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Lakušić M, Damm M, Bjelica V, Anđelković M, Tomović L, Bonnet X, Arsovski D, Süssmuth RD, Calvete JJ, Martínez-Freiría F. Ontogeny, not prey availability, underlies allopatric venom variability in insular and mainland populations of Vipera ammodytes. J Proteomics 2024; 310:105320. [PMID: 39306033 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Allopatric populations living under distinct ecological conditions are excellent systems to infer factors underlying intraspecific venom variation. The venom composition of two populations of Vipera ammodytes, insular with a diet based on ectotherms and mainland with a diet based on ectotherms and endotherms, was compared considering the sex and age of individuals. Ten toxin families, dominated by PLA2, svMP, svSP, and DI, were identified through a bottom-up approach. The venom profiles of adult females and males were similar. Results from 58 individual SDS-PAGE profiles and venom pool analysis revealed significant differences between juveniles compared to subadults and adults. Two venom phenotypes were identified: a juvenile svMP-dominated and KUN-lacking phenotype and an adult PLA2/svMP-balanced and KUN-containing phenotype. Despite differences in prey availability (and, therefore, diet) between populations, no significant differences in venom composition were found. As the populations are geographically isolated, the lack of venom diversification could be explained by insufficient time for natural selection and/or genetic drift to act on the venom composition of island vipers. However, substantial differences in proteomes were observed when compared to venoms from geographically distant populations inhabiting different conditions. These findings highlight the need to consider ecological and evolutionary processes when studying venom variability. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the venom composition of two allopatric populations of Vipera ammodytes, living under similar abiotic (climate) but distinct biotic (prey availability) conditions. The ontogenetic changes in venom composition, coupled with the lack of differences between sex and between populations, shed light on the main determinants of venom evolution in this medically important snake. Seven new proteomes may facilitate future comparative studies of snake venom evolution. This study highlights the importance of considering ecological and evolutionary factors to understand snake venom variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margareta Lakušić
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal.
| | - Maik Damm
- Animal Venomics Lab, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; LOEWE-Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, Gießen 35392, Germany; Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Vukašin Bjelica
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Anđelković
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljiljana Tomović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Xavier Bonnet
- CEBC, UMR-7372, CNRS Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Dragan Arsovski
- Macedonian Ecological Society, Arhimedova 5, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Roderich D Süssmuth
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Laboratorio de Venómica Evolutiva y Traslacional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Fernando Martínez-Freiría
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
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Di Nicola MR, Crevani M, Avella I, Cerullo A, Dorne JLCM, Paolino G, Zattera C. A Guide to the Clinical Management of Vipera Snakebite in Italy. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:255. [PMID: 38922149 PMCID: PMC11209566 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The genus Vipera encompasses most species of medically significant venomous snakes of Europe, with Italy harbouring four of them. Envenomation by European vipers can result in severe consequences, but underreporting and the absence of standardised clinical protocols hinder effective snakebite management. This study provides an updated, detailed set of guidelines for the management and treatment of Vipera snakebite tailored for Italian clinicians. It includes taxonomic keys for snake identification, insights into viper venom composition, and recommendations for clinical management. Emphasis is placed on quick and reliable identification of medically relevant snake species, along with appropriate first aid measures. Criteria for antivenom administration are outlined, as well as indications on managing potential side effects. While the protocol is specific to Italy, its methodology can potentially be adapted for other European countries, depending on local resources. The promotion of comprehensive data collection and collaboration among Poison Control Centres is advocated to optimise envenomation management protocols and improve the reporting of epidemiological data concerning snakebite at the country level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Health Ghent, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Asociación Herpetológica Española, Apartado de correos 191, 28911 Leganés, Spain
| | - Marta Crevani
- Poison Control Centre, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Ignazio Avella
- Landes-Offensive zur Entwicklung Wissenschaftlich-ökonomischer Exzellenz-Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Anna Cerullo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, L.go Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Jean-Lou C. M. Dorne
- Methodological and Scientific Support Unit, European Food Safety Authority, Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43100 Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Paolino
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Zattera
- Unit of Emergency Medicine, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Matteo University Hospital, University of Pavia, P.Le Golgi, 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Stazi M, Megighian A, D'Este G, Negro S, Ivanušec A, Lonati D, Pirazzini M, Križaj I, Montecucco C. An agonist of CXCR4 induces a rapid recovery from the neurotoxic effects of Vipera ammodytes and Vipera aspis venoms. J Neurochem 2024; 168:428-440. [PMID: 36912731 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
People bitten by Alpine vipers are usually treated with antivenom antisera to prevent the noxious consequences caused by the injected venom. However, this treatment suffers from a number of drawbacks and additional therapies are necessary. The venoms of Vipera ammodytes and of Vipera aspis are neurotoxic and cause muscle paralysis by inducing neurodegeneration of motor axon terminals because they contain a presynaptic acting sPLA2 neurotoxin. We have recently found that any type of damage to motor axons is followed by the expression and activation of the intercellular signaling axis consisting of the CXCR4 receptor present on the membrane of the axon stump and of its ligand, the chemokine CXCL12 released by activated terminal Schwann cells. We show here that also V. ammodytes and V. aspis venoms cause the expression of the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis. We also show that a small molecule agonist of CXCR4, dubbed NUCC-390, induces a rapid regeneration of the motor axon terminal with functional recovery of the neuromuscular junction. These findings qualify NUCC-390 as a promising novel therapeutics capable of improving the recovery from the paralysis caused by the snakebite of the two neurotoxic Alpine vipers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Stazi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - A Megighian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - G D'Este
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - S Negro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - A Ivanušec
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Doctoral School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - D Lonati
- Pavia Poison Control Centre - National Toxicology Information Centre - Clinical and Experimental Lab, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA SB IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - M Pirazzini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - I Križaj
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - C Montecucco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Padova, Italy
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Abstract
The deleterious consequences of snake envenomation are due to the extreme protein complexity of snake venoms. Therefore, the identification of their components is crucial for understanding the clinical manifestations of envenomation pathophysiology and for the development of effective antivenoms. In addition, snake venoms are considered as libraries of bioactive molecules that can be used to develop innovative drugs. Numerous separation and analytical techniques are combined to study snake venom composition including chromatographic techniques such as size exclusion and RP-HPLC and electrophoretic techniques. Herein, we present in detail these existing techniques and their applications in snake venom research. In the first part, we discuss the different possible technical combinations that could be used to isolate and purify SV proteins using what is known as bioassay-guided fractionation. In the second part, we describe four different proteomic strategies that could be applied for venomics studies to evaluate whole venom composition, including the mostly used technique: RP-HPLC. Eventually, we show that to date, there is no standard technique used for the separation of all snake venoms. Thus, different combinations might be developed, taking into consideration the main objective of the study, the available resources, and the properties of the target molecules to be isolated.
