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Dashevsky D, Harris RJ, Zdenek CN, Benard-Valle M, Alagón A, Portes-Junior JA, Tanaka-Azevedo AM, Grego KF, Sant'Anna SS, Frank N, Fry BG. Red-on-Yellow Queen: Bio-Layer Interferometry Reveals Functional Diversity Within Micrurus Venoms and Toxin Resistance in Prey Species. J Mol Evol 2024; 92:317-328. [PMID: 38814340 PMCID: PMC11168994 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-024-10176-x] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Snakes in the family Elapidae largely produce venoms rich in three-finger toxins (3FTx) that bind to the α 1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), impeding ion channel activity. These neurotoxins immobilize the prey by disrupting muscle contraction. Coral snakes of the genus Micrurus are specialist predators who produce many 3FTx, making them an interesting system for examining the coevolution of these toxins and their targets in prey animals. We used a bio-layer interferometry technique to measure the binding interaction between 15 Micrurus venoms and 12 taxon-specific mimotopes designed to resemble the orthosteric binding region of the muscular nAChR subunit. We found that Micrurus venoms vary greatly in their potency on this assay and that this variation follows phylogenetic patterns rather than previously reported patterns of venom composition. The long-tailed Micrurus tend to have greater binding to nAChR orthosteric sites than their short-tailed relatives and we conclude this is the likely ancestral state. The repeated loss of this activity may be due to the evolution of 3FTx that bind to other regions of the nAChR. We also observed variations in the potency of the venoms depending on the taxon of the target mimotope. Rather than a pattern of prey-specificity, we found that mimotopes modeled after snake nAChRs are less susceptible to Micrurus venoms and that this resistance is partly due to a characteristic tryptophan → serine mutation within the orthosteric site in all snake mimotopes. This resistance may be part of a Red Queen arms race between coral snakes and their prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Dashevsky
- Australian National Insect Collection, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| | - Richard J Harris
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Cape Cleveland, QLD, 4810, Australia
| | - Christina N Zdenek
- Celine Frere Group, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Melisa Benard-Valle
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Region Hovedstaden, Denmark
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - José A Portes-Junior
- Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Anita M Tanaka-Azevedo
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Kathleen F Grego
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Sávio S Sant'Anna
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Nathaniel Frank
- MToxins Venom Lab, 717 Oregon Street, Oshkosh, WI, 54902, USA
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
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2
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Roman-Ramos H, Prieto-da-Silva ÁRB, Dellê H, Floriano RS, Dias L, Hyslop S, Schezaro-Ramos R, Servent D, Mourier G, de Oliveira JL, Lemes DE, Costa-Lotufo LV, Oliveira JS, Menezes MC, Markus RP, Ho PL. The Cloning and Characterization of a Three-Finger Toxin Homolog (NXH8) from the Coralsnake Micrurus corallinus That Interacts with Skeletal Muscle Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:164. [PMID: 38668589 PMCID: PMC11054780 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16040164] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Coralsnakes (Micrurus spp.) are the only elapids found throughout the Americas. They are recognized for their highly neurotoxic venom, which is comprised of a wide variety of toxins, including the stable, low-mass toxins known as three-finger toxins (3FTx). Due to difficulties in venom extraction and availability, research on coralsnake venoms is still very limited when compared to that of other Elapidae snakes like cobras, kraits, and mambas. In this study, two previously described 3FTx from the venom of M. corallinus, NXH1 (3SOC1_MICCO), and NXH8 (3NO48_MICCO) were characterized. Using in silico, in vitro, and ex vivo experiments, the biological activities of these toxins were predicted and evaluated. The results showed that only NXH8 was capable of binding to skeletal muscle cells and modulating the activity of nAChRs in nerve-diaphragm preparations. These effects were antagonized by anti-rNXH8 or antielapidic sera. Sequence analysis revealed that the NXH1 toxin possesses eight cysteine residues and four disulfide bonds, while the NXH8 toxin has a primary structure similar to that of non-conventional 3FTx, with an additional disulfide bond on the first loop. These findings add more information related to the structural diversity present within the 3FTx class, while expanding our understanding of the mechanisms of the toxicity of this coralsnake venom and opening new perspectives for developing more effective therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Roman-Ramos
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil; (H.D.); (J.L.d.O.); (D.E.L.)
| | | | - Humberto Dellê
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil; (H.D.); (J.L.d.O.); (D.E.L.)
| | - Rafael S. Floriano
- Laboratório de Toxinologia e Estudos Cardiovasculares, Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente 19067-175, SP, Brazil;
| | - Lourdes Dias
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.D.); (S.H.); (R.S.-R.)
| | - Stephen Hyslop
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.D.); (S.H.); (R.S.-R.)
| | - Raphael Schezaro-Ramos
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.D.); (S.H.); (R.S.-R.)
| | - Denis Servent
- Service d’Ingénierie Moléculaire pour la Santé (SIMoS), Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, Université Paris Saclay, Commissariat à l’énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), F-91191 Gif sur Yvette, France; (D.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Gilles Mourier
- Service d’Ingénierie Moléculaire pour la Santé (SIMoS), Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, Université Paris Saclay, Commissariat à l’énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), F-91191 Gif sur Yvette, France; (D.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Jéssica Lopes de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil; (H.D.); (J.L.d.O.); (D.E.L.)
| | - Douglas Edgard Lemes
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil; (H.D.); (J.L.d.O.); (D.E.L.)
| | - Letícia V. Costa-Lotufo
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Jane S. Oliveira
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil;
| | | | - Regina P. Markus
- Laboratório de Cronofarmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-090, SP, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Lee Ho
- Centro Bioindustrial, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil;
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Rodríguez-Vargas A, Franco-Vásquez AM, Bolívar-Barbosa JA, Vega N, Reyes-Montaño E, Arreguín-Espinosa R, Carbajal-Saucedo A, Angarita-Sierra T, Ruiz-Gómez F. Unveiling the Venom Composition of the Colombian Coral Snakes Micrurus helleri, M. medemi, and M. sangilensis. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:622. [PMID: 37999485 PMCID: PMC10674450 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15110622] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known of the biochemical composition and functional features of the venoms of poorly known Colombian coral snakes. Here, we provide a preliminary characterization of the venom of two Colombian endemic coral snake species, Micrurus medemi and M. sangilensis, as well as Colombian populations of M. helleri. Electrophoresis and RP-HPLC techniques were used to identify venom components, and assays were conducted to detect enzyme activities, including phospholipase A2, hyaluronidase, and protease activities. The median lethal dose was determined using murine models. Cytotoxic activities in primary cultures from hippocampal neurons and cancer cell lines were evaluated. The venom profiles revealed similarities in electrophoretic separation among proteins under 20 kDa. The differences in chromatographic profiles were significant, mainly between the fractions containing medium-/large-sized and hydrophobic proteins; this was corroborated by a proteomic analysis which showed the expected composition of neurotoxins from the PLA2 (~38%) and 3FTx (~17%) families; however, a considerable quantity of metalloproteinases (~12%) was detected. PLA2 activity and protease activity were higher in M. helleri venom according to qualitative and quantitative assays. M. medemi venom had the highest lethality. All venoms decreased cell viability when tested on tumoral cell cultures, and M. helleri venom had the highest activity in neuronal primary culture. These preliminary studies shed light on the venoms of understudied coral snakes and broaden the range of sources that could be used for subsequent investigations of components with applications to specific diseases. Our findings also have implications for the clinical manifestations of snake envenoming and improvements in its medical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Rodríguez-Vargas
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Departamento de Química, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia (N.V.); (E.R.-M.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Dirección de Producción, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (T.A.-S.); (F.R.-G.)
| | - Adrián Marcelo Franco-Vásquez
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico (R.A.-E.)
| | - Janeth Alejandra Bolívar-Barbosa
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Departamento de Química, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia (N.V.); (E.R.-M.)
| | - Nohora Vega
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Departamento de Química, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia (N.V.); (E.R.-M.)
| | - Edgar Reyes-Montaño
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Departamento de Química, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia (N.V.); (E.R.-M.)
| | - Roberto Arreguín-Espinosa
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico (R.A.-E.)
| | - Alejandro Carbajal-Saucedo
- Laboratorio de Herpetología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Mexico;
| | - Teddy Angarita-Sierra
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Dirección de Producción, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (T.A.-S.); (F.R.-G.)
- Grupo de investigación Biodiversidad para la Sociedad, Escuela de pregrados, Dirección Académica, Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede de La Paz, Cesar 22010, Colombia
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Dirección de Producción, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (T.A.-S.); (F.R.-G.)
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4
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Oliveira DD, Guerra-Duarte C, Stransky S, Scussel R, Pereira de Castro KL, Costal-Oliveira F, Aragão M, Oliveira-Souza GD, Saavedra-Langer R, Trevisan G, Bonilla-Ferreyra C, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Machado-de-Ávila RA. Toxic and antigenic characterization of Peruvian Micrurus surinamensis coral snake venom. Toxicon 2023; 225:107056. [PMID: 36804442 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107056] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Micrurus surinamensis is a semi-aquatic coral snake found in primary forest region and can cause relevant human accidents. In this work we investigated the toxic and antigenic activities of the Peruvian Micrurus surinamensis venom (MsV). We found that MsV show hyaluronidase activity but lack LAAO and PLA2 enzymatic activities. Interestingly, MsV induce edematogenic responses but cannot cause nociceptive effects. Furthermore, MsV can reduce in vitro cell viability in MGSO-3 cell line derived from human breast cancer tissue. To evaluate its antigenic potential, rabbits were immunized with MsV, which proved to be immunogenic. ELISA, immunobloting and in vivo neutralization assays demonstrated that the specific rabbit anti-MsV antivenom is more efficient than the therapeutic Brazilian antivenom in recognizing and neutralizing the lethal activity of MsV. MsV differs in protein profile and biological activities from M. frontalis venom (MfV), used as control, which impairs its recognition and neutralization by Brazilian therapeutic anti-elapidic antivenom. We performed a SPOT immunoassay for the identification of B-cell linear epitopes in the main toxins described for MsV targeted by the elicited neutralizing antibodies previously produced. A membrane containing 15-mer peptides representing the sequences of five 3TFxs and five PLA2s was produced and probed with anti- MsV antibodies. Results revealed important regions in 3FTx toxins for venom neutralization. Identifying the main MsV components and its biological activities can be helpful in guiding the production of antivenoms and in the optimization of treatment for coral snake envenomation in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daysiane de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Stephanie Stransky
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Rahisa Scussel
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Costal-Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Matheus Aragão
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gladstony de Oliveira-Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rafael Saavedra-Langer
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Trevisan
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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A current perspective on snake venom composition and constituent protein families. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:133-153. [PMID: 36437303 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03420-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are heterogeneous mixtures of proteins and peptides used for prey subjugation. With modern proteomics there has been a rapid expansion in our knowledge of snake venom composition, resulting in the venom proteomes of 30% of vipers and 17% of elapids being characterised. From the reasonably complete proteomic coverage of front-fanged snake venom composition (179 species-68 species of elapids and 111 species of vipers), the venoms of vipers and elapids contained 42 different protein families, although 18 were only reported in < 5% of snake species. Based on the mean abundance and occurrence of the 42 protein families, they can be classified into 4 dominant, 6 secondary, 14 minor, and 18 rare protein families. The dominant, secondary and minor categories account for 96% on average of a snake's venom composition. The four dominant protein families are: phospholipase A2 (PLA2), snake venom metalloprotease (SVMP), three-finger toxins (3FTx), and snake venom serine protease (SVSP). The six secondary protein families are: L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO), cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRiSP), C-type lectins (CTL), disintegrins (DIS), kunitz peptides (KUN), and natriuretic peptides (NP). Venom variation occurs at all taxonomic levels, including within populations. The reasons for venom variation are complex, as variation is not always associated with geographical variation in diet. The four dominant protein families appear to be the most important toxin families in human envenomation, being responsible for coagulopathy, neurotoxicity, myotoxicity and cytotoxicity. Proteomic techniques can be used to investigate the toxicological profile of a snake venom and hence identify key protein families for antivenom immunorecognition.
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6
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Casais-E-Silva LL, da Cruz-Hofling MA, Teixeira CFP. The edematogenic effect of Micrurus lemniscatus venom is dependent on venom phospholipase A 2 activity and modulated by non-neurogenic factors. Toxicol Lett 2022; 369:12-21. [PMID: 35970279 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.08.003] [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: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Coral snakes mainly cause neurotoxic symptoms in human envenomation, but experimental studies have already demonstrated several pharmacological activities in addition to these effects. This investigation was carried out with the aim of evaluating (1) non-neurogenic mechanisms involved in the inflammatory response induced by Micrurus lemniscatus venom (MLV) in rat hind paws, (2) participation of PLA2 in this response, and (3) neutralizing efficiency of commercial anti-elapid antivenom on edema. MLV promoted a rapid, significant increase in vascular permeability, influx of leukocytes, and disorganization of collagen bundles, as demonstrated by histological analysis. Several pretreatments were applied to establish the involvement of inflammatory mediators in MLV-induced edema (5 µg/paw). Treatment of animals with chlorpromazine reduced MLV-induced edema, indicating participation of TNF-α. However, the inefficiency of other pharmacological treatments suggests that eicosanoids, leukotrienes, and nitric oxide have no role in this type of edema formation. In contrast, PAF negatively modulates this venom-induced effect. MLV was recognized by anti-elapid serum, but this antivenom did not neutralize edema formation. Chemical modification of MLV with p-bromophenacyl bromide abrogated the phospholipase activity and markedly reduced edema, demonstrating PLA2 participation in MLV-induced edema. In conclusion, the non-neurogenic inflammatory profile of MLV is characterized by TNF-α-mediated edema, participation of PLA2 activity, and down-regulation by PAF. MLV induces an influx of leukocytes and destruction of collagen fibers at the site of its injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana L Casais-E-Silva
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunoendocrinology and Toxinology, Department of Bioregulation, Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil.
| | - Maria Alice da Cruz-Hofling
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Pharmacological Screening of Venoms from Five Brazilian Micrurus Species on Different Ion Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147714. [PMID: 35887062 PMCID: PMC9318628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral snake venoms from the Micrurus genus are a natural library of components with multiple targets, yet are poorly explored. In Brazil, 34 Micrurus species are currently described, and just a few have been investigated for their venom activities. Micrurus venoms are composed mainly of phospholipases A2 and three-finger toxins, which are responsible for neuromuscular blockade—the main envenomation outcome in humans. Beyond these two major toxin families, minor components are also important for the global venom activity, including Kunitz-peptides, serine proteases, 5′ nucleotidases, among others. In the present study, we used the two-microelectrode voltage clamp technique to explore the crude venom activities of five different Micrurus species from the south and southeast of Brazil: M. altirostris, M. corallinus, M. frontalis, M. carvalhoi and M. decoratus. All five venoms induced full inhibition of the muscle-type α1β1δε nAChR with different levels of reversibility. We found M. altirostris and M. frontalis venoms acting as partial inhibitors of the neuronal-type α7 nAChR with an interesting subsequent potentiation after one washout. We discovered that M. altirostris and M. corallinus venoms modulate the α1β2 GABAAR. Interestingly, the screening on KV1.3 showed that all five Micrurus venoms act as inhibitors, being totally reversible after the washout. Since this activity seems to be conserved among different species, we hypothesized that the Micrurus venoms may rely on potassium channel inhibitory activity as an important feature of their envenomation strategy. Finally, tests on NaV1.2 and NaV1.4 showed that these channels do not seem to be targeted by Micrurus venoms. In summary, the venoms tested are multifunctional, each of them acting on at least two different types of targets.
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8
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Baudou FG, Rodriguez JP, Fusco L, de Roodt AR, De Marzi MC, Leiva L. South American snake venoms with abundant neurotoxic components. Composition and toxicological properties. A literature review. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106119. [PMID: 34481791 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In South America there are three snake genera with predominantly neurotoxic venoms: Crotalus, Micrurus and Hydrophis, which include nine species/subspecies, 97 species and a single marine species, respectively. Although accidents with neurotoxic venoms are less frequent than those with anticoagulant, cytotoxic or necrotic venoms (e.g. from Bothrops), they are of major public health importance. Venoms from genus Crotalus have been extensively studied, while data on the venoms from the other two genera are very limited, especially for Hydrophis. The venoms of North and South American Crotalus species show biochemical and physiopathological differences. The former species cause bothrops-like envenomation symptoms, while the latter mainly have neurotoxic and myotoxic effects, leading to respiratory paralysis and, occasionally, renal failure by myoglobinuria and death, often with no local lesions. Micrurus and Hydrophis also cause neurotoxic envenomations. Many studies have isolated, identified and characterized new enzymes and toxins, thus expanding the knowledge of snake venom composition. The present review summarizes the currently available information on neurotoxic venoms from South American snakes, with a focus on protein composition and toxicological properties. It also includes some comments concerning potential medical applications of elapid and crotalic toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico G Baudou
- Universidad Nacional de Luján (UNLu), Depto. de Ciencias Básicas, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Inmunología, Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), UNLu-CONICET, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Juan P Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de la Facultad de Medicina (LIBIM), Instituto de Química Básica y Aplicada del Nordeste Argentino (IQUIBA-NEA), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNNE-CONICET), Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Luciano Fusco
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Proteínas (LabInPro), IQUIBA-NEA (UNNE, CONICET), FaCENA, (UNNE), Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Adolfo R de Roodt
- Área Investigación y Desarrollo-Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos, Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina; Primera Cátedra de Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Toxinopatología, Centro de Patología Experimental y Aplicada, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauricio C De Marzi
- Universidad Nacional de Luján (UNLu), Depto. de Ciencias Básicas, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Inmunología, Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), UNLu-CONICET, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Leiva
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Proteínas (LabInPro), IQUIBA-NEA (UNNE, CONICET), FaCENA, (UNNE), Corrientes, Argentina
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9
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Dashevsky D, Bénard-Valle M, Neri-Castro E, Youngman NJ, Zdenek CN, Alagón A, Portes-Junior JA, Frank N, Fry BG. Anticoagulant Micrurus venoms: Targets and neutralization. Toxicol Lett 2020; 337:91-97. [PMID: 33197555 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease with a massive global burden of injury and death. The best current treatments, antivenoms, are plagued by a number of logistical issues that limit supply and access in remote or poor regions. We explore the anticoagulant properties of venoms from the genus Micrurus (coral snakes), which have been largely unstudied, as well as the effectiveness of antivenom and a small-molecule phospholipase inhibitor-varespladib-at counteracting these effects. Our in vitro results suggest that these venoms likely interfere with the formation or function of the prothrombinase complex. We find that the anticoagulant potency varies widely across the genus and is especially pronounced in M. laticollaris. This variation does not appear to correspond to previously described patterns regarding the relative expression of the three-finger toxin and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) toxin families within the venoms of this genus. The coral snake antivenom Coralmyn, is largely unable to ameliorate these effects except for M. ibiboboca. Varespladib on the other hand completely abolished the anticoagulant activity of every venom. This is consistent with the growing body of results showing that varespladib may be an effective treatment for a wide range of toxicity caused by PLA2 toxins from many different snake species. Varespladib is a particularly attractive candidate to help alleviate the burden of snakebite because it is an approved drug that possesses several logistical advantages over antivenom including temperature stability and oral availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Dashevsky
- Toxin Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia; Australian National Insect Collection, Commonwealth Science and Industry Research Organization, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Melisa Bénard-Valle
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologa, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologa, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - Nicholas J Youngman
- Toxin Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Christina N Zdenek
- Toxin Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologa, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - José A Portes-Junior
- Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | | | - Bryan G Fry
- Toxin Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia.
