Understanding the complexity of Tityus serrulatus venom: A focus on high molecular weight components

Autor(es)

Isadora Sousa de Oliveira ; Nicoly Malachize Alano-da-Silva ^[2] ; Isabela Gobbo Ferreira ^[3] ; Felipe Augusto Cerni ^[4] ; Jacqueline de Almeida Gonçalves Sachett ; Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro ; Manuela Berto Pucca ^[7] ; Eliane Candiani Arantes ^[8]

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases; v. 30, 2024-01-22.

Resumo

Abstract Tityus serrulatus scorpion is responsible for a significant number of envenomings in Brazil, ranging from mild to severe, and in some cases, leading to fatalities. While supportive care is the primary treatment modality, moderate and severe cases require antivenom administration despite potential limitations and adverse effects. The remarkable proliferation of T. serrulatus scorpions, attributed to their biology and asexual reproduction, contributes to a high incidence of envenomation. T. serrulatus scorpion venom predominantly consists of short proteins acting as neurotoxins (α and β), that primarily target ion channels. Nevertheless, high molecular weight compounds, including metalloproteases, serine proteases, phospholipases, and hyaluronidases, are also present in the venom. These compounds play a crucial role in envenomation, influencing the severity of symptoms and the spread of venom. This review endeavors to comprehensively understand the T. serrulatus scorpion venom by elucidating the primary high molecular weight compounds and exploring their potential contributions to envenomation. Understanding these compounds' mechanisms of action can aid in developing more effective treatments and prevention strategies, ultimately mitigating the impact of scorpion envenomation on public health in Brazil. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 19/10173-6 - Produção, modificação e caracterização de toxinas animais com potencial aplicação biotecnológica
• Beneficiário: Eliane Candiani Arantes Braga
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
• Processo FAPESP: 21/11936-3 - Centro de Ciência Translacional e Desenvolvimento de Biofármacos
• Beneficiário: Benedito Barraviera
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Centros de Ciência para o Desenvolvimento
• Processo FAPESP: 22/08964-8 - Descoberta de anticorpos monoclonais humanos (scFv) com reatividade cruzada e pH-dependentes para as metaloproteases de Bothrops spp.
• Beneficiário: Isadora Sousa de Oliveira
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Exterior - Estágio de Pesquisa - Pós-Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 21/11547-7 - Caracterização de componentes de alta massa molecular da peçonha de Tityus serrulatus
• Beneficiário: Nicoly Malachize Alano da Silva
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Iniciação Científica
• Processo FAPESP: 20/13176-3 - Descoberta de anticorpos monoclonais humanos (scFv) com reatividade cruzada e pH-dependentes para as metaloproteases de Bothrops spp
• Beneficiário: Isadora Sousa de Oliveira
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado