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Alonso LL, van Thiel J, Slagboom J, Dunstan N, Modahl CM, Jackson TNW, Samanipour S, Kool J. Studying Venom Toxin Variation Using Accurate Masses from Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Bioinformatic Tools. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:181. [PMID: 38668606 PMCID: PMC11053424 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16040181] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This study provides a new methodology for the rapid analysis of numerous venom samples in an automated fashion. Here, we use LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) for venom separation and toxin analysis at the accurate mass level combined with new in-house written bioinformatic scripts to obtain high-throughput results. This analytical methodology was validated using 31 venoms from all members of a monophyletic clade of Australian elapids: brown snakes (Pseudonaja spp.) and taipans (Oxyuranus spp.). In a previous study, we revealed extensive venom variation within this clade, but the data was manually processed and MS peaks were integrated into a time-consuming and labour-intensive approach. By comparing the manual approach to our new automated approach, we now present a faster and more efficient pipeline for analysing venom variation. Pooled venom separations with post-column toxin fractionations were performed for subsequent high-throughput venomics to obtain toxin IDs correlating to accurate masses for all fractionated toxins. This workflow adds another dimension to the field of venom analysis by providing opportunities to rapidly perform in-depth studies on venom variation. Our pipeline opens new possibilities for studying animal venoms as evolutionary model systems and investigating venom variation to aid in the development of better antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis L. Alonso
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.L.A.); (J.S.)
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jory van Thiel
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.L.A.); (J.S.)
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Julien Slagboom
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.L.A.); (J.S.)
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cassandra M. Modahl
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK;
| | - Timothy N. W. Jackson
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Saer Samanipour
- Van‘t Hof Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.L.A.); (J.S.)
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Tasoulis T, Wang CR, Sumner J, Dunstan N, Pukala TL, Isbister GK. The Eastern Bandy Bandy Vermicella annulata, expresses high abundance of SVMP, CRiSP and Kunitz protein families in its venom proteome. J Proteomics 2024; 295:105086. [PMID: 38266913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The Australian elapid snake radiation (Hydrophiinae) has evolved in the absence of competition from other advanced snakes. This has resulted in ecological specialisation in Australian elapids and the potential for venom proteomes divergent to other elapids. We characterised the venom of the Australian elapid Vermicella annulata (eastern bandy bandy). The venom was analysed using a two-dimensional fractionation process consisting of reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography then sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by bottom-up proteomics. Resulting peptides were matched to a species-specific transcriptome and 87% of the venom was characterised. We identified 11 toxins in the venom from six families: snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMP; 24.2%; two toxins) that are class P-III SVMPs containing a disintegrin-like domain, three-finger toxins (3FTx; 21.6%; five toxins), kunitz peptides (KUN; 19.5%; one toxin), cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRiSP; 18%; one toxin), and phospholipase A2 (PLA2; 4%; two toxins). The venom had low toxin diversity with five protein families having one or two toxins, except for 3FTx with five different toxins. V. annulata expresses an unusual venom proteome, with high abundances of CRiSP, KUN and SVMP, which are not normally highly expressed in elapid venoms. This unusual venom composition could be an adaptation to its specialised diet. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although the Australian elapid radiation represents the most extensive speciation event of elapids on any continent, with 100 terrestrial species, the venom composition of these snakes has rarely been investigated, with only five species currently characterised. Here we provide the venom proteome of a sixth species, Vermicella annulata. The venom of this species could be particularly informative from an evolutionary perspective, as it is an extreme dietary specialist, only preying on blind snakes (Typhlopidae). We show that V. annulata expresses a highly unusual venom for an elapid, due to the high abundance of the protein families SVMP, CRiSP, and KUN, which together make up 61% of the venom. When averaged across all species, a typical elapid venom is 82% PLA2 and 3FTx. This is the second recorded instance of an Australian elapid having evolved highly divergent venom expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theo Tasoulis
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle N.S.W. 2308, Australia
| | - C Ruth Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Adelaide S.A., Australia
| | - Joanna Sumner
- Museums Victoria, Carlton Gardens, VIC 3053, Australia
| | | | - Tara L Pukala
- Department of Chemistry, University of Adelaide S.A., Australia
| | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle N.S.W. 2308, Australia.
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Hiremath K, Dodakallanavar J, Sampat GH, Patil VS, Harish DR, Chavan R, Hegde HV, Roy S. Three finger toxins of elapids: structure, function, clinical applications and its inhibitors. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10734-3. [PMID: 37749455 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10734-3] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The WHO lists snakebite as a "neglected tropical disease". In tropical and subtropical areas, envenoming is an important public health issue. This review article describes the structure, function, chemical composition, natural inhibitors, and clinical applications of Elapids' Three Finger Toxins (3FTX) using scientific research data. The primary venomous substance belonging to Elapidae is 3FTX, that targets nAChR. Three parallel β-sheets combine to create 3FTX, which has four or five disulfide bonds. The three primary types of 3FTX are short-chain, long-chain, and nonconventional 3FTX. The functions of 3FTX depend on the specific toxin subtype and the target receptor or ion channel. The well-known effect of 3FTX is probably neurotoxicity because of the severe consequences of muscular paralysis and respiratory failure in snakebite victims. 3FTX have also been studied for their potential clinical applications. α-bungarotoxin has been used as a molecular probe to study the structure and function of nAChRs (Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors). Acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) isoforms 1a and 1b are inhibited by Mambalgins, derived from Black mamba venom, which hinders their function and provide an analgesic effect. α- Cobra toxin is a neurotoxin purified from Chinese cobra (Naja atra) binds to nAChR at the neuronal junction and causes an analgesic effect for moderate to severe pain. Some of the plants and their compounds have been shown to inhibit the activity of 3FTX, and their mechanisms of action are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashinath Hiremath
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Jagadeesh Dodakallanavar
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Ganesh H Sampat
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Vishal S Patil
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Darasaguppe R Harish
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | - Rajashekar Chavan
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | - Harsha V Hegde
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Subarna Roy
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
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Gilliam LL, Gilliam J, Samuel SP, Carter RW, Ritchey J, Bulfone T, Gutiérrez JM, Williams DJ, Durkin DM, Stephens SI, Lewin MR. Oral and IV Varespladib Rescue Experiments in Juvenile Pigs with Weakness Induced by Australian and Papuan Oxyuranus scutellatus Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:557. [PMID: 37755983 PMCID: PMC10537020 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Antivenom is currently the standard-of-care treatment for snakebite envenoming, but its efficacy is limited by treatment delays, availability, and in many cases, species specificity. Many of the rapidly lethal effects of envenoming are caused by venom-derived toxins, such as phospholipase A2 (sPLA2); therefore, small molecule direct toxin inhibitors targeting these toxins may have utility as initial and adjunct therapies after envenoming. Varespladib (intravenous, IV) and varespladib-methyl (oral) have been shown to potently inhibit sPLA2s from snake venoms in murine and porcine models, thus supporting their further study as potential treatments for snakebite envenoming. In this pilot study, we tested the ability of these compounds to reverse neurotoxic effects of venom from the Australian and Papuan taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) subspecies in juvenile pigs (Sus domesticus). The mean survival time for control animals receiving Australian taipan venom (0.03 mg/kg, n = 3) was 331 min ± 15 min; for those receiving Papuan taipan venom (0.15 mg/kg, n = 3) it was 178 ± 31 min. Thirteen pigs received Australian taipan venom and treatment with either IV or oral varespladib (or with IV to oral transition) and all 13 survived the duration of the study (≥96 h). Eight pigs received Papuan taipan venom followed by treatment: Briefly: Two animals received antivenom immediately and survived to the end of the study. Two animals received antivenom treatment delayed 45 min from envenoming and died within 4 h. Two animals received similarly delayed antivenom treatment and were rescued by varespladib. Two animals were treated with varespladib alone after a 45-min delay. Treatment with varespladib only was effective but required repeat dosing over the course of the study. Findings highlight both the importance of early treatment and, as well, a half-life for the investigational inhibitors now in Phase II clinical trials for snakebite. Varespladib rapidly reversed weakness even when administered many hours post-envenoming and, overall, our results suggest that varespladib and varespladib-methyl could be efficacious tools in the treatment of sPLA2-induced weakness from Oxyuranus envenoming. Further clinical study as initial therapy and as potential method of rescue from some types of antivenom-resistant envenomings are supported by these data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndi L. Gilliam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; (L.L.G.); (J.G.); (J.R.)
| | - John Gilliam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; (L.L.G.); (J.G.); (J.R.)
| | - Stephen P. Samuel
- Division of Research Ophirex, Inc., Corte Madera, CA 94925, USA; (S.P.S.); (R.W.C.); (S.I.S.)
| | - Rebecca W. Carter
- Division of Research Ophirex, Inc., Corte Madera, CA 94925, USA; (S.P.S.); (R.W.C.); (S.I.S.)
| | - Jerry Ritchey
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; (L.L.G.); (J.G.); (J.R.)
| | - Tommaso Bulfone
- Center for Exploration and Travel Health, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA; (T.B.)
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica;
| | - David J. Williams
- Regulation and Prequalification Department (RPQ) at the World Health Organization (WHO), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Daniela M. Durkin
- Center for Exploration and Travel Health, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA; (T.B.)
| | - Sally I. Stephens
- Division of Research Ophirex, Inc., Corte Madera, CA 94925, USA; (S.P.S.); (R.W.C.); (S.I.S.)
| | - Matthew R. Lewin
- Division of Research Ophirex, Inc., Corte Madera, CA 94925, USA; (S.P.S.); (R.W.C.); (S.I.S.)
- Center for Exploration and Travel Health, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA; (T.B.)
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Zdenek CN, Rodrigues CFB, Bourke LA, Tanaka-Azevedo AM, Monagle P, Fry BG. Children and Snakebite: Snake Venom Effects on Adult and Paediatric Plasma. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:158. [PMID: 36828472 PMCID: PMC9961128 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite is a globally neglected tropical disease, with coagulation disturbances being the primary pathology of many deadly snake venoms. Age-related differences in human plasma have been abundantly reported, yet the effect that these differences pose regarding snakebite is largely unknown. We tested for differences in coagulotoxic effects (via clotting time) of multiple snake venoms upon healthy human adult (18+) and paediatric (median 3.3 years old) plasma in vivo and compared these effects to the time it takes the plasmas to clot without the addition of venom (the spontaneous clotting time). We tested venoms from 15 medically significant snake species (from 13 genera) from around the world with various mechanisms of coagulotoxic actions, across the three broad categories of procoagulant, pseudo-procoagulant, and anticoagulant, to identify any differences between the two plasmas in their relative pathophysiological vulnerability to snakebite. One procoagulant venom (Daboia russelii, Russell's Viper) produced significantly greater potency on paediatric plasma compared with adult plasma. In contrast, the two anticoagulant venoms (Pseudechis australis, Mulga Snake; and Bitis cornuta, Many-horned Adder) were significantly more potent on adult plasma. All other procoagulant venoms and all pseudo-procoagulant venoms displayed similar potency across both plasmas. Our preliminary results may inform future studies on the effect of snake venoms upon plasmas from different age demographics and hope to reduce the burden of snakebite upon society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina N. Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - Lachlan A. Bourke
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Anita Mitico Tanaka-Azevedo
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05508-040, SP, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades Em Biotecnologia, USP, IPT e Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05508-040, SP, Brazil
| | - Paul Monagle
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Haematology Research, Murdoch children’s Research Institute, Flemington Rd., Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Flemington Rd., Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, High St., Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Bryan G. Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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van Thiel J, Alonso LL, Slagboom J, Dunstan N, Wouters RM, Modahl CM, Vonk FJ, Jackson TNW, Kool J. Highly Evolvable: Investigating Interspecific and Intraspecific Venom Variation in Taipans ( Oxyuranus spp.) and Brown Snakes ( Pseudonaja spp.). Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:74. [PMID: 36668892 PMCID: PMC9864820 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms are complex mixtures of toxins that differ on interspecific (between species) and intraspecific (within species) levels. Whether venom variation within a group of closely related species is explained by the presence, absence and/or relative abundances of venom toxins remains largely unknown. Taipans (Oxyuranus spp.) and brown snakes (Pseudonaja spp.) represent medically relevant species of snakes across the Australasian region and provide an excellent model clade for studying interspecific and intraspecific venom variation. Using liquid chromatography with ultraviolet and mass spectrometry detection, we analyzed a total of 31 venoms covering all species of this monophyletic clade, including widespread localities. Our results reveal major interspecific and intraspecific venom variation in Oxyuranus and Pseudonaja species, partially corresponding with their geographical regions and phylogenetic relationships. This extensive venom variability is generated by a combination of the absence/presence and differential abundance of venom toxins. Our study highlights that venom systems can be highly dynamical on the interspecific and intraspecific levels and underscores that the rapid toxin evolvability potentially causes major impacts on neglected tropical snakebites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jory van Thiel
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Luis L. Alonso
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julien Slagboom
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Roel M. Wouters
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cassandra M. Modahl
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Freek J. Vonk
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Timothy N. W. Jackson
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Bibliometric Analysis of Literature in Snake Venom-Related Research Worldwide (1933–2022). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162058. [PMID: 36009648 PMCID: PMC9405337 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162058] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Around the world, snake envenomation poses a serious health risk. Proteins with pharmacological effects are present in snake venom. Recent studies elaborate snake venom and its potential application, including as a cancer drug and antibacterial substances. Our study aimed to analyze the global profile of the literature in snake venom research from documents indexed in the Scopus database between 1933 and 2022. In total, 2999 documents were published with Brazil showing the highest productivity. Antivenom, proteomics, and transcriptomics are emerging as hot topics on a global scale. The present study offers a distinctive overview of snake venom research conducted worldwide. Abstract Snake envenomation is a severe economic and health concern affecting countries worldwide. Snake venom carries a wide variety of small peptides and proteins with various immunological and pharmacological properties. A few key research areas related to snake venom, including its applications in treating cancer and eradicating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, have been gaining significant attention in recent years. The goal of the current study was to analyze the global profile of literature in snake venom research. This study presents a bibliometric review of snake venom-related research documents indexed in the Scopus database between 1933 and 2022. The overall number of documents published on a global scale was 2999, with an average annual production of 34 documents. Brazil produced the highest number of documents (n = 729), followed by the United States (n = 548), Australia (n = 240), and Costa Rica (n = 235). Since 1963, the number of publications has been steadily increasing globally. At a worldwide level, antivenom, proteomics, and transcriptomics are growing hot issues for research in this field. The current research provides a unique overview of snake venom research at global level from 1933 through 2022, and it may be beneficial in guiding future research.
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On characterizing the Red-headed Krait (Bungarus flaviceps) venom: Decomplexation proteomics, immunoreactivity and toxicity cross-neutralization by hetero-specific antivenoms. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2022; 43:101006. [PMID: 35717758 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2022.101006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The Red-headed Krait (Bungarus flaviceps) is a medically important venomous snake species in Southeast Asia, while there is no specific antivenom available for its envenoming. This study investigated the venom composition through a decomplexation proteomic approach, and examined the immunoreactivity as well as cross-neutralization efficacy of two hetero-specific krait antivenoms, Bungarus candidus Monovalent Antivenom (BcMAV) and Bungarus fasciatus Monovalent Antivenom (BfMAV), against the venom of B. flaviceps from Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 43 non-redundant proteoforms belonging to 10 toxin families were identified in the venom proteome, which is dominated by phospholipases A2 including beta-bungarotoxin lethal subunit (56.20 % of total venom proteins), Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors (19.40 %), metalloproteinases (12.85 %) and three-finger toxins (7.73 %). The proteome varied in quantitative aspect from the earlier reported Indonesian (Sumatran) sample, suggesting geographical venom variation. BcMAV and BfMAV were immunoreactive toward the B. flaviceps venom, with BcMAV being more efficacious in immunological binding. Both antivenoms cross-neutralized the venom lethality with varying efficacy, where BcMAV was more potent than BfMAV by ~13 times (normalized potency: 38.04 mg/g vs. 2.73 mg/g, defined as the venom amount completely neutralized by one-gram antivenom protein), supporting the potential utility of BcMAV for para-specific neutralization against B. flaviceps venom.
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Tasoulis T, Wang CR, Sumner J, Dunstan N, Pukala TL, Isbister GK. The Unusual Metalloprotease-Rich Venom Proteome of the Australian Elapid Snake Hoplocephalus stephensii. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14050314. [PMID: 35622563 PMCID: PMC9147224 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14050314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Australasian region is home to the most diverse elapid snake radiation on the planet (Hydrophiinae). Many of these snakes have evolved into unique ecomorphs compared to elapids on other continents; however, their venom compositions are poorly known. The Australian elapid Hoplocephalus stephensii (Stephen’s banded snake) is an arboreal snake with a unique morphology. Human envenoming results in venom-induced consumption coagulopathy, without neurotoxicity. Using transcriptomics and a multi-step fractionation method involving reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and bottom-up proteomics, we characterized the venom proteome of H. stephensii. 92% of the total protein component of the venom by weight was characterized, and included all dominant protein families and 4 secondary protein families. Eighteen toxins made up 76% of the venom, four previously characterized and 14 new toxins. The four dominant protein families made up 77% of the venom, including snake venom metalloprotease (SVMP; 36.7%; three identified toxins), phospholipase A2 (PLA2; 24.0%; five identified toxins), three-finger toxin (3FTx; 10.2%; two toxins) and snake venom serine protease (SVSP; 5.9%; one toxin; Hopsarin). Secondary protein families included L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO; 10.8%; one toxin), natriuretic peptide (NP; 0.8%; two toxins), cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRiSP; 1.7%; two toxins), c-type lectin (CTL; 1.1%; one toxin), and one minor protein family, nerve growth factor (NGF; 0.8%; one toxin). The venom composition of H. stephensii differs to other elapids, with a large proportion of SVMP and LAAO, and a relatively small amount of 3FTx. H. stephensii venom appeared to have less toxin diversity than other elapids, with only 18 toxins making up three-quarters of the venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theo Tasoulis
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group Newcastle, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - C. Ruth Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (C.R.W.); (T.L.P.)
| | - Joanna Sumner
- Genetic Resources, Museums Victoria, Carlton Gardens, Melbourne, VIC 5053, Australia;
| | | | - Tara L. Pukala
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (C.R.W.); (T.L.P.)
| | - Geoffrey K. Isbister
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group Newcastle, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia;
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10
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Bourke LA, Zdenek CN, Tanaka-Azevedo AM, Silveira GPM, Sant’Anna SS, Grego KF, Rodrigues CFB, Fry BG. Clinical and Evolutionary Implications of Dynamic Coagulotoxicity Divergences in Bothrops (Lancehead Pit Viper) Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14050297. [PMID: 35622544 PMCID: PMC9148167 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14050297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite coagulotoxicity being a primary weapon for prey capture by Bothrops species (lancehead pit vipers) and coagulopathy being a major lethal clinical effect, a genus-wide comparison has not been undertaken. To fill this knowledge gap, we used thromboelastography to compare 37 venoms, from across the full range of geography, taxonomy, and ecology, for their action upon whole plasma and isolated fibrinogen. Potent procoagulant toxicity was shown to be the main venom effect of most of the species tested. However, the most basal species (B. pictus) was strongly anticoagulant; this is consistent with procoagulant toxicity being a novel trait that evolved within Bothrops subsequent to their split from anticoagulant American pit vipers. Intriguingly, two of the arboreal species studied (B. bilineatus and B. taeniatus) lacked procoagulant venom, suggesting differential evolutionary selection pressures. Notably, some terrestrial species have secondarily lost the procoagulant venom trait: the Mogi Mirim, Brazil locality of B. alternatus; San Andres, Mexico locality of B. asper; B. diporus; and the São Roque of B. jararaca. Direct action on fibrinogen was extremely variable; this is consistent with previous hypotheses regarding it being evolutionary decoupled due to procoagulant toxicity being the primary prey-capture weapon. However, human patients live long enough for fibrinogen depletion to be clinically significant. The extreme variability may be reflective of antivenom variability, with these results thereby providing a foundation for such future work of clinical relevance. Similarly, the venom diversification trends relative to ecological niche will also be useful for integration with natural history data, to reconstruct the evolutionary pressures shaping the venoms of these fascinating snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan Allan Bourke
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
- Correspondence: (L.A.B.); (B.G.F.)
| | - Christina N. Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Anita Mitico Tanaka-Azevedo
- Laboratrio de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (A.M.T.-A.); (G.P.M.S.); (S.S.S.); (K.F.G.); (C.F.B.R.)
| | - Giovanni Perez Machado Silveira
- Laboratrio de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (A.M.T.-A.); (G.P.M.S.); (S.S.S.); (K.F.G.); (C.F.B.R.)
| | - Sávio Stefanini Sant’Anna
- Laboratrio de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (A.M.T.-A.); (G.P.M.S.); (S.S.S.); (K.F.G.); (C.F.B.R.)
| | - Kathleen Fernandes Grego
- Laboratrio de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (A.M.T.-A.); (G.P.M.S.); (S.S.S.); (K.F.G.); (C.F.B.R.)
| | | | - Bryan Grieg Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
- Correspondence: (L.A.B.); (B.G.F.)