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Cardiovascular activity of Micrurus lemniscatus lemniscatus (South American coralsnake) venom. Toxicon 2020; 186:58-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Braga JRM, Jorge ARC, Marinho AD, Silveira JADM, Nogueira-Junior FA, Valle MB, Alagón A, de Menezes RRPPB, Martins AMC, Feijão LX, Monteiro HSA, Jorge RJB. Renal effects of venoms of Mexican coral snakes Micrurus browni and Micrurus laticollaris. Toxicon 2020; 181:45-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.04.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Bolívar-Barbosa JA, Rodríguez-Vargas AL. Actividad neurotóxica del veneno de serpientes del género Micrurus y métodos para su análisis. Revisión de la literatura. REVISTA DE LA FACULTAD DE MEDICINA 2020. [DOI: 10.15446/revfacmed.v68n3.75992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introducción. Las serpientes del género Micrurus son animales de hábitos fosoriales, de temperamento pasivo y escasa producción de un potente veneno con características neurotóxicas que bloquean la transmisión sináptica en la placa neuromuscular.Objetivo. Presentar un panorama general de la neurotoxicidad del veneno de las serpientes Micrurus y su caracterización funcional mediante métodos de análisis ex vivo.Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura en MedLine y ScienceDirect usando términos específicos y sus combinaciones. Estrategia de búsqueda: tipo de estudios: artículos sobre la neurotoxicidad del veneno de serpientes Micrurus y técnicas para determinar su actividad neurotóxica mediante modelos in vitro, in vivo y ex vivo; periodo de publicación: sin limite inicial a junio de 2018; idiomas: inglés y español.Resultados. De los 88 estudios identificados en la búsqueda inicial, se excluyeron 28 por no cumplir los criterios de inclusión (basándose en la lectura de títulos y resúmenes); además, se incluyeron 8 documentos adicionales (libros e informes), que, a criterio de los autores, complementaban la información reportada por las referencias seleccionadas. Los estudios incluidos en la revisión (n=68) correspondieron a las siguientes tipologías: investigaciones originales (n=44), artículos de revisión (n=16) y capítulos de libros, informes, guías y consultas en internet (n=8).Conclusiones. Los estudios que describen el uso de preparaciones ex vivo de músculo y nervio para evaluar el efecto de neurotoxinas ofrecen un buen modelo para la caracterización del efecto presináptico y postsináptico del veneno producido por las serpientes Micrurus.
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Soares TG, Santos JLD, Alvarenga VGD, Santos JSC, Leclercq SY, Faria CD, Oliveira MAA, Bemquerer MP, Sanchez EOF, de Lima ME, Figueiredo SG, Borges MH. Biochemical and functional properties of a new l-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) from Micrurus lemniscatus snake venom. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 154:1517-1527. [PMID: 31759013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study reports the purification of ML-LAAO, a new LAAO from the venom of Micrurus lemniscatus snake (ML-V), using size exclusion chromatography. ML-LAAO is a 69-kDa glycoprotein that represents ~2.0% of total venom proteins. This enzyme exhibited optimal activity at pH 8.5, displaying high specificity toward hydrophobic l-amino acids. MALDI TOF/TOF and Blast analysis identified internal segments in ML-LAAO that share high sequence identity with homologous snake venom LAAOs. Western blot analysis on two-dimensional SDS-PAGE of ML-V, using anti-LAAO revealed the presence of ML-LAAO isoforms (pI 6.3-8.9). ML-LAAO blocked aggregation induced by collagen on washed platelets in a rather weak manner, it did not, however, inhibit platelet aggregation induced by ADP on platelet-rich plasma. In addition, this enzyme displayed in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC/MBC of 0.39 μg/mL) and in vitro leishmanicidal action against Leishmania amazonensis and L. chagasi (IC50 values of 0.14 and 0.039 μg/mL, respectively). These activities were significantly reduced by catalase, suggesting that hydrogen peroxide production is involved in some way. The data presented here revealed that ML-LAAO has bactericidal and leishmanicidal effects, suggesting that it may have therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Geraldo Soares
- Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro 80, Gameleira, 30510-010 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Leal Dos Santos
- Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro 80, Gameleira, 30510-010 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Janete Soares Coelho Santos
- Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro 80, Gameleira, 30510-010 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sophie Yvette Leclercq
- Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro 80, Gameleira, 30510-010 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carmem Dolores Faria
- Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro 80, Gameleira, 30510-010 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Porto Bemquerer
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Parque Estação Biológica, Av. W5 Norte (final), Asa Norte, 70770-917 Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Elena de Lima
- Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Rua Domingos Vieira, 590. Santa Efigência, 30150-240 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Suely Gomes Figueiredo
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Av. Marechal Campos 1468, Maruípe, 29043-900 Vitória, Espiríto Santo, Brazil
| | - Márcia Helena Borges
- Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro 80, Gameleira, 30510-010 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Neurotoxicity of Micrurus lemniscatus lemniscatus (South American coralsnake) venom in vertebrate neuromuscular preparations in vitro and neutralization by antivenom. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:2065-2086. [PMID: 31123802 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02476-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effect of South American coralsnake (Micrurus lemniscatus lemniscatus) venom on neurotransmission in vertebrate nerve-muscle preparations in vitro. The venom (0.1-30 µg/ml) showed calcium-dependent PLA2 activity and caused irreversible neuromuscular blockade in chick biventer cervicis (BC) and mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm (PND) preparations. In BC preparations, contractures to exogenous acetylcholine and carbachol (CCh), but not KCl, were abolished by venom concentrations ≥ 0.3 µg/ml; in PND preparations, the amplitude of the tetanic response was progressively attenuated, but with little tetanic fade. In low Ca2+ physiological solution, venom (10 µg/ml) caused neuromuscular blockade in PND preparations within ~ 10 min that was reversible by washing; the addition of Ca2+ immediately after the blockade temporarily restored the twitch responses, but did not prevent the progression to irreversible blockade. Venom (10 µg/ml) did not depolarize diaphragm muscle, prevent depolarization by CCh, or cause muscle contracture or histological damage. Venom (3 µg/ml) had a biphasic effect on the frequency of miniature end-plate potentials, but did not affect their amplitude; there was a progressive decrease in the amplitude of evoked end-plate potentials. The amplitude of compound action potentials in mouse sciatic nerve was unaffected by venom (10 µg/ml). Pre-incubation of venom with coralsnake antivenom (Instituto Butantan) at the recommended antivenom:venom ratio did not neutralize the neuromuscular blockade in PND preparations, but total neutralization was achieved with a tenfold greater volume of antivenom. The addition of antivenom after 50% and 80% blockade restored the twitch responses. These results show that M. lemniscatus lemniscatus venom causes potent, irreversible neuromuscular blockade, without myonecrosis. This blockade is apparently mediated by pre- and postsynaptic neurotoxins and can be reversed by coralsnake antivenom.
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15
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New insights into the phylogeographic distribution of the 3FTx/PLA2 venom dichotomy across genus Micrurus in South America. J Proteomics 2019; 200:90-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Medeiros CRD, Souza SND, Lara AN, Grego KF. Use of infrared thermography in a case of systemic envenomation by the coral snake Micrurus frontalis (Duméril et al., 1854) in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Toxicon 2019; 163:70-73. [PMID: 30905699 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Infrared thermography is a technique that quantifies the thermal (infrared) radiation emitted by an object and produces a high-resolution, digital thermal image of it. Medically, this technique is used to visualize the body's surface temperature distribution in a non-invasive, safe, and convenient fashion. However, to the best of our knowledge, the use of infrared thermography for assessing the systemic effects of envenomation by coral snakes has not been reported. In this case report, we describe the use of this technique in the management of a case of snakebite in Sao Paulo, Brazil. A 51-year-old woman was bitten on the back of the right hand by Micrurus frontalis, a species of coral snake, 10 min prior to her arrival at the hospital. Infrared imaging performed at admission revealed elevated temperatures at the bite site and in the elbow, as well as the preservation of a normal distal thermal gradient in both hands. A few minutes later, the patient developed muscle weakness in the upper limbs and in the eyelids, and infrared imaging showed an alteration of the thermal gradient in both hands, reflecting the systemic action of the venom. Following these observations, the patient was treated with the specific antivenom and was discharged 48 h post admission. At the two-week follow-up, the thermal image obtained showed no anomalies, indicating the recovery of the patient. Hence, infrared thermography can be very useful in the early identification of systemic neurotoxicity in cases of Micrurus snake bites, facilitating the decision to prescribe the antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Solange Nogueira de Souza
- Hospital Vital Brazil, Instituto Butantan, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Nazareth Lara
- Hospital Vital Brazil, Instituto Butantan, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Kathleen Fernandes Grego
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Mendes GF, Stuginski DR, Loibel SMC, de Morais-Zani K, da Rocha MMT, Fernandes W, Sant’Anna SS, Grego KF. Factors that can influence the survival rates of coral snakes (Micrurus corallinus) for antivenom production. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:972-980. [PMID: 30541079 PMCID: PMC6358253 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Envenoming and deaths resulting from snakebites are a particularly important public health problem in rural tropical areas of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and New Guinea. In 2015, The Lancet highlighted snake-bite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease and urged the world to increase antivenom production. In Brazil, around 20,000 snakebites occur per year affecting mostly agricultural workers and children, of which 1% is caused by coral snakes (Micrurus sp.). Although human envenoming by coral snakes is relatively rare due to their semifossorial habits and nonaggressive behavior, they are always considered severe due to the neurotoxic, myotoxic, hemorrhagic, and cardiovascular actions of their venom, which is highly toxic when compared to the venom of other Brazilian venomous snakes as Bothrops sp. (pit vipers), Crotalus sp. (rattlesnakes), and Lachesis sp. (bushmasters). The production of antivenom serum is an important public health issue worldwide and the maintenance of venomous snakes in captivity essential to obtain high-quality venom. Though more than 30 species of Brazilian coral snakes exist, the specific antivenom serum produced with the venom of two species, Micrurus corallinus and M. frontalis, is able to neutralize the accidents caused by the genus in general. M. corallinus is considered a difficult species to maintain in captivity and concerned about this difficulty the Laboratory of Herpetology (LH) at Instituto Butantan, over the last 10 yr, has given special attention to its maintenance in captivity. In more than 20 yr of maintenance, LH has made some changes to improve Micrurus captive husbandry and welfare. The objective of this study was to verify the factors influencing the survival rates of coral snakes in captivity through data generated from 289 M. corallinus from the LH snake facility in the last 10 yr. We observed that survival rates increased significantly with the improvement of nutritional adequacy that included freezing food items before offering them to coral snakes, as well as the development of a new pasty diet to force-feed anorexic animals. Another important factor responsible for increasing life expectancy was the shift of the cage's substrate from Sphagnum to bark in 2010, aiding in the eradication of Blister Disease, which used to be responsible for the death of several coral snakes in previous years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme F Mendes
- Laboratório de Herpetologia do Instituto Butantan, CEP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel R Stuginski
- Laboratório de Herpetologia do Instituto Butantan, CEP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Selene M C Loibel
- UNESP – Universidade Estadual Paulista, DEMAC/IGCE, Campus Rio Claro, CEP, Caixa Postal, Rio Claro/SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wilson Fernandes
- Laboratório de Herpetologia do Instituto Butantan, CEP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sávio S Sant’Anna
- Laboratório de Herpetologia do Instituto Butantan, CEP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kathleen F Grego
- Laboratório de Herpetologia do Instituto Butantan, CEP, São Paulo, Brazil
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Salazar E, Salazar AM, Taylor P, Ibarra C, Rodríguez-Acosta A, Sánchez E, Pérez K, Brito B, Guerrero B. Pro-inflammatory response and hemostatic disorder induced by venom of the coral snake Micrurus tener tener IN C57BL/6 mice. Toxicon 2018; 150:212-219. [PMID: 29890232 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Micrurus venoms are known to induce mainly neurotoxicity in victims. However, other manifestations, including hemorrhage, edema, myotoxicity, complement activation, and hemostatic activity have been reported. In order to develop a more complete pharmacological profile of these venoms, inflammatory responses and hemostasis were evaluated in C57BL/6 mice treated with a sub-lethal dose of M. t. tener (Mtt) venom (8 μg/mouse), inoculated intraperitoneally. The venom induced moderate bleeding into the abdominal cavity and lungs, as well as infiltration of leukocytes into the liver. After 30 min, the release of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, and NO) were observed, being most evident at 4 h. There was a decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels at 72 h, a prolongation in coagulation times (PT and aPTT), a decrease in the fibrinogen concentration and an increase in fibrinolytic activity. In this animal model, it was proposed that Mtt venom induces inflammation with the release of mediators such as TNF-α, in response to the toxins. These mediators may activate hemostatic mechanisms, producing systemic fibrinolysis and hemorrhage. These findings suggest alternative treatments in Micrurus envenomations in which neurotoxic manifestations do not predominate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emelyn Salazar
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología, Centro de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Ana Maria Salazar
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología, Centro de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Peter Taylor
- Laboratorio de Patología Celular y Molecular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Carlos Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología, Centro de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Alexis Rodríguez-Acosta
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Ultraestructura, Instituto Anatómico de la Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Elda Sánchez
- National Natural Toxins Research Center (NNTRC), Texas A&M University-Kingsville, MSC 158, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Karin Pérez
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología, Centro de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Beatriz Brito
- Laboratorio de Patología Celular y Molecular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Belsy Guerrero
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología, Centro de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela.
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da Silva IM, Bernal JC, Gonçalves Bisneto PF, Tavares AM, de Moura VM, Monteiro-Junior CS, Raad R, Bernarde PS, Sachett JDAG, Monteiro WM. Snakebite by Micrurus averyi (Schmidt, 1939) in the Brazilian Amazon basin: Case report. Toxicon 2018; 141:51-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Casais-e-Silva LL, Teixeira C. Neurogenic mediators contribute to local edema induced by Micrurus lemniscatus venom. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005874. [PMID: 29161255 PMCID: PMC5716551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Micrurus is one of the four snake genera of medical importance in Brazil. Coral snakes have a broad geographic distribution from the southern United States to Argentina. Micrurine envenomation is characterized by neurotoxic symptoms leading to dyspnea and death. Moreover, various local manifestations, including edema formation, have been described in patients bitten by different species of Micrurus. Thus, we investigated the ability of Micrurus lemniscatus venom (MLV) to induce local edema. We also explored mechanisms underlying this effect, focusing on participation of neuropeptides and mast cells. Methodology/Principal findings Intraplantar injection of MLV (1–10 μg/paw) in rats caused dose- and time-dependent edema with a peak between 15 min and 1 h after injection. MLV also induced degranulation of peritoneal mast cells (MCs). MC depletion by compound 48/80 markedly reduced MLV-induced edema. Pre-treatment (30 min) of rats with either promethazine a histamine H1 receptor antagonist or methysergide, a nonselective 5-HT receptor antagonist, reduced MLV-induced edema. However, neither thioperamide, a histamine H3/H4 receptor antagonist, nor co-injection of MLV with HOE-140, a BK2 receptor antagonist, altered the response. Depletion of neuropeptides by capsaicin or treatment of animals with NK1- and NK2-receptor antagonists (SR 140333 and SR 48968, respectively) markedly reduced MLV-induced edema. Conclusions/Significance In conclusion, MLV induces paw edema in rats by mechanisms involving activation of mast cells and substance P-releasing sensory C-fibers. Tachykinins NKA and NKB, histamine, and serotonin are major mediators of the MLV-induced edematogenic response. Targeting mast cell- and sensory C-fiber-derived mediators should be considered as potential therapeutic approaches to interrupt development of local edema induced by Micrurus venoms. Micrurus venoms have neurotoxic activity that is responsible for the serious sequelae in human envenomation. However, various local manifestations of envenoming have been described in patients bitten by different Micrurus species and edematogenic activity has been experimentally demonstrated. Despite the low frequency of edema in Micrurus envenomation, this effect can worsen the clinical manifestations. However, there are few studies on local inflammatory effects induced by Micrurus snake venom. We investigated the edematogenic effect of Micrurus lemniscatus venom (MLV) and participation of neuropeptides and mast cells in inflammation. Results demonstrate that MLV induces prominent edema with rapid onset. Using specific pharmacological interferences, we found that MLV-induced edema is dependent on activation of mast cells and substance P-releasing sensory C-fibers. NKA and NKB tachykinins, histamine via H1 receptor and serotonin are major mediators of the MLV-induced edematogenic response. These findings suggest that mast cell- and C-fiber-derived mediators are promising therapeutic targets to efficiently counteract the local edema induced by Micrururs venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Lyra Casais-e-Silva
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunoendocrinology and Toxinology, Department of Bioregulation, Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Catarina Teixeira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Aird SD, da Silva NJ, Qiu L, Villar-Briones A, Saddi VA, Pires de Campos Telles M, Grau ML, Mikheyev AS. Coralsnake Venomics: Analyses of Venom Gland Transcriptomes and Proteomes of Six Brazilian Taxa. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E187. [PMID: 28594382 PMCID: PMC5488037 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9060187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Venom gland transcriptomes and proteomes of six Micrurus taxa (M. corallinus, M. lemniscatus carvalhoi, M. lemniscatus lemniscatus, M. paraensis, M. spixii spixii, and M. surinamensis) were investigated, providing the most comprehensive, quantitative data on Micrurus venom composition to date, and more than tripling the number of Micrurus venom protein sequences previously available. The six venomes differ dramatically. All are dominated by 2-6 toxin classes that account for 91-99% of the toxin transcripts. The M. s. spixii venome is compositionally the simplest. In it, three-finger toxins (3FTxs) and phospholipases A₂ (PLA₂s) comprise >99% of the toxin transcripts, which include only four additional toxin families at levels ≥0.1%. Micrurus l. lemniscatus venom is the most complex, with at least 17 toxin families. However, in each venome, multiple structural subclasses of 3FTXs and PLA₂s are present. These almost certainly differ in pharmacology as well. All venoms also contain phospholipase B and vascular endothelial growth factors. Minor components (0.1-2.0%) are found in all venoms except that of M. s. spixii. Other toxin families are present in all six venoms at trace levels (<0.005%). Minor and trace venom components differ in each venom. Numerous novel toxin chemistries include 3FTxs with previously unknown 8- and 10-cysteine arrangements, resulting in new 3D structures and target specificities. 9-cysteine toxins raise the possibility of covalent, homodimeric 3FTxs or heterodimeric toxins with unknown pharmacologies. Probable muscarinic sequences may be reptile-specific homologs that promote hypotension via vascular mAChRs. The first complete sequences are presented for 3FTxs putatively responsible for liberating glutamate from rat brain synaptosomes. Micrurus C-type lectin-like proteins may have 6-9 cysteine residues and may be monomers, or homo- or heterodimers of unknown pharmacology. Novel KSPIs, 3× longer than any seen previously, appear to have arisen in three species by gene duplication and fusion. Four species have transcripts homologous to the nociceptive toxin, (MitTx) α-subunit, but all six species had homologs to the β-subunit. The first non-neurotoxic, non-catalytic elapid phospholipase A₂s are reported. All are probably myonecrotic. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the six taxa diverged 15-35 million years ago and that they split from their last common ancestor with Old World elapines nearly 55 million years ago. Given their early diversification, many cryptic micrurine taxa are anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Aird
- Division of Faculty Affairs, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa-ken 904-0495, Japan.
- Ecology and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa-ken 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Nelson Jorge da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 74605-140, Brazil.
| | - Lijun Qiu
- Ecology and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa-ken 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Alejandro Villar-Briones
- Research Support Division, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa-ken 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Vera Aparecida Saddi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 74605-140, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Oncogenética e Radiobiologia da Associação de Combate ao Câncer em Goiás, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua 239 no. 52-Setor Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás 74065-070, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Pires de Campos Telles
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 74605-140, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Genética & Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil.
| | - Miguel L Grau
- Ecology and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa-ken 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Alexander S Mikheyev
- Ecology and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa-ken 904-0495, Japan.
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Oliveira FDR, Noronha MDDN, Lozano JLL. Biological and molecular properties of yellow venom of the Amazonian coral snake Micrurus surinamensis. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2017; 50:365-373. [DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0408-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Lomonte B, Rey-Suárez P, Fernández J, Sasa M, Pla D, Vargas N, Bénard-Valle M, Sanz L, Corrêa-Netto C, Núñez V, Alape-Girón A, Alagón A, Gutiérrez JM, Calvete JJ. Venoms of Micrurus coral snakes: Evolutionary trends in compositional patterns emerging from proteomic analyses. Toxicon 2016; 122:7-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Henao Duque AM, Núñez Rangel V. Maintenance of red-tail coral snake (Micrurus mipartitus) in captivity and evaluation of individual venom variability. ACTA BIOLÓGICA COLOMBIANA 2016. [DOI: 10.15446/abc.v21n3.51651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
La coral “rabo de ají” es una coral bicolor larga y delgada. Esta especie está ampliamente distribuida en Colombia y es la coral que causa el mayor número de accidentes en la región Andina, por esto es importante mantener esta especie en cautiverio con fines de producción de antivenenos e investigación. No obstante, el mantenimiento de esta especie en cautiverio es difícil, debido a que se rehúsan a alimentarse voluntariamente y a que presentan alta mortalidad por el denominado síndrome de mal adaptación. En este estudio se evaluaron varios sustratos para el mantenimiento, además de una dieta forzada y una técnica de ordeño. Adicionalmente, se evaluó la variabilidad individual del veneno a través de cromatografía liquida de alta eficiencia (HPLC), electroforesis (SDS-PAGE) y las actividades coagulante, anticoagulante y hemolítica indirecta. Los resultados de este estudio demostraron que fue posible incrementar la sobrevivencia de esta especie en cautiverio, así como determinar algunos factores importantes en su mantenimiento. A partir de la evaluación del veneno se encontraron diferencias en el número y en la intensidad de picos en la cromatografía, así como en algunas de sus actividades biológicas.
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Integrative characterization of the venom of the coral snake Micrurus dumerilii (Elapidae) from Colombia: Proteome, toxicity, and cross-neutralization by antivenom. J Proteomics 2016; 136:262-73. [PMID: 26883873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2016.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED In Colombia, nearly 2.8% of the 4200 snakebite accidents recorded annually are inflicted by coral snakes (genus Micrurus). Micrurus dumerilii has a broad distribution in this country, especially in densely populated areas. The proteomic profile of its venom was here studied by a bottom-up approach combining RP-HPLC, SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF/TOF. Venom proteins were assigned to eleven families, the most abundant being phospholipases A2 (PLA2; 52.0%) and three-finger toxins (3FTx; 28.1%). This compositional profile shows that M. dumerilii venom belongs to the 'PLA2-rich' phenotype, in the recently proposed dichotomy for Micrurus venoms. Enzymatic and toxic venom activities correlated with protein family abundances. Whole venom induced a conspicuous myotoxic, cytotoxic and anticoagulant effect, and was mildly edematogenic and proteolytic, whereas it lacked hemorrhagic activity. Some 3FTxs and PLA2s reproduced the lethal effect of venom. A coral snake antivenom to Micrurus nigrocinctus demonstrated significant cross-recognition of M. dumerilii venom proteins, and accordingly, ability to neutralize its lethal effect. The combined compositional, functional, and immunological data here reported for M. dumerilii venom may contribute to a better understanding of these envenomings, and support the possible use of anti-M. nigrocinctus coral snake antivenom in their treatment. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE Coral snakes represent a highly diversified group of elapids in the New World, with nearly 70 species within the genus Micrurus. Owing to their scarce yields, the biochemical composition and toxic activities of coral snake venoms have been less well characterized than those of viperid species. In this work, an integrative view of the venom of M. dumerilii, a medically relevant coral snake from Colombia, was obtained by a combined proteomic, functional, and immunological approach. The venom contains proteins from at least eleven families, with a predominance of phospholipases A2 (PLA2), followed by three-finger toxins (3FTx). According to its compositional profile, M. dumerilii venom can be grouped with those of several Micrurus species from North and Central America that present a PLA2-predominant phenotype, to date it is the most southerly coral snake species to do so. Other coral snake species that a 'PLA2-rich' venom, M. dumerilii venom contains both components that form MitTx, a pain-inducing heterodimeric complex recently characterized from the venom of Micrurus tener, also present in Micrurus mosquitensis and M. nigrocinctus venoms. In addition to a lethal three-finger toxin, PLA2s participate in the toxicity of M. dumerilii venom, some of them displaying ability to induce cytolysis, muscle necrosis, and lethality to mice. An antivenom to M. nigrocinctus demonstrated significant cross-recognition of M. dumerilii venom proteins, and accordingly, ability to neutralize its lethal effect, being of potential therapeutic usefulness in these envenomings.
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Bucaretchi F, De Capitani EM, Vieira RJ, Rodrigues CK, Zannin M, Da Silva NJ, Casais-e-Silva LL, Hyslop S. Coral snake bites (Micrurus spp.) in Brazil: a review of literature reports. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2016; 54:222-34. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2015.1135337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Bucaretchi
- Campinas Poison Control Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Mello De Capitani
- Campinas Poison Control Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ronan José Vieira
- Campinas Poison Control Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cinthia K. Rodrigues
- Santa Catarina Poison Control Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Marlene Zannin
- Santa Catarina Poison Control Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Health Science Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Nelson J. Da Silva
- Department of Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - Stephen Hyslop
- Campinas Poison Control Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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de Oliveira F, de Sousa BB, Mamede CCN, de Morais NCG, de Queiroz MR, da Cunha Pereira DF, Matias MS, Homi Brandeburgo MI. Biochemical and functional characterization of BmooSP, a new serine protease from Bothrops moojeni snake venom. Toxicon 2016; 111:130-8. [PMID: 26797102 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.01.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 09/30/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we describe the purification and characterization of a new serine protease enzyme from Bothrops moojeni snake venom (BmooSP). On SDS-PAGE, BmooSP was found to be a single-chain protein with an apparent molecular mass of 36,000 and 32,000 under reduced and non-reduced conditions, respectively. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that the BmooSP is composed by two isoforms with molecular mass of 30,363 and 30,070, respectively. The purified enzyme consists of 277 amino acid residues, disregarding the cysteine and tryptophan residues that have been degraded by acid hydrolysis, and its N-terminal sequence showed similarity with other serine protease enzymes. BmooSP induced blood-clotting in vitro, defibrination in vivo, caseinolytic and fibrin(ogen)olytic activities. The enzyme is stable at high temperatures (up to 100 °C) and shows maximum activity at pH around 7.0. Preliminary results show that BmooSP can induce the formation of a stable fibrin clot for more than 10 days. BmooSP presents medical interest because it can be used as biodegradable fibrin glue and for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disorders because of its ability to promote the defibrination in vivo, decreasing blood viscosity and improving blood circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio de Oliveira
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia MG, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica (N-Biofar), Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil.
| | - Bruna Barbosa de Sousa
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia MG, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica (N-Biofar), Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - Carla Cristine Neves Mamede
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia MG, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica (N-Biofar), Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - Nadia Cristina Gomes de Morais
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia MG, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica (N-Biofar), Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - Mayara Ribeiro de Queiroz
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia MG, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Nano-Biofarmacêutica (N-Biofar), Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana S Matias
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia MG, Brazil
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Biological characterization of the Amazon coral Micrurus spixii snake venom: Isolation of a new neurotoxic phospholipase A2. Toxicon 2015; 103:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Comparison of total protein and phospholipase A2 levels in individual coralsnake venoms. Toxicon 2013; 76:59-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Margres MJ, Aronow K, Loyacano J, Rokyta DR. The venom-gland transcriptome of the eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) reveals high venom complexity in the intragenomic evolution of venoms. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:531. [PMID: 23915248 PMCID: PMC3750283 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Snake venom is shaped by the ecology and evolution of venomous species, and signals of positive selection in toxins have been consistently documented, reflecting the role of venoms as an ecologically critical phenotype. New World coral snakes (Elapidae) are represented by three genera and over 120 species and subspecies that are capable of causing significant human morbidity and mortality, yet coral-snake venom composition is poorly understood in comparison to that of Old World elapids. High-throughput sequencing is capable of identifying thousands of loci, while providing characterizations of expression patterns and the molecular evolutionary forces acting within the venom gland. RESULTS We describe the de novo assembly and analysis of the venom-gland transcriptome of the eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius). We identified 1,950 nontoxin transcripts and 116 toxin transcripts. These transcripts accounted for 57.1% of the total reads, with toxins accounting for 45.8% of the total reads. Phospholipases A(2) and three-finger toxins dominated expression, accounting for 86.0% of the toxin reads. A total of 15 toxin families were identified, revealing venom complexity previously unknown from New World coral snakes. Toxins exhibited high levels of heterozygosity relative to nontoxins, and overdominance may favor gene duplication leading to the fixation of advantageous alleles. Phospholipase A(2) expression was uniformly distributed throughout the class while three-finger toxin expression was dominated by a handful of transcripts, and phylogenetic analyses indicate that toxin divergence may have occurred following speciation. Positive selection was detected in three of the four most diverse toxin classes, suggesting that venom diversification is driven by recurrent directional selection. CONCLUSIONS We describe the most complete characterization of an elapid venom gland to date. Toxin gene duplication may be driven by heterozygote advantage, as the frequency of polymorphic toxin loci was significantly higher than that of nontoxins. Diversification among toxins appeared to follow speciation reflecting species-specific adaptation, and this divergence may be directly related to dietary shifts and is suggestive of a coevolutionary arms race.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Margres
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4295, USA
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Leite dos Santos GG, Casais e Silva LL, Pereira Soares MB, Villarreal CF. Antinociceptive properties of Micrurus lemniscatus venom. Toxicon 2012; 60:1005-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2012] [Revised: 05/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Chacón D, Rodríguez S, Arias J, Solano G, Bonilla F, Gómez A. Maintaining Coral Snakes (Micrurus nigrocinctus, Serpentes: Elapidae) for venom production on an alternative fish-based diet. Toxicon 2012; 60:249-53. [PMID: 22538193 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.04.332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Revised: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
American Elapid snakes (Coral Snakes) comprise the genera Leptomicrurus, Micruroides and Micrurus, which form a vast taxonomic assembly of 330 species distributed from the South of United States to the southern region of South America. In order to obtain venom for animal immunizations aimed at antivenom production, Coral Snakes must be kept in captivity and submitted periodically to venom extraction procedures. Thus, to maintain a snake colony in good health for this purpose, a complete alternative diet utilizing an easily obtained prey animal is desirable. The development of a diet based on fish is compared to the wild diet based on colubrid snakes, and assessed in terms of gain in body weight rate (g/week), longevity (weeks), venom yield (mg/individual), venom median lethal dose (LD₅₀) and venom chromatographic profiles. The animals fed with the fish-based diet gained more weight, lived longer, and produced similar amount of venom whose biological and biochemical characteristics were similar to those of venom collected from specimens fed with the wild diet. This fish-based diet appears to be suitable (and preferable to the wild diet) to supply the nutritional requirements of a Micrurus nigrocinctus snake collection for the production of antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Chacón
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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de Roodt AR, Lago NR, Stock RP. Myotoxicity and nephrotoxicity by Micrurus venoms in experimental envenomation. Toxicon 2012; 59:356-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Revised: 11/09/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Renjifo C, Smith EN, Hodgson WC, Renjifo JM, Sanchez A, Acosta R, Maldonado JH, Riveros A. Neuromuscular activity of the venoms of the Colombian coral snakes Micrurus dissoleucus and Micrurus mipartitus: an evolutionary perspective. Toxicon 2011; 59:132-42. [PMID: 22108621 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Revised: 10/23/2011] [Accepted: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
The venoms of coral snakes (genus Micrurus) are known to induce a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. While some studies have investigated their potential human effects, little is known about their mechanism of action in terms of the ecological diversity and evolutionary relationships among the group. In the current study we investigated the neuromuscular blockade of the venom of two sister species Micrurus mipartitus and Micrurus dissoleucus, which exhibit divergent ecological characteristics in Colombia, by using the chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation. We also undertook a phylogenetic analysis of these species and their congeners, in order to provide an evolutionary framework for the American coral snakes. The venom of M. mipartitus caused a concentration-dependant inhibition (3-10 μg/ml) of nerve-mediated twitches and significantly inhibited contractile responses to exogenous ACh (1 mM), but not KCl (40 mM), indicating a postsynaptic mechanism of action. The inhibition of indirect twitches at the lower venom dose (3 μg/ml) showed to be triphasic and the effect was further attenuated when PLA2 was inhibited. M. dissoleucus venom (10-50 μg/ml) failed to produce a complete blockade of nerve-mediated twitches within a 3 h time period and significantly inhibited contractile responses to exogenous ACh (1 mM) and KCl (40 mM), indicating both postsynaptic and myotoxic mechanisms of action. Myotoxic activity was confirmed by morphological studies of the envenomed tissues. Our results demonstrate a hitherto unsuspected diversity of pharmacological actions in closely related species which exhibit divergent ecological characteristics; these results have important implications for both the clinical management of Coral snake envenomings and the design of Micrurus antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Renjifo
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Ciscotto PHC, Rates B, Silva DAF, Richardson M, Silva LP, Andrade H, Donato MF, Cotta GA, Maria WS, Rodrigues RJ, Sanchez E, De Lima ME, Pimenta AMC. Venomic analysis and evaluation of antivenom cross-reactivity of South American Micrurus species. J Proteomics 2011; 74:1810-25. [PMID: 21803179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2011.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Revised: 07/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Coral snakes from Micrurus genus are the main representatives of the Elapidae family in South America. However, biochemical and pharmacological features regarding their venom constituents remain poorly investigated. Here, venomic analyses were carried out aiming at a deeper understanding on the composition of M. frontalis, M. ibiboboca, and M. lemniscatus venoms. In the three venoms investigated, proteins ranging from 6 to 8 kDa (3FTx) and 12 to 14 kDa (PLA(2)) were found to be the most abundant. Also, the N-terminal sequences of four new proteins, purified from the M. lemniscatus venom, similar to 3FTx, PLA(2) and Kunitz-type protease inhibitor from other Micrurus and elapid venoms are reported. Cross-reactivity among different Micrurus venoms and homologous or heterologous antivenoms was carried out by means of 2D-electrophoresis and immunoblotting. As, expected, the heterologous anti-Elapid venom displayed the highest degree of cross-reactivity. Conversely, anti-M. corallinus reacted weakly against the tested venoms. In gel digestions, followed by mass spectrometry sequencing and similarity searching, revealed the most immunogenic protein families as similar to short and long neurotoxins, weak neurotoxins, PLA(2), β-bungarotoxin, venom protein E2, frontoxin III, LAO and C-type lectin. The implications of our results for the production of Micrurus antivenoms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula H C Ciscotto
- Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Salazar AM, Vivas J, Sánchez EE, Rodríguez-Acosta A, Ibarra C, Gil A, Carvajal Z, Girón ME, Estrella A, Navarrete LF, Guerrero B. Hemostatic and toxinological diversities in venom of Micrurus tener tener, Micrurus fulvius fulvius and Micrurus isozonus coral snakes. Toxicon 2011; 58:35-45. [PMID: 21596052 PMCID: PMC3304457 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2010] [Revised: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The coral snake Micrurus tener tener (Mtt) from the Elapidae family inhabits the southwestern United States and produces severe cases of envenomations. Although the majority of Mtt venom components are neurotoxins and phospholipase A₂s, this study demonstrated, by SDS-PAGE and molecular exclusion chromatography (MEC), that these venoms also contain high-molecular-weight proteins between 50 and 150 kDa that target the hemostatic system. The biological aspects of other Micrurus venoms were also studied, such as the LD₅₀s of Micrurus isozonus (from 0.52 to 0.61 mg/kg). A pool from these venoms presented a LD₅₀ of 0.57 mg/kg, Micrurus f. fulvius (Mff) and Mtt had LD₅₀s of 0.32 and 0.78 mg/kg, respectively. These venoms contained fibrino(geno)lytic activity, they inhibited platelet aggregation, as well as factor Xa and/or plasmin-like activities. M. isozonus venoms from different Venezuelan geographical regions inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation (from 50 to 68%). Micrurus tener tener venom from the United States was the most active with a 95.2% inhibitory effect. This venom showed thrombin-like activity on fibrinogen and human plasma. Fractions of Mtt showed fibrino(geno)lytic activity and inhibition on plasmin amidolytic activity. Several fractions degraded the fibrinogen Aα chains, and fractions F2 and F7 completely degraded both fibrinogen Aα and Bβ chains. To our knowledge, this is the first report on thrombin-like and fibrino(geno)lytic activity and plasmin or factor Xa inhibitors described in Micrurus venoms. Further purification and characterization of these Micrurus venom components could be of therapeutic use in the treatment of hemostatic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Salazar
