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Greene S, Gilbert M, Wolk B, Campleman S, Ruha AM. Geographic variation in the clinical features of Mohave rattlesnake ( Crotalus scutulatus) envenomations reported to the North American Snakebite Registry. Toxicon X 2024; 21:100171. [PMID: 38047156 PMCID: PMC10689943 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2023.100171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The geographic variation of Mohave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) venom is well established. We reviewed all the Mohave rattlesnake bites reported to the Toxicology Investigators Consortium's North American Snakebite Registry between January 1, 2015 and 12/31/2021. Data reviewed for this study included details regarding the snake encounter, patient demographics, signs and symptoms, treatment, and outcomes. Our objective was to describe the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and management of Mohave rattlesnake envenomations using prospective data from two geographically distinct sites. There were 20 subjects, including eight nonpregnant females. Ages ranged from seven to 75 years, median age 48. Nine of the bites were managed in Arizona and 11 in California. In Arizona, all envenomated patients had local swelling. None had neurological toxicity. In California, swelling was present in nine patients. Neurological effects were observed in five subjects. Four Arizona patients and one California patient had hypotension requiring treatment. Each site had one patient with thrombocytopenia. An Arizona patient who sustained a bite to the face was intubated. Rhabdomyolysis occurred in two California patients. All envenomated patients received antivenom. Mohave rattlesnakes have the potential to cause significant local and/or systemic toxicity. Neurotoxicity was not observed in envenomations from Mohave rattlesnakes that presumably lack Mohave toxin, but hypotension and gastrointestinal signs were more common than in bites from snakes believed to possess Mohave toxin. Neurological toxicity was limited to paresthesias and fasciculations. Significant skeletal or respiratory muscle weakness was not observed in our study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer Greene
- University of Houston/HCA Kingwood Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Kingwood, TX, USA
| | - Matthew Gilbert
- University of Houston/HCA Kingwood Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Kingwood, TX, USA
| | - Brian Wolk
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | | | - Anne-Michelle Ruha
- Department of Medical Toxicology, Banner University Medical Center – Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - on behalf of the ToxIC Snakebite Study Group
- University of Houston/HCA Kingwood Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Kingwood, TX, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
- American College of Medical Toxicology, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Department of Medical Toxicology, Banner University Medical Center – Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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2
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Smith CF, Nikolakis ZL, Perry BW, Schield DR, Meik JM, Saviola AJ, Castoe TA, Parker J, Mackessy SP. The best of both worlds? Rattlesnake hybrid zones generate complex combinations of divergent venom phenotypes that retain high toxicity. Biochimie 2023; 213:176-189. [PMID: 37451532 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.07.008] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Studying the consequences of hybridization between closely related species with divergent traits can reveal patterns of evolution that shape and maintain extreme trophic adaptations. Snake venoms are an excellent model system for examining the evolutionary and ecological patterns that underlie highly selected polymorphic traits. Here we investigate hybrid venom phenotypes that result from natural introgression between two rattlesnake species that express highly divergent venom phenotypes: Crotalus o. concolor and C. v. viridis. Though not yet documented, interbreeding between these species may lead to novel venom phenotypes with unique activities that break the typical trends of venom composition in rattlesnakes. The characteristics of these unusual phenotypes could unveil the roles of introgression in maintaining patterns of venom composition and variation, including the near ubiquitous dichotomy between neurotoxic or degradative venoms observed across rattlesnakes. We use RADseq data to infer patterns of gene flow and hybrid ancestry between these diverged lineages and link these genetic data with analyses of venom composition, biological activity, and whole animal model toxicity tests to understand the impacts of introgression on venom composition. We find that introgressed populations express admixed venom phenotypes that do not sacrifice biological activity (lethal toxicity) or overall abundance of dominant toxins compared to parental venoms. These hybridized venoms therefore do not represent a trade-off in functionality between the typical phenotypic extremes but instead represent a unique combination of characters whose expression appears limited to the hybrid zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara F Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, 501 20th Street, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, 80639, USA
| | - Zachary L Nikolakis
- Department of Biology, 501 S. Nedderman Drive, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Blair W Perry
- Department of Biology, 501 S. Nedderman Drive, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Drew R Schield
- Department of Biology, 501 S. Nedderman Drive, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Jesse M Meik
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tarleton State University, 1333 W. Washington Street, Stephenville, TX, 76402, USA
| | - Anthony J Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, 12801 East 17th Avenue, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Todd A Castoe
- Department of Biology, 501 S. Nedderman Drive, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Joshua Parker
- Fresno City College, 1101 E. University Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93741, USA
| | - Stephen P Mackessy
- School of Biological Sciences, 501 20th Street, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, 80639, USA.
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3
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Levine M, Tashman D, Recchio I, Friedman N, Seltzer J, Minns A, LoVecchio F. Neurotoxicity Associated With the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalushelleri). Ann Emerg Med 2023; 81:318-322. [PMID: 36253294 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2022.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The Southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus helleri) is commonly encountered throughout Southern California. Typical toxicity includes tissue injury and hematologic toxicity. However, neurotoxicity is not commonly reported with rattlesnake envenomations, other than infrequently with select species, including the Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus). Importantly, clinical neurotoxicity has not been well described with the Southern Pacific rattlesnake, the only rattlesnake in the city of Los Angeles, along with the Southern and coastal regions of Los Angeles County. In this case series, 7 patients envenomated by the Southern Pacific rattlesnake with significant neurotoxicity, including dysarthria, ataxia, and myokymia, are presented. Clinicians practicing in this region should be aware of evolving patterns of toxicity associated with the Southern Pacific rattlesnake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Levine
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
| | - David Tashman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, USC-Verdugo Hills Hospital, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Ian Recchio
- Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Nathan Friedman
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Justin Seltzer
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Alicia Minns
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Frank LoVecchio
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
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4
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Levine M, Spungen H, Pizon AF. Failure of Crotalidae Immune F(ab') 2 Equine Antivenom to Achieve Control in a Southern Pacific Rattlesnake Envenomation. Ann Emerg Med 2022; 80:525-527. [PMID: 35953386 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2022.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Rattlesnake envenomation can result in significant cutaneous and hematologic toxicity. While Cotalidae polyvalent immune Fab (ovine) antivenom (marketed as CroFab) was available for years, it is associated with increased late hematologic toxicity compared with its predecessor. Consequently, Crotalidae Immune F(ab')2 equine antivenom [marketed as Anavip; F(ab')2AV] has been recently become available. In this paper, we report a case of a 53 year-old man envenomated on his right hand by a Southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus helleri). Edema was present, and his initial platelets were not able to be measured, prompting the administration of 10 vials of F(ab')2AV. Ultimately, he received a total of 52 vials of antivenom, before his platelets peaked at 102,000/μL, 56 hours post envenomation. Within hours, his platelets began to fall again. Ultimately, his platelets reached a post-antivenom nadir of 65,000/μL. He was observed closely as an outpatient without additional antivenom, and ultimately had normalization of his platelets (211,000/μL) 20 days post envenomation. This case is one of the first cases demonstrating an inability to achieve control of the hematologic toxicity following Southern Pacific rattlesnake envenomation after treatment with F(ab')2AV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Levine
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Hannah Spungen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Anthony F Pizon
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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5
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Youngman NJ, Peng YH, Harris RJ, Jones L, Llinas J, Haworth M, Gillett A, Fry BG. Differential coagulotoxic and neurotoxic venom activity from species of the arboreal viperid snake genus Bothriechis (palm-pitvipers). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2022; 256:109326. [PMID: 35248757 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2022.109326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The viperid snake genus Bothriechis consists of eleven species distributed among Central and South America, living across low and high-altitude habitats. Despite Bothriechis envenomations being prominent across the Central and South American region, the functional effects of Bothriechis venoms are poorly understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the coagulotoxic and neurotoxic activities of Bothriechis venoms to fill this knowledge gap. Coagulotoxic investigations revealed Bothriechis nigroviridis and B. schlegelii to have pseudo-procoagulant venom activity, forming weak clots that rapidly break down, thereby depleting fibrinogen levels and thus contributing to a net anticoagulant state. While one sample of B. lateralis also showed weaker pseudo-procoagulant activity, directly clotting fibrinogen, two samples of B. lateralis venom were anticoagulant through the inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa activity. Differential efficacy of PoliVal-ICP antivenom was also observed, with the pseudo-procoagulant effect of B. nigroviridis venom poorly neutralised, despite this same activity in the venom of B. schlegelii being effectively neutralised. Significant specificity of these fibrinogen cleaving toxins was also observed, with no activity upon model amphibian, avian, lizard or rodent plasma observed. However, upon avian plasma the venom of B. nigroviridis exerted a complete anticoagulant effect, in contrast to the pseudo-procoagulant effect seen on human plasma. Neurotoxic investigations revealed B. schlegelii to be unique among the genus in having potent binding to the orthosteric site of the alpha-1 postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (with B. lateralis having a weaker but still discernible effect). This represents the first identification of postsynaptic nAChR neurotoxic activity for Bothriechis. In conclusion this study identifies notable differential activity within the coagulotoxic and postsynaptic neurotoxic activity of Bothriechis venoms, supporting previous research, and highlights the need for further studies with respect to antivenom efficacy as well as coagulotoxin specificity for Bothriechis venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Youngman
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Yin-Hsuan Peng
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Richard J Harris
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Lee Jones
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - Mark Haworth
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Amber Gillett
- FaunaVet Wildlife Consultancy, Glass House Mountains, QLD 4518, Australia
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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6
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Myers EA. Genome-wide data reveal extensive gene flow during the diversification of the western rattlesnakes (Viperidae: Crotalinae: Crotalus). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2021; 165:107313. [PMID: 34537323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2021.107313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Hybridization and introgression are important, but often overlooked processes when inferring phylogenies. When these processes are not accounted for and a strictly diverging phylogenetic model is applied to groups with a history of hybridization, phylogenetic inference and parameter estimation can be inaccurate. Recent developments in phylogenetic network approaches coupled with the increasing availability of genomic data allow inferences of reticulate evolutionary histories across the tree of life. The western rattlesnake species group (C. viridis species complex, C. mitchellii species complex, C. scutulutas, and C. tigris) is an iconic snake lineage that is widespread across western North America. This group is composed of several species complexes with unclear species limits, likely the result of ongoing gene flow among nascent lineages. Here I generate reduced representation genomic data and test for a history of reticulation within this group. I demonstrate that all species have undergone hybridization with at least one other lineage, suggesting introgression is widespread in this group. Topologies differ between phylogenies estimated under the multispecies coalescent and multispecies network coalescent methods, indicating that gene flow has obscured phylogenetic relationships within this group. These past introgression events are predominantly restricted to species that co-occur geographically. However, within species that have a history of introgression, this signature is detected regardless of specimen sampling across geography. Overall, my results suggest the accumulation of reproductive isolating barriers occurs slowly in rattlesnakes which likely leads to the difficulty in delimiting species, furthermore, the results of this study have implications for trait evolution in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward A Myers
- Department of Herpetology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA; Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA.
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7
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Franco-Servín C, Neri-Castro E, Bénard-Valle M, Alagón A, Rosales-García RA, Guerrero-Alba R, Poblano-Sánchez JE, Silva-Briano M, Guerrero-Barrera AL, Sigala-Rodríguez JJ. Biological and Biochemical Characterization of Coronado Island Rattlesnake ( Crotalus helleri caliginis) Venom and Antivenom Neutralization. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13080582. [PMID: 34437453 PMCID: PMC8402616 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13080582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Baja California Peninsula has over 250 islands and islets with many endemic species. Among them, rattlesnakes are the most numerous but also one of the least studied groups. The study of island rattlesnake venom could guide us to a better understanding of evolutionary processes and the description of novel toxins. Crotalus helleri caliginis venom samples were analyzed to determine possible ontogenetic variation with SDS-PAGE in one and two dimensions and with RP-HPLC. Western Blot, ELISA, and amino-terminal sequencing were used to determine the main components of the venom. The biological and biochemical activities demonstrate the similarity of C. helleri caliginis venom to the continental species C. helleri helleri, with both having low proteolytic and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity but differing due to the absence of neurotoxin (crotoxin-like) in the insular species. The main components of the snake venom were metalloproteases, serine proteases, and crotamine, which was the most abundant toxin group (30–35% of full venom). The crotamine was isolated using size-exclusion chromatography where its functional effects were tested on mouse phrenic nerve–hemidiaphragm preparations in which a significant reduction in muscle twitch contractions were observed. The two Mexican antivenoms could neutralize the lethality of C. helleri caliginis venom but not the crotamine effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Franco-Servín
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Tisular, Departamento de Morfología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes CP 20131, Ags, Mexico;
- Colección Zoológica, Departamento de Biología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes CP 20131, Ags, Mexico;
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001 Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca CP 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (E.N.-C.); (M.B.-V.); (A.A.)
| | - Melisa Bénard-Valle
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001 Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca CP 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (E.N.-C.); (M.B.-V.); (A.A.)
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001 Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca CP 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (E.N.-C.); (M.B.-V.); (A.A.)
| | - Ramsés Alejandro Rosales-García
- Colección Zoológica, Departamento de Biología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes CP 20131, Ags, Mexico;
| | - Raquel Guerrero-Alba
- Laboratorio de Electrofisiología, Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes CP 20131, Ags, Mexico;
| | - José Emanuel Poblano-Sánchez
- Laboratorio Clínico de Especialidades del Hospital General ISSSTE, Av. Universidad 410, Aguascalientes CP 20010, Ags, Mexico;
| | - Marcelo Silva-Briano
- Laboratorio de Ecología, Departamento de Biología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes CP 20131, Ags, Mexico;
| | - Alma Lilián Guerrero-Barrera
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Tisular, Departamento de Morfología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes CP 20131, Ags, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (A.L.G.-B.); (J.J.S.-R.)
| | - José Jesús Sigala-Rodríguez
- Colección Zoológica, Departamento de Biología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes CP 20131, Ags, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (A.L.G.-B.); (J.J.S.-R.)
