Exploring the amyloid properties of bioactive peptides from Parawixia bistriata venom

• Grant number: 23/11938-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2023
• End date: March 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Wagner Ferreira dos Santos
• Grantee: Beatriz Perez Piccolo
• Supervisor: Tara Pukala
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Adelaide, Australia
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/07638-0 - Intersexual differences (morphological and chemistry) of the Parawixia bistriata venom (ARANEAE, ARANEIDAE), BP.IC

Abstract

Venomous organisms, especially spiders, have evolved intricate and potent biochemical weaponsknown as toxins, which have high translational value for various applications in medicine andbiotechnology. This project aims to explore the bioactive potential of the spider Parawixia bistriata venom, which has proven to be a valuable object of study for its neuroprotective compounds (which have been studied for over 25 years at the Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venom (FFCLRP -USP)) and antimicrobials discovered in the FAPESP project in the country (nº 2022/07638-0. Specifically, in partnership with Dr. Tara Pukala at the University of Adelaide, the study seeks to investigate the amyloid and anti-amyloid properties of peptides from this venom and their interactions with lipid membrane systems. Techniques including thioflavin T fluorescence assays, transmission electron microscopy, ion mobility and mass spectrometry, circular dichroism spectroscopy and cell viability assays will be employed to analyze the behavior, aggregation and membrane interactions of the peptides with peptide synthesis. of greater prominence, for continuation of studies. Ultimately, this research will contribute to the understanding of how bioactive peptides from spider venoms interact with lipid membranes and their potential amyloid properties, could lead to breakthroughs in various fields, including toxicology, neurodegenerative disease research, drug design, and the broader understanding of peptide-membrane interactions. (AU)