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11
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Analysis of the Composition of Deinagkistrodon acutus Snake Venom Based on Proteomics, and Its Antithrombotic Activity and Toxicity Studies. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27072229. [PMID: 35408629 PMCID: PMC9000436 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a strong correlation between the composition of Deinagkistrodon acutus venom proteins and their potential pharmacological effects. The proteomic analysis revealed 103 proteins identified through label-free proteomics from 30 different snake venom families. Phospholipase A2 (30.0%), snaclec (21.0%), antithrombin (17.8%), thrombin (8.1%) and metalloproteinases (4.2%) were the most abundant proteins. The main toxicity of Deinagkistrodon acutus venom is hematotoxicity and neurotoxicity, and it acts on the lung. Deinagkistrodon acutus venom may have anticoagulant and antithrombotic effects. In summary, the protein profile and related toxicity and pharmacological activity of Deinagkistrodon acutus venom from southwest China were put forward for the first time. In addition, we revealed the relationship between the main toxicity, pharmacological effects, and the protein components of snake venom.
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12
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Varespladib (LY315920) rescued mice from fatal neurotoxicity caused by venoms of five major Asiatic kraits (Bungarus spp.) in an experimental envenoming and rescue model. Acta Trop 2022; 227:106289. [PMID: 34929179 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The venoms of Asiatic kraits (Bungarus spp.) contain various neurotoxic phospholipases A2 (beta-bungarotoxins) which can irreversibly damage motor nerve terminals, resulting in rapidly fatal suffocation by respiratory muscle paralysis or oral airway obstruction. Hence, there is a need of adjunct therapy at the pre-hospital stage to prevent or delay the onset of neurotoxicity, so that antivenom can be given within golden hour before the envenoming becomes antivenom-resistant. This study investigated the efficacy of varespladib, a small molecule PLA2 (phospholipase A2) inhibitor, given as a bolus subcutaneously upon the onset of krait venom-induced paralysis in a mouse experimental envenoming and rescue model, where the severity of neurotoxicity was scored and the survival rate was monitored over 24 h. Varespladib at 10 mg/kg effectively alleviated the neurotoxicity of Bungarus sindanus, Bungarus multicinctus and Bungarus fasciatus venoms, and rescued all mice from venom-induced lethality (100% survival). Varespladib at this dose, however, only partially reduced the neurotoxicity of Bungarus caeruleus and Bungarus candidus venoms, while all challenged mice were dead by 23 h (B. caeruleus) and 12 h (B. candidus). An increased dose of varespladib at 20 mg/kg markedly abated the venom neurotoxicity past 8 h of envenoming, and protected the mice from venom lethality (B. caeruleus: 75% survival; B. candidus: 100% survival). The finding is consistent with previous studies which demonstrated varespladib's inhibitory effect against some snake venoms. The findings suggest varespladib could be repurposed as an emergency drug for prevention or rescue (if given early enough) from the acute, neurotoxic envenoming syndromes caused by various major krait species in Asia.
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13
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Modulation of Diverse Procoagulant Venom Activities by Combinations of Platinoid Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094612. [PMID: 33924780 PMCID: PMC8124986 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Procoagulant snake venoms have been inhibited by the ruthenium containing compounds CORM-2 and RuCl3 separately, presumably by interacting with critical histidine or other sulfur-containing amino acids on key venom enzymes. However, combinations of these and other platinoid containing compounds could potentially increase, decrease or not affect the procoagulant enzyme function of venom. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to determine if formulations of platinoid compounds could inhibit venom procoagulant activity and if the formulated compounds interacted to enhance inhibition. Using a human plasma coagulation kinetic model to assess venom activity, six diverse venoms were exposed to various combinations and concentrations of CORM-2, CORM-3, RuCl3 and carboplatin (a platinum containing compound), with changes in venom activity determined with thrombelastography. The combinations of CORM-2 or CORM-3 with RuCl3 were found to enhance inhibition significantly, but not in all venoms nor to the same extent. In sharp contrast, carboplatin-antagonized CORM-2 mediated the inhibition of venom activity. These preliminary results support the concept that platinoid compounds may inhibit venom enzymatic activity at the same or different molecular sites and may antagonize inhibition at the same or different sites. Further investigation is warranted to determine if platinoid formulations may serve as potential antivenoms.
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14
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Kazandjian TD, Petras D, Robinson SD, van Thiel J, Greene HW, Arbuckle K, Barlow A, Carter DA, Wouters RM, Whiteley G, Wagstaff SC, Arias AS, Albulescu LO, Plettenberg Laing A, Hall C, Heap A, Penrhyn-Lowe S, McCabe CV, Ainsworth S, da Silva RR, Dorrestein PC, Richardson MK, Gutiérrez JM, Calvete JJ, Harrison RA, Vetter I, Undheim EAB, Wüster W, Casewell NR. Convergent evolution of pain-inducing defensive venom components in spitting cobras. Science 2021; 371:386-390. [PMID: 33479150 PMCID: PMC7610493 DOI: 10.1126/science.abb9303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Convergent evolution provides insights into the selective drivers underlying evolutionary change. Snake venoms, with a direct genetic basis and clearly defined functional phenotype, provide a model system for exploring the repeated evolution of adaptations. While snakes use venom primarily for predation, and venom composition often reflects diet specificity, three lineages of cobras have independently evolved the ability to spit venom at adversaries. Using gene, protein, and functional analyses, we show that the three spitting lineages possess venoms characterized by an up-regulation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) toxins, which potentiate the action of preexisting venom cytotoxins to activate mammalian sensory neurons and cause enhanced pain. These repeated independent changes provide a fascinating example of convergent evolution across multiple phenotypic levels driven by selection for defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Kazandjian
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - D Petras
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - S D Robinson
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - J van Thiel
- Institute of Biology, University of Leiden, Leiden 2333BE, Netherlands
| | - H W Greene
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - K Arbuckle
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - A Barlow
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - D A Carter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - R M Wouters
- Institute of Biology, University of Leiden, Leiden 2333BE, Netherlands
| | - G Whiteley
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - S C Wagstaff
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Research Computing Unit, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - A S Arias
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica
| | - L-O Albulescu
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - A Plettenberg Laing
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - C Hall
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - A Heap
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - S Penrhyn-Lowe
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - C V McCabe
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1RL, UK
| | - S Ainsworth
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - R R da Silva
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos (NPPNS), Molecular Sciences Department, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - P C Dorrestein
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - M K Richardson
- Institute of Biology, University of Leiden, Leiden 2333BE, Netherlands
| | - J M Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica
| | - J J Calvete
- Evolutionary and Translational Venomics Laboratory, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - R A Harrison
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - I Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - E A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - W Wüster
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - N R Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK.
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15
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A New Group II Phospholipase A2 from Walterinnesia aegyptia Venom with Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Cytotoxic Potential. Processes (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/pr8121560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many venomous species, especially snakes, contain a variety of secreted phospholipases A2 that contribute to venom toxicity and prey digestion. We characterized a novel highly toxic phospholipase A2 of group II, WaPLA2-II, from the snake venom of Saudi Walterinnesia aegyptia (W. aegyptia). The enzyme was purified using a reverse phase C18 column. It is a monomeric protein with a molecular weight of approximately 14 kDa and an NH2-terminal amino acid sequence exhibiting similarity to the PLA2 group II enzymes. WaPLA2-II, which contains 2.5% (w/w) glycosylation, reached a maximal specific activity of 1250 U/mg at pH 9.5 and 55 °C in the presence of Ca2+ and bile salts. WaPLA2-II was also highly stable over a large pH and temperature range. A strong correlation between antimicrobial and indirect hemolytic activities of WaPLA2 was observed. Additionally, WaPLA2-II was found to be significantly cytotoxic only on cancerous cells. However, chemical modification with para-Bromophenacyl bromide (p-BPB) inhibited WaPLA2-II enzymatic activity without affecting its antitumor effect, suggesting the presence of a separate ‘pharmacological site’ in snake venom phospholipase A2 via its receptor binding affinity. This enzyme is a candidate for applications including the treatment of phospholipid-rich industrial effluents and for the food production industry. Furthermore, it may represent a new therapeutic lead molecule for treating cancer and microbial infections.
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16
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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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17
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Fontana Oliveira IC, Gutiérrez JM, Lewin MR, Oshima-Franco Y. Varespladib (LY315920) inhibits neuromuscular blockade induced by Oxyuranus scutellatus venom in a nerve-muscle preparation. Toxicon 2020; 187:101-104. [PMID: 32889027 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors varespladib (LY315920) and its orally available derivative methyl-varespladib (LY333013) have been proposed as potential therapies for the treatment of snakebite envenomings in which toxicity depends on the action of PLA2s. In this study, the ability of LY315920 to abrogate the effect of the potent neurotoxic venom of Oxyuranus scutellatus (taipan) was assessed using the mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation. LY315920 inhibited the venom when (a) incubated with venom before addition to the medium; (b) added to the medium before addition of venom, and; (c) added to the medium within 30 min after addition of venom, and even after the onset of decline in twitch response. This contrasts with previous results with antivenom using the same experimental model, in which the window of time when antibodies are effective is shorter than 10 min. It is proposed that such differences may depend either on the higher affinity of the inhibitor for PLA2s or on the possibility that LY315920 reaches the cytosol of the nerve terminals, inhibiting neurotoxins that have been internalized. Our findings bear implications on the therapeutic potential of varespladib in neurotoxic snakebite envenomings mediated by presynaptically-acting PLA2s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Caruso Fontana Oliveira
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sorocaba (UNISO), Rodovia Raposo Tavares Km 92.5, 18023-000, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Matthew R Lewin
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA; Ophirex, Inc., Corte Madera, CA, 94925, USA
| | - Yoko Oshima-Franco
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sorocaba (UNISO), Rodovia Raposo Tavares Km 92.5, 18023-000, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil.
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18
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Stazi M, D’Este G, Mattarei A, Negro S, Lista F, Rigoni M, Megighian A, Montecucco C. An agonist of the CXCR4 receptor accelerates the recovery from the peripheral neuroparalysis induced by Taipan snake envenomation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008547. [PMID: 32898186 PMCID: PMC7537909 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Envenomation by snakes is a major neglected human disease. Hospitalization and use of animal-derived antivenom are the primary therapeutic supports currently available. There is consensus that additional, not expensive, treatments that can be delivered even long after the snake bite are needed. We recently showed that the drug dubbed NUCC-390 shortens the time of recovery from the neuroparalysis caused by traumatic or toxic degeneration of peripheral motor neurons. These syndromes are characterized by the activation of a pro-regenerative molecular axis, consisting of the CXCR4 receptor expressed at the damaged site in neuronal axons and by the release of its ligand CXCL12α, produced by surrounding Schwann cells. This intercellular signaling axis promotes axonal growth and functional recovery from paralysis. NUCC-390 is an agonist of CXCR4 acting similarly to CXCL12α. Here, we have tested its efficacy in a murine model of neuroparalytic envenoming by a Papuan Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) where a degeneration of the motor axon terminals caused by the presynaptic PLA2 toxin Taipoxin, contained in the venom, occurs. Using imaging of the neuromuscular junction and electrophysiological analysis, we found that NUCC-390 administration after injection of either the purified neuroparalytic Taipoxin or the whole Taipan venom, significantly accelerates the recovery from paralysis. These results indicate that NUCC-390, which is non-toxic in mice, should be considered for trials in humans to test its efficacy in accelerating the recovery from the peripheral neuroparalysis induced by Taipans. NUCC-390 should be tested as well in the envenomation by other snakes that cause neuroparalytic syndromes in humans. NUCC-390 could become an additional treatment, common to many snake envenomings, that can be delivered after the bite to reduce death by respiratory deficits and to shorten and improve functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Stazi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgia D’Este
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Mattarei
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Samuele Negro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Florigio Lista
- Department of Medical and Veterinary Research, the Ministry of Defense, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Rigoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Aram Megighian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Padua, Italy
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19
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Pruksaphon K, Tan KY, Tan CH, Simsiriwong P, Gutiérrez JM, Ratanabanangkoon K. An in vitro α-neurotoxin-nAChR binding assay correlates with lethality and in vivo neutralization of a large number of elapid neurotoxic snake venoms from four continents. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008581. [PMID: 32857757 PMCID: PMC7535858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop an in vitro assay for use in place of in vivo assays of snake venom lethality and antivenom neutralizing potency. A novel in vitro assay has been developed based on the binding of post-synaptically acting α-neurotoxins to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), and the ability of antivenoms to prevent this binding. The assay gave high correlation in previous studies with the in vivo murine lethality tests (Median Lethal Dose, LD50), and the neutralization of lethality assays (Median Effective Dose, ED50) by antisera against Naja kaouthia, Naja naja and Bungarus candidus venoms. Here we show that, for the neurotoxic venoms of 20 elapid snake species from eight genera and four continents, the in vitro median inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) for α-neurotoxin binding to purified nAChR correlated well with the in vivo LD50s of the venoms (R2 = 0.8526, p < 0.001). Furthermore, using this assay, the in vitro ED50s of a horse pan-specific antiserum against these venoms correlated significantly with the corresponding in vivo murine ED50s, with R2 = 0.6896 (p < 0.01). In the case of four elapid venoms devoid or having a very low concentration of α-neurotoxins, no inhibition of nAChR binding was observed. Within the philosophy of 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) in animal testing, the in vitro α-neurotoxin-nAChR binding assay can effectively substitute the mouse lethality test for toxicity and antivenom potency evaluation for neurotoxic venoms in which α-neurotoxins predominate. This will greatly reduce the number of mice used in toxicological research and antivenom production laboratories. The simpler, faster, cheaper and less variable in vitro assay should also expedite the development of pan-specific antivenoms against various medically important snakes in many parts of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritsada Pruksaphon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Kavi Ratanabanangkoon
- Laboratory of Immunology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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20
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Tasoulis T, Silva A, Veerati PC, Baker M, Hodgson WC, Dunstan N, Isbister GK. Intra-Specific Venom Variation in the Australian Coastal Taipan Oxyuranus scutellatus. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12080485. [PMID: 32751571 PMCID: PMC7472000 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12080485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra-specific venom variation has the potential to provide important insights into the evolution of snake venom, but remains a relatively neglected aspect of snake venom studies. We investigated the venom from 13 individual coastal taipans Oxyuranus scutellatus from four localities on the north-east coast of Australia, spanning a distance of 2000 km. The intra-specific variation in taipan venom was considerably less than the inter-specific variation between it and the other Australian elapids to which it was compared. The electrophoretic venom profile of O. scutellatus was visually different to six other genera of Australian elapids, but not to its congener inland taipan O. microlepidotus. There was minimal geographical variation in taipan venom, as the intra-population variation exceeded the inter-population variation for enzymatic activity, procoagulant activity, and the abundance of neurotoxins. The pre-synaptic neurotoxin (taipoxin) was more abundant than the post-synaptic neurotoxins (3FTx), with a median of 11.0% (interquartile range (IQR): 9.7% to 18.3%; range: 6.7% to 23.6%) vs. a median of 3.4% (IQR: 0.4% to 6.7%; range: 0% to 8.1%). Three taipan individuals almost completely lacked post-synaptic neurotoxins, which was not associated with geography and occurred within two populations. We found no evidence of sexual dimorphism in taipan venom. Our study provides a basis for evaluating the significance of intra-specific venom variation within a phylogenetic context by comparing it to the inter-specific and inter-generic variation. The considerable intra-population variation we observed supports the use of several unpooled individuals from each population when making inter-specific comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theo Tasoulis
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia; (P.C.V.); (G.K.I.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Anjana Silva
- Monash Venom Group, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (A.S.); (W.C.H.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University, Anuradhapura-Rambewa Hwy, Anuradhapura 50008, Sri Lanka
| | - Punnam Chander Veerati
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia; (P.C.V.); (G.K.I.)
| | - Mark Baker
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Biology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia;
| | - Wayne C. Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (A.S.); (W.C.H.)
| | | | - Geoffrey K. Isbister
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia; (P.C.V.); (G.K.I.)
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21
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Ratanabanangkoon K, Tan KY, Pruksaphon K, Klinpayom C, Gutiérrez JM, Quraishi NH, Tan CH. A pan-specific antiserum produced by a novel immunization strategy shows a high spectrum of neutralization against neurotoxic snake venoms. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11261. [PMID: 32647261 PMCID: PMC7347863 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66657-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenomation is a neglected tropical disease of high mortality and morbidity largely due to insufficient supply of effective and affordable antivenoms. Snake antivenoms are mostly effective against the venoms used in their production. It is thus crucial that effective and affordable antivenom(s) with wide para-specificity, capable of neutralizing the venoms of a large number of snakes, be produced. Here we studied the pan-specific antiserum prepared previously by a novel immunization strategy involving the exposure of horses to a ‘diverse toxin repertoire’ consisting of 12 neurotoxic Asian snake toxin fractions/ venoms from six species. This antiserum was previously shown to exhibit wide para-specificity by neutralizing 11 homologous and 16 heterologous venoms from Asia and Africa. We now show that the antiserum can neutralize 9 out of 10 additional neurotoxic venoms. Altogether, 36 snake venoms belonging to 10 genera from 4 continents were neutralized by the antiserum. Toxin profiles previously generated using proteomic techniques of these 36 venoms identified α-neurotoxins, β-neurotoxins, and cytotoxins as predominant toxins presumably neutralized by the antiserum. The bases for the wide para-specificity of the antiserum are discussed. These findings indicate that it is feasible to generate antivenoms of wide para-specificity against elapid neurotoxic venoms from different regions in the world and raises the possibility of a universal neurotoxic antivenom. This should reduce the mortality resulting from neurotoxic snakebite envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavi Ratanabanangkoon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. .,Laboratory of Immunology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand.
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Kritsada Pruksaphon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Chaiya Klinpayom
- Veterinary Hospital, The Veterinary and Remount Department, The Royal Thai Army, Nakorn Pathom, 73000, Thailand
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Naeem H Quraishi
- Anti Snake Venom/Anti Rabies Serology Laboratory, People's University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women, Nawabshah, Pakistan
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
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22
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Slagboom J, Mladić M, Xie C, Kazandjian TD, Vonk F, Somsen GW, Casewell NR, Kool J. High throughput screening and identification of coagulopathic snake venom proteins and peptides using nanofractionation and proteomics approaches. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0007802. [PMID: 32236099 PMCID: PMC7153897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease that results in a variety of systemic and local pathologies in envenomed victims and is responsible for around 138,000 deaths every year. Many snake venoms cause severe coagulopathy that makes victims vulnerable to suffering life-threating haemorrhage. The mechanisms of action of coagulopathic snake venom toxins are diverse and can result in both anticoagulant and procoagulant effects. However, because snake venoms consist of a mixture of numerous protein and peptide components, high throughput characterizations of specific target bioactives is challenging. In this study, we applied a combination of analytical and pharmacological methods to identify snake venom toxins from a wide diversity of snake species that perturb coagulation. To do so, we used a high-throughput screening approach consisting of a miniaturised plasma coagulation assay in combination with a venom nanofractionation approach. Twenty snake venoms were first separated using reversed-phase liquid chromatography, and a post-column split allowed a small fraction to be analyzed with mass spectrometry, while the larger fraction was collected and dispensed onto 384-well plates. After fraction collection, any solvent present in the wells was removed by means of freeze-drying, after which it was possible to perform a plasma coagulation assay in order to detect coagulopathic activity. Our results demonstrate that many snake venoms simultaneously contain both procoagulant and anticoagulant bioactives that contribute to coagulopathy. In-depth identification analysis from seven medically-important venoms, via mass spectrometry and nanoLC-MS/MS, revealed that phospholipase A2 toxins are frequently identified in anticoagulant venom fractions, while serine protease and metalloproteinase toxins are often associated with procoagulant bioactivities. The nanofractionation and proteomics approach applied herein seems likely to be a valuable tool for the rational development of next-generation snakebite treatments by facilitating the rapid identification and fractionation of coagulopathic toxins, thereby enabling specific targeting of these toxins by new therapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Slagboom
- Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Marija Mladić
- Animal Sciences and Health, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Chunfang Xie
- Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Taline D. Kazandjian
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Freek Vonk
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Govert W. Somsen
- Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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23
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Varespladib (LY315920) and Methyl Varespladib (LY333013) Abrogate or Delay Lethality Induced by Presynaptically Acting Neurotoxic Snake Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12020131. [PMID: 32093386 PMCID: PMC7076770 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12020131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor Varespladib (LY315920) and its orally bioavailable prodrug, methyl-Varespladib (LY333013) inhibit PLA2 activity of a wide variety of snake venoms. In this study, the ability of these two forms of Varespladib to halt or delay lethality of potent neurotoxic snake venoms was tested in a mouse model. The venoms of Notechis scutatus, Crotalus durissus terrificus, Bungarus multicinctus, and Oxyuranus scutellatus, all of which have potent presynaptically acting neurotoxic PLA2s of variable quaternary structure, were used to evaluate simple dosing regimens. A supralethal dose of each venom was injected subcutaneously in mice, followed by the bolus intravenous (LY315920) or oral (LY333013) administration of the inhibitors, immediately and at various time intervals after envenoming. Control mice receiving venom alone died within 3 h of envenoming. Mice injected with O. scutellatus venom and treated with LY315920 or LY333013 survived the 24 h observation period, whereas those receiving C. d. terrificus and B. multicinctus venoms survived at 3 h or 6 h with a single dose of either form of Varespladib, but not at 24 h. In contrast, mice receiving N. scutatus venom and then the inhibitors died within 3 h, similarly to the control animals injected with venom alone. LY315920 was able to reverse the severe paralytic manifestations in mice injected with venoms of O. scutellatus, B. multicinctus, and C. d. terrificus. Overall, results suggest that the two forms of Varespladib are effective in abrogating, or delaying, neurotoxic manifestations induced by some venoms whose neurotoxicity is mainly dependent on presynaptically acting PLA2s. LY315920 is able to reverse paralytic manifestations in severely envenomed mice, but further work is needed to understand the significance of species-specific differences in animal models as they compare to clinical syndromes in human and for potential use in veterinary medicine.
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24
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Albulescu LO, Kazandjian T, Slagboom J, Bruyneel B, Ainsworth S, Alsolaiss J, Wagstaff SC, Whiteley G, Harrison RA, Ulens C, Kool J, Casewell NR. A Decoy-Receptor Approach Using Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Mimics Reveals Their Potential as Novel Therapeutics Against Neurotoxic Snakebite. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:848. [PMID: 31417406 PMCID: PMC6683245 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease that causes 138,000 deaths each year. Neurotoxic snake venoms contain small neurotoxins, including three-finger toxins (3FTxs), which can cause rapid paralysis in snakebite victims by blocking postsynaptic transmission via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). These toxins are typically weakly immunogenic and thus are often not effectively targeted by current polyclonal antivenom therapies. We investigated whether nAChR mimics, also known as acetylcholine binding proteins (AChBPs), could effectively capture 3FTxs and therefore be developed as a novel class of snake-generic therapeutics for combatting neurotoxic envenoming. First, we identified the binding specificities of 3FTx from various medically important elapid snake venoms to nAChR using two recombinant nAChR mimics: the AChBP from Lymnaea stagnalis and a humanized neuronal α7 version (α7-AChBP). We next characterized these AChBP-bound and unbound fractions using SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry. Interestingly, both mimics effectively captured long-chain 3FTxs from multiple snake species but largely failed to capture the highly related short-chain 3FTxs, suggesting a high level of binding specificity. We next investigated whether nAChR mimics could be used as snakebite therapeutics. We showed that while α7-AChBP alone did not protect against Naja haje (Egyptian cobra) venom lethality in vivo, it significantly prolonged survival times when coadministered with a nonprotective dose of antivenom. Thus, nAChR mimics are capable of neutralizing specific venom toxins and may be useful adjunct therapeutics for improving the safety and affordability of existing snakebite treatments by reducing therapeutic doses. Our findings justify exploring the future development of AChBPs as potential snakebite treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura-Oana Albulescu
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Taline Kazandjian
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Slagboom
- AIMMS Division of BioMolecular Analysis, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ben Bruyneel
- AIMMS Division of BioMolecular Analysis, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stuart Ainsworth
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jaffer Alsolaiss
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Simon C Wagstaff
- Bioinformatics Unit, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth Whiteley
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Robert A Harrison
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Ulens
- Laboratory of Structural Neurobiology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Kool
- AIMMS Division of BioMolecular Analysis, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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25
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Zdenek CN, Hay C, Arbuckle K, Jackson TNW, Bos MHA, Op den Brouw B, Debono J, Allen L, Dunstan N, Morley T, Herrera M, Gutiérrez JM, Williams DJ, Fry BG. Coagulotoxic effects by brown snake (Pseudonaja) and taipan (Oxyuranus) venoms, and the efficacy of a new antivenom. Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 58:97-109. [PMID: 30910521 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease that disproportionately affects the poor. Antivenom is the only specific and effective treatment for snakebite, but its distribution is severely limited by several factors, including the prohibitive cost of some products. Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a snakebite hotspot but the high costs of Australian antivenoms (thousands of dollars per treatment) makes it unaffordable in PNG. A more economical taipan antivenom has recently been developed at the Instituto Clodomiro Picado (ICP) in Costa Rica for PNG and is currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of envenomations by coastal taipans (Oxyuranus scutellatus). In addition to potentially having the capacity to neutralise the effects of envenomations of non-PNG taipans, this antivenom may have the capacity to neutralise coagulotoxins in venom from closely related brown snakes (Pseudonaja spp.) also found in PNG. Consequently, we investigated the cross-reactivity of taipan antivenom across the venoms of all Oxyuranus and Pseudonaja species. In addition, to ascertain differences in venom biochemistry that influence variation in antivenom efficacy, we tested for relative cofactor dependence. We found that the new ICP taipan antivenom exhibited high selectivity for Oxyuranus venoms and only low to moderate cross-reactivity with any Pseudonaja venoms. Consistent with this genus level distinction in antivenom efficacy were fundamental differences in the venom biochemistry. Not only were the Pseudonaja venoms significantly more procoagulant, but they were also much less dependent upon the cofactors calcium and phospholipid. There was a strong correlation between antivenom efficacy, clotting time and cofactor dependence. This study sheds light on the structure-function relationships of the procoagulant toxins within these venoms and may have important clinical implications including for the design of next-generation antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina N Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Chris Hay
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; Reptile Kingdom Australia, Carrara, QLD, Australia
| | - Kevin Arbuckle
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy N W Jackson
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, 3010, VIC, Australia
| | - Mettine H A Bos
- Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bianca Op den Brouw
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jordan Debono
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Luke Allen
- Venom Supplies Pty Ltd, Stonewell Rd, Tanunda, SA 5352, Australia
| | - Nathan Dunstan
- Venom Supplies Pty Ltd, Stonewell Rd, Tanunda, SA 5352, Australia
| | | | - María Herrera
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - José M Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - David J Williams
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, 3010, VIC, Australia; Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Boroko 121, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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26
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Silva A, Cristofori-Armstrong B, Rash LD, Hodgson WC, Isbister GK. Defining the role of post-synaptic α-neurotoxins in paralysis due to snake envenoming in humans. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:4465-4478. [PMID: 30069700 PMCID: PMC11105319 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2893-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Snake venom α-neurotoxins potently inhibit rodent nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), but their activity on human receptors and their role in human paralysis from snakebite remain unclear. We demonstrate that two short-chain α-neurotoxins (SαNTx) functionally inhibit human muscle-type nAChR, but are markedly more reversible than against rat receptors. In contrast, two long-chain α-neurotoxins (LαNTx) show no species differences in potency or reversibility. Mutant studies identified two key residues accounting for this. Proteomic and clinical data suggest that paralysis in human snakebites is not associated with SαNTx, but with LαNTx, such as in cobras. Neuromuscular blockade produced by both subclasses of α-neurotoxins was reversed by antivenom in rat nerve-muscle preparations, supporting its effectiveness in human post-synaptic paralysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Silva
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, 50008, Sri Lanka
| | - Ben Cristofori-Armstrong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Lachlan D Rash
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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27
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Lewin MR, Gutiérrez JM, Samuel SP, Herrera M, Bryan-Quirós W, Lomonte B, Bickler PE, Bulfone TC, Williams DJ. Delayed Oral LY333013 Rescues Mice from Highly Neurotoxic, Lethal Doses of Papuan Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:E380. [PMID: 30241297 PMCID: PMC6215158 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10100380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an unmet need for economical snakebite therapies with long shelf lives that are effective even with delays in treatment. The orally bioavailable, heat-stable, secretory phospholipase A₂ (sPLA₂) inhibitor, LY333013, demonstrates antidotal characteristics for severe snakebite envenoming in both field and hospital use. A murine model of lethal envenoming by a Papuan taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) demonstrates that LY333013, even with delayed oral administration, improves the chances of survival. Furthermore, LY333013 improves the performance of antivenom even after it no longer reverses neurotoxic signs. Our study is the first demonstration that neurotoxicity from presynaptic venom sPLA2S can be treated successfully, even after the window of therapeutic antivenom has closed. These results suggest that sPLA₂ inhibitors have the potential to reduce death and disability and should be considered for the initial and adjunct treatment of snakebite envenoming. The scope and capacity of the sPLA2 inhibitors ability to achieve these endpoints requires further investigation and development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Lewin
- Ophirex, Inc., Corte Madera, CA 94925, USA.
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA.
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, an José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Stephen P Samuel
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA.
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4ET, UK.
| | - María Herrera
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, an José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Wendy Bryan-Quirós
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, an José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, an José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Philip E Bickler
- Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Tommaso C Bulfone
- Ophirex, Inc., Corte Madera, CA 94925, USA.
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA.
| | - David J Williams
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Australian Venom Research Unit, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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Leong OS, Padula AM, Leister E. Severe acute pulmonary haemorrhage and haemoptysis in ten dogs following eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) envenomation: Clinical signs, treatment and outcomes. Toxicon 2018; 150:188-194. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Oulion B, Dobson JS, Zdenek CN, Arbuckle K, Lister C, Coimbra FCP, Op den Brouw B, Debono J, Rogalski A, Violette A, Fourmy R, Frank N, Fry BG. Factor X activating Atractaspis snake venoms and the relative coagulotoxicity neutralising efficacy of African antivenoms. Toxicol Lett 2018; 288:119-128. [PMID: 29462691 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Atractaspis snake species are enigmatic in their natural history, and venom effects are correspondingly poorly described. Clinical reports are scarce but bites have been described as causing severe hypertension, profound local tissue damage leading to amputation, and deaths are on record. Clinical descriptions have largely concentrated upon tissue effects, and research efforts have focused upon the blood-pressure affecting sarafotoxins. However, coagulation disturbances suggestive of procoagulant functions have been reported in some clinical cases, yet this aspect has been uninvestigated. We used a suite of assays to investigate the coagulotoxic effects of venoms from six different Atractaspis specimens from central Africa. The procoagulant function of factor X activation was revealed, as was the pseudo-procoagulant function of direct cleavage of fibrinogen into weak clots. The relative neutralization efficacy of South African Antivenom Producer's antivenoms on Atractaspis venoms was boomslang>>>polyvalent>saw-scaled viper. While the boomslang antivenom was the most effective on Atractaspis venoms, the ability to neutralize the most potent Atractaspis species in this study was up to 4-6 times less effective than boomslang antivenom neutralizes boomslang venom. Therefore, while these results suggest cross-reactivity of boomslang antivenom with the unexpectedly potent coagulotoxic effects of Atractaspis venoms, a considerable amount of this rare antivenom may be needed. This report thus reveals potent venom actions upon blood coagulation that may lead to severe clinical effects with limited management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brice Oulion
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - James S Dobson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Christina N Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Kevin Arbuckle
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Callum Lister
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Francisco C P Coimbra
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Bianca Op den Brouw
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jordan Debono
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Aymeric Rogalski
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Aude Violette
- Alphabiotoxine Laboratory sprl, Barberie 15, 7911 Montroeul-au-bois, Belgium
| | - Rudy Fourmy
- Alphabiotoxine Laboratory sprl, Barberie 15, 7911 Montroeul-au-bois, Belgium
| | | | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Neale V, Sotillo J, Seymour JE, Wilson D. The Venom of the Spine-Bellied Sea Snake (Hydrophis curtus): Proteome, Toxin Diversity and Intraspecific Variation. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122695. [PMID: 29231898 PMCID: PMC5751296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The spine-bellied sea snake (Hydrophis curtus) is known to cause human deaths, yet its venom composition has not yet been proteomically characterised. An in-depth proteomic analysis was performed on H. curtus venom from two different seasons, January and June, corresponding to adults and subadults, respectively. Venoms from adult and subadult H. curtus individuals were compared using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) to detect intraspecific variation, and the molecular weight data obtained with ESI-MS were used to assess toxin diversity. RP-HPLC and LC-ESI-MS/MS were used to characterise the venom proteome and estimate the relative abundances of protein families present. The most abundant protein family in January and June venoms is phospholipase A2 (PLA2: January 66.7%; June 54.5%), followed by three-finger toxins (3FTx: January 30.4%; June 40.4%) and a minor component of cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP: January 2.5%; June 5%). Trace amounts of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMP), C-type lectins and housekeeping and regulatory proteins were also found. Although the complexity of the venom is low by number of families present, each family contained a more diverse set of isoforms than previously reported, a finding that may have implications for the development of next-generation sea snake antivenoms. Intraspecific variability was shown to be minor with one obvious exception of a 14,157-Da protein that was present in some January (adult) venoms, but not at all in June (subadult) venoms. There is also a greater abundance of short-chain neurotoxins in June (subadult) venom compared with January (adult) venom. These differences potentially indicate the presence of seasonal, ontogenetic or sexual variation in H. curtus venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Neale
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns 4878, Australia.