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8
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Robinson KE, Holding ML, Whitford MD, Saviola AJ, Yates JR, Clark RW. Phenotypic and functional variation in venom and venom resistance of two sympatric rattlesnakes and their prey. J Evol Biol 2021; 34:1447-1465. [PMID: 34322920 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Predator-prey interactions often lead to the coevolution of adaptations associated with avoiding predation and, for predators, overcoming those defences. Antagonistic coevolutionary relationships are often not simple interactions between a single predator and prey but rather a complex web of interactions between multiple coexisting species. Coevolution between venomous rattlesnakes and small mammals has led to physiological venom resistance in several mammalian taxa. In general, viperid venoms contain large quantities of snake venom metalloproteinase toxins (SVMPs), which are inactivated by SVMP inhibitors expressed in resistant mammals. We explored variation in venom chemistry, SVMP expression, and SVMP resistance across four co-distributed species (California Ground Squirrels, Bryant's Woodrats, Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes, and Red Diamond Rattlesnakes) collected from four different populations in Southern California. Our aim was to understand phenotypic and functional variation in venom and venom resistance in order to compare coevolutionary dynamics of a system involving two sympatric predator-prey pairs to past studies that have focused on single pairs. Proteomic analysis of venoms indicated that these rattlesnakes express different phenotypes when in sympatry, with Red Diamonds expressing more typical viperid venom (with a diversity of SVMPs) and Southern Pacifics expressing a more atypical venom with a broader range of non-enzymatic toxins. We also found that although blood sera from both mammals were generally able to inhibit SVMPs from both rattlesnake species, inhibition depended strongly on the snake population, with snakes from one geographic site expressing SVMPs to which few mammals were resistant. Additionally, we found that Red Diamond venom, rather than woodrat resistance, was locally adapted. Our findings highlight the complexity of coevolutionary relationships between multiple predators and prey that exhibit similar offensive and defensive strategies in sympatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Robinson
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA.,Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Matthew L Holding
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA.,Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Malachi D Whitford
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.,Ecology Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Anthony J Saviola
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rulon W Clark
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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9
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Jackson TNW, Koludarov I. How the Toxin got its Toxicity. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:574925. [PMID: 33381030 PMCID: PMC7767849 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.574925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Venom systems are functional and ecological traits, typically used by one organism to subdue or deter another. A predominant subset of their constituent molecules—“toxins”—share this ecological function and are therefore molecules that mediate interactions between organisms. Such molecules have been referred to as “exochemicals.” There has been debate within the field of toxinology concerning the evolutionary pathways leading to the “recruitment” of a gene product for a toxic role within venom. We review these discussions and the evidence interpreted in support of alternate pathways, along with many of the most popular models describing the origin of novel molecular functions in general. We note that such functions may arise with or without gene duplication occurring and are often the consequence of a gene product encountering a novel “environment,” i.e., a range of novel partners for molecular interaction. After stressing the distinction between “activity” and “function,” we describe in detail the results of a recent study which reconstructed the evolutionary history of a multigene family that has been recruited as a toxin and argue that these results indicate that a pluralistic approach to understanding the origin of novel functions is advantageous. This leads us to recommend that an expansive approach be taken to the definition of “neofunctionalization”—simply the origins of a novel molecular function by any process—and “recruitment”—the “weaponization” of a molecule via the acquisition of a toxic function in venom, by any process. Recruitment does not occur at the molecular level or even at the level of gene expression, but only when a confluence of factors results in the ecological deployment of a physiologically active molecule as a toxin. Subsequent to recruitment, the evolutionary regime of a gene family may shift into a more dynamic form of “birth-and-death.” Thus, recruitment leads to a form of “downwards causation,” in which a change at the ecological level at which whole organisms interact leads to a change in patterns of evolution at the genomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy N W Jackson
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ivan Koludarov
- Animal Venomics Group, Justus Leibig University, Giessen, Germany
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10
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Heise CW, Cunningham C, Ruha AM, O'Connor AD. One Bite, Two Patients: Disparate Clinical Courses Following Simultaneous Crotalus oreganus abyssus Envenomation. Wilderness Environ Med 2020; 31:354-357. [PMID: 32826164 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A number of crotaline species have been associated with neurotoxic envenomation in North America. One clinical sign that can occur is myokymia: fine, involuntary, wave-like muscle movements occurring at regular intervals. We report an unusual scenario in which a single snakebite resulted in simultaneous envenomation of 2 patients. Both developed myokymia, with 1 having respiratory compromise. One patient also developed a hypersensitivity reaction to antivenom. Envenomation by the Grand Canyon rattlesnake, Crotalus oreganus abyssus, can produce significant neurotoxicity and resultant respiratory compromise. Antivenom may be helpful but can produce hypersensitivity reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig William Heise
- Division of Medical Toxicology and Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ; Department of Medical Toxicology, Banner - University Medicine Center Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ.
| | | | - Anne-Michelle Ruha
- Division of Medical Toxicology and Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ; Department of Medical Toxicology, Banner - University Medicine Center Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Ayrn D O'Connor
- Division of Medical Toxicology and Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ; Department of Medical Toxicology, Banner - University Medicine Center Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
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11
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Gerardo CJ, Vissoci JRN, Evans CS, Simel DL, Lavonas EJ. Does This Patient Have a Severe Snake Envenomation?: The Rational Clinical Examination Systematic Review. JAMA Surg 2020; 154:346-354. [PMID: 30758508 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2018.5069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Venomous snakebite severity ranges from an asymptomatic dry bite to severe envenomation and death. The clinical evaluation aids in prognosis and is essential to determine the risks and potential benefits of antivenom treatment. Objectives To identify historical features, clinical examination findings, basic laboratory testing, and clinical grading scales that will risk-stratify patients with pit viper snake envenomation for severe systemic envenomation, severe tissue injury, and/or severe hematologic venom effects. Data Sources We conducted a structured search of PubMed (1966-October 3, 2017) and Embase database (1980-October 3, 2017) to identify English-language studies that evaluated clinical features predictive of severe envenomation. Study Selection We included studies that evaluated the test performance of at least 1 clinical finding with an acceptable reference standard of severe envenomation for venomous snakes of the Western Hemisphere. Only studies involving the most common subfamily, Crotalinae (pit vipers), were evaluated. Seventeen studies with data were available for abstraction. Data Extraction and Synthesis The clinical features assessed and severity outcome measures were extracted from each original study. We assessed severity in 3 categories: systemic toxicity, tissue injury, and hematologic effects. Differences were resolved by author consensus. Results The pooled prevalence of severe systemic envenomation was 14% (95% CI, 9%-21%). The pooled prevalence of severe tissue injury and severe hematologic venom effects were 14% (95% CI, 12%-16%) and 18% (95% CI, 8%-27%), respectively. Factors increasing the likelihood of severe systemic envenomation included the time from bite to care of 6 or more hours (likelihood ratio [LR], 3.4 [95% CI, 1.1-6.4]), a patient younger than 12 years (LRs, 3.2 [95% CI, 1.5-7.1] and 2.9 [95% CI, 1.3-6.2]), large snake size (LR, 3.1 [95% CI, 1.5-5.7]), and ptosis (LRs, 1.4 [95% CI, 1.0-2.1] and 3.8 [95% CI, 1.8-8.3]). Envenomation by the genus Agkistrodon (copperhead and cottonmouth), as opposed to rattlesnakes, decreased the likelihood of severe systemic envenomation (LR, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.10-0.78]). Initial hypofibrinogenemia (LR, 5.1 [95% CI, 1.7-15.0]) and thrombocytopenia (LR, 3.7 [95% CI, 1.9-7.3]) increased the likelihood of severe hematologic venom effects. Other clinical features from history, physical examination, or normal laboratory values were not discriminative. Conclusions Clinical features can identify patients at increased risk of severe systemic envenomation and severe hematologic venom effects, but there are few features that are associated with severe tissue injury or can confidently exclude severe envenomation. Physicians should monitor patients closely and be wary of progression from nonsevere to a severe envenomation and have a low threshold to escalate therapy as needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Gerardo
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - João R N Vissoci
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - C Scott Evans
- Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco, South San Francisco, California
| | - David L Simel
- Department of Medicine, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Medicine, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Eric J Lavonas
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health, Denver, Colorado.,Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
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12
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Modahl CM, Brahma RK, Koh CY, Shioi N, Kini RM. Omics Technologies for Profiling Toxin Diversity and Evolution in Snake Venom: Impacts on the Discovery of Therapeutic and Diagnostic Agents. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2019; 8:91-116. [PMID: 31702940 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021419-083626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are primarily composed of proteins and peptides, and these toxins have developed high selectivity to their biological targets. This makes venoms interesting for exploration into protein evolution and structure-function relationships. A single venom protein superfamily can exhibit a variety of pharmacological effects; these variations in activity originate from differences in functional sites, domains, posttranslational modifications, and the formations of toxin complexes. In this review, we discuss examples of how the major venom protein superfamilies have diversified, as well as how newer technologies in the omics fields, such as genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, can be used to characterize both known and unknown toxins.Because toxins are bioactive molecules with a rich diversity of activities, they can be useful as therapeutic and diagnostic agents, and successful examples of toxin applications in these areas are also reviewed. With the current rapid pace of technology, snake venom research and its applications will only continue to expand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra M Modahl
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , ,
| | - Rajeev Kungur Brahma
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , ,
| | - Cho Yeow Koh
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077;
| | - Narumi Shioi
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , , .,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan;
| | - R Manjunatha Kini
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , ,
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13