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Damm M, Hempel BF, Süssmuth RD. Old World Vipers-A Review about Snake Venom Proteomics of Viperinae and Their Variations. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13060427. [PMID: 34204565 PMCID: PMC8235416 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fine-tuned by millions of years of evolution, snake venoms have frightened but also fascinated humanity and nowadays they constitute potential resources for drug development, therapeutics and antivenoms. The continuous progress of mass spectrometry techniques and latest advances in proteomics workflows enabled toxinologists to decipher venoms by modern omics technologies, so-called ‘venomics’. A tremendous upsurge reporting on snake venom proteomes could be observed. Within this review we focus on the highly venomous and widely distributed subfamily of Viperinae (Serpentes: Viperidae). A detailed public literature database search was performed (2003–2020) and we extensively reviewed all compositional venom studies of the so-called Old-World Vipers. In total, 54 studies resulted in 89 venom proteomes. The Viperinae venoms are dominated by four major, four secondary, six minor and several rare toxin families and peptides, respectively. The multitude of different venomics approaches complicates the comparison of venom composition datasets and therefore we differentiated between non-quantitative and three groups of quantitative workflows. The resulting direct comparisons within these groups show remarkable differences on the intra- and interspecies level across genera with a focus on regional differences. In summary, the present compilation is the first comprehensive up-to-date database on Viperinae venom proteomes and differentiating between analytical methods and workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Damm
- Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Benjamin-Florian Hempel
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, (BCRT), 10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Roderich D. Süssmuth
- Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)30-314-24205
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Di Nicola MR, Pontara A, Kass GEN, Kramer NI, Avella I, Pampena R, Mercuri SR, Dorne JLCM, Paolino G. Vipers of Major clinical relevance in Europe: Taxonomy, venom composition, toxicology and clinical management of human bites. Toxicology 2021; 453:152724. [PMID: 33610611 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Snakebites in Europe are mostly due to bites from Viperidae species of the genus Vipera. This represents a neglected public health hazard with poorly defined incidence, morbidity and mortality. In Europe, fourteen species of "true vipers" (subfamily Viperinae) are present, eleven of which belong to the genus Vipera. Amongst these, the main medically relevant species due to their greater diffusion across Europe and the highest number of registered snakebites are six, namely: Vipera ammodytes, V. aspis, V. berus, V. latastei, V. seoanei and V. ursinii. Generally speaking, viper venom composition is characterised by many different toxin families, like phospholipases A2, snake venom serine proteases, snake venom metalloproteases, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, C-type lectins, disintegrins, haemorrhagic factors and coagulation inhibitors. A suspected snakebite is often associated with severe pain, erythema, oedema and, subsequently, the onset of an ecchymotic area around one or two visible fang marks. In the field, the affected limb should be immobilised and mildly compressed with a bandage, which can then be removed once the patient is being treated in hospital. The clinician should advise the patient to remain calm to reduce blood circulation and, therefore, decrease the spread of the toxins. In the case of pain, an analgesic therapy can be administered, the affected area can be treated with hydrogen peroxide or clean water. However, anti-inflammatory drugs and disinfection with alcohol or alcoholic substances should be avoided. For each patient, clinical chemistry and ECG are always a pre-requisite as well as the evaluation of the tetanus immunisation status and for which immunisation may be provided if needed. The treatment of any clinical complication, due to the envenomation, does not differ from treatments of emergency nature. Antivenom is recommended when signs of systemic envenomation exist or in case of advanced local or systemic progressive symptoms. Recommendations for future work concludes. The aim of this review is to support clinicians for the clinical management of viper envenomation, through taxonomic keys for main species identification, description of venom composition and mode of action of known toxins and provide a standardised clinical protocol and antivenom administration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Pontara
- Internal Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - George E N Kass
- European Food Safety Authority, Scientific Committee and Emerging Risks unit, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Nynke I Kramer
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ignazio Avella
- CIBIO/InBIO - Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto, Rua Padre Armando Quintas 7, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal; Evolutionary and Translational Venomics Laboratory, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia - CSIC, Calle Jaime Roig 11, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Riccardo Pampena
- Centro Oncologico ad Alta Tecnologia Diagnostica, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Jean Lou C M Dorne
- European Food Safety Authority, Scientific Committee and Emerging Risks unit, 43126 Parma, Italy
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