequences for the management of the world’s 1.8 million annual snakebite victims. Advances in ‘omic’ technologies have empowered toxinologists to comprehensively characterize snake venom compositions, unravel the molecular mechanisms that underpin venom variation, and elucidate the ensuing functional consequences. In this review, we describe how such mechanistic processes have resulted in suites of toxin isoforms that cause diverse pathologies in human snakebite victims and we detail how variation in venom composition can result in treatment failure. Finally, we outline current therapeutic approaches designed to circumvent venom variation and deliver next-generation treatments for the world’s most lethal neglected tropical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Timothy N W Jackson
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kartik Sunagar
- Evolutionary Venomics Laboratory, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India
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42
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Modahl CM, Roointan A, Rogers J, Currier K, Mackessy SP. Interspecific and intraspecific venom enzymatic variation among cobras (Naja sp. and Ophiophagus hannah). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 232:108743. [PMID: 32194156 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The genera Ophiophagus and Naja comprise part of a clade of snakes referred to as cobras, dangerously venomous front-fanged snakes in the family Elapidae responsible for significant human mortality and morbidity throughout Asia and Africa. We evaluated venom enzyme variation for eleven cobra species and three N. kaouthia populations using SDS-PAGE venom fingerprinting and numerous enzyme assays. Acetylcholinesterase and PLA2 activities were the most variable between species, and PLA2 activity was significantly different between Malaysian and Thailand N. kaouthia populations. Venom metalloproteinase activity was low and significantly different among most species, but levels were identical for N. kaouthia populations; minor variation in venom L-amino acid oxidase and phosphodiesterase activities were seen between cobra species. Naja siamensis venom lacked the α-fibrinogenolytic activity common to other cobra venoms. In addition, venom from N. siamensis had no detectable metalloproteinase activity and exhibited an SDS-PAGE profile with reduced abundance of higher mass proteins. Venom profiles from spitting cobras (N. siamensis, N. pallida, and N. mossambica) exhibited similar reductions in higher mass proteins, suggesting the evolution of venoms of reduced complexity and decreased enzymatic activity among spitting cobras. Generally, the venom proteomes of cobras show highly abundant three-finger toxin diversity, followed by large quantities of PLA2s. However, PLA2 bands and activity were very reduced for N. haje, N. annulifera and N. nivea. Venom compositionalenzy analysis provides insight into the evolution, diversification and distribution of different venom phenotypes that complements venomic data, and this information is critical for the development of effective antivenoms and snakebite treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra M Modahl
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th St., Greeley, CO 80639-0017, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - Amir Roointan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore; Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Jessica Rogers
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th St., Greeley, CO 80639-0017, USA
| | - Katelyn Currier
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th St., Greeley, CO 80639-0017, USA
| | - Stephen P Mackessy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th St., Greeley, CO 80639-0017, USA.
