Proteomic characterization of Naja mandalayensis venom

 

Emídio Beraldo Neto1,2, Guilherme Rabelo Coelho1, Juliana Mozer Sciani3, Daniel Carvalho Pimenta1

 

1 Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

2 Graduation Program in Science – Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

3 Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.

 

Abstract

Background: Naja mandalayensis is a spitting cobra from Myanmar. To the best of our knowledge, no studies on this venom composition have been conducted so far. On the other hand, few envenomation descriptions state that it elicits mainly local inflammation in the victims’ eyes, the preferred target of this spiting cobra. Symptoms would typically include burning and painful sensation, conjunctivitis, edema and temporary loss of vision.

 

Methods: We have performed a liquid-chromatography (C18-RP-HPLC) mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-TOF/MS) based approach in order to biochemically characterize N. mandalayensis venom.

 

Results: A wide variety of three-finger toxins (cardiotoxins) and metallopeptidases were detected. Less abundant, but still representative, were cysteine-rich secretory proteins, L-amino-acid oxidases, phospholipases A2 , venom 5’-nucleotidase and a serine peptidase inhibitor. Other proteins were present, but were detected in a relatively small concentration.

 

Conclusion: The present study set the basis for a better comprehension of the envenomation from a molecular perspective and, by increasing the interest and information available for this species, allows future venom comparisons among cobras and their diverse venom proteins.

 

Keywords: Naja mandalayensis Proteome Spitting cobra Three-finger toxins SVMP Enzymes

 

Correspondence: dcpimenta@butantan.gov.br

 

Received: 27 August 2020; Accepted: 31 March 2021; Published online: 30 July 2021.