Differential characterization of the venoms of Lachesis muta subspecies and identification of molecules with biotechnological potential in Lachesis venom

• Grant number: 25/06879-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: November 14, 2025
• End date: June 13, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Compared Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Anita Mitico Tanaka-Azevedo
• Grantee: Mariana Silva Tavares
• Supervisor: Caroline Tokarski
• Host Institution: Instituto Butantan. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Université de Bordeaux, Carreire/Victoire, France
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/16574-8 - Exploring the venom of the largest Brazilian venomous snake (Lachesis muta): characterization and bioprospecting., BP.DD

Abstract

Snakebite envenomation is considered a neglected tropical disease. In Brazil, one of the genera of medical importance is Lachesis, represented by the species Lachesis muta. This animal has two subspecies, one from the Amazon region, Lachesis muta muta, and the other endemic to the Atlantic Forest, Lachesis muta rhombeata. Many discussions about the phylogeny of these animals have already been raised, including whether the venom between them varies significantly. Another relevant question is whether an animal that is at the limit of the geographical distribution of one of the subspecies can present a hybrid profile in terms of the protein composition of the venom. Therefore, the aim of this project is to analyze, via proteomics, the qualitative and quantitative composition of proteins present in the venoms of the two subspecies of L. muta, as well as a specimen from the state of Mato Grosso that has already presented a hybrid profile in terms of enzymatic and biological activities. It is also hoped to identify molecules isolated from this venom that have biotechnological potential. To this end, mass spectrometry combined with high-performance liquid chromatography will be used in order to obtain an accurate protein profile of these venoms and also to characterize isolated molecules that may, in the future, be patented for their biotechnological applications. (AU)