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43
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Abstract
Abstract
A central goal in biology is to determine the ways in which evolution repeats itself. One of the most remarkable examples in nature of convergent evolutionary novelty is animal venom. Across diverse animal phyla, various specialized organs and anatomical structures have evolved from disparate developmental tissues to perform the same function, that is, produce and deliver a cocktail of potent molecules to subdue prey or predators. Venomous organisms therefore offer unique opportunities to investigate the evolutionary processes of convergence of key adaptive traits, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the emergence of novel genes, cells, and tissues. Indeed, some venomous species have already proven to be highly amenable as models for developmental studies, and recent work with venom gland organoids provides manipulatable systems for directly testing important evolutionary questions. Here, we provide a synthesis of the current knowledge that could serve as a starting point for the establishment of venom systems as new models for evolutionary and molecular biology. In particular, we highlight the potential of various venomous species for the study of cell differentiation and cell identity, and the regulatory dynamics of rapidly evolving, highly expressed, tissue-specific, gene paralogs. We hope that this review will encourage researchers to look beyond traditional study organisms and consider venom systems as useful tools to explore evolutionary novelties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Zancolli
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Giorgianni MW, Dowell NL, Griffin S, Kassner VA, Selegue JE, Carroll SB. The origin and diversification of a novel protein family in venomous snakes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:10911-20. [PMID: 32366667 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1920011117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic origins of novelty are a central interest of evolutionary biology. Most new proteins evolve from preexisting proteins but the evolutionary path from ancestral gene to novel protein is challenging to trace, and therefore the requirements for and order of coding sequence changes, expression changes, or gene duplication are not clear. Snake venoms are important novel traits that are comprised of toxins derived from several distinct protein families, but the genomic and evolutionary origins of most venom components are not understood. Here, we have traced the origin and diversification of one prominent family, the snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) that play key roles in subduing prey in many vipers. Genomic analyses of several rattlesnake (Crotalus) species revealed the SVMP family massively expanded from a single, deeply conserved adam28 disintegrin and metalloproteinase gene, to as many as 31 tandem genes in the Western Diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) through a number of single gene and multigene duplication events. Furthermore, we identified a series of stepwise intragenic deletions that occurred at different times in the course of gene family expansion and gave rise to the three major classes of secreted SVMP toxins by sequential removal of a membrane-tethering domain, the cysteine-rich domain, and a disintegrin domain, respectively. Finally, we show that gene deletion has further shaped the SVMP complex within rattlesnakes, creating both fusion genes and substantially reduced gene complexes. These results indicate that gene duplication and intragenic deletion played essential roles in the origin and diversification of these novel biochemical weapons.
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45
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Carbajal-Márquez RA, Cedeño-Vázquez JR, González-Solís D, Martins M. Diet and Feeding Ecology of Crotalus tzabcan (Serpentes: Viperidae). South American Journal of Herpetology 2020. [DOI: 10.2994/sajh-d-17-00081.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rubén A. Carbajal-Márquez
- Departamento de Sistemática y Ecología Acuática, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, unidad Chetumal, Av. Centenario km 5.5, Chetumal, 77014, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - J. Rogelio Cedeño-Vázquez
- Departamento de Sistemática y Ecología Acuática, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, unidad Chetumal, Av. Centenario km 5.5, Chetumal, 77014, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - David González-Solís
- Departamento de Sistemática y Ecología Acuática, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, unidad Chetumal, Av. Centenario km 5.5, Chetumal, 77014, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Marcio Martins
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, CEP 05508‑090, São Paulo 1146, Brazil
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Sánchez M, Solano G, Vargas M, Reta-Mares F, Neri-Castro É, Alagón A, Sánchez A, Villalta M, León G, Segura Á. Toxicological profile of medically relevant Crotalus species from Mexico and their neutralization by a Crotalus basiliscus/Bothrops asper antivenom. Toxicon 2020; 179:92-100. [PMID: 32345455 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Specimens of the Crotalus genus represent a potential snakebite problem in Mexico, and despite the great number of species of Crotalus present in this country, only a few of them are relevant from a medical point of view. Crotalus envenomed patients can present a range of signs and symptoms, depending on the species involved, and their treatment is indistinctly with either of the anti-viperid antivenoms available in the Mexican Public Health System. One of these antivenoms is produced by immunization of horses with a mixture of only two venoms: Crotalus basiliscus and Bothrops asper venoms. In light of the high variability found in Crotalus species venom composition, it is important to demonstrate the cross-neutralization of this antivenom against other Crotalus species. Therefore, in this work the toxic variability of eight medically important Crotalus venoms from Mexico and its neutralization by the Crotalus basiliscus/Bothrops asper antivenom were assessed. The present study evidenced the variability of toxic and enzymatic activities among the following Crotalus venoms: (1) Crotalus atrox, (2) Crotalus basiliscus, (3) Crotalus culminatus, (4) Crotalus simus, (5) Crotalus tzabcan, (6) Crotalus scutulatus salvini, (7) Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus-A, and (8) Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus-B. All venoms studied possess lethal and hemorrhagic activity on a murine model, although there are important variations among the species; in contrast, the PLA2 activity was similar for all venoms. Interestingly, only C. simus venom exhibited coagulant activity on human plasma under 100 μg. The antivenom neutralized the lethality and all the other assessed activities for all venoms tested. However, the dose required varied depending on the venom and the evaluated activity. Our preclinical data support the recommendation of using this antivenom to clinically manage Crotalus snakebites produced by the species assessed in this study. Nonetheless, only clinical trials could categorically validate these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin Sánchez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Gabriela Solano
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mariángela Vargas
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Francisco Reta-Mares
- Laboratorios de Biológicos y Reactivos de México S.A. de C.V. (BIRMEX), México DF, Mexico
| | - Édgar Neri-Castro
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos Del Instituto de Biotecnología de La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos Del Instituto de Biotecnología de La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Andrés Sánchez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mauren Villalta
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Guillermo León
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Álvaro Segura
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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Mason AJ, Margres MJ, Strickland JL, Rokyta DR, Sasa M, Parkinson CL. Trait differentiation and modular toxin expression in palm-pitvipers. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:147. [PMID: 32046632 PMCID: PMC7014597 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6545-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Modularity is the tendency for systems to organize into semi-independent units and can be a key to the evolution and diversification of complex biological systems. Snake venoms are highly variable modular systems that exhibit extreme diversification even across very short time scales. One well-studied venom phenotype dichotomy is a trade-off between neurotoxicity versus hemotoxicity that occurs through the high expression of a heterodimeric neurotoxic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) or snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs). We tested whether the variation in these venom phenotypes could occur via variation in regulatory sub-modules through comparative venom gland transcriptomics of representative Black-Speckled Palm-Pitvipers (Bothriechis nigroviridis) and Talamancan Palm-Pitvipers (B. nubestris). Results We assembled 1517 coding sequences, including 43 toxins for B. nigroviridis and 1787 coding sequences including 42 toxins for B. nubestris. The venom gland transcriptomes were extremely divergent between these two species with one B. nigroviridis exhibiting a primarily neurotoxic pattern of expression, both B. nubestris expressing primarily hemorrhagic toxins, and a second B. nigroviridis exhibiting a mixed expression phenotype. Weighted gene coexpression analyses identified six submodules of transcript expression variation, one of which was highly associated with SVMPs and a second which contained both subunits of the neurotoxic PLA2 complex. The sub-module association of these toxins suggest common regulatory pathways underlie the variation in their expression and is consistent with known patterns of inheritance of similar haplotypes in other species. We also find evidence that module associated toxin families show fewer gene duplications and transcript losses between species, but module association did not appear to affect sequence diversification. Conclusion Sub-modular regulation of expression likely contributes to the diversification of venom phenotypes within and among species and underscores the role of modularity in facilitating rapid evolution of complex traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Mason
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 190 Collings St., Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Mark J Margres
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 190 Collings St., Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Jason L Strickland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 190 Collings St., Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 24105, USA
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
| | - Christopher L Parkinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 190 Collings St., Clemson, SC, 29634, USA. .,Department of Forestry, and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
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48
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Fridrich A, Hazan Y, Moran Y. Too Many False Targets for MicroRNAs: Challenges and Pitfalls in Prediction of miRNA Targets and Their Gene Ontology in Model and Non-model Organisms. Bioessays 2019; 41:e1800169. [PMID: 30919506 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201800169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Short ("seed") or extended base pairing between microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target RNAs enables post-transcriptional silencing in many organisms. These interactions allow the computational prediction of potential targets. In model organisms, predicted targets are frequently validated experimentally; hence meaningful miRNA-regulated processes are reported. However, in non-models, these reports mostly rely on computational prediction alone. Many times, further bioinformatic analyses such as Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment are based on these in silico projections. Here such approaches are reviewed, their caveats are highlighted and the ease of picking false targets from predicted lists is demonstrated. Discoveries that shed new light on how miRNAs evolved to regulate targets in various phyletic groups are discussed, in addition to the pitfalls of target identification in non-model organisms. The goal is to prevent the misuse of bioinformatic tools, as they cannot bypass the biological understanding of miRNA-target regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arie Fridrich
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yael Hazan
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yehu Moran
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
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49
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Modahl CM, Brahma RK, Koh CY, Shioi N, Kini RM. Omics Technologies for Profiling Toxin Diversity and Evolution in Snake Venom: Impacts on the Discovery of Therapeutic and Diagnostic Agents. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2019; 8:91-116. [PMID: 31702940 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021419-083626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are primarily composed of proteins and peptides, and these toxins have developed high selectivity to their biological targets. This makes venoms interesting for exploration into protein evolution and structure-function relationships. A single venom protein superfamily can exhibit a variety of pharmacological effects; these variations in activity originate from differences in functional sites, domains, posttranslational modifications, and the formations of toxin complexes. In this review, we discuss examples of how the major venom protein superfamilies have diversified, as well as how newer technologies in the omics fields, such as genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, can be used to characterize both known and unknown toxins.Because toxins are bioactive molecules with a rich diversity of activities, they can be useful as therapeutic and diagnostic agents, and successful examples of toxin applications in these areas are also reviewed. With the current rapid pace of technology, snake venom research and its applications will only continue to expand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra M Modahl
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , ,
| | - Rajeev Kungur Brahma
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , ,
| | - Cho Yeow Koh
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077;
| | - Narumi Shioi
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , , .,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan;
| | - R Manjunatha Kini
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , ,
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50
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Román-Domínguez L, Neri-Castro E, Vázquez López H, García-Osorio B, Archundia IG, Ortiz-Medina JA, Petricevich VL, Alagón A, Bénard-Valle M. Biochemical and immunochemical characterization of venoms from snakes of the genus Agkistrodon. Toxicon X 2019; 4:100013. [PMID: 32550570 PMCID: PMC7285990 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2019.100013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present work, venoms from five species of the genus Agkistrodon were evaluated in terms of their enzymatic (Phospholipase A2 and caseinolytic) and biological (edema forming, hemorrhagic, procoagulant and lethal) effects. Horses were used to produce monovalent hyperimmune sera against each of three venoms (A. bilineatus, A. contortrix and A. piscivorus) and their neutralizing potency, expressed as Median Effective Dose (ED50), was determined against the venoms of all five species. In terms of PLA2 and caseinolytic activities, all venoms are extremely homogeneous. PLA2 activity is high, while caseinolytic activity is low when in contrast with that of the rattlesnake Crotalus simus. On the other hand, biological activities showed marked interspecific differences, particularly between the species from Mexico and those from the United States. Mexican species displayed higher edema-forming, hemorrhagic and lethal effects than US species, while none of the species studied presented procoagulant activity. All three monovalent hyperimmune sera showed good neutralizing potency against the analyzed venoms. Nonetheless, we observed relevant immunochemical differences among the venoms using ELISA and Western Blot assays. We conclude that the venoms of A. piscivorus (USA) and A. bilineatus would be ideal to use as immunogens for the production of a polyvalent antivenom with good neutralizing potency against the venoms of all the species of the genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Román-Domínguez
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad # 2001 Colonia Chamilpa. CP: 62210. Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos. Av. Universidad # 2001 Colonia Chamilpa. CP: 62210. Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad # 2001 Colonia Chamilpa. CP: 62210. Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Hilda Vázquez López
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad # 2001 Colonia Chamilpa. CP: 62210. Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Belem García-Osorio
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad # 2001 Colonia Chamilpa. CP: 62210. Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Irving G. Archundia
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad # 2001 Colonia Chamilpa. CP: 62210. Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Javier A. Ortiz-Medina
- Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. Km 15.5, Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil. C.P: 97315. Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
- Unidad de Manejo para la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre Tsáab Kaan. Km. 2.8, Carretera Baca-Dzemul, C.P. 97450. Baca, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Vera L. Petricevich
- Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos. Calle Leñeros S/N, Colonia Vista Hermosa. CP: 62290. Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad # 2001 Colonia Chamilpa. CP: 62210. Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Melisa Bénard-Valle
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad # 2001 Colonia Chamilpa. CP: 62210. Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
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