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Saldarriaga-Córdoba M, Clavero-León C, Rey-Suarez P, Nuñez-Rangel V, Avendaño-Herrera R, Solano-González S, Alzate JF. Unveiling Novel Kunitz- and Waprin-Type Toxins in the Micrurus mipartitus Coral Snake Venom Gland: An In Silico Transcriptome Analysis. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:224. [PMID: 38787076 PMCID: PMC11126030 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16050224] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Kunitz-type peptide expression has been described in the venom of snakes of the Viperidae, Elapidae and Colubridae families. This work aimed to identify these peptides in the venom gland transcriptome of the coral snake Micrurus mipartitus. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a high diversity of venom-associated Kunitz serine protease inhibitor proteins (KSPIs). A total of eight copies of KSPIs were predicted and grouped into four distinctive types, including short KSPI, long KSPI, Kunitz-Waprin (Ku-WAP) proteins, and a multi-domain Kunitz-type protein. From these, one short KSPI showed high identity with Micrurus tener and Austrelaps superbus. The long KSPI group exhibited similarity within the Micrurus genus and showed homology with various elapid snakes and even with the colubrid Pantherophis guttatus. A third group suggested the presence of Kunitz domains in addition to a whey-acidic-protein-type four-disulfide core domain. Finally, the fourth group corresponded to a transcript copy with a putative 511 amino acid protein, formerly annotated as KSPI, which UniProt classified as SPINT1. In conclusion, this study showed the diversity of Kunitz-type proteins expressed in the venom gland transcriptome of M. mipartitus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Clavero-León
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad (CIRENYS), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Paola Rey-Suarez
- Grupo de Investigación en Toxinología, Alternativas Terapéuticas y Alimentarias, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia; (P.R.-S.); (V.N.-R.)
| | - Vitelbina Nuñez-Rangel
- Grupo de Investigación en Toxinología, Alternativas Terapéuticas y Alimentarias, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia; (P.R.-S.); (V.N.-R.)
- Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia
| | - Ruben Avendaño-Herrera
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida & Centro de Investigación Marina Quintay (CIMARQ), Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar 2531015, Chile;
| | - Stefany Solano-González
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática Aplicada, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 86-3000, Costa Rica
| | - Juan F. Alzate
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia;
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Piedrahita JD, Cardona-Ruda A, Pereañez JA, Rey-Suárez P. In-depth immunorecognition and neutralization analyses of Micrurus mipartitus and M. dumerilii venoms and toxins by a commercial antivenom. Biochimie 2024; 216:120-125. [PMID: 37844754 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.10.009] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
In Colombia, the Micrurus genus comprises 30 species, including M. mipartitus and M. dumerilii, which are of major clinical relevance due to their wide geographical distribution and the number of snakebites inflicted by them. These neurotoxic envenomations are characterized by neuromuscular paralysis attributed to venom components such as three-finger toxins (3FTx) and phospholipases (PLA2). Additionally, there is limited information available on the neutralizing coverage of commercially available antivenoms, underscoring the need to perform studies to assess the cross-neutralizing ability of these life-saving products. Therefore, we present an in-depth immunorecognition analysis by the anticoral-INS antivenom from Colombia on the M. mipartitus and M. dumerilii venoms. The antivenom cross-recognized the whole venoms and their components with different intensities. For instance, the antivenom showed better recognition on PLA2s than on 3FTxs in both venoms. Moreover, at doses tested, the antivenom totally neutralized the lethal effect of M. dumerilii venom; however, it did not neutralize this effect induced by M. mipartitus venom and its main toxic components from the southwestern region of the department of Antioquia. Furthermore, the anticoral-INS antivenom displayed better cross-immunorecognition of PLA2-predominant Micrurus venoms than of 3FTx-predominant Micrurus venoms. This highlights the need to include venoms from both types of venom patterns in the immunization mixture to produce antivenoms against coral snakes. Finally, our results suggest the need for further research to optimize the composition of immunizing mixtures for antivenom production and improve their efficacy against coral snake envenomation in Colombia and the Americas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Diego Piedrahita
- Departamento de Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ana Cardona-Ruda
- Grupo de Investigación en Toxinología, Alternativas Terapéuticas y Alimentarias, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jaime Andrés Pereañez
- Grupo de Investigación en Toxinología, Alternativas Terapéuticas y Alimentarias, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Paola Rey-Suárez
- Grupo de Investigación en Toxinología, Alternativas Terapéuticas y Alimentarias, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile.
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3
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Rodríguez-Vargas A, Franco-Vásquez AM, Bolívar-Barbosa JA, Vega N, Reyes-Montaño E, Arreguín-Espinosa R, Carbajal-Saucedo A, Angarita-Sierra T, Ruiz-Gómez F. Unveiling the Venom Composition of the Colombian Coral Snakes Micrurus helleri, M. medemi, and M. sangilensis. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:622. [PMID: 37999485 PMCID: PMC10674450 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15110622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known of the biochemical composition and functional features of the venoms of poorly known Colombian coral snakes. Here, we provide a preliminary characterization of the venom of two Colombian endemic coral snake species, Micrurus medemi and M. sangilensis, as well as Colombian populations of M. helleri. Electrophoresis and RP-HPLC techniques were used to identify venom components, and assays were conducted to detect enzyme activities, including phospholipase A2, hyaluronidase, and protease activities. The median lethal dose was determined using murine models. Cytotoxic activities in primary cultures from hippocampal neurons and cancer cell lines were evaluated. The venom profiles revealed similarities in electrophoretic separation among proteins under 20 kDa. The differences in chromatographic profiles were significant, mainly between the fractions containing medium-/large-sized and hydrophobic proteins; this was corroborated by a proteomic analysis which showed the expected composition of neurotoxins from the PLA2 (~38%) and 3FTx (~17%) families; however, a considerable quantity of metalloproteinases (~12%) was detected. PLA2 activity and protease activity were higher in M. helleri venom according to qualitative and quantitative assays. M. medemi venom had the highest lethality. All venoms decreased cell viability when tested on tumoral cell cultures, and M. helleri venom had the highest activity in neuronal primary culture. These preliminary studies shed light on the venoms of understudied coral snakes and broaden the range of sources that could be used for subsequent investigations of components with applications to specific diseases. Our findings also have implications for the clinical manifestations of snake envenoming and improvements in its medical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Rodríguez-Vargas
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Departamento de Química, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia (N.V.); (E.R.-M.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Dirección de Producción, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (T.A.-S.); (F.R.-G.)
| | - Adrián Marcelo Franco-Vásquez
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico (R.A.-E.)
| | - Janeth Alejandra Bolívar-Barbosa
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Departamento de Química, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia (N.V.); (E.R.-M.)
| | - Nohora Vega
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Departamento de Química, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia (N.V.); (E.R.-M.)
| | - Edgar Reyes-Montaño
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Departamento de Química, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia (N.V.); (E.R.-M.)
| | - Roberto Arreguín-Espinosa
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico (R.A.-E.)
| | - Alejandro Carbajal-Saucedo
- Laboratorio de Herpetología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Mexico;
| | - Teddy Angarita-Sierra
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Dirección de Producción, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (T.A.-S.); (F.R.-G.)
- Grupo de investigación Biodiversidad para la Sociedad, Escuela de pregrados, Dirección Académica, Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede de La Paz, Cesar 22010, Colombia
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Dirección de Producción, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (T.A.-S.); (F.R.-G.)
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4
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Baudou FG, Gutiérrez JM, Rodríguez JP. Immune response to neurotoxic South American snake venoms. Toxicon 2023; 234:107300. [PMID: 37757959 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107300] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
South American rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus spp) and coral snakes (Micrurus sp) venoms are characterized by inducing a limited inflammatory innate immune response, in contrast to Bothrops sp snake venoms which exert a prominent inflammatory activity. Some Crotalus durissus spp venoms, in addition, exert immunosuppressive activities that hamper the development of neutralizing antibodies in animals immunized for antivenom production. Micrurus sp venoms are rich in low molecular mass neurotoxins that elicit a limited immune response. These characteristics make it difficult to generate antivenoms of high neutralizing activity. Therefore, the study of the mechanisms operating behind this limited immune response to venoms is relevant from both fundamental and practical perspectives. This review summarizes key aspects of the immune response to these venoms and discusses some pending challenges to further understand these phenomena and to improve antivenom production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico G Baudou
- Universidad Nacional de Luján (UNLu), Depto. de Ciencias Básicas, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Grupo de Investigaciones Básicas y Aplicadas en Inmunología y Bioactivos (GIBAIB), Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), UNLu-CONICET, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Juan Pablo Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de la Facultad de Medicina (LIBIM), Instituto de Química Básica y Aplicada del Nordeste Argentino (IQUIBA-NEA), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNNE-CONICET), Corrientes, Argentina
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5
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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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6
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Jowers MJ, Smart U, Sánchez-Ramírez S, Murphy JC, Gómez A, Bosque RJ, Sarker GC, Noonan BP, Faria JF, Harris DJ, da Silva NJ, Prudente ALC, Weber J, Kok PJR, Rivas GA, Jadin RC, Sasa M, Muñoz-Mérida A, Moreno-Rueda G, Smith EN. Unveiling underestimated species diversity within the Central American Coralsnake, a medically important complex of venomous taxa. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11674. [PMID: 37468518 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37734-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Coralsnakes of the genus Micrurus are a diverse group of venomous snakes ranging from the southern United States to southern South America. Much uncertainty remains over the genus diversity, and understanding Micrurus systematics is of medical importance. In particular, the widespread Micrurus nigrocinctus spans from Mexico throughout Central America and into Colombia, with a number of described subspecies. This study provides new insights into the phylogenetic relationships within M. nigrocinctus by examining sequence data from a broad sampling of specimens from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. The recovered phylogenetic relationships suggest that M. nigrocinctus is a species complex originating in the Pliocene and composed of at least three distinct species-level lineages. In addition, recovery of highly divergent clades supports the elevation of some currently recognized subspecies to the full species rank while others may require synonymization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Jowers
- CIBIO/InBIO (Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos), Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrario De Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain.
