Inhibition of enzymatic and pharmacological activities of some snake venoms and toxins by Mandevilla velutina (Apocynaceae) aqueous extract

Phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)) are multifunctional proteins which exhibit varied biological activities correlated to the structural diversities of the sub-classes. The crude aqueous extract from subterranean system of Mandevilla velutina, a plant found in Brazilian savanna, was assayed for its ability to inhibit biological activities of several snake venoms and isolated PLA(2)s. The extract induced total inhibition of the phospholipase activity of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom and only partial inhibition of Bothrops venoms. When assayed against purified toxins, the highest efficacy was detected against CB and crotoxin, while almost ineffective against PLA(2)s from the genus Bothrops. Although M. velutina crude extract significantly inhibited the myotoxic activity of C. d. terrificus venom and CB, it produced only partial inhibition of either Bothrops jararacussu venom or its main myotoxins BthTX-I (basic Lys49), BthTX-II (basic Asp49) and BthA-I-PLA(2) (acidic Asp49). The extract exhibited also full inhibition of hemorrhage caused by Bothrops alternatus, Bothrops moojeni and Bothrops pirajai snake venoms, but partial inhibition (90%) of that induced by B. jararacussu venom. The extract was ineffective to inhibit the fibrinogenolytic activity of B. moojeni, B. alternatus and B. pirajai crude venoms, while their caseinolytic activity was only partially inhibited. No inhibition of the anticoagulant activity, although partial reduction of the edema-inducing activity of C. d. terrificus and B. alternatus crude venoms, CB, PrTX-I, BthTX-I and crotoxin was observed. Besides extending survival of mice injected with lethal doses of C. d. terrificus and B. jararacussu venoms, M. velutina extract decreased to 50% the lethality of mice. Extracts of 18 month old micropropagated plants were able to partially neutralize the effect of the crude venoms and toxins.     

Activation of Ca2+-independent membrane-damaging activity in Lys49-phospholipase A2 promoted by amphiphilic molecules

Association of class-II phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) with aggregated phospholipid substrate results in elevated levels of the Ca(2+)-dependent hydrolytic activity. The Asp49 residue participates in coordination of the Ca(2+) ion cofactor, however, in Lys49-PLA(2) homologues (Lys49-PLA(2)s), substitution of the Asp49 by Lys results in loss of Ca(2+) binding and lack of detectable phospholipid hydrolysis. Nevertheless, Lys49-PLA(2)s cause Ca(2+)-independent damage of liposome membranes. Bothropstoxin-I is a homodimeric Lys49-PLA(2) from the venom of Bothrops jararacussu, and in fluorescent marker release and dynamic light scattering experiments with DPPC liposomes we demonstrate activation of the Ca(2+)-independent membrane damaging activity by approximately 4 molecules of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) per protein monomer. Activation is accompanied by significant changes in the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence emission (ITFE) and near UV circular dichroism (UVCD) spectra of the protein. Subsequent binding of 7-10 SDS molecules results in further alterations in the ITFE and far UVCD spectra. Reduction in the rate of N-bromosuccinimide modification of Trp77 at the dimer interface suggests that initial binding of SDS to this region accompanies the activation of the membrane damaging activity. 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulphonic acid binding studies indicate that subsequent SDS binding to the active site is concomitant with the second structural transition. These results provide insights in the structural basis of amphiphile/protein coupling in class-II PLA(2)s.     

Crystal structures of BnSP-7 and BnSP-6, two Lys49-phospholipases A(2): quaternary structure and inhibition mechanism insights

Phospholipases A(2) are components of Bothrops venoms responsible for disruption of cell membrane integrity via hydrolysis of its phospholipids. A class of PLA(2)-like proteins has been described which despite PLA(2) activity on artificial substrate, due to a D49K mutation, is still highly myonecrotic. This work reports the X-ray structure determination of two Lys49-PLA(2)s from Bothrops neuwiedi pauloensis (BnSP-7 and BnSP-6) and, for the first time, the comparison of eight dimeric Lys49-PLA(2)s. This comparison reveals that there are not just two ("open" and "closed") but at least six different conformations. The binding of fatty acid observed in three recent Lys49-PLA(2) structures seems to be independent of their quaternary conformation. Cys29 polarization by Lys122 is not significant for BnSP-7 and BnSP-6 or other structures not bound by fatty acids. These structures may be in an "active" state when nothing is bound to them and the Lys122/Cys29 interactions are weak or absent.     

Phospholipases A2 from Callosellasma rhodostoma venom gland cloning and sequencing of 10 of the cDNAs, three-dimensional modelling and chemical modification of the major isozyme.

Callosellasma rhodostoma (Malayan pitviper) is a monotypic Asian pitviper of medical importance. Three acidic phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) and one basic PLA2-homolog were purified from its venom while 10 cDNAs encoding distinct PLA2s were cloned from venom glands of a Thailand specimen of this species. Complete amino-acid sequences of the purified PLA2s were successfully deduced from their cDNA sequences. Among the six un-translated PLA2 cDNAs, two apparently result from recombination of its Lys49-PLA2 gene with its Asp49-PLA2 genes. The acidic PLA2s inhibit platelet-aggregation, while the noncatalytic PLA2-homolog induces local edema. This basic PLA2-homolog contains both Asp49 and other, unusual substitutions unique for the venom Lys49-PLA2 subtype (e.g. Leu5, Trp6, Asn28 and Arg34). Three-dimensional modelling of the basic protein revealed a heparin-binding region, and an abnormal calcium-binding pocket, which may explain its low catalytic activity. Oxidation of up to six of its Met residues or coinjection with heparin reduced its edema-inducing activity but methylation of its active site His48 did not. The distinct Arg/Lys-rich and Met-rich region at positions 10-36 of the PLA2 homolog presumably are involved in its heparin-binding and the cell membrane-interference leading to edema and myotoxicity.     