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) and Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics (CBMDT), James Cook University, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns 4878, Australia.
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) and Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics (CBMDT), James Cook University, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns 4878, Australia.
| | - Jamie E Seymour
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) and Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics (CBMDT), James Cook University, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns 4878, Australia.
| | - David Wilson
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) and Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics (CBMDT), James Cook University, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns 4878, Australia.
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Padula A, Leister E. Eastern brown snake ( Pseudonaja textilis ) envenomation in dogs and cats: Clinical signs, coagulation changes, brown snake venom antigen levels and treatment with a novel caprylic acid fractionated bivalent whole IgG equine antivenom. Toxicon 2017; 138:89-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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A Review and Database of Snake Venom Proteomes. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9090290. [PMID: 28927001 PMCID: PMC5618223 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9090290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 338] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in the last decade combining transcriptomics with established proteomics methods have made possible rapid identification and quantification of protein families in snake venoms. Although over 100 studies have been published, the value of this information is increased when it is collated, allowing rapid assimilation and evaluation of evolutionary trends, geographical variation, and possible medical implications. This review brings together all compositional studies of snake venom proteomes published in the last decade. Compositional studies were identified for 132 snake species: 42 from 360 (12%) Elapidae (elapids), 20 from 101 (20%) Viperinae (true vipers), 65 from 239 (27%) Crotalinae (pit vipers), and five species of non-front-fanged snakes. Approximately 90% of their total venom composition consisted of eight protein families for elapids, 11 protein families for viperines and ten protein families for crotalines. There were four dominant protein families: phospholipase A2s (the most common across all front-fanged snakes), metalloproteases, serine proteases and three-finger toxins. There were six secondary protein families: cysteine-rich secretory proteins, l-amino acid oxidases, kunitz peptides, C-type lectins/snaclecs, disintegrins and natriuretic peptides. Elapid venoms contained mostly three-finger toxins and phospholipase A2s and viper venoms metalloproteases, phospholipase A2s and serine proteases. Although 63 protein families were identified, more than half were present in <5% of snake species studied and always in low abundance. The importance of these minor component proteins remains unknown.
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Li J, Xiong Y, Sun S, Yu L, Huang C. Preparation of monoclonal antibodies against gamma-type phospholipase A 2 inhibitors and immunodetection of these proteins in snake blood. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017; 23:37. [PMID: 28785278 PMCID: PMC5543733 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-017-0128-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The gamma-type phospholipase A2 inhibitor (PLIγ) is a natural protein commonly found in snake serum, which can neutralize pathophysiological effects of snake venom phospholipases A2. Therefore, this protein is a potential candidate to the development of a novel antivenom. To the best of our knowledge, there is no antibody currently available for PLIγ identification and characterization. Methods Bioinformatics prediction of epitope using DNAStar software was performed based on the sequence of Sinonatrix annularis PLIγ (SaPLIγ). The best epitope 151CPVLRLSNRTHEANRNDLIKVA172 was chosen and synthesized, and then conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin and bovine serum albumin for use as an immunogen and plate-coating antigen, respectively. Results Eighteen IgG anti-PLIγ mAb hybridoma cell strains were obtained, and all the mAbs had positive interaction with recombinant His6-PLIγ and natural SaPLIγ. Moreover, the mAb from 10E9 strain was also successfully used for the immunodetection of other snake serum PLIγs. cDNA sequence alignment of those PLIγs from different snake species showed that their epitope segments were highly homologous. Conclusions The successful preparation of anti-PLIγmAb is significant for further investigation on the relationship between the structure and function of PLIγs, as well as the interaction between PLIγs and PLA2s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Medical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Second Affiliated Hospital to Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 China
| | - Shimin Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Medical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 China
| | - Lehan Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Medical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 China
| | - Chunhong Huang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006 China
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Debono J, Dobson J, Casewell NR, Romilio A, Li B, Kurniawan N, Mardon K, Weisbecker V, Nouwens A, Kwok HF, Fry BG. Coagulating Colubrids: Evolutionary, Pathophysiological and Biodiscovery Implications of Venom Variations between Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) and Twig Snake (Thelotornis mossambicanus). Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E171. [PMID: 28534833 PMCID: PMC5450719 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9050171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms can deleteriously affect any physiological system reachable by the bloodstream, including directly interfering with the coagulation cascade. Such coagulopathic toxins may be anticoagulants or procoagulants. Snake venoms are unique in their use of procoagulant toxins for predatory purposes. The boomslang (Dispholidus typus) and the twig snakes (Thelotornis species) are iconic African snakes belonging to the family Colubridae. Both species produce strikingly similar lethal procoagulant pathologies. Despite these similarities, antivenom is only produced for treating bites by D. typus, and the mechanisms of action of both venoms have been understudied. In this study, we investigated the venom of D. typus and T. mossambicanus utilising a range of proteomic and bioactivity approaches, including determining the procoagulant properties of both venoms in relation to the human coagulation pathways. In doing so, we developed a novel procoagulant assay, utilising a Stago STA-R Max analyser, to accurately detect real time clotting in plasma at varying concentrations of venom. This approach was used to assess the clotting capabilities of the two venoms both with and without calcium and phospholipid co-factors. We found that T. mossambicanus produced a significantly stronger coagulation response compared to D. typus. Functional enzyme assays showed that T. mossambicanus also exhibited a higher metalloprotease and phospholipase activity but had a much lower serine protease activity relative to D. typus venom. The neutralising capability of the available boomslang antivenom was also investigated on both species, with it being 11.3 times more effective upon D. typus venom than T. mossambicanus. In addition to being a faster clotting venom, T. mossambicanus was revealed to be a much more complex venom composition than D. typus. This is consistent with patterns seen for other snakes with venom complexity linked to dietary complexity. Consistent with the external morphological differences in head shape between the two species, CT and MRI analyses revealed significant internal structural differences in skull architecture and venom gland anatomy. This study increases our understanding of not only the biodiscovery potential of these medically important species but also increases our knowledge of the pathological relationship between venom and the human coagulation cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Debono
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - James Dobson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Anthony Romilio
- Vertebrate Palaeontology and Biomechanics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Bin Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
| | - Nyoman Kurniawan
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Karine Mardon
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Vera Weisbecker
- Vertebrate Palaeontology and Biomechanics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Amanda Nouwens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Gutiérrez JM, Solano G, Pla D, Herrera M, Segura Á, Vargas M, Villalta M, Sánchez A, Sanz L, Lomonte B, León G, Calvete JJ. Preclinical Evaluation of the Efficacy of Antivenoms for Snakebite Envenoming: State-of-the-Art and Challenges Ahead. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9050163. [PMID: 28505100 PMCID: PMC5450711 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9050163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal-derived antivenoms constitute the mainstay in the therapy of snakebite envenoming. The efficacy of antivenoms to neutralize toxicity of medically-relevant snake venoms has to be demonstrated through meticulous preclinical testing before their introduction into the clinical setting. The gold standard in the preclinical assessment and quality control of antivenoms is the neutralization of venom-induced lethality. In addition, depending on the pathophysiological profile of snake venoms, the neutralization of other toxic activities has to be evaluated, such as hemorrhagic, myotoxic, edema-forming, dermonecrotic, in vitro coagulant, and defibrinogenating effects. There is a need to develop laboratory assays to evaluate neutralization of other relevant venom activities. The concept of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in Toxinology is of utmost importance, and some advances have been performed in their implementation. A significant leap forward in the study of the immunological reactivity of antivenoms against venoms has been the development of “antivenomics”, which brings the analytical power of mass spectrometry to the evaluation of antivenoms. International partnerships are required to assess the preclinical efficacy of antivenoms against snake venoms in different regions of the world in order to have a detailed knowledge on the neutralizing profile of these immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Gabriela Solano
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Davinia Pla
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia 46010, Spain.
| | - María Herrera
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
- Sección de Química Analítica, Escuela de Química, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Álvaro Segura
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Mariángela Vargas
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Mauren Villalta
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Andrés Sánchez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Libia Sanz
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia 46010, Spain.
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Guillermo León
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia 46010, Spain.
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Antivenom production in the alpaca ( Vicugna pacos ): Monovalent and polyvalent antivenom neutralisation of lethal and procoagulant toxins in Australian elapid venoms. Small Rumin Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Johnston CI, Ryan NM, O'Leary MA, Brown SGA, Isbister GK. Australian taipan (Oxyuranus spp.) envenoming: clinical effects and potential benefits of early antivenom therapy - Australian Snakebite Project (ASP-25). Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2016; 55:115-122. [PMID: 27903075 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2016.1250903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Taipans (Oxyuranus spp.) are medically important venomous snakes from Australia and Papua New Guinea. The objective of this study was to describe taipan envenoming in Australian and its response to antivenom. METHODS Confirmed taipan bites were recruited from the Australian Snakebite Project. Data were collected prospectively on all snakebites, including patient demographics, bite circumstances, clinical effects, laboratory results, complications and treatment. Blood samples were taken and analysed by venom specific immunoassay to confirm snake species and measure venom concentration pre- and post-antivenom. RESULTS There were 40 confirmed taipan bites: median age 41 years (2-85 years), 34 were males and 21 were snake handlers. Systemic envenoming occurred in 33 patients with neurotoxicity (26), complete venom induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC) (16), partial VICC (15), acute kidney injury (13), myotoxicity (11) and thrombocytopenia (7). Venom allergy occurred in seven patients, three of which had no evidence of envenoming and one died. Antivenom was given to 34 patients with a median initial dose of one vial (range 1-4), and a median total dose of two vials (range 1-9). A greater total antivenom dose was associated with VICC, neurotoxicity and acute kidney injury. Early antivenom administration was associated with a decreased frequency of neurotoxicity, acute kidney injury, myotoxicity and intubation. There was a shorter median time to discharge of 51 h (19-432 h) in patients given antivenom <4 h post-bite, compared to 175 h (27-1104 h) in those given antivenom >4 h. Median peak venom concentration in 25 patients with systemic envenoming and a sample available was 8.4 ng/L (1-3212 ng/L). No venom was detected in post-antivenom samples, including 20 patients given one vial initially and five patients bitten by inland taipans. DISCUSSION Australian taipan envenoming is characterised by neurotoxicity, myotoxicity, coagulopathy, acute kidney injury and thrombocytopenia. One vial of antivenom binds all measurable venom and early antivenom was associated with a favourable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole M Ryan
- a Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle , Newcastle , Australia
| | - Margaret A O'Leary
- a Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle , Newcastle , Australia
| | - Simon G A Brown
- b Centre for Clinical Research in Emergency Medicine, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Royal Perth Hospital and the University of Western Australia , Perth , Australia
| | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- a Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle , Newcastle , Australia.,c Department of Clinical Toxicology and Pharmacology , Calvary Mater Newcastle , Newcastle , Australia
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Rapid Radiations and the Race to Redundancy: An Investigation of the Evolution of Australian Elapid Snake Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8110309. [PMID: 27792190 PMCID: PMC5127106 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8110309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Australia is the stronghold of the front-fanged venomous snake family Elapidae. The Australasian elapid snake radiation, which includes approximately 100 terrestrial species in Australia, as well as Melanesian species and all the world's sea snakes, is less than 12 million years old. The incredible phenotypic and ecological diversity of the clade is matched by considerable diversity in venom composition. The clade's evolutionary youth and dynamic evolution should make it of particular interest to toxinologists, however, the majority of species, which are small, typically inoffensive, and seldom encountered by non-herpetologists, have been almost completely neglected by researchers. The present study investigates the venom composition of 28 species proteomically, revealing several interesting trends in venom composition, and reports, for the first time in elapid snakes, the existence of an ontogenetic shift in the venom composition and activity of brown snakes (Pseudonaja sp.). Trends in venom composition are compared to the snakes' feeding ecology and the paper concludes with an extended discussion of the selection pressures shaping the evolution of snake venom.
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Yang DC, Deuis JR, Dashevsky D, Dobson J, Jackson TNW, Brust A, Xie B, Koludarov I, Debono J, Hendrikx I, Hodgson WC, Josh P, Nouwens A, Baillie GJ, Bruxner TJC, Alewood PF, Lim KKP, Frank N, Vetter I, Fry BG. The Snake with the Scorpion's Sting: Novel Three-Finger Toxin Sodium Channel Activators from the Venom of the Long-Glanded Blue Coral Snake (Calliophis bivirgatus). Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:E303. [PMID: 27763551 PMCID: PMC5086663 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8100303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of years of evolution have fine-tuned the ability of venom peptides to rapidly incapacitate both prey and potential predators. Toxicofera reptiles are characterized by serous-secreting mandibular or maxillary glands with heightened levels of protein expression. These glands are the core anatomical components of the toxicoferan venom system, which exists in myriad points along an evolutionary continuum. Neofunctionalisation of toxins is facilitated by positive selection at functional hotspots on the ancestral protein and venom proteins have undergone dynamic diversification in helodermatid and varanid lizards as well as advanced snakes. A spectacular point on the venom system continuum is the long-glanded blue coral snake (Calliophis bivirgatus), a specialist feeder that preys on fast moving, venomous snakes which have both a high likelihood of prey escape but also represent significant danger to the predator itself. The maxillary venom glands of C. bivirgatus extend one quarter of the snake's body length and nestle within the rib cavity. Despite the snake's notoriety its venom has remained largely unstudied. Here we show that the venom uniquely produces spastic paralysis, in contrast to the flaccid paralysis typically produced by neurotoxic snake venoms. The toxin responsible, which we have called calliotoxin (δ-elapitoxin-Cb1a), is a three-finger toxin (3FTx). Calliotoxin shifts the voltage-dependence of NaV1.4 activation to more hyperpolarised potentials, inhibits inactivation, and produces large ramp currents, consistent with its profound effects on contractile force in an isolated skeletal muscle preparation. Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) are a particularly attractive pharmacological target as they are involved in almost all physiological processes including action potential generation and conduction. Accordingly, venom peptides that interfere with NaV function provide a key defensive and predatory advantage to a range of invertebrate venomous species including cone snails, scorpions, spiders, and anemones. Enhanced activation or delayed inactivation of sodium channels by toxins is associated with the extremely rapid onset of tetanic/excitatory paralysis in envenomed prey animals. A strong selection pressure exists for the evolution of such toxins where there is a high chance of prey escape. However, despite their prevalence in other venomous species, toxins causing delay of sodium channel inhibition have never previously been described in vertebrate venoms. Here we show that NaV modulators, convergent with those of invertebrates, have evolved in the venom of the long-glanded coral snake. Calliotoxin represents a functionally novel class of 3FTx and a structurally novel class of NaV toxins that will provide significant insights into the pharmacology and physiology of NaV. The toxin represents a remarkable case of functional convergence between invertebrate and vertebrate venom systems in response to similar selection pressures. These results underscore the dynamic evolution of the Toxicofera reptile system and reinforces the value of using evolution as a roadmap for biodiscovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryl C Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia.
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Jennifer R Deuis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Daniel Dashevsky
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - James Dobson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Timothy N W Jackson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Andreas Brust
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Bing Xie
- Bejing Genomics Institute-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Ivan Koludarov
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Jordan Debono
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Iwan Hendrikx
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia.
| | - Peter Josh
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Amanda Nouwens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Gregory J Baillie
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Timothy J C Bruxner
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Kelvin Kok Peng Lim
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, 2 Conservatory Drive, Singapore 117377, Singapore.
| | | | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
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Navarro D, Vargas M, Herrera M, Segura Á, Gómez A, Villalta M, Ramírez N, Williams D, Gutiérrez JM, León G. Development of a chicken-derived antivenom against the taipan snake (Oxyuranus scutellatus) venom and comparison with an equine antivenom. Toxicon 2016; 120:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Lewin M, Samuel S, Merkel J, Bickler P. Varespladib (LY315920) Appears to Be a Potent, Broad-Spectrum, Inhibitor of Snake Venom Phospholipase A2 and a Possible Pre-Referral Treatment for Envenomation. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8090248. [PMID: 27571102 PMCID: PMC5037474 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8090248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite remains a neglected medical problem of the developing world with up to 125,000 deaths each year despite more than a century of calls to improve snakebite prevention and care. An estimated 75% of fatalities from snakebite occur outside the hospital setting. Because phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity is an important component of venom toxicity, we sought candidate PLA2 inhibitors by directly testing drugs. Surprisingly, varespladib and its orally bioavailable prodrug, methyl-varespladib showed high-level secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) inhibition at nanomolar and picomolar concentrations against 28 medically important snake venoms from six continents. In vivo proof-of-concept studies with varespladib had striking survival benefit against lethal doses of Micrurus fulvius and Vipera berus venom, and suppressed venom-induced sPLA2 activity in rats challenged with 100% lethal doses of M. fulvius venom. Rapid development and deployment of a broad-spectrum PLA2 inhibitor alone or in combination with other small molecule inhibitors of snake toxins (e.g., metalloproteases) could fill the critical therapeutic gap spanning pre-referral and hospital setting. Lower barriers for clinical testing of safety tested, repurposed small molecule therapeutics are a potentially economical and effective path forward to fill the pre-referral gap in the setting of snakebite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lewin
- Research and Development, Ophirex, Inc., Corte Madera, CA 94925, USA.
- Center for Exploration and Travel Health, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA.
| | - Stephen Samuel
- General Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4ET, UK.
| | - Janie Merkel
- Yale Center for Molecular Discovery, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.
| | - Philip Bickler
- Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Barber CM, Rusmili MRA, Hodgson WC. Isolation and Pharmacological Characterization of α-Elapitoxin-Ot1a, a Short-Chain Postsynaptic Neurotoxin from the Venom of the Western Desert Taipan, Oxyuranus temporalis. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8030058. [PMID: 26938558 PMCID: PMC4810203 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8030058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Taipans (Oxyuranus spp.) are elapids with highly potent venoms containing presynaptic (β) and postsynaptic (α) neurotoxins. O. temporalis (Western Desert taipan), a newly discovered member of this genus, has been shown to possess venom which displays marked in vitro neurotoxicity. No components have been isolated from this venom. We describe the characterization of α-elapitoxin-Ot1a (α-EPTX-Ot1a; 6712 Da), a short-chain postsynaptic neurotoxin, which accounts for approximately 30% of O. temporalis venom. α-Elapitoxin-Ot1a (0.1–1 µM) produced concentration-dependent inhibition of indirect-twitches, and abolished contractile responses to exogenous acetylcholine and carbachol, in the chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation. The inhibition of indirect twitches by α-elapitoxin-Ot1a (1 µM) was not reversed by washing the tissue. Prior addition of taipan antivenom (10 U/mL) delayed the neurotoxic effects of α-elapitoxin-Ot1a (1 µM) and markedly attenuated the neurotoxic effects of α-elapitoxin-Ot1a (0.1 µM). α-Elapitoxin-Ot1a displayed pseudo-irreversible antagonism of concentration-response curves to carbachol with a pA2 value of 8.02 ± 0.05. De novo sequencing revealed the main sequence of the short-chain postsynaptic neurotoxin (i.e., α-elapitoxin-Ot1a) as well as three other isoforms found in O. temporalis venom. α-Elapitoxin-Ot1a shows high sequence similarity (i.e., >87%) with other taipan short-chain postsynaptic neurotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmel M Barber
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
| | - Muhamad Rusdi Ahmad Rusmili
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota 23800, Malaysia.
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
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Herrera M, de Cássia de O Collaço R, Villalta M, Segura Á, Vargas M, Wright CE, Paiva OK, Matainaho T, Jensen SD, León G, Williams DJ, Rodrigues-Simioni L, Gutiérrez JM. Neutralization of the neuromuscular inhibition of venom and taipoxin from the taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) by F(ab')2 and whole IgG antivenoms. Toxicol Lett 2015; 241:175-83. [PMID: 26621539 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction activity of Oxyuranus scutellatus venom and its presynaptic neurotoxin, taipoxin, and their neutralization by two antivenoms were examined in mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations. The action of taipoxin was also studied at 21°C. The efficacy of the antivenoms was also assessed in an in vivo mouse model. Both antivenoms were effective in neutralizing the neuromuscular blocking activity in preincubation-type experiments. In experiments involving independent addition of venom and antivenoms, neutralization depended on the time interval between venom addition and antivenom application. When taipoxin was incubated for 5, 10 or 20min at 21°C, and antivenom added and temperature increased to 37°C, neutralization was achieved only when the toxin was incubated for 5 or 10min. The neutralization by the two antivenoms in an in vivo model showed that both whole IgG and F(ab')2 antivenoms were effective in neutralizing lethality. Our findings highlight the very rapid action of taipan venom at the nerve terminal, and the poor capacity of antivenoms to revert neurotoxicity as the time interval between venom or taipoxin application and antivenom addition increased. Additionally the disparity between molecular masses of the active substances of the two antivenoms did not result in differences in neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Herrera
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Rita de Cássia de O Collaço
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Mauren Villalta
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Álvaro Segura
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mariángela Vargas
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Christine E Wright
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Owen K Paiva
- Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Teatulohi Matainaho
- Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Simon D Jensen
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Guillermo León
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - David J Williams
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Léa Rodrigues-Simioni
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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Gutiérrez JM. Understanding and confronting snakebite envenoming: The harvest of cooperation. Toxicon 2015; 109:51-62. [PMID: 26615826 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
During 45 years, the Instituto Clodomiro Picado (ICP, University of Costa Rica) has developed an ambitious scientific, technological, productive, and social program aimed at providing a better understanding of snakes and their venoms, contributing to the development, production and distribution of antivenoms, improving the prevention and management of snakebite envenomings, and strengthening human resources in science and technology. Among other topics, its research agenda has focused on the local tissue alterations induced by viperid snake venoms, i.e. myonecrosis, hemorrhage, dermonecrosis, extracellular matrix degradation, lymphatic vessel damage, and inflammation. In addition, the preclinical efficacy of antivenoms has been thoroughly investigated, together with the technological development of novel antivenoms. ICP's project has been based on a philosophical frame characterized by: (a) An integrated approach for confronting the problem of snakebites, involving research, production, extension activities, and teaching; (b) a cooperative and team work perspective in the pursuit of scientific, technological, productive, and social goals; (c) a search for excellence and continuous improvement in the quality of its activities; and (d) a vision of solidarity and compassion, based on the realization that snakebite envenomings mostly affect impoverished vulnerable populations in the rural settings of developing countries. A key aspect in this program has been the consolidation of international partnerships with groups of all continents, within a frame of academic and social cooperation, some of which are described in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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Skejic J, Steer DL, Dunstan N, Hodgson WC. Label-Free (XIC) Quantification of Venom Procoagulant and Neurotoxin Expression in Related Australian Elapid Snakes Gives Insight into Venom Toxicity Evolution. J Proteome Res 2015; 14:4896-906. [PMID: 26486890 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.5b00764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study demonstrates a direct role of venom protein expression alteration in the evolution of snake venom toxicity. Avian skeletal muscle contractile response to exogenously administered acetylcholine is completely inhibited upon exposure to South Australian and largely preserved following exposure to Queensland eastern brown snake Pseudonaja textilis venom, indicating potent postsynaptic neurotoxicity of the former and lack thereof of the latter venom. Label-free quantitative proteomics reveals extremely large differences in the expression of postsynaptic three-finger α-neurotoxins in these venoms, explaining the difference in the muscle contractile response and suggesting that the type of toxicity induced by venom can be modified by altered expression of venom proteins. Furthermore, the onset of neuromuscular paralysis in the rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation occurs sooner upon exposure to the venom (10 μg/mL) with high expression of α-neurotoxins than the venoms containing predominately presynaptic β-neurotoxins. The study also finds that the onset of rat plasma coagulation is faster following exposure to the venoms with higher expression of venom prothrombin activator subunits. This is the first quantitative proteomic study that uses extracted ion chromatogram peak areas (MS1 XIC) of distinct homologous tryptic peptides to directly show the differences in the expression of venom proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jure Skejic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BIO21 Institute, University of Melbourne , 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University , 9 Ancora Imparo Way, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - David L Steer
- Monash Biomedical Proteomics Facility, Monash University , 23 Innovation Walk, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Nathan Dunstan
- Venom Supplies Pty Ltd. , Stonewell Road, Tanunda, South Australia 5352, Australia
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University , 9 Ancora Imparo Way, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Laustsen AH, Lomonte B, Lohse B, Fernández J, Gutiérrez JM. Unveiling the nature of black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) venom through venomics and antivenom immunoprofiling: Identification of key toxin targets for antivenom development. J Proteomics 2015; 119:126-42. [PMID: 25688917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The venom proteome of the black mamba, Dendroaspis polylepis, from Eastern Africa, was, for the first time, characterized. Forty- different proteins and one nucleoside were identified or assigned to protein families. The most abundant proteins were Kunitz-type proteinase inhibitors, which include the unique mamba venom components 'dendrotoxins', and α-neurotoxins and other representatives of the three-finger toxin family. In addition, the venom contains lower percentages of proteins from other families, including metalloproteinase, hyaluronidase, prokineticin, nerve growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, phospholipase A2, 5'-nucleotidase, and phosphodiesterase. Assessment of acute toxicity revealed that the most lethal components were α-neurotoxins and, to a lower extent, dendrotoxins. This venom also contains a relatively high concentration of adenosine, which might contribute to toxicity by influencing the toxin biodistribution. ELISA immunoprofiling and preclinical assessment of neutralization showed that polyspecific antivenoms manufactured in South Africa and India were effective in the neutralization of D. polylepis venom, albeit showing different potencies. Antivenoms had higher antibody titers against α-neurotoxins than against dendrotoxins, and displayed high titers against less toxic proteins of high molecular mass. Our results reveal the complexity of D. polylepis venom, and provide information for the identification of its most relevant toxins to be neutralized by antivenoms. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE The black mamba, D. polylepis, is one of the most feared snakes in the world, owing to the potency of its venom, the severity and rapid onset of clinical manifestations of envenomings, and its ability to strike fast and repeatedly. The present study reports the first proteomic analysis of this venom. Results revealed a complex venom constituted predominantly by proteins belonging to the Kunitz-type proteinase inhibitor family, which comprises the dendrotoxins, and to α-neurotoxins of the three-finger toxin family. The proteins showing highest acute toxicity were α-neurotoxins, which induce post-synaptic blockade of the neuromuscular junctions, followed by dendrotoxins, which inhibit the voltage-dependent potassium channels. The combination of these two types of toxins in the venom underscores the presence of a dual strategy that results in a highly effective mechanism for prey subduction. This complex toxic arsenal is likely to provide D. polylepis with high trophic versatility. The rapid onset and severity of neurotoxic clinical manifestations in envenomings by D. polylepis demand the rapid administration of effective and safe antivenoms. Preclinical tests showed that an antivenom from South Africa and two antivenoms from India were effective in the neutralization of this venom, albeit differing in their potency. Moreover, ELISA immunoprofiling of these antivenoms against all venom fractions revealed that antivenoms have higher titers against α-neurotoxins than against dendrotoxins, thus underscoring the need to develop improved immunization strategies. The results of this investigation identified the most relevant toxins present in D. polylepis venom, which need to be targeted by antivenoms or other type of inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Brian Lohse
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julián Fernández
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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Combined venom gland cDNA sequencing and venomics of the New Guinea small-eyed snake, Micropechis ikaheka. J Proteomics 2014; 110:209-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Herrera M, Paiva OK, Pagotto AH, Segura A, Serrano SMT, Vargas M, Villalta M, Jensen SD, León G, Williams DJ, Gutiérrez JM. Antivenomic characterization of two antivenoms against the venom of the taipan, Oxyuranus scutellatus, from Papua New Guinea and Australia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 91:887-94. [PMID: 25157124 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Antivenoms manufactured by bioCSL Limited (Australia) and Instituto Clodomiro Picado (Costa Rica) against the venom of the taipan snakes (Oxyuranus scutellatus) from Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG), respectively, were compared using antivenomics, an analytical approach that combines proteomics with immunoaffinity chromatography. Both antivenoms recognized all venom proteins present in venom from PNG O. scutellatus, although a pattern of partial recognition was observed for some components. In the case of the Australian O. scutellatus venom, both antivenoms immunorecognized the majority of the components, but the CSL antivenom showed a stronger pattern of immunoreactivity, which was revealed by the percentage of retained proteins in the immunoaffinity column. Antivenoms interacted with taipoxin in surface plasmon resonance. These observations on antivenomics agree with previous neutralization studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Herrera
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Owen K Paiva
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ana Helena Pagotto
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alvaro Segura
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Solange M T Serrano
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mariángela Vargas
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mauren Villalta
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon D Jensen
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Guillermo León
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David J Williams
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Barber CM, Madaras F, Turnbull RK, Morley T, Dunstan N, Allen L, Kuchel T, Mirtschin P, Hodgson WC. Comparative studies of the venom of a new Taipan species, Oxyuranus temporalis, with other members of its genus. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:1979-95. [PMID: 24992081 PMCID: PMC4113736 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6071979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Taipans are highly venomous Australo-Papuan elapids. A new species of taipan, the Western Desert Taipan (Oxyuranus temporalis), has been discovered with two specimens housed in captivity at the Adelaide Zoo. This study is the first investigation of O. temporalis venom and seeks to characterise and compare the neurotoxicity, lethality and biochemical properties of O. temporalis venom with other taipan venoms. Analysis of O. temporalis venom using size-exclusion and reverse-phase HPLC indicated a markedly simplified "profile" compared to other taipan venoms. SDS-PAGE and agarose gel electrophoresis analysis also indicated a relatively simple composition. Murine LD50 studies showed that O. temporalis venom is less lethal than O. microlepidotus venom. Venoms were tested in vitro, using the chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation. Based on t90 values, O. temporalis venom is highly neurotoxic abolishing indirect twitches far more rapidly than other taipan venoms. O. temporalis venom also abolished responses to exogenous acetylcholine and carbachol, indicating the presence of postsynaptic neurotoxins. Prior administration of CSL Taipan antivenom (CSL Limited) neutralised the inhibitory effects of all taipan venoms. The results of this study suggest that the venom of the O. temporalis is highly neurotoxic in vitro and may contain procoagulant toxins, making this snake potentially dangerous to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmel M Barber
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Frank Madaras
- Venom Science Pty Ltd, Tanunda, South Australia 5352, Australia.
| | - Richard K Turnbull
- SA Pathology, IMVS Veterinary Services, Gilles Plains, South Australia 5086, Australia.
| | - Terry Morley
- Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.
| | - Nathan Dunstan
- Venom Supplies, Tanunda, South Australia, South Australia 5352, Australia.
| | - Luke Allen
- Venom Supplies, Tanunda, South Australia, South Australia 5352, Australia.
| | - Tim Kuchel
- SA Pathology, IMVS Veterinary Services, Gilles Plains, South Australia 5086, Australia.
| | - Peter Mirtschin
- Venom Science Pty Ltd, Tanunda, South Australia 5352, Australia.
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
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