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Rautsaw RM, Hofmann EP, Margres MJ, Holding ML, Strickland JL, Mason AJ, Rokyta DR, Parkinson CL. Intraspecific sequence and gene expression variation contribute little to venom diversity in sidewinder rattlesnakes ( Crotalus cerastes). Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20190810. [PMID: 31266424 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.0810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Traits can evolve rapidly through changes in gene expression or protein-coding sequences. However, these forms of genetic variation can be correlated and changes to one can influence the other. As a result, we might expect traits lacking differential expression to preferentially evolve through changes in protein sequences or morphological adaptation. Given the lack of differential expression across the distribution of sidewinder rattlesnakes ( Crotalus cerastes), we tested this hypothesis by comparing the coding regions of genes expressed in the venom gland transcriptomes and fang morphology. We calculated Tajima's D and FST across four populations comparing toxin and nontoxin loci. Overall, we found little evidence of directional selection or differentiation between populations, suggesting that changes to protein sequences do not underlie the evolution of sidewinder venom or that toxins are under extremely variant selection pressures. Although low-expression toxins do not have higher sequence divergence between populations, they do have more standing variation on which selection can act. Additionally, we found significant differences in fang length among populations. The lack of differential expression and sequence divergence suggests sidewinders-given their generalist diet, moderate gene flow and environmental variation-are under stabilizing selection which functions to maintain a generalist phenotype. Overall, we demonstrate the importance of examining the relationship between gene expression and protein-coding changes to understand the evolution of complex traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhett M Rautsaw
- 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University , Clemson, SC 29634 , USA
| | - Erich P Hofmann
- 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University , Clemson, SC 29634 , USA
| | - Mark J Margres
- 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University , Clemson, SC 29634 , USA
| | - Matthew L Holding
- 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University , Clemson, SC 29634 , USA.,3 Department of Biological Science, Florida State University , Tallahassee, FL 32306 , USA
| | - Jason L Strickland
- 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University , Clemson, SC 29634 , USA
| | - Andrew J Mason
- 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University , Clemson, SC 29634 , USA
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- 3 Department of Biological Science, Florida State University , Tallahassee, FL 32306 , USA
| | - Christopher L Parkinson
- 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University , Clemson, SC 29634 , USA.,2 Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University , Clemson, SC 29634 , USA
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14
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Borja M, Neri-Castro E, Pérez-Morales R, Strickland JL, Ponce-López R, Parkinson CL, Espinosa-Fematt J, Sáenz-Mata J, Flores-Martínez E, Alagón A, Castañeda-Gaytán G. Ontogenetic Change in the Venom of Mexican Black-Tailed Rattlesnakes ( Crotalus molossus nigrescens). Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10120501. [PMID: 30513722 PMCID: PMC6315878 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10120501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ontogenetic changes in venom composition have important ecological implications due the relevance of venom in prey acquisition and defense. Additionally, intraspecific venom variation has direct medical consequences for the treatment of snakebite. However, ontogenetic changes are not well documented in most species. The Mexican Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus nigrescens) is large-bodied and broadly distributed in Mexico. To document venom variation and test for ontogenetic changes in venom composition, we obtained venom samples from twenty-seven C. m. nigrescens with different total body lengths (TBL) from eight states in Mexico. The primary components in the venom were detected by reverse-phase HPLC, western blot, and mass spectrometry. In addition, we evaluated the biochemical (proteolytic, coagulant and fibrinogenolytic activities) and biological (LD50 and hemorrhagic activity) activities of the venoms. Finally, we tested for recognition and neutralization of Mexican antivenoms against venoms of juvenile and adult snakes. We detected clear ontogenetic venom variation in C. m. nigrescens. Venoms from younger snakes contained more crotamine-like myotoxins and snake venom serine proteinases than venoms from older snakes; however, an increase of snake venom metalloproteinases was detected in venoms of larger snakes. Venoms from juvenile snakes were, in general, more toxic and procoagulant than venoms from adults; however, adult venoms were more proteolytic. Most of the venoms analyzed were hemorrhagic. Importantly, Mexican antivenoms had difficulties recognizing low molecular mass proteins (<12 kDa) of venoms from both juvenile and adult snakes. The antivenoms did not neutralize the crotamine effect caused by the venom of juveniles. Thus, we suggest that Mexican antivenoms would have difficulty neutralizing some human envenomations and, therefore, it may be necessary improve the immunization mixture in Mexican antivenoms to account for low molecular mass proteins, like myotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Borja
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Av. Universidad s/n. Fracc. Filadelfia, C.P. 35010 Gómez Palacio, Dgo., Mexico.
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Av. Artículo 123 s/n. Fracc. Filadelfia, Apartado Postal No. 51, C.P. 35010 Gómez Palacio, Dgo., Mexico.
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, C.P. 62210 Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico.
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas UNAM, C.P. 04510 México D.F., Mexico.
| | - Rebeca Pérez-Morales
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Av. Artículo 123 s/n. Fracc. Filadelfia, Apartado Postal No. 51, C.P. 35010 Gómez Palacio, Dgo., Mexico.
| | - Jason L Strickland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 190 Collings St., Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
| | - Roberto Ponce-López
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, C.P. 62210 Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico.
| | - Christopher L Parkinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 190 Collings St., Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, 190 Collings St., Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
| | - Jorge Espinosa-Fematt
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Calz. Palmas 1, Revolución, 35050 Gómez Palacio, Dgo., Mexico.
| | - Jorge Sáenz-Mata
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Av. Universidad s/n. Fracc. Filadelfia, C.P. 35010 Gómez Palacio, Dgo., Mexico.
| | - Esau Flores-Martínez
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Av. Universidad s/n. Fracc. Filadelfia, C.P. 35010 Gómez Palacio, Dgo., Mexico.
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, C.P. 62210 Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico.
| | - Gamaliel Castañeda-Gaytán
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Av. Universidad s/n. Fracc. Filadelfia, C.P. 35010 Gómez Palacio, Dgo., Mexico.
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15
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Hofmann EP, Rautsaw RM, Strickland JL, Holding ML, Hogan MP, Mason AJ, Rokyta DR, Parkinson CL. Comparative venom-gland transcriptomics and venom proteomics of four Sidewinder Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes) lineages reveal little differential expression despite individual variation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15534. [PMID: 30341342 PMCID: PMC6195556 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33943-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in gene expression can rapidly influence adaptive traits in the early stages of lineage diversification. Venom is an adaptive trait comprised of numerous toxins used for prey capture and defense. Snake venoms can vary widely between conspecific populations, but the influence of lineage diversification on such compositional differences are unknown. To explore venom differentiation in the early stages of lineage diversification, we used RNA-seq and mass spectrometry to characterize Sidewinder Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes) venom. We generated the first venom-gland transcriptomes and complementary venom proteomes for eight individuals collected across the United States and tested for expression differences across life history traits and between subspecific, mitochondrial, and phylotranscriptomic hypotheses. Sidewinder venom was comprised primarily of hemorrhagic toxins, with few cases of differential expression attributable to life history or lineage hypotheses. However, phylotranscriptomic lineage comparisons more than doubled instances of significant expression differences compared to all other factors. Nevertheless, only 6.4% of toxins were differentially expressed overall, suggesting that shallow divergence has not led to major changes in Sidewinder venom composition. Our results demonstrate the need for consensus venom-gland transcriptomes based on multiple individuals and highlight the potential for discrepancies in differential expression between different phylogenetic hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich P Hofmann
- Clemson University, Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Rhett M Rautsaw
- Clemson University, Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Jason L Strickland
- Clemson University, Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
- University of Central Florida, Department of Biology, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Matthew L Holding
- Clemson University, Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
- Florida State University, Department of Biological Science, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Michael P Hogan
- Florida State University, Department of Biological Science, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Andrew J Mason
- Clemson University, Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Florida State University, Department of Biological Science, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Christopher L Parkinson
- Clemson University, Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
- Clemson University, Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
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16
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Dowell NL, Giorgianni MW, Griffin S, Kassner VA, Selegue JE, Sanchez EE, Carroll SB. Extremely Divergent Haplotypes in Two Toxin Gene Complexes Encode Alternative Venom Types within Rattlesnake Species. Curr Biol 2018; 28:1016-1026.e4. [PMID: 29576471 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Natural selection is generally expected to favor one form of a given trait within a population. The presence of multiple functional variants of traits involved in activities such as feeding, reproduction, or the defense against predators is relatively uncommon within animal species. The genetic architecture and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the origin and maintenance of such polymorphisms are of special interest. Among rattlesnakes, several instances of the production of biochemically distinct neurotoxic or hemorrhagic venom types within the same species are known. Here, we investigated the genetic basis of this phenomenon in three species and found that neurotoxic and hemorrhagic individuals of the same species possess markedly different haplotypes at two toxin gene complexes. For example, neurotoxic and hemorrhagic Crotalus scutulatus individuals differ by 5 genes at the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) toxin gene complex and by 11 genes at the metalloproteinase (MP) gene complex. A similar set of extremely divergent haplotypes also underlies alternate venom types within C. helleri and C. horridus. We further show that the MP and PLA2 haplotypes of neurotoxic C. helleri appear to have been acquired through hybridization with C. scutulatus-a rare example of the horizontal transfer of a potentially highly adaptive suite of genes. These large structural variants appear analogous to immunity gene complexes in host-pathogen arms races and may reflect the impact of balancing selection at the PLA2 and MP complexes for predation on different prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah L Dowell
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1525 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Matt W Giorgianni
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1525 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sam Griffin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1525 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Victoria A Kassner
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1525 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jane E Selegue
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1525 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Elda E Sanchez
- National Natural Toxins Research Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, MSC 224, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Sean B Carroll
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1525 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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17
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Rivas E, Neri-Castro E, Bénard-Valle M, Hernánez-Dávila AI, Zamudio F, Alagón A. General characterization of the venoms from two species of rattlesnakes and an intergrade population (C. lepidus x aquilus) from Aguascalientes and Zacatecas, Mexico. Toxicon 2017; 138:191-195. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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18
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Abstract
Native US snakes that produce clinically significant envenomation can be divided into 2 groups, crotalids and elapids. The crotalids include rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads. Crotalid envenomation can result in significant local tissue damage as well as thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy. Rarely are bites fatal. Native US elapids are all coral snakes that possess neurotoxic venom that can cause weakness, respiratory paralysis, and rarely death. Treatment of both types of envenomation revolves around general supportive care and antivenom administration when indicated. Previously advocated treatments, such as tourniquets, venom extraction, and bite site excision are not recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Corbett
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, UC San Diego Health, 200 West Arbor Drive # 8676, San Diego, CA 92103, USA.
