Identification and biochemical characterization of peptides and proteins present in the skin secretion of Chaunus jimi (Bufonidae, anura, amphibia)

• Grant number: 07/02476-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2008
• End date: August 31, 2010
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
• Grantee: Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
• Host Institution: Instituto Butantan. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The amphibian skin is comprised by glands that secret a number of bioactive compounds, including peptides and proteins, this projects targets. Chaunus (Bufo) jimi, formerly known as Bufo paracnemis, the popula sapo-cururu is a extremely well adapted bufonid that inhabits the Brazilian semi-arid caatinga. However, it is fairly studied regarding the substances secreted by its skin. The biochemical and pharmacological characteristics of this particular secretion will be studied through comtemporary biochemical techniques (such as SPE, LC and LC-MS). Following an initial fractionation, all purification procedures will be monitored by biological activity (antimicrobial, vasoactive, active on smooth muscle or enzymatic, depending on the case).This species live in an extremely dry environment and deeply relies on its skin secretion for practically every vital activity. As a consequence, it is very likely that we would obtain peptides and proteins presenting relevant biological activities and novel amino acid sequences, or significantly different from those already described and isolated from other bufonid or amphibians. Surely, this project contains significant biotechnological perspectives originated from a national fauna organism. (AU)

Scientific publications

(5)

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

SCIANI, JULIANA MOZER; ANGELI, CLAUDIA BLANES; ANTONIAZZI, MARTA M.; JARED, CARLOS; PIMENTA, DANIEL CARVALHO. Differences and Similarities among Parotoid Macrogland Secretions in South American Toads: A Preliminary Biochemical Delineation. SCIENTIFIC WORLD JOURNAL, 2013. (07/08478-6, 07/02476-1)

SCIANI, JULIANA MOZER; MARQUES-PORTO, RAFAEL; LOURENCO JUNIOR, AIRTON; ORSI, RICARDO DE OLIVEIRA; FERREIRA JUNIOR, RUI SEABRA; BARRAVIERA, BENEDITO; PIMENTA, DANIEL CARVALHO. Identification of a novel melittin isoform from Africanized Apis mellifera venom. Peptides, v. 31, n. 8, p. 1473-1479, AUG 2010. (07/05159-7, 07/02476-1, 07/08478-6)

SCIANI, JULIANA MOZER; ZYCHAR, BIANCA CESTARI; GONCALVES, LUIS ROBERTO CAMARGO; NOGUEIRA, THIAGO DE OLIVEIRA; GIORGI, RENATA; PIMENTA, DANIEL CARVALHO. Pro-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of Echinometra lucunter sea urchin spines. Experimental Biology and Medicine, v. 236, n. 3, p. 277-280, MAR 2011. (07/08478-6, 07/02476-1)

SCIANI, JULIANA MOZER; ANGELI, CLAUDIA BLANES; ANTONIAZZI, MARTA M.; JARED, CARLOS; PIMENTA, DANIEL CARVALHO. Differences and Similarities among Parotoid Macrogland Secretions in South American Toads: A Preliminary Biochemical Delineation. SCIENTIFIC WORLD JOURNAL, v. N/A, p. 9-pg., 2013-01-01. (07/02476-1, 07/08478-6)

FERREIRA JUNIOR, RUI S.; SCIANI, JULIANA M.; MARQUES-PORTO, RAFAEL; LOURENCO JUNIOR, AIRTON; ORSI, RICARDO DE O.; BARRAVIERA, BENEDITO; PIMENTA, DANIEL C.. Africanized honey bee (Apis mellifera) venom profiling: Seasonal variation of melittin and phospholipase A(2) levels. Toxicon, v. 56, n. 3, p. 355-362, SEP 1 2010. (07/05159-7, 07/02476-1, 07/08478-6)