Purification and characterization of peptidases from the venom of Tityus serrulatus scorpion.

Author(s)

Daniela Cajado de Oliveira Souza Carvalho

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2017-09-21

Examining board members

Fernanda Calheta Vieira Portaro; Adriana Karaoglanovic Carmona; Ivo Lebrun; Geraldo Santana Magalhães; Vitor Marcelo Silveira Bueno Brandão de Oliveira

• Advisor: Fernanda Calheta Vieira Portaro

Abstract

The yellow scorpion is one of the main species of medical interest in Brazil and the recommended treatment in case of accidents is the use of antivenom. Little is known about the proteolytic components of its venom and its effects on envenomation. The objective of this work was to isolate peptidases from T. serrulatus venom and to characterize them biochemically, besides to evaluating the neutralizing potential of antivenoms. The total venom was characterized, in searching for relevant proteolytic activities. After that, two metalloserrulases (ms3 and ms4) and one ACE-like venom were isolated. Biochemical studies such as determination of temperature and optimum pHs, influence of salts, determination of catalytic constants and hydrolysis points of the substrates were determined for the purified proteases. It was concluded that the activation / inactivation of bioactive peptides in vitro by proteases are important information and should be further studied in the future. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/15343-0 - Purification and characterization of peptidases present in the venom of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus
• Grantee: Daniela Cajado de Oliveira Souza Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate