Proteomic analysis of mouse lung under the effect of Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom

• Grant number: 23/00140-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2023
• End date: December 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Leo Kei Iwai
• Grantee: Letícia Cristine da Silva Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto Butantan. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07467-1 - CeTICS - Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Among the snakes distributed in Brazil, the genus Crotalus is the most lethal and the second most responsible for cases of ophidic accidents. Crotalus venom is known to be neurotoxic and cardiotoxic, in addition to affecting organs such as the lung and kidney of individuals bitten by the snake. Although there are several works in the literature with clinical, biochemical and physiological characterizations of the effect of snake venom on organs, tissues and cells, as well as its toxic, cytotoxic effects, induction of changes and biochemical imbalances, there are few works characterizing the proteomic profile of the effect of venom on organs and tissues that aim to evaluate in detail the affected molecular targets. Studies published by our group have already demonstrated the effect of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom on the cerebellum and heart of mice, showing significant changes in proteins related to synaptic inhibition and tissue cerebellar injury, and cardiac injury, respectively. Thus, this project aims to map the comparative proteomic profile of the effect of C. d. terrificus in the lungs of Swiss mice in order to detect proteins and/or key pathways affected by the venom. We believe that this analysis will be able to reveal, at the molecular level, the mode of action of the venom on the lung, adding data of interest to understanding the mode of action of the venom in this organ. In addition, this work may contribute to the design of new approaches in the study of snakebites caused by this snake and the development of more effective ways of treating and reducing mortality and morbidity resulting from envenoming.