| | - Richard F Clark
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, UC San Diego Health, 200 West Arbor Drive # 8676, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
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19
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Kim CH, McBride DW, Sherchan P, Person CE, Gren ECK, Kelln W, Lekic T, Hayes WK, Tang J, Zhang JH. Crotalus helleri venom preconditioning reduces postoperative cerebral edema and improves neurological outcomes after surgical brain injury. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 107:66-72. [PMID: 28286182 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Postoperative cerebral edema is a devastating complication in neurosurgical patients. Loss of blood-brain barrier integrity has been shown to lead to the development of brain edema following neurosurgical procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate preconditioning with Crotalus helleri venom (Cv-PC) as a potential preventive therapy for reducing postoperative brain edema in the rodent SBI model. C. helleri venom is known to contain phospholipase A2 (PLA2), an enzyme upstream to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the inflammatory cascade, acts to increase the production of inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins. We hypothesize that Cv-PC will downregulate the response of the COX-2 pathway to injury, thereby reducing the inflammatory response and the development of brain edema after SBI. MATERIALS AND METHODS 75 male Sprague Dawley rats (280-330g) were divided to the following groups-naïve+vehicle, naïve+Cv-PC, sham, vehicle, Cv-PC, Cv-PC+NS398 (COX-2 inhibitor). Vehicle preconditioned and Cv-PC animals received either three daily subcutaneous doses of saline or C. helleri venom at 72h, 48h, and 24h prior to surgery. In Cv-PC+NS398 animals, NS398 was administered intraperitoneally 1h prior to each Cv-PC injection. Sham-operated animals received craniotomy only, whereas SBI animals received a partial right frontal lobectomy. Neurological testing and brain water content were assessed at 24h and 72h after SBI; COX-2 and PGE2 expression was assessed at 24h postoperatively by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS At 24h after SBI, the vehicle-treated animals were observed to have increased brain water content (83.1±0.2%) compared to that of sham animals (80.2±0.1%). The brain water content of vehicle-treated animals at 72h post-SBI was elevated at 83.3±0.2%. Cv-PC-treated animals with doses of 10% LD50 had significantly reduced brain water content of 81.92±0.7% and 81.82±0.3% at 24h and 72h, respectively, after SBI compared to that of vehicle-treated animals, while Cv-PC with 5% LD50 doses showed brain water content that trended lower but did not reach statistical significance. At 24h and 72h post-SBI, Cv-PC-treated animals had significantly higher neurological score than vehicle-treated animals. The COX-2 over-expression characterized in SBI was attenuated in Cv-PC-treated animals; NS398 reversed the protective effect of Cv-PC on COX-2 expression. Cv-PC tempered the over-expression of the inflammatory marker PGE2. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that Cv-PC may provide a promising therapy for reducing postoperative edema and improving neurological function after neurosurgical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherine H Kim
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Devin W McBride
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Prativa Sherchan
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Carl E Person
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Eric C K Gren
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Wayne Kelln
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Tim Lekic
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - William K Hayes
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Jiping Tang
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - John H Zhang
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
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20
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The effects of hybridization on divergent venom phenotypes: Characterization of venom from Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus × Crotalus oreganus helleri hybrids. Toxicon 2016; 120:110-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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21
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Debono J, Cochran C, Kuruppu S, Nouwens A, Rajapakse NW, Kawasaki M, Wood K, Dobson J, Baumann K, Jouiaei M, Jackson TNW, Koludarov I, Low D, Ali SA, Smith AI, Barnes A, Fry BG. Canopy Venom: Proteomic Comparison among New World Arboreal Pit-Viper Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8070210. [PMID: 27399777 PMCID: PMC4963843 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8070210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Central and South American pitvipers, belonging to the genera Bothrops and Bothriechis, have independently evolved arboreal tendencies. Little is known regarding the composition and activity of their venoms. In order to close this knowledge gap, venom proteomics and toxin activity of species of Bothriechis, and Bothrops (including Bothriopsis) were investigated through established analytical methods. A combination of proteomics and bioactivity techniques was used to demonstrate a similar diversification of venom composition between large and small species within Bothriechis and Bothriopsis. Increasing our understanding of the evolution of complex venom cocktails may facilitate future biodiscoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Debono
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Chip Cochran
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Sanjaya Kuruppu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Amanda Nouwens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Niwanthi W Rajapakse
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
- Department of Physiology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Minami Kawasaki
- Aquatic Animal Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia.
| | - Kelly Wood
- 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.
| | - Kate Baumann
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Mahdokht Jouiaei
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Timothy N W Jackson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Ivan Koludarov
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Dolyce Low
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Syed A Ali
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, ICCBS, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan.
| | - A Ian Smith
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Andrew Barnes
- Aquatic Animal Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Cates CC, Valore EV, Couto MA, Lawson GW, McCabe JG. Comparison of the protective effect of a commercially available western diamondback rattlesnake toxoid vaccine for dogs against envenomation of mice with western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox), northern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus), and southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) venom. Am J Vet Res 2015; 76:272-9. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.76.3.272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Bosak AR, Ruha AM, Graeme KA. A case of neurotoxicity following envenomation by the Sidewinder rattlesnake, Crotalus cerastes. J Med Toxicol 2015; 10:229-31. [PMID: 24414250 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-013-0373-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION North American rattlesnake envenomations typically result in local tissue injury and hematologic derangements. Neurotoxicity is uncommon but when present often manifests as fasciculations and paresthesias. Neurotoxicity following Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes) envenomation has not been previously reported. CASE REPORT A 56-year-old man bitten on the right foot developed painful paresthesias, weakness and fasciculations of the right lower extremity, and involuntary muscle contractions of the anterior thigh. Local tissue effects and hemotoxicity never developed. The patient was discharged 5 days after the bite with resolution of fasciculations but continued to have right-sided weakness. The snake was identified as a Sidewinder, C. cerastes, by the patient and two independent herpetologists. CONCLUSION This is the first reported case of a Sidewinder rattlesnake envenomation resulting in neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam R Bosak
- Department of Medical Toxicology, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, 925 East McDowell Road, Phoenix, Arizona, USA,
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Koludarov I, Jackson TNW, Sunagar K, Nouwens A, Hendrikx I, Fry BG. Fossilized venom: the unusually conserved venom profiles of Heloderma species (beaded lizards and gila monsters). Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:3582-95. [PMID: 25533521 PMCID: PMC4280549 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6123582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Research into snake venoms has revealed extensive variation at all taxonomic levels. Lizard venoms, however, have received scant research attention in general, and no studies of intraclade variation in lizard venom composition have been attempted to date. Despite their iconic status and proven usefulness in drug design and discovery, highly venomous helodermatid lizards (gila monsters and beaded lizards) have remained neglected by toxinological research. Proteomic comparisons of venoms of three helodermatid lizards in this study has unravelled an unusual similarity in venom-composition, despite the long evolutionary time (~30 million years) separating H. suspectum from the other two species included in this study (H. exasperatum and H. horridum). Moreover, several genes encoding the major helodermatid toxins appeared to be extremely well-conserved under the influence of negative selection (but with these results regarded as preliminary due to the scarcity of available sequences). While the feeding ecologies of all species of helodermatid lizard are broadly similar, there are significant morphological differences between species, which impact upon relative niche occupation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Koludarov
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Timothy N W Jackson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Kartik Sunagar
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, the Alexander Silberman Institute for Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
| | - Amanda Nouwens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Iwan Hendrikx
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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25
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Bush SP, Ruha AM, Seifert SA, Morgan DL, Lewis BJ, Arnold TC, Clark RF, Meggs WJ, Toschlog EA, Borron SW, Figge GR, Sollee DR, Shirazi FM, Wolk R, de Chazal I, Quan D, García-Ubbelohde W, Alagón A, Gerkin RD, Boyer LV. Comparison of F(ab')2 versus Fab antivenom for pit viper envenomation: a prospective, blinded, multicenter, randomized clinical trial. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2014; 53:37-45. [PMID: 25361165 PMCID: PMC4364250 DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2014.974263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background. Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine) has been the only antivenom commercially available in the US since 2007 for treatment of Crotalinae envenomation. Late coagulopathy can occur or recur after clearance of Fab antivenom, often after hospital discharge, lasting in some cases more than 2 weeks. There have been serious, even fatal, bleeding complications associated with recurrence phenomena. Frequent follow-up is required, and additional intervention or hospitalization is often necessary. F(ab')2 immunoglobulin derivatives have longer plasma half life than do Fab. We hypothesized that F(ab')2 antivenom would be superior to Fab in the prevention of late coagulopathy following treatment of patients with Crotalinae envenomation. Methods. We conducted a prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, comparing late coagulopathy in snakebitten patients treated with F(ab')2 with maintenance doses [F(ab')2/F(ab')2], or F(ab')2 with placebo maintenance doses [F(ab')2/placebo], versus Fab with maintenance doses [Fab/Fab]. The primary efficacy endpoint was coagulopathy (platelet count < 150 K/mm3, fibrinogen level < 150 mg/dL) between end of maintenance dosing and day 8. Results. 121 patients were randomized at 18 clinical sites and received at least one dose of study drug. 114 completed the study. Of these, 11/37 (29.7%) in the Fab/Fab cohort experienced late coagulopathy versus 4/39 (10.3%, p < 0.05) in the F(ab')2/F(ab')2 cohort and 2/38 (5.3%, p < 0.05) in the F(ab')2/placebo cohort. The lowest heterologous protein exposure was with F(ab')2/placebo. No serious adverse events were related to study drug. In each study arm, one patient experienced an acute serum reaction and one experienced serum sickness. Conclusions. In this study, management of coagulopathic Crotalinae envenomation with longer-half-life F(ab')2 antivenom, with or without maintenance dosing, reduced the risk of subacute coagulopathy and bleeding following treatment of envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P Bush
- East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine/Vidant Medical Center , Greenville, NC , USA
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Catastrophic Acute Ischemic Stroke After Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine)-Treated Rattlesnake Envenomation. Wilderness Environ Med 2014; 25:198-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2013.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2013] [Revised: 11/24/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Borja M, Castañeda G, Espinosa J, Neri E, Carbajal A, Clement H, García O, Alagon A. Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) with Type B Venom from Mexico. COPEIA 2014. [DOI: 10.1643/ot-12-041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Molecular models of the Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) venom metalloproteinases reveal a structural basis for differences in hemorrhagic activities. J Biol Phys 2014; 40:193-216. [PMID: 24522289 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-013-9339-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Rattlesnake venom can differ in composition and in metalloproteinase-associated activities. The molecular basis for this intra-species variation in Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus (Mojave rattlesnake) remains an enigma. To understand the molecular basis for intra-species variation of metalloproteinase-associated activities, we modeled the three-dimensional structures of four metalloproteinases based on the amino acid sequence of four variations of the proteinase domain of the C. s. scutulatus metalloproteinase gene (GP1, GP2, GP3, and GP4). For comparative purposes, we modeled the atrolysin metalloproteinases of C. atrox as well. All molecular models shared the same topology. While the atrolysin metalloproteinase molecular models contained highly conserved substrate binding sites, the Mojave rattlesnake metalloproteinases showed higher structural divergence when superimposed onto each other. The highest structural divergence among the four C. s. scutulatus molecular models was located at the northern cleft wall and the S'1-pocket of the substrate binding site, molecular regions that modulate substrate selectivity. Molecular dynamics and field potential maps for each C. s. scutulatus metalloproteinase model demonstrated that the non-hemorrhagic metalloproteinases (GP2 and GP3) contain highly basic molecular and field potential surfaces while the hemorrhagic metalloproteinases GP1 and atrolysin C showed extensive acidic field potential maps and shallow but less dynamic active site pockets. Hence, differences in the spatial arrangement of the northern cleft wall, the S'1-pocket, and the physico-chemical environment surrounding the catalytic site contribute to differences in metalloproteinase activities in the Mojave rattlesnake. Our results provide a structural basis for variation of metalloproteinase-associated activities in the rattlesnake venom of the Mojave rattlesnake.
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29
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Sunagar K, Undheim EAB, Scheib H, Gren ECK, Cochran C, Person CE, Koludarov I, Kelln W, Hayes WK, King GF, Antunes A, Fry BG. Intraspecific venom variation in the medically significant Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri): biodiscovery, clinical and evolutionary implications. J Proteomics 2014; 99:68-83. [PMID: 24463169 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Revised: 01/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Due to the extreme variation of venom, which consequently results in drastically variable degrees of neutralization by CroFab antivenom, the management and treatment of envenoming by Crotalus oreganus helleri (the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake), one of the most medically significant snake species in all of North America, has been a clinician's nightmare. This snake has also been the subject of sensational news stories regarding supposed rapid (within the last few decades) evolution of its venom. This research demonstrates for the first time that variable evolutionary selection pressures sculpt the intraspecific molecular diversity of venom components in C. o. helleri. We show that myotoxic β-defensin peptides (aka: crotamines/small basic myotoxic peptides) are secreted in large amounts by all populations. However, the mature toxin-encoding nucleotide regions evolve under the constraints of negative selection, likely as a result of their non-specific mode of action which doesn't enforce them to follow the regime of the classic predator-prey chemical arms race. The hemorrhagic and tissue destroying snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) were secreted in larger amounts by the Catalina Island and Phelan rattlesnake populations, in moderate amounts in the Loma Linda population and in only trace levels by the Idyllwild population. Only the Idyllwild population in the San Jacinto Mountains contained potent presynaptic neurotoxic phospholipase A2 complex characteristic of Mohave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) and Neotropical Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus). The derived heterodimeric lectin toxins characteristic of viper venoms, which exhibit a diversity of biological activities, including anticoagulation, agonism/antagonism of platelet activation, or procoagulation, appear to have evolved under extremely variable selection pressures. While most lectin α- and β-chains evolved rapidly under the influence of positive Darwinian selection, the β-chain lectin of the Catalina Island population appears to have evolved under the constraint of negative selection. Both lectin chains were conspicuously absent in both the proteomics and transcriptomics of the Idyllwild population. Thus, we not only highlight the tremendous biochemical diversity in C. o. helleri's venom-arsenal, but we also show that they experience remarkably variable strengths of evolutionary selection pressures, within each toxin class among populations and among toxin classes within each population. The mapping of geographical venom variation not only provides additional information regarding venom evolution, but also has direct medical implications by allowing prediction of the clinical effects of rattlesnake bites from different regions. Such information, however, also points to these highly variable venoms as being a rich source of novel toxins which may ultimately prove to be useful in drug design and development. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE These results have direct implications for the treatment of envenomed patients. The variable venom profile of Crotalus oreganus helleri underscores the biodiscovery potential of novel snake venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik Sunagar
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, P 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Holger Scheib
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Eric C K Gren
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Chip Cochran
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Carl E Person
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Ivan Koludarov
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wayne Kelln
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - William K Hayes
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Agosthino Antunes
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, P 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - Bryan Grieg Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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Comparison of total protein and phospholipase A2 levels in individual coralsnake venoms. Toxicon 2013; 76:59-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Snake venomics: From the inventory of toxins to biology. Toxicon 2013; 75:44-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Genetic Basis for Variation of Metalloproteinase-Associated Biochemical Activity in Venom of the Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus). Biochem Res Int 2013; 2013:251474. [PMID: 23984070 PMCID: PMC3745941 DOI: 10.1155/2013/251474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The metalloproteinase composition and biochemical profiles of rattlesnake venom can be highly variable among rattlesnakes of the same species. We have previously shown that the neurotoxic properties of the Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) are associated with the presence of the Mojave toxin A subunit suggesting the existence of a genetic basis for rattlesnake venom composition. In this report, we hypothesized the existence of a genetic basis for intraspecies variation in metalloproteinase-associated biochemical properties of rattlesnake venom of the Mojave rattlesnake. To address this question, we PCR-amplified and compared the genomic DNA nucleotide sequences that code for the mature metalloproteinase domain of fourteen Mojave rattlesnakes captured from different geographical locations across the southwest region of the United States. In addition, the venoms from the same rattlesnakes were tested for their ability to hydrolyze fibrinogen, fibrin, casein, and hide powder azure and for induction of hemorrhage in mice. Overall, based on genomic sequencing and biochemical data, we classified Mojave rattlesnake venom into four distinct groups of metalloproteinases. These findings indicate that differences in nucleotide sequences encoding the mature proteinase domain and noncoding regions contribute to differences in venom metalloproteinase activities among rattlesnakes of the same species.