| | - Utpal Smart
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Santiago Sánchez-Ramírez
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - John C Murphy
- Science and Education, Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA
| | - Aarón Gómez
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Renan J Bosque
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, OK, 73096, USA
| | - Goutam C Sarker
- Department of Biology and Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
- Department of Biology, Cottey College, 1000 W. Austin Blvd, Nevada, MO, 64772, USA
| | - Brice P Noonan
- Department of Biology, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, 38677, USA
| | - J Filipe Faria
- CIBIO/InBIO (Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos), Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrario De Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, 4099-002, Porto, Portugal
| | - D James Harris
- CIBIO/InBIO (Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos), Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrario De Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Nelson Jorge da Silva
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás - Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Saúde, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605140, Brazil
| | - Ana L C Prudente
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Coordenação de Zoologia, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG), Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia (UFPA/MPEG) and Biodiversidade e Evolução (MPEG), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - John Weber
- Department of Geology, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, 49401, USA
| | - Philippe J R Kok
- Department of Ecology and Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, 12/16 Banacha Str, 90-237, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Gilson A Rivas
- Museo de Biología, Facultad Experimental de Ciencias, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Robert C Jadin
- Department of Biology and Museum of Natural History, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI, 54481, USA
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Museo de Zoología, Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Antonio Muñoz-Mérida
- CIBIO/InBIO (Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos), Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrario De Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Gregorio Moreno-Rueda
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Eric N Smith
- Department of Biology and Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
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A current perspective on snake venom composition and constituent protein families. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:133-153. [PMID: 36437303 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03420-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are heterogeneous mixtures of proteins and peptides used for prey subjugation. With modern proteomics there has been a rapid expansion in our knowledge of snake venom composition, resulting in the venom proteomes of 30% of vipers and 17% of elapids being characterised. From the reasonably complete proteomic coverage of front-fanged snake venom composition (179 species-68 species of elapids and 111 species of vipers), the venoms of vipers and elapids contained 42 different protein families, although 18 were only reported in < 5% of snake species. Based on the mean abundance and occurrence of the 42 protein families, they can be classified into 4 dominant, 6 secondary, 14 minor, and 18 rare protein families. The dominant, secondary and minor categories account for 96% on average of a snake's venom composition. The four dominant protein families are: phospholipase A2 (PLA2), snake venom metalloprotease (SVMP), three-finger toxins (3FTx), and snake venom serine protease (SVSP). The six secondary protein families are: L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO), cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRiSP), C-type lectins (CTL), disintegrins (DIS), kunitz peptides (KUN), and natriuretic peptides (NP). Venom variation occurs at all taxonomic levels, including within populations. The reasons for venom variation are complex, as variation is not always associated with geographical variation in diet. The four dominant protein families appear to be the most important toxin families in human envenomation, being responsible for coagulopathy, neurotoxicity, myotoxicity and cytotoxicity. Proteomic techniques can be used to investigate the toxicological profile of a snake venom and hence identify key protein families for antivenom immunorecognition.
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8
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Romo E, Torres M, Martin-Solano S. Current situation of snakebites envenomation in the Neotropics: Biotechnology, a versatile tool in the production of antivenoms. BIONATURA 2022. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2022.07.04.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenomation is a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of people around the world with a great impact on health and the economy. Unfortunately, public health programs do not include this kind of disease as a priority in their social programs. Cases of snakebite envenomations in the Neotropics are inaccurate due to inadequate disease management from medical records to the choice of treatments. Victims of snakebite envenomation are primarily found in impoverished agricultural areas where remote conditions limit the availability of antivenom. Antivenom serum is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment used up to date. However, it has several disadvantages in terms of safety and effectiveness. This review provides a comprehensive insight dealing with the current epidemiological status of snakebites in the Neotropics and technologies employed in antivenom production. Also, modern biotechnological tools such as transcriptomic, proteomic, immunogenic, high-density peptide microarray and epitope mapping are highlighted for producing new-generation antivenom sera. These results allow us to propose strategic solutions in the Public Health Sector for managing this disease.
Keywords: antivenom, biotechnology, neglected tropical disease, omics, recombinant antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Romo
- Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y la Agricultura, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador
| | - Marbel Torres
- Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y la Agricultura, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Humana (GISAH), Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y la Agricultura, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE, Immunology and Virology Laboratory, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Center, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas, ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador
| | - Sarah Martin-Solano
- Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y la Agricultura, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Humana (GISAH), Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y la Agricultura, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE, Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Zoonosis y Salud Pública, Universidad Central del Ecuador
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9
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Mena G, Chaves-Araya S, Chacón J, Török E, Török F, Bonilla F, Sasa M, Gutiérrez JM, Lomonte B, Fernández J. Proteomic and toxicological analysis of the venom of Micrurus yatesi and its neutralization by an antivenom. Toxicon X 2022; 13:100097. [PMID: 35243330 PMCID: PMC8864321 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100097] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Coralsnakes belong to the family Elapidae and possess venoms which are lethal to humans and can be grouped based on the predominance of either three finger toxins (3FTxs) or phospholipases A2 (PLA2s). A proteomic and toxicological analysis of the venom of the coralsnake Micrurus yatesi was performed. This species, distributed in southeastern Costa Rica, was formerly considered a subspecies of M. alleni. Results showed that this venom is PLA2-rich, in contrast with the previously studied venom of Micrurus alleni. Toxicological evaluation of the venom, in accordance with proteomic data, revealed that it has a markedly higher in vitro PLA2 activity upon a synthetic substrate than M. alleni. The evaluation of in vivo myotoxicity in CD-1 mice using histological evaluation and plasma creatine kinase release also showed that M. yatesi venom caused muscle damage. A commercial equine antivenom prepared using the venom of Micrurus nigrocinctus displayed a similar recognition of the venoms of M. yatesi and M. nigrocinctus by enzyme immunoassay. This antivenom also immunorecognized the main fractions of the venom of M. yatesi and was able to neutralize its lethal effect in a murine model. The venom proteome of Micrurus yatesi was determined. The venom of Micrurus yatesi is a Phospholipase A2-rich venom. When injected in mice, the venom of Micrurus yatesi caused muscle damage. An antivenom immunorecognized the main fractions of Micrurus yatesi venom. The antivenom was able to neutralize the lethal activity of the venom of Micrurus yatesi.
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Cardiovascular activity of Micrurus lemniscatus lemniscatus (South American coralsnake) venom. Toxicon 2020; 186:58-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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11
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Rey-Suárez P, Saldarriaga-Córdoba M, Torres U, Marin-Villa M, Lomonte B, Núñez V. Novel three-finger toxins from Micrurus dumerilii and Micrurus mipartitus coral snake venoms: Phylogenetic relationships and characterization of Clarkitoxin-I-Mdum. Toxicon 2019; 170:85-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Lomonte B, Camacho E, Fernández J, Salas M, Zavaleta A. Three-finger toxins from the venom of Micrurus tschudii tschudii (desert coral snake): Isolation and characterization of tschuditoxin-I. Toxicon 2019; 167:144-151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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13
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Sanz L, de Freitas-Lima LN, Quesada-Bernat S, Graça-de-Souza VK, Soares AM, Calderón LDA, Calvete JJ, Caldeira CA. Comparative venomics of Brazilian coral snakes: Micrurus frontalis, Micrurus spixii spixii, and Micrurus surinamensis. Toxicon 2019; 166:39-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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14
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New insights into the phylogeographic distribution of the 3FTx/PLA2 venom dichotomy across genus Micrurus in South America. J Proteomics 2019; 200:90-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Castillo-Beltrán MC, Hurtado-Gómez JP, Corredor-Espinel V, Ruiz-Gómez FJ. A polyvalent coral snake antivenom with broad neutralization capacity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007250. [PMID: 30856180 PMCID: PMC6428337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coral snakes of the genus Micrurus have a high diversity and wide distribution in the Americas. Despite envenomings by these animals being uncommon, accidents are often severe and may result in death. Producing an antivenom to treat these envenomings has been challenging since coral snakes are difficult to catch, produce small amounts of venom, and the antivenoms produced have shown limited cross neutralization. Here we present data of cross neutralization among monovalent antivenoms raised against M. dumerilii, M. isozonus, M. mipartitus and M. surinamensis and the development of a new polyvalent coral snake antivenom, resulting from the mix of monovalent antivenoms. Our results, show that this coral snake antivenom has high neutralizing potency and wide taxonomic coverage, constituting a possible alternative for a long sought Pan-American coral snake antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Carlina Castillo-Beltrán
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Grupo de Producción y Desarrollo Tecnológico, Dirección de Producción, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Pablo Hurtado-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Grupo de Producción y Desarrollo Tecnológico, Dirección de Producción, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Vladimir Corredor-Espinel
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Francisco Javier Ruiz-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Grupo de Producción y Desarrollo Tecnológico, Dirección de Producción, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
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