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología, Centro de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Apartado 20632, Caracas 1020A, Venezuela
| | - Jeilyn Vivas
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología, Centro de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Apartado 20632, Caracas 1020A, Venezuela
| | - Elda E. Sánchez
- Department of Chemistry and The National Natural Toxins Research Center, Texas A & M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Alexis Rodríguez-Acosta
- Sección de Inmunoquímica, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de la Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Ultraestructura, Instituto Anatómico de la Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Carlos Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología, Centro de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Apartado 20632, Caracas 1020A, Venezuela
| | - Amparo Gil
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología, Centro de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Apartado 20632, Caracas 1020A, Venezuela
| | - Zoila Carvajal
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología, Centro de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Apartado 20632, Caracas 1020A, Venezuela
| | - María E. Girón
- Sección de Inmunoquímica, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de la Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Ultraestructura, Instituto Anatómico de la Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Amalid Estrella
- Sección de Inmunoquímica, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de la Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Ultraestructura, Instituto Anatómico de la Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Luis F. Navarrete
- Sección de Inmunoquímica, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de la Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Belsy Guerrero
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología, Centro de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Apartado 20632, Caracas 1020A, Venezuela
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Pardal PPDO, Pardal JSDO, Gadelha MADC, Rodrigues LDS, Feitosa DT, Prudente ALDC, Fan HW. Envenomation by Micrurus coral snakes in the Brazilian Amazon region: report of two cases. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2010; 52:333-7. [DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652010000600009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2007] [Accepted: 10/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Two cases of proven coral snake bites were reported in Belém, Pará State, Brazil. The first case was a severe one caused by Micrurus surinamensis. The patient required mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory failure. The second case showed just mild signs of envenomation caused by Micrurus filiformis. Both patients received specific Micrurus antivenom and were discharged without further complications. Coral snake bites are scarcely reported in the Amazon region and there is a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, varying from extremely mild to those which may rapidly lead to death if the patient is not treated as soon as possible.
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Frontoxins, three-finger toxins from Micrurus frontalis venom, decrease miniature endplate potential amplitude at frog neuromuscular junction. Toxicon 2010; 56:55-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2009] [Revised: 02/05/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Costa JDO, Fonseca KC, Mamede CCN, Beletti ME, Santos-Filho NA, Soares AM, Arantes EC, Hirayama SNS, Selistre-de-Araújo HS, Fonseca F, Henrique-Silva F, Penha-Silva N, de Oliveira F. Bhalternin: Functional and structural characterization of a new thrombin-like enzyme from Bothrops alternatus snake venom. Toxicon 2010; 55:1365-77. [PMID: 20184912 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2009] [Revised: 02/07/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A serine protease from Bothrops alternatus snake venom was isolated using DEAE-Sephacel, Sephadex G-75 and Benzamidine-Sepharose column chromatography. The purified enzyme, named Bhalternin, ran as a single protein band on analytical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and showed molecular weights of 31,500 and 27,000 under reducing and non-reducing conditions, respectively. Its complete cDNA was obtained by RT-PCR and the 708bp codified for a mature protein of 236 amino acid residues. The multiple alignment of its deduced amino acid sequence showed a structural similarly with other serine proteases from snake venoms. Bhalternin was proteolytically active against bovine fibrinogen and albumin as substrates. When Bhalternin and bovine fibrinogen were incubated at 37 degrees C, at a ratio of 1:100 (w/w), the enzyme cleaved preferentially the Aalpha-chain, apparently not degrading the Bbeta and gamma-chains. Stability tests showed that the intervals of optimum temperature and pH for the fibrinogenolytic activity were 30-40 degrees C and 7.0-8.0, respectively. Also, the inhibitory effects of benzamidine on the fibrinogenolytic activity of Bhalternin indicate that it is a serine protease. This enzyme caused morphological alterations in heart, liver, lung and muscle of mice and it was found to cause blood clotting in vitro and defibrinogenation when intraperitoneally administered to mice, suggesting it to be a thrombin-like enzyme. Therefore, Bhaltenin may be of interest as a therapeutic agent in the treatment and prevention of thrombotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júnia de O Costa
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, 38400-902 Uberlândia-MG, Brazil.
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40
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de Abreu VA, Leite GB, Oliveira CB, Hyslop S, Furtado MDFD, Simioni LR. Neurotoxicity ofMicrurus altirostris(Uruguayan coral snake) venom and its neutralization by commercial coral snake antivenom and specific antiserum raised in rabbits. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009; 46:519-27. [DOI: 10.1080/15563650701647405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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41
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Dokmetjian JC, Del Canto S, Vinzón S, de Jiménez Bonino MB. Biochemical characterization of the Micrurus pyrrhocryptus venom. Toxicon 2008; 53:375-82. [PMID: 19135468 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2008] [Revised: 12/02/2008] [Accepted: 12/04/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Snake venom toxicity is the consequence of a combination of peptides and proteins whose identification and characterization are of great importance to understand envenomation and develop new clinical treatments. The Elapinae subfamily includes coral snakes whose bite causes mainly neurotoxic effects which disable muscle contraction and paralyse the heart as well as inhibit respiration. However, the structure-function relationship of venom toxins has been investigated only for a few species. We herein study biological aspects of the Micrurus pyrrhocryptus venom such as LD(50), hemorrhagic, necrotic, coagulant, myotoxic and hemolytic activity as well as the ability of venom components to compete with alpha-Bungarotoxin for the ligand-binding site of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Besides, we report the determination of the molecular mass and N-terminal sequence of toxins including PLA2s, short, long and weak neurotoxins. The complete sequence of one of the short neurotoxins has also been obtained, this being the first sequence of an alpha-neurotoxin determined in the M. pyrrhocryptus venom and one of the few fully determined in members of the Micrurus genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Christian Dokmetjian
- Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos, ANLIS - Dr. Carlos G. Malbran, Av. Velez Sarsfield 563, (1282) Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Manock SR, Suarez G, Graham D, Avila-Aguero ML, Warrell DA. Neurotoxic envenoming by South American coral snake (Micrurus lemniscatus helleri): case report from eastern Ecuador and review. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2008; 102:1127-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2008.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2008] [Revised: 03/27/2008] [Accepted: 03/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Olamendi-Portugal T, Batista CVF, Restano-Cassulini R, Pando V, Villa-Hernandez O, Zavaleta-Martínez-Vargas A, Salas-Arruz MC, Rodríguez de la Vega RC, Becerril B, Possani LD. Proteomic analysis of the venom from the fish eating coral snake Micrurus surinamensis: novel toxins, their function and phylogeny. Proteomics 2008; 8:1919-32. [PMID: 18384102 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200700668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The protein composition of the soluble venom from the South American fish-eating coral snake Micrurus surinamensis surinamensis, here abbreviated M. surinamensis, was separated by RP-HPLC and 2-DE, and their components were analyzed by automatic Edman degradation, MALDI-TOF and ESI-MS/MS. Approximately 100 different molecules were identified. Sixty-two components possess molecular masses between 6 and 8 kDa, are basically charged molecules, among which are cytotoxins and neurotoxins lethal to fish (Brachidanios rerio). Six new toxins (abbreviated Ms1-Ms5 and Ms11) were fully sequenced. Amino acid sequences similar to the enzymes phospholipase A2 and amino acid oxidase were identified. Over 20 additional peptides were identified by sequencing minor components of the HPLC separation and from 2-DE gels. A functional assessment of the physiological activity of the six toxins was also performed by patch clamp using muscular nicotinic acetylcholine receptor assays. Variable degrees of blockade were observed, most of them reversible. The structural and functional data obtained were used for phylogenetic analysis, providing information on some evolutionary aspects of the venom components of this snake. This contribution increases by a factor of two the total number of alpha-neurotoxins sequenced from the Micrurus genus in currently available literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timoteo Olamendi-Portugal
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
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44
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Oliveira D, Harasawa C, Seibert C, Casais e Silva L, Pimenta D, Lebrun I, Sandoval M. Phospholipases A2 isolated from Micrurus lemniscatus coral snake venom: Behavioral, electroencephalographic, and neuropathological aspects. Brain Res Bull 2008; 75:629-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2007.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2007] [Revised: 10/10/2007] [Accepted: 10/17/2007] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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45
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Silva LP, Leite JRSA, Brand GD, Regis WB, Tedesco AC, Azevedo RB, Freitas SM, Bloch C. Dermaseptins from Phyllomedusa oreades and Phyllomedusa distincta: liposomes fusion and/or lysis investigated by fluorescence and atomic force microscopy. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2007; 151:329-335. [PMID: 17409003 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2006] [Revised: 01/22/2007] [Accepted: 02/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Three dermaseptins, DS 01, DD K, and DD L, were compared with respect to their structural features and interactions with liposomes. Circular dichroic spectra at alcohols of different chain lengths revealed that DS 01 has the higher helicogenic potential in hydrophobic media. Binding of DS 01, DD K, and DD L to liposomes induced significant blue shifts of the emission spectra of the single tryptophan located at position 3 of all sequences indicating association of the peptides with bilayers. Kinetics evaluation of atomic force microscopy images evidenced the strong fusogenic activity of DS 01 whereas DD K and DD L showed increased lytic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano P Silva
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese, Departamento de Genética e Morfologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil; Laboratório de Espectrometria de Massa, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA)-Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Estação Parque Biológico, Final W5, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, 70770-900, Brazil.
| | - José Roberto S A Leite
- Laboratório de Espectrometria de Massa, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA)-Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Estação Parque Biológico, Final W5, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, 70770-900, Brazil; Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Universidade Federal do Piauí-UFPI, Parnaíba, Piauí, 64202-020, PI, Brazil
| | - Guilherme D Brand
- Laboratório de Espectrometria de Massa, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA)-Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Estação Parque Biológico, Final W5, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, 70770-900, Brazil
| | - Willian B Regis
- Grupo de Biofísica Molecular-Centro de Biologia Molecular Estrutural, Laboratório Nacional de Luz Síncrotron (LNLS), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio C Tedesco
- FFCLRP-USP, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Ricardo B Azevedo
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese, Departamento de Genética e Morfologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Sonia M Freitas
- Laboratório de Biofísica, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Brasília, 70910-900 Brazil
| | - Carlos Bloch
- Laboratório de Espectrometria de Massa, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA)-Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Estação Parque Biológico, Final W5, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, 70770-900, Brazil.
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46
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Cecchini AL, Vasconcelos F, Amara SG, Giglio JR, Arantes EC. Effects of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom and its toxin TsTX-V on neurotransmitter uptake in vitro. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2006; 217:196-203. [PMID: 17049577 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2006.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2006] [Revised: 08/31/2006] [Accepted: 09/04/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion neurotoxins targeting the Na(v) channel can be classified into two classes: alpha- and beta-neurotoxins and are reported as highly active in mammalian brain. In this work, we evaluate the effects of Tityus serrulatus venom (Ts venom) and its alpha-neurotoxin TsTX-V on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine (DA) and glutamate (Glu) uptake in isolated rat brain synaptosomes. TsTX-V was isolated from Ts venom by ion exchange chromatography followed by reverse-phase (C18) high-performance liquid chromatography. Neither Ts venom nor TsTX-V was able to affect (3)H-Glu uptake. On the other hand, Ts venom (0.13 microg/mg) significantly inhibited both (3)H-GABA and (3)H-DA uptake ( approximately 50%). TsTX-V showed IC(50) values of 9.37 microM and 22.2 microM for the inhibition of (3)H-GABA and (3)H-DA uptake, respectively. These effects were abolished by pre-treatment with tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 microM), indicating the involvement of voltage-gated Na(+) channels in this process. In the absence of Ca(2+), and at low Ts venom concentrations, the reduction of (3)H-GABA uptake was not as marked as in the presence of Ca(2+). TsTX-V did not reduce (3)H-GABA uptake in COS-7 cells expressing the GABA transporters GAT-1 and GAT-3, suggesting that this toxin indirectly reduces the transport. The reduced (3)H-GABA uptake by synaptosomes might be due to rapid cell depolarization as revealed by confocal microscopy of C6 glioma cells. Thus, TsTX-V causes a reduction of (3)H-GABA and (3)H-DA uptake in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner, not directly affecting GABA transporters, but, in consequence of depolarization, involving voltage-gated Na(+) channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra L Cecchini
- Departamento de Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto-USP, Av. do Café, s/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
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47
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Wang JW, Sun L, Hu JS, Li YB, Zhang GJ. Effects of phospholipase A2 on the lysosomal ion permeability and osmotic sensitivity. Chem Phys Lipids 2006; 144:117-26. [PMID: 16982042 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2006.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2006] [Revised: 08/17/2006] [Accepted: 08/19/2006] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the mechanism of PLA(2)-induced lysosomal destabilization. Through the measurements of lysosomal beta-hexosaminidase free activity, their membrane potential, the intra-lysosomal pH and the lysosomal latency loss in hypotonic sucrose medium, we established that PLA(2) could increase the lysosomal membrane permeability to both potassium ions and protons. The enzyme could also enhance the organelle osmotic sensitivity. The increases in the lysosomal ion permeability promoted influx of potassium ions into the lysosomes via K(+)/H(+) exchange. The resulted osmotic imbalance across the lysosomal membranes osmotically destabilized the lysosomes. In addition, the enhancement of the lysosomal osmotic sensitivity caused the lysosomes to become more liable to destabilization in the osmotic stress. The results explain how PLA(2) destabilized the lysosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiong-Wei Wang
- Institute of Cell Biology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
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48
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Gowda CDR, Nataraju A, Rajesh R, Dhananjaya BL, Sharath BK, Vishwanath BS. Differential action of proteases from Trimeresurus malabaricus, Naja naja and Daboia russellii venoms on hemostasis. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2006; 143:295-302. [PMID: 16627005 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2006.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2005] [Revised: 01/26/2006] [Accepted: 03/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The action of venom proteases and their role in hemostasis has been compared in the venoms of Trimeresurus malabaricus, Daboia russellii and Naja naja from the Southern region of Western Ghats, India. These venoms exhibit varying amounts of proteolytic activity and also influence hemostasis differently. Casein hydrolyzing activity of T. malabaricus venoms was 16 and 24 fold higher than those of N. naja and D. russellii venoms, respectively. With the synthetic substrate TAME, the highest activity was observed in T. malabaricus venom. N. naja venom did not hydrolyze TAME even at higher concentrations. These variations in proteolytic activity also influenced the coagulation process. T. malabaricus and D. russellii venoms are strongly procoagulant and reduce the re-calcification time from 148 to 14 and 12 s, respectively. Similarly, both T. malabaricus and D. russellii venoms reduce the prothrombin time from 12.5 to 6.0 s. On the other hand, N. naja venom is anticoagulant and prolongs re-calcification time to 600 s and prothrombin time to 42 s. In spite of varied effects on hemostasis, all the venoms hydrolyze fibrinogen. T. malabaricus venom hydrolyses both Aalpha and Bbeta subunits. While D. russellii and N. naja venoms hydrolyse only Aalpha. None of these venoms hydrolyze the gamma subunit of fibrinogen. Inhibition studies with specific protease inhibitors revealed that both N. naja and T. malabaricus venoms contain only metalloproteases. D. russellii venom contained both serine and metalloproteases. Only, T. malabaricus venom exhibited thrombin-like activity and induces fibrin clot formation with purified fibrinogen within 58 s. Even though D. russellii venom exhibits procoagulant activity, it did not show thrombin-like activity and may act on other coagulation factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D Raghavendra Gowda
- Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570 006, Karnataka State, India
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Bucaretchi F, Hyslop S, Vieira RJ, Toledo AS, Madureira PR, de Capitani EM. Bites by coral snakes (Micrurus spp.) in Campinas, State of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2006; 48:141-5. [PMID: 16847503 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652006000300005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral snakes (Micrurus spp.) are the main representatives of the Elapidae in South America. However, bites by these snakes are uncommon. We retrospectively reviewed the data from 11 individuals bitten by coral snakes over a 20-year period; four were confirmed (snake brought for identification) and seven were highly suspected (neuromuscular manifestations) cases of elapid envenoming. The cases were classified as dry-bite (n = 1, caused by M. lemniscatus; did not receive antivenom), mild (n = 2, local manifestations with no acute myasthenic syndrome; M. frontalis and Micrurus spp.), moderate (n = 5, mild myasthenia) or severe (n = 3, important myasthenia; one of them caused by M. frontalis). The main clinical features upon admission were paresthesia (local, n = 9; generalized, n = 2), local pain (n = 8), palpebral ptosis (n = 8), weakness (n = 4) and inability to stand up (n = 3). No patient developed respiratory failure. Antivenom was used in ten cases, with mild early reactions occurring in three. An anticholinesterase drug was administered in the three severe cases, with a good response in two. No deaths were observed. Despite the high toxicity of coral snake venoms, the prognosis following envenoming is good. In serious bites by M. frontalis or M. lemniscatus, the venom of which acts postsynaptically, anticholinesterases may be useful as an ancillary measure if antivenom is unavailable, if there is a delay in obtaining a sufficient amount, or in those patients given the highest recommended doses of antivenom without improvement of the paralysis or with delayed recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Bucaretchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMO), Hospital das Clínicas, 13083-970 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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