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The genesis of an exceptionally lethal venom in the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) revealed through comparative venom-gland transcriptomics. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:394. [PMID: 23758969 PMCID: PMC3701607 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Snake venoms generally show sequence and quantitative variation within and between species, but some rattlesnakes have undergone exceptionally rapid, dramatic shifts in the composition, lethality, and pharmacological effects of their venoms. Such shifts have occurred within species, most notably in Mojave (Crotalus scutulatus), South American (C. durissus), and timber (C. horridus) rattlesnakes, resulting in some populations with extremely potent, neurotoxic venoms without the hemorrhagic effects typical of rattlesnake bites. Results To better understand the evolutionary changes that resulted in the potent venom of a population of C. horridus from northern Florida, we sequenced the venom-gland transcriptome of an animal from this population for comparison with the previously described transcriptome of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake (C. adamanteus), a congener with a more typical rattlesnake venom. Relative to the toxin transcription of C. adamanteus, which consisted primarily of snake-venom metalloproteinases, C-type lectins, snake-venom serine proteinases, and myotoxin-A, the toxin transcription of C. horridus was far simpler in composition and consisted almost entirely of snake-venom serine proteinases, phospholipases A2, and bradykinin-potentiating and C-type natriuretic peptides. Crotalus horridus lacked significant expression of the hemorrhagic snake-venom metalloproteinases and C-type lectins. Evolution of shared toxin families involved differential expansion and loss of toxin clades within each species and pronounced differences in the highly expressed toxin paralogs. Toxin genes showed significantly higher rates of nonsynonymous substitution than nontoxin genes. The expression patterns of nontoxin genes were conserved between species, despite the vast differences in toxin expression. Conclusions Our results represent the first complete, sequence-based comparison between the venoms of closely related snake species and reveal in unprecedented detail the rapid evolution of snake venoms. We found that the difference in venom properties resulted from major changes in expression levels of toxin gene families, differential gene-family expansion and loss, changes in which paralogs within gene families were expressed at high levels, and higher nonsynonymous substitution rates in the toxin genes relative to nontoxins. These massive alterations in the genetics of the venom phenotype emphasize the evolutionary lability and flexibility of this ecologically critical trait.
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Julius TM, Kaelble MK, Leech EB, Boyle KL, Strandberg EJ, Clare MC. Retrospective evaluation of neurotoxic rattlesnake envenomation in dogs and cats: 34 cases (2005-2010). J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2012; 22:460-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2012.00775.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy M. Julius
- From Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego; San Diego; CA; 92121
| | | | | | | | | | - Monica C. Clare
- From Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego; San Diego; CA; 92121
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Hoggan SR, Carr A, Sausman KA. Mojave toxin-type ascending flaccid paralysis after an envenomation by a Southern Pacific Rattlesnake in a dog. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2011; 21:558-64. [PMID: 22316204 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2011.00668.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 07/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical presentation and case management of a dog that developed ascending flaccid paralysis after being envenomated by a Southern Pacific rattlesnake. CASE SUMMARY A dog was presented after it was bitten by a Southern Pacific rattlesnake. Only mild local edema and a minor coagulapathy developed, which is atypical for the Southern Pacific envenomation where hemotoxic effects are more commonly observed. Instead, a severe, rapidly progressing, ascending flaccid paralysis leading to acute respiratory failure, consistent with Mojave toxin, was seen. The patient was treated with repeated doses of antivenin and supported with mechanical ventilation. Despite clinical improvement of the paralysis over subsequent 3 days and successful weaning off the ventilator, the dog decompensated and succumbed to acute respiratory distress syndrome. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED The geographic region where this envenomation occurred has a documented population of Southern Pacific rattlesnakes with Mojave toxin in their venom. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first reported case in the veterinary literature of an ascending flaccid paralysis, consistent with Mojave toxin, developing after an envenomation by a Southern Pacific rattlesnake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Hoggan
- Emergency Department of California Veterinary Specialists, Murrieta, CA 92562, USA.
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Abstract
Pit vipers (subfamily Crotalinae) are responsible for most venomous snakebites in the United States. The mixture of proteins with cytotoxic, proteolytic, and/or neurotoxic enzymes in snake venom varies by species. Treatment in the field consists of safe identification of the species of snake and rapid transport of the patient to the nearest health care facility. Swelling, bruising, and systemic symptoms are seen following snakebite. Most patients respond to elevation of the affected extremity and observation. Some require the administration of antivenin. Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine) (CroFab, BTG International, West Conshohocken, PA) antivenin is safe and effective for the management of local and systemic effects of envenomation. Rarely, compartment syndrome may develop in the affected limb because of edema and tissue necrosis. Close monitoring of the extremity via serial physical examination and measurement of compartment pressure is a reliable method of determining whether surgical intervention is required.
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Fernández J, Lomonte B, Sanz L, Angulo Y, Gutiérrez JM, Calvete JJ. Snake Venomics of Bothriechis nigroviridis Reveals Extreme Variability among Palm Pitviper Venoms: Different Evolutionary Solutions for the Same Trophic Purpose. J Proteome Res 2010; 9:4234-41. [DOI: 10.1021/pr100545d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julián Fernández
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, and Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, C.S.I.C., Jaume Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, and Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, C.S.I.C., Jaume Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Libia Sanz
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, and Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, C.S.I.C., Jaume Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Yamileth Angulo
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, and Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, C.S.I.C., Jaume Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, and Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, C.S.I.C., Jaume Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan J. Calvete
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, and Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, C.S.I.C., Jaume Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Evolutionary trends in venom composition in the western rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis sensu lato): toxicity vs. tenderizers. Toxicon 2010; 55:1463-74. [PMID: 20227433 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2009] [Revised: 02/23/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis sensu lato, now including Crotalus oreganus) is broadly distributed across the western half of the United States, northwestern Mexico and southwestern Canada, and eight subspecies are currently recognized. Although some venom characteristics have been noted for most subspecies, a systematic study of venoms from all subspecies has not been reported. Venom was extracted from snakes collected from approximate geographic range centers for all subspecies and analyzed using SDS-PAGE, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, enzyme and toxicity assays. Electrophoretic and mass spectrometric analyses demonstrated that small myotoxins, disintegrins and PLA(2) were abundant in most venoms. PIII and PI metalloproteinases ( approximately 54 kDa and 23 kDa, respectively) were common to all venoms except C. o. concolor, C. o. caliginis and C.o. helleri. Metalloproteinase activity was highest in C. o. cerberus and lowest in C. o. concolor venoms ( approximately 100-fold difference). Conversely, C. o. concolor venom was the most toxic and C. o. cerberus venom was least toxic (15-fold difference). In general, venoms with high metalloproteinase activity were less toxic (type I venoms), while venoms which were highly toxic showed low protease activity (type II venoms). Within the C. viridis/oreganus complex, these two extremes of venom compositional phenotypes are observed, and it appears that high metalloproteinase activity and high toxicity are incompatible qualities of these venoms. The functional significance of these biochemical characteristics likely relates to characteristics of prey consumed, and venoms with low metalloproteinase activity may constrain snake prey selection or foraging activity patterns.
