Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicholas P. Lotto, Jeanne C. de Albuquerque Modesto, Savio S. Sant'Anna, Kathleen F. Grego, Miriam C. Guarnieri, Rejane M. Lira-da-Silva, Marcelo L. Santoro, Nancy Oguiura
Summary: SVTLEs are serine proteinases found mainly in venomous pit viper snakes, with Bothrops snakes being of particular interest. This study examined the polymorphism of SVTLE genes in Bothrops jararaca and Bothrops erythromelas in Brazil, revealing differences in coagulant activity in their venoms. Mutations and deletions in the SVTLE genes were associated with the absence of thrombin-like activity in the venoms of these snake species.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tomohisa Ogawa, Yu Tobishima, Shizuka Kamata, Youhei Matsuda, Koji Muramoto, Masafumi Hidaka, Eugene Futai, Takeshi Kuraishi, Shinichi Yokota, Motonori Ohno, Shosaku Hattori
Summary: Snakebites are a major cause of death and disability in developing countries due to bioactive peptides and proteins in snake venom. The study identified a thrombin-like serine protease TLSP2 with anti-myonecrotic activity, along with the pseudoenzyme TLf2 as a myonecrosis-enhancing factor. This is the first report of a catalytically inactive snake serine protease.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Rosa De Jesus, Adam E. Tratner, Alanna Madrid, Andres Rivera-Mondragon, Goy E. Navas, Ricardo Lleonart, Gabrielle B. Britton, Patricia L. Fernandez
Summary: Snake venom neutralization potency tests are necessary for quality control, but they often involve the use of many mice that experience pain and suffering. This study proposes using body temperature measurement as a more objective parameter to predict animal survival, which could reduce animal suffering.
Review
Toxicology
Benedict C. Offor, Lizelle A. Piater
Summary: Snake venom contains proteins and peptides that make up the toxin, which can attack various systems in the human body and cause diseases. Captopril, a snake venom-based drug, has been approved for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Research is ongoing to explore the potential use of snake venom for the treatment of cancer and improve current cancer treatments.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Nessrin Alomran, Patricia Blundell, Jaffer Alsolaiss, Edouard Crittenden, Stuart Ainsworth, Charlotte A. Dawson, Rebecca J. Edge, Steven R. Hall, Robert A. Harrison, Mark C. Wilkinson, Stefanie K. Menzies, Nicholas R. Casewell
Summary: This study explored the feasibility of using recombinantly expressed toxins as immunogens to stimulate focused antibodies that counteract specific toxins associated with snakebite envenoming. The results showed that the recombinant toxins stimulated strong immune responses and the experimental antivenoms exhibited binding towards different snake venoms. The experimental antivenoms also showed some protective effects against toxin-induced clotting dysfunction.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tam M. Huynh, Anjana Silva, Geoffrey K. Isbister, Wayne C. Hodgson
Summary: The research revealed the presence of a long-chain postsynaptic neurotoxin named alpha-EPTX-Oh3a in the venom of the King Cobra. The neurotoxin was found to inhibit indirect twitches and contractile responses of tissues to acetylcholine and carbachol. Additionally, the Thai Red Cross Society King Cobra antivenom was able to partially reverse the in vitro neurotoxic effects of the neurotoxin. This study has important implications for understanding the pharmacological effects of King Cobra venom.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Caterina Peggion, Fiorella Tonello
Summary: Snake venom phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) have similar sequences and structures to mammalian PLA2s, but exhibit distinct toxic properties. Analysis revealed differences in short linear motifs (SLiMs) between snake venom and mammalian PLA2s, potentially leading to the formation of toxic protein-membrane complexes.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Bo Wang, Guoyan Liu, Min Luo, Xin Zhang, Qianqian Wang, Shuaijun Zou, Fuhai Zhang, Xia Jin, Liming Zhang
Summary: Sea snake bites can be effectively treated by injecting sea snake antivenom. However, there is currently no effective antivenom for sea snake bites in China. In this study, a high-titer Hydrophis curtus antivenom was prepared by immunizing horses, and it showed cross-neutralizing capacity against different sea snake venoms. In vivo assessment demonstrated improved survival rates and alleviation of organ injuries in envenomated mice after injection of the antivenom.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mimi Lay, Qing Liang, Geoffrey K. Isbister, Wayne C. Hodgson
Summary: Daboia siamensis (Russell's viper) is a venomous snake of medical importance in China and Asia. However, there is little information on the pharmacological properties of the Chinese species' venom and no specific antivenom available in China. This study found that the venom of D. siamensis exhibits neurotoxic and myotoxic effects, which can be prevented by Chinese and Thai antivenoms. Non-specific antivenoms were less effective. A monospecific antivenom for D. siamensis envenomation in China should be further developed.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Felipe Raimondi Guidolin, Kemily Stephanie de Godoi, Angela Alice Amadeu Megale, Cristiane Castilho Fernandes da Silva, Roberto Tadashi Kodama, Daniela Cajado-Carvalho, Leo Kei Iwai, Patrick Jack Spencer, Fernanda Calheta Vieira Portaro, Wilmar Dias da Silva
Summary: Accidents with snakes in sub-Saharan Africa cause about 32,000 deaths annually, primarily due to snakes from the Bitis genus, particularly Bitis arietans. The venom of B. arietans contains a complex mixture of toxins, mostly metalloproteases, serine proteases, phospholipases, lectins, and disintegrins. This study compared two approaches for producing anti-B. arietans antivenom - immunization with crude snake venom and immunization with selected key toxins from the venom. The results showed limitations in both approaches and proposed a model for customizable polyvalent sera in sub-Saharan Africa.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sherin Kaul, L. Sai Keerthana, Pankaj Kumar, Komal Birader, Yathirajarao Tammineni, Deepali Rawat, Pankaj Suman
Summary: The lateral flow kit developed can specifically detect the venom of Indian cobra and common krait, with high sensitivity, and shows no immunoreactivity against viperidae snakes in the big four venomous snakes.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Leijiane F. Sousa, Amanda P. Freitas, Bruna L. Cardoso, Tiago H. M. Del-Rei, Vanessa A. Mendes, Daniele P. Orefice, Marisa M. T. Rocha, Benedito C. Prezoto, Ana M. Moura-da-Silva
Summary: This study reveals the functional and antigenic diversity among PLA(2)s from B. atrox venom, with FA3 being the most active multifunctional toxin that cannot be recognized or neutralized by current antivenoms.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Kin Ying Wong, Kae Yi Tan, Nget Hong Tan, Choo Hock Tan
Summary: The Senegalese cobra, Naja senegalensis, has a venom composition dominated by three-finger toxins, including cardiotoxin/cytotoxin and alpha-neurotoxins. Unlike other cobra species, the venom of N. senegalensis does not contain phospholipase A(2), making it unique. Although highly lethal, the efficacy of existing antivenom in neutralizing the venom's effects is limited, suggesting a need for further improvement in treatment strategies for cobra bite envenomation in Africa.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Siddharth S. Gopalan, Blair W. Perry, Drew R. Schield, Cara F. Smith, Stephen P. Mackessy, Todd A. Castoe
Summary: This study integrates multiple genomic and transcriptomic data to reconstruct, characterize, and infer the chromosomal locations of myotoxin-encoding loci in the Prairie Rattlesnake. The study identifies a newly discovered source of venom coding sequence diversity and determines that the myotoxin is located on chromosome 1 adjacent to non-venom paralogs. The study also provides evidence of the selective openness of the myotoxin gene promoter in venom gland tissue.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Choo Hock Tan, Kin Ying Wong, Li-Kun Huang, Kae Yi Tan, Nget Hong Tan, Wen-Guey Wu
Summary: This study revealed the composition of the venom of the Cape Cobra Naja nivea, showing that it mainly contains cytotoxins/cardiotoxins and alpha-neurotoxins. The VINS African Polyvalent Antivenom (VAPAV) exhibited cross-reactivity with the venom and showed moderate efficacy in neutralizing the venom lethality in mice. However, a higher dose or repeated administration of the antivenom may be required to fully reverse the neurotoxic effect of the venom.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Colis-Torres, Edgar Neri-Castro, Jason L. Strickland, Alejandro Olvera-Rodriguez, Miguel Borja, Juan Calvete, Jason Jones, Christopher L. Parkinson, Jorge Banuelos, Jorge Lopez de Leon, Alejandro Alagon
Summary: Intraspecific variation in snake venoms, specifically the Crotalus basiliscus venom in Mexico, was evaluated in this study. Adult venoms showed variation in biological and biochemical activities compared to juvenile venoms. The presence of certain toxins in the venom varied across different regions. The efficacy of antivenoms was tested, showing neutralization of venom lethality but not crotamine. The inclusion of crotamine-containing venoms in the production of antivenoms is recommended.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tristan D. Schramer, Rhett M. Rautsaw, Juan David Bayona-Serrano, Gunnar S. Nystrom, Taylor R. West, Javier A. Ortiz-Medina, Bianca Sabido-Alpuche, Marcos Meneses-Millan, Miguel Borja, Inacio L. M. Junqueira-de-Azevedo, Darin R. Rokyta, Christopher L. Parkinson
Summary: Traditional research has focused on front-fanged snake families, but venom is now recognized as a widespread trait among snakes. Despite historical neglect, an analysis of a particular species' venom gland transcriptome revealed new insights, including atypical venom components. This study provides a comprehensive venom characterization of a medically important snake species, shedding light on the effects and evolution of its venom.
Article
Zoology
Tamara M. Rioja-Paradela, Sara Valenzuela-Ceballos, Jorge Becerra, Gamaliel Castaneda-Gaytan, Arturo Carrillo-Reyes, Miguel Borja-Jimenez, Jaime Sanchez-Salas, Consuelo Lorenzo
Summary: Differential temporality of daily activity patterns allows the coexistence of black-tailed jackrabbit and desert cottontail in the Mapimi Biosphere Reserve in Mexico.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Edward A. Myers, Jason L. Strickland, Rhett M. Rautsaw, Andrew J. Mason, Tristan D. Schramer, Gunnar S. Nystrom, Michael P. Hogan, Shibu Yooseph, Darin R. Rokyta, Christopher L. Parkinson
Summary: In this study, the genome of Fea's Viper was sequenced, assembled, and annotated, providing important insights into the venom composition and gene family diversification. Population analysis revealed that the population size of Fea's Viper has remained stable over the past 100,000 years. This newly assembled genome will serve as a valuable resource for studying phenotypic evolution and understanding the diversification of venom toxin gene families.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lee Jones, Nicholas J. Youngman, Edgar Neri-Castro, Alid Guadarrama-Martinez, Matthew R. Lewin, Rebecca Carter, Nathaniel Frank, Bryan G. Fry
Summary: This study investigates the functional aspects of the venom of four snake species and finds that they have anticoagulant effects with diverse biochemical actions. The regional polyvalent antivenom tested shows effectiveness against the varied anticoagulant pathophysiological effects. The study highlights the dynamic nature of venom and its impact on clinical outcomes and treatment strategies.
Article
Biology
Matthew L. Holding, Vivian C. Trevine, Oleksandr Zinenko, Jason L. Strickland, Rhett M. Rautsaw, Andrew J. Mason, Michael P. Hogan, Christopher L. Parkinson, Felipe G. Grazziotin, Sharlene E. Santana, Mark A. Davis, Darin R. Rokyta
Summary: Research shows that there is both phylogenetic signal and within-clade variation in relative fang length across viper species, indicating both general taxonomic trends and potential adaptive divergence. Longer fangs have evolved proportionally in larger species, potentially aiding in injecting venom into larger prey. By including temperature and diet data, models of fang length evolution can be improved, especially in relation to the extent to which diets are mammal-heavy.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ramses Alejandro Rosales-Garcia, Rhett M. Rautsaw, Erich P. Hofmann, Christoph Grunwald, Hector Franz-Chavez, Ivan T. Ahumada-Carrillo, Ricardo Ramirez-Chaparro, Miguel Angel de la Torre-Loranca, Jason L. Strickland, Andrew J. Mason, Matthew L. Holding, Miguel Borja, Gamaliel Castaneda-Gaytan, Edward A. Myers, Mahmood Sasa, Darin R. Rokyta, Christopher L. Parkinson
Summary: Snake venom can vary within and among species, and the venom of montane pitvipers (Cerrophidion) in Mes-oamerican highlands is poorly understood. This study analyzed the venom gland transcriptomes of different Cerrophidion populations and found significant intraspecific variation in C. godmani and C. tzotzilorum. The toxins in C. godmani show little evidence of directional selection, and further research is needed to confirm the presence of neurotoxic venom activity in the southern population of C. godmani.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tucker C. Heptinstall, Jason L. Strickland, Ramses A. Rosales-Garcia, Rhett M. Rautsaw, Cassandra L. Simpson, Gunnar S. Nystrom, Schyler A. Ellsworth, Michael P. Hogan, Miguel Borja, Pollyanna Fernandes Campos, Felipe G. Grazziotin, Darin R. Rokyta, Inacio L. M. Junqueira-de-Azevedo, Christopher L. Parkinson
Summary: Biological specialization reduces niche space size and increases resource efficiency. Venom is a commonly selected trait for dietary specialization in snakes. This study analyzes the venom gland transcriptomes of the Neotropical Blunt-headed Treesnake (Imantodes cenchoa) and finds evidence of specialized venom adapted for efficient lizard capture and processing. The study provides important insights into venom specialization in rear-fanged snakes and selective pressures of venom across all snake species.
Article
Zoology
Christoph I. Grunwald, Carlos Montano-Ruvalcaba, Jason M. Jones, Ivan Ahumada-Carrillo, Andre J. Grunwald, Jiacheng Zheng, Jason L. Strickland, Jacobo Reyes-Velasco
Summary: This is a study describing a new species of Eleutherodactylus from Guerrero, Mexico. The new species, named Eleutherodactylus franzi, has unique features including expanded fingertips, visible lumbo-inguinal glands, a white venter, and dark reticulations on a cream dorsal background coloration. It belongs to the Eleutherodactylus nitidus species group and is micro-endemic to a small range in the Mexican Transverse Ranges. The conservation needs of this species are discussed and it is provisionally classified as Critically Endangered.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Miguel Borja, Edgar Neri-Castro, Areli Gutierrez-Martinez, Richard Bledsoe, Vanessa Zarzosa, Bruno Rodriguez-Lopez, Jason L. Strickland, Jorge Becerra-Lopez, Sara Valenzuela-Ceballos, Christopher L. Parkinson, Alejandro Alagon, Gamaliel Castaneda-Gaytan
Summary: The venom composition of the Mexican Black-tailed Rattlesnake undergoes a shift during ontogeny, with a transition from a myotoxin-rich venom to a venom rich in phospholipase A2 and snake venom metalloproteinase. Additionally, proteolytic and phospholipase activities increase with age, while lethality decreases.
Article
Zoology
David Lazcano, Javier Banda-Leal, Hector Gadsden-Esparza, Gamaliel Castaneda-Gaytan, Sandra Cecilia Hernandez-Bocardo
Summary: Temperature is a critical factor affecting organisms, with Gerrhonotus parvus relying more on substrate temperature than air temperature to regulate body heat. This thigmothermic lizard demonstrates tendencies of using thermoconformity for heat regulation.
AMPHIBIAN & REPTILE CONSERVATION
(2022)