Snake venom disintegrins update: insights about new findings

Author(s)

Gabriela de Oliveira Almeida ^[1] ; Isadora Sousa de Oliveira ; Eliane Candiani Arantes ^[3] ; Suely Vilela Sampaio ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] University of São Paulo. School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto. Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science - Brasil

^[3] University of São Paulo. School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto. Department of BioMolecular Sciences - Brasil

^[4] University of São Paulo. School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto. Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases; v. 29, 2023-09-18.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Snake venom disintegrins are low molecular weight, non-enzymatic proteins rich in cysteine, present in the venom of snakes from the families Viperidae, Crotalidae, Atractaspididae, Elapidae, and Colubridae. This family of proteins originated in venom through the proteolytic processing of metalloproteinases (SVMPs), which, in turn, evolved from a gene encoding an A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease (ADAM) molecule. Disintegrins have a recognition motif for integrins in their structure, allowing interaction with these transmembrane adhesion receptors and preventing their binding to proteins in the extracellular matrix and other cells. This interaction gives disintegrins their wide range of biological functions, including inhibition of platelet aggregation and antitumor activity. As a result, many studies have been conducted in an attempt to use these natural compounds as a basis for developing therapies for the treatment of various diseases. Furthermore, the FDA has approved Tirofiban and Eptifibatide as antiplatelet compounds, and they are synthesized from the structure of echistatin and barbourin, respectively. In this review, we discuss some of the main functional and structural characteristics of this class of proteins and their potential for therapeutic use. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/04804-6 - Bioprospection of low molecular weight anticancer molecules from Bothrops genus snake venom
• Grantee: Suely Vilela
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/10173-6 - Production, modification and characterization of animal toxins with potential biotechnological application
• Grantee: Eliane Candiani Arantes Braga
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/08964-8 - Discovery of human monoclonal antibodies (scFv) with cross-reactivity and pH-dependent targeting metalloprotease from Bothrops spp.
• Grantee: Isadora Sousa de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 20/15670-5 - Isolation and functional and structural characterization of antitumor peptide from snake venoms of the Bothrops genre
• Grantee: Gabriela de Oliveira Almeida
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 22/05554-3 - Bioprospection of low molecular weight compounds with antileukemic activity in Bothrops moojeni venom
• Grantee: Gabriela de Oliveira Almeida
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 20/13176-3 - Human monoclonal antibodies (scFv) discovery with cross-reactivity and pH-dependent to metalloproteases from Bothrops spp
• Grantee: Isadora Sousa de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 21/11936-3 - Center for Translational Science and Biopharmaceutical Development
• Grantee: Benedito Barraviera
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Science Centers for Development