The complex repertoire of Tityus spp. venoms: Advances on their composition and pharmacological potential of their toxins

Author(s)

Wiezel, Gisele A. ; Oliveira, Isadora S. ; Reis, Mouzarllem B. ; Ferreira, Isabela G. ; Cordeiro, Kalynka R. ; Bordon, Karla C. F. ; Arantes, Eliane C.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Biochimie; v. 220, p. 23-pg., 2024-01-11.

Abstract

Animal venoms are a rich and complex source of components, including peptides (such as neurotoxins, anionic peptides and hypotensins), lipids, proteins (such as proteases, hyaluronidases and phospholipases) and inorganic compounds, which affect all biological systems of the envenoming victim. Their action may result in a wide range of clinical manifestations, including tachy/bradycardia, hyper/hypotension, disorders in blood coagulation, pain, edema, inflammation, fever, muscle paralysis, coma and even death. Scorpions are one of the most studied venomous animals in the world and interesting bioactive molecules have been isolated and identified from their venoms over the years. Tityus spp. are among the scorpions with high number of accidents reported in the Americas, especially in Brazil. Their venoms have demonstrated interesting results in the search for novel agents with antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-parasitic, hypotensive, immunomodulation, anti-insect, antitumor and/or antinociceptive activities. Furthermore, other recent activities still under investigation include drug delivery action, design of anti-epileptic drugs, investigation of sodium channel function, treatment of erectile disfunction and priapism, improvement of scorpion antivenom and chelating molecules activity. In this scenario, this paper focuses on reviewing advances on Tityus venom components mainly through the modern omics technologies as well as addressing potential therapeutic agents from their venoms and highlighting this abundant source of pharmacologically active molecules with biotechnological application. (c) 2024 Elsevier B.V. and Societe Francaise de Biochimie et Biologie Moleculaire (SFBBM). All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/11264-0 - Production by heterologous expression on Pichia pastoris and evaluation of the efficacy of a vascular endothelial growth factor and a serineprotease from snake venom, for the production of a new biopolimer with adhesive capacity
• Grantee: Isabela Gobbo Ferreira
• 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
• 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: 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: 23/01083-9 - Prospection of bioactive peptides with antitumor activity isolated from scorpion venoms from the Brazilian Amazon
• Grantee: Eliane Candiani Arantes Braga
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/10400-8 - Prospection of bioactive peptides with antitumor activity isolated from scorpion venoms from the Brazilian Amazon
• Grantee: Mouzarllem Barros dos Reis
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Support Program for Fixating Young Doctors