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Hayes WK, Mackessy SP. Sensationalistic journalism and tales of snakebite: are rattlesnakes rapidly evolving more toxic venom? Wilderness Environ Med 2010; 21:35-45. [PMID: 20591352 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2010.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports in the lay press have suggested that bites by rattlesnakes in the last several years have been more severe than those in the past. The explanation, often citing physicians, is that rattlesnakes are evolving more toxic venom, perhaps in response to anthropogenic causes. We suggest that other explanations are more parsimonious, including factors dependent on the snake and factors associated with the bite victim's response to envenomation. Although bites could become more severe from an increased proportion of bites from larger or more provoked snakes (ie, more venom injected), the venom itself evolves much too slowly to explain the severe symptoms occasionally seen. Increased snakebite severity could also result from a number of demographic changes in the victim profile, including age and body size, behavior toward the snake (provocation), anatomical site of bite, clothing, and general health including asthma prevalence and sensitivity to foreign antigens. Clinical management of bites also changes perpetually, rendering comparisons of snakebite severity over time tenuous. Clearly, careful study taking into consideration many factors will be essential to document temporal changes in snakebite severity or venom toxicity. Presently, no published evidence for these changes exists. The sensationalistic coverage of these atypical bites and accompanying speculation is highly misleading and can produce many detrimental results, such as inappropriate fear of the outdoors and snakes, and distraction from proven snakebite management needs, including a consistent supply of antivenom, adequate health care, and training. We urge healthcare providers to avoid propagating misinformation about snakes and snakebites.
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Affiliation(s)
- William K Hayes
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
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Doley R, Kini RM. Protein complexes in snake venom. Cell Mol Life Sci 2009; 66:2851-71. [PMID: 19495561 PMCID: PMC11115964 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-009-0050-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2009] [Revised: 05/01/2009] [Accepted: 05/11/2009] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Snake venom contains mixture of bioactive proteins and polypeptides. Most of these proteins and polypeptides exist as monomers, but some of them form complexes in the venom. These complexes exhibit much higher levels of pharmacological activity compared to individual components and play an important role in pathophysiological effects during envenomation. They are formed through covalent and/or non-covalent interactions. The subunits of the complexes are either identical (homodimers) or dissimilar (heterodimers; in some cases subunits belong to different families of proteins). The formation of complexes, at times, eliminates the non-specific binding and enhances the binding to the target molecule. On several occasions, it also leads to recognition of new targets as protein-protein interaction in complexes exposes the critical amino acid residues buried in the monomers. Here, we describe the structure and function of various protein complexes of snake venoms and their role in snake venom toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Doley
- Protein Science Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260, Singapore.
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Salazar AM, Guerrero B, Cantu B, Cantu E, Rodríguez-Acosta A, Pérez JC, Galán JA, Tao A, Sánchez EE. Venom variation in hemostasis of the southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri): isolation of hellerase. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2009; 149:307-16. [PMID: 18804187 PMCID: PMC2706139 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2008.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2008] [Revised: 08/11/2008] [Accepted: 08/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Envenomations by the southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) are the most common snakebite accidents in southern California. Intraspecies venom variation may lead to unresponsiveness to antivenom therapy. Even in a known species, venom toxins are recognized as diverse in conformity with interpopulational, seasonal, ontogenetic and individual factors. Five venoms of individual C. oreganus helleri located in Riverside and San Bernardino counties of southern California were studied for their variation in their hemostatic activity. The results demonstrated that Riverside 2 and San Bernardino 1 venoms presented the highest lethal activity without hemorrhagic activity. In contrast, San Bernardino 2 and 3 venoms had the highest hemorrhagic and fibrinolytic activities with low lethal and coagulant activities. Riverside 1, Riverside 2 and San Bernardino 1 venoms presented a significant thrombin-like activity. San Bernardino 2 and 3 venoms presented an insignificant thrombin-like activity. In relation to the fibrinolytic activity, San Bernardino 3 venom was the most active on fibrin plates, which was in turn neutralized by metal chelating inhibitors. These results demonstrate the differences amongst C. oreganus helleri venoms from close localities. A metalloproteinase, hellerase, was purified by anionic and cationic exchange chromatographies from San Bernardino 3 venom. Hellerase exhibited the ability to break fibrin clots in vitro, which can be of biomedically importance in the treatment of heart attacks and strokes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Salazar
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología, Centro de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Apartado 21827, Caracas 1020, Venezuela
| | - Belsy Guerrero
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología, Centro de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Apartado 21827, Caracas 1020, Venezuela
| | - Bruno Cantu
- Natural Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Esteban Cantu
- Natural Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Alexis Rodríguez-Acosta
- Sección de Inmunoquímica, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - John C. Pérez
- Natural Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Jacob A. Galán
- Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Andy Tao
- Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Elda E. Sánchez
- Natural Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
- Address correspondence: Dr. Elda E. Sánchez, e-mail:
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Galan JA, Guo M, Sanchez EE, Cantu E, Rodriguez-Acosta A, Perez JC, Tao WA. Quantitative analysis of snake venoms using soluble polymer-based isotope labeling. Mol Cell Proteomics 2008; 7:785-99. [PMID: 18089550 PMCID: PMC2401333 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m700321-mcp200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2007] [Revised: 12/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We present the design and synthesis of a new quantitative strategy termed soluble polymer-based isotope labeling (SoPIL) and its application as a novel and inclusive method for the identification and relative quantification of individual proteins in complex snake venoms. The SoPIL reagent selectively captures and isolates cysteine-containing peptides, and the subsequent tagged peptides are released and analyzed using nanoflow liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The SoPIL strategy was used to quantify venom proteins from two pairs of venomous snakes: Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus type A, C. scutulatus scutulatus type B, Crotalus oreganus helleri, and Bothrops colombiensis. The hemorrhagic, hemolytic, clotting ability, and fibrinogenolytic activities of crude venoms were measured and correlated with difference in protein abundance determined by the SoPIL analysis. The SoPIL approach could provide an efficient and widely applicable tool for quantitative proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A Galan
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
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Jurado JD, Rael ED, Lieb CS, Nakayasu E, Hayes WK, Bush SP, Ross JA. Complement inactivating proteins and intraspecies venom variation in Crotalus oreganus helleri. Toxicon 2006; 49:339-50. [PMID: 17134729 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2006] [Revised: 10/11/2006] [Accepted: 10/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Complement inactivating properties were detected in venom from the southern California distribution of Crotalus oreganus helleri (Southern Pacific Rattlesnake). This activity showed strong geographic bias to the San Bernardino Mountain range, and venom from this area reacted strongly with Fraction 5 antiserum (AF5). However, venoms from the San Jacinto Mountain range, which have been previously shown to contain Mojave toxin, did not inhibit complement and did not react with AF5. AF5 has been previously shown to recognize a protease in C. scutulatus venom that inactivates complement, but the identity of this protein has remained unknown. Using a functional venomic approach, utilizing two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), we have identified catrocollastatin and hemorrhagic toxin II (HT-2) as the primary proteins recognized by AF5. The information we present within this manuscript further illustrates the now well-known reality of intraspecies venom variation and the challenges faced in providing comprehensive polyvalent antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Jurado
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA
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