| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Pedroso, Aurelio
[1]
;
Matioli, Sergio Russo
[2]
;
Murakami, Mario Tyago
[3]
;
Pidde-Queiroz, Giselle
[1]
;
Tambourgi, Denise V.
[1]
Total Authors: 5
|
| Affiliation: | [1] Inst Butantan, Lab Imunoquim, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Genet & Biol Evolut, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[3] Ctr Nacl Pesquisa Energia & Mat, Lab Nacl Biociencias, Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | BMC Evolutionary Biology; v. 15, DEC 21 2015. |
| Web of Science Citations: | 5 |
| Abstract | |
Background: Sphingomyelinase D is the main toxin present in the venom of Loxosceles spiders. Several isoforms present in these venoms can be structurally classified in two groups. Class I Sphingomyelinase D contains a single disulphide bridge and variable loop. Class II Sphingomyelinase D presents an additional intrachain disulphide bridge that links a flexible loop with a catalytic loop. These classes exhibit differences in their toxic potential. In this paper we address the distribution of the structural classes of SMase D within and among species of spiders and also their evolutionary origin by means of phylogenetic analyses. We also conducted tests to assess the action of natural selection in their evolution combined to structural modelling of the affected sites. Results: The majority of the Class I enzymes belong to the same clade, which indicates a recent evolution from a single common ancestor. Positively selected sites are located on the catalytic interface, which contributes to a distinct surface charge distribution between the classes. Sites that may prevent the formation of an additional bridge were found in Class I enzymes. Conclusions: The evolution of Sphingomyelinase D has been driven by natural selection toward an increase in noxiousness, and this might help explain the toxic variation between classes. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 13/07467-1 - CeTICS - Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling |
| Grantee: | Hugo Aguirre Armelin |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC |