Molecular Diversity in Venom from the Australian Brown Snake, Pseudonaja textilis

peer-reviewed · Molecular & Cellular Proteomics · 2006

peer-reviewed · Molecular & Cellular Proteomics · 2006. Geoff W. Birrell et al. Venom from the Australian elapid Pseudonaja textilis (Common or Eastern Brown snake), is the second most…
Date 2006-02-01
Type peer-reviewed
Venue Molecular & Cellular Proteomics
Publisher Elsevier BV
Contribution downstream-application
DOI 10.1074/mcp.m500270-mcp200
Citations (OpenAlex) 80
Venue 2-year citedness 4.69

Abstract

Venom from the Australian elapid Pseudonaja textilis (Common or Eastern Brown snake), is the second most toxic snake venom known and is the most common cause of death from snake bite in Australia. This venom is known to contain a prothrombin activator complex, serine proteinase inhibitors, various phospholipase A2s, and pre- and postsynaptic neurotoxins. In this study, we performed a proteomic identification of the venom using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and de novo peptide sequencing. We identified most of the venom proteins including proteins previously not known to be present in the venom. In addition, we used immunoblotting and post-translational modification-specific enzyme stains and antibodies that reveal the complexity and regional diversity of the venom. Modifications observed include phosphorylation, gamma-carboxylation, and glycosylation. Glycoproteins were further characterized by enzymatic deglycosylation and by lectin binding specificity. The venom contains an abundance of glycoproteins with N-linked sugars that include glucose/mannose, N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, and sialic acids. Additionally there are multiple isoforms of mammalian coagulation factors that comprise a significant proportion of the venom. Indeed two of the identified proteins, a procoagulant and a plasmin inhibitor, are currently in development as human therapeutic agents.

Authors

  1. Geoff W. Birrell · QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland
  2. Stephen Earl · QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland
  3. Paul P. Masci · The University of Queensland
  4. John de Jersey · The University of Queensland
  5. Tristan P. Wallis · Institute for Molecular Bioscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland
  6. Jeffrey J. Gorman · Institute for Molecular Bioscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland
  7. Martin F. Lavin · QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland

Methods and tools

  • Pseudonaja textilis venom diversity: Profiles the venom of the Australian eastern brown snake by 2-DE, MS and de novo sequencing, finding new venom proteins and their modifications.

Methods it uses

  • PEAKS: Commercial DP-based de novo

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