Intersexual differences (morphological and chemistry) of the Parawixia bistriata venom (ARANEAE, ARANEIDAE)

• Grant number: 22/07638-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2022
• End date: February 09, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Applied Zoology
• Principal Investigator: Wagner Ferreira dos Santos
• Grantee: Beatriz Perez Piccolo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/11938-1 - Exploring the amyloid properties of bioactive peptides from Parawixia bistriata venom, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Spiders are an evolutionarily successful lineage, with a dynamic venom injection system, synergistic and rich in molecular, biochemical and morphological issues. The composition of these venoms varies intra and interspecifically, but, in general, they are bioactive compounds that guarantee the survival of spiders for millions of years, with great neurobiological and translational potential. Thus, more detailed analyzes of these are essential for a better understanding of their composition and mechanisms of action. Noticed, intersex differences have already been reported in the venom of the Phoneutria nigriventer spider, and are also expected in the Parawixia bistriata spider, a target of studies at the Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venoms (LNP) at FFCLRP-USP, with special applications to anticonvulsant and neuroprotective components and their neurobiological activities. Therefore, this project aims to highlight a niche of study not yet explored, the possible intersex, chemical and morphological differences of P. bistriata venoms, contributing to the studies of neuroactive compounds already evidenced in this spider, in LNP publications. The assays will be carried out by means of Gas-Mass Chromatography, Computed Tomography (CTScan), techniques for quantification of the area of the venom glands, histochemical analyses, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and preparative high performance liquid chromatography coupled to spectrometry of mass (ESI-module), to evidence polypeptide compounds, not yet studied in this venom.