A pH-induced dissociation of the dimeric form of a lysine 49-phospholipase A2 abolishes Ca2+-independent membrane damaging activity

The hydrolysis of phospholipids by class II phospholipase A2 (PLA2) involves a Ca2+ ion cofactor bound to the Asp49 residue in the active site region. In the lysine 49 phospholipase A2 homologues (Lys49-PLA2), the Asp49 residue is substituted by Lys, and consequently the Lys49-PLA2s show no Ca2+ binding and no detectable phospholipid hydrolysis. Nevertheless, the Lys49-PLA2s demonstrate membrane damaging activity by an incompletely understood Ca2+-independent mechanism of action. Using a combination of steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence techniques, we have examined the effect of pH on the monomer-dimer equilibrium of bothropstoxin I (BthTX-I), a Lys49-PLA2 from the venom of Bothrops jararacussu which contains a single Trp77 residue located at the dimer interface. At pH 5.0, we observe a decreased quantum yield, a decreased rotational correlation time, and an increased bimolecular quenching rate constant with iodide. These results are consistent with a pH-induced dissociation of the BthTX-I dimer, with the consequent exposure of the Trp77 residue to aqueous solvent. In the presence of liposomes, membrane damaging activity is observed only under conditions in which the dimeric form of the BthTX-I is favored. These results demonstrate that the dimeric form of the protein is essential for the initiation of the Ca2+-independent membrane damaging activity.     

Crystallographic portrayal of different conformational states of a Lys49 phospholipase A₂ homologue: insights into structural determinants for myotoxicity and dimeric configuration

Catalytically inactive phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) homologues play key roles in the pathogenesis induced by snake envenomation, causing extensive tissue damage via a mechanism still unknown. Although, the amino acid residues directly involved in catalysis are conserved, the substitution of Asp49 by Arg/Lys/Gln or Ser prevents the binding of the essential calcium ion and hence these proteins are incapable of hydrolyzing phospholipids. In this work, the crystal structure of a Lys49-PLA(2) homologue from Bothrops brazili (MTX-II) was solved in two conformational states: (a) native, with Lys49 singly coordinated by the backbone oxygen atom of Val31 and (b) complexed with tetraethylene glycol (TTEG). Interestingly, the TTEG molecule was observed in two different coordination cages depending on the orientation of the nominal calcium-binding loop and of the residue Lys49. These structural observations indicate a direct role for the residue Lys49 in the functioning of a catalytically inactive PLA(2) homologue suggesting a contribution of the active site-like region in the expression of pharmacological effects such as myotoxicity and edema formation. Despite the several crystal structures of Lys49-PLA(2) homologues already determined, their biological assembly remains controversial with two possible conformations. The extended dimer with the hydrophobic channel exposed to the solvent and the compact dimer in which the active site-like region is occluded by the dimeric interface. In the MTX-II crystal packing analysis was found only the extended dimer as a possible stable quaternary arrangement.     

Crystal structure of a myotoxic Asp49-phospholipase A2 with low catalytic activity: Insights into Ca2+-independent catalytic mechanism

A myotoxic Asp49-phospholipase A2 (Asp49-PLA2) with low catalytic activity (BthTX-II from Bothrops jararacussu venom) was crystallized and the molecular-replacement solution has been obtained with a dimer in the asymmetric unit. The quaternary structure of BthTX-II resembles the myotoxic Asp49-PLA2 PrTX-III (piratoxin III from B. pirajai venom) and all non-catalytic and myotoxic dimeric Lys49-PLA2S. Despite of this, BthTX-II is different from the highly catalytic and non-myotoxic BthA-I (acidic PLA2 from B. jararacussu) and other Asp49-PLA2S. BthTX-II structure showed a severe distortion of calcium-binding loop leading to displacement of the C-terminal region. Tyr28 side chain, present in this region, is in an opposite position in relation to the same residue in the catalytic activity Asp49-PLA2S, making a hydrogen bond with the atom O delta 2 of the catalytically active Asp49, which should coordinate the calcium. This high distortion may also be confirmed by the inability of BthTX-II to bind Na+ ions at the Ca2+-binding loop, despite of the crystallization to have occurred in the presence of this ion. In contrast, other Asp49-PLA2S which are able to bind Ca2+ ions are also able to bind Na+ ions at this loop. The comparison with other catalytic, non-catalytic and inhibited PLA2S indicates that the BthTX-II is not able to bind calcium ions; consequently, we suggest that its low catalytic function is based on an alternative way compared with other PLA2S.     

Purification, sequencing and structural analysis of two acidic phospholipases A2 from the venom of Bothrops insularis (jararaca ilhoa)

Bothrops snake venoms contain a variety of phospholipases (PLA(2)), some of which are myotoxic. In this work, we used reverse-phase HPLC and mass spectrometry to purify and sequence two PLA(2) from the venom of Bothrops insularis. The two enzymes, designated here as BinTX-I and BinTx-II, were acidic (pI 5.05 and 4.49) Asp49 PLA(2), with molecular masses of 13,975 and 13,788, respectively. The amino acid sequence and molecular mass of BinTX-I were identical to those of a PLA(2) previously isolated from this venom (PA2_BOTIN, SwissProt accession number ) while those of BinTX-II indicated that this was a new enzyme. Multiple sequence alignments with other Bothrops PLA(2) showed that the amino acids His48, Asp49, Tyr52 and Asp99, which are important for enzymatic activity, were fully conserved, as were the 14 cysteine residues involved in disulfide bond formation, in addition to various other residues. A phylogenetic analysis showed that BinTX-I and BinTX-II grouped with other acidic Asp49 PLA(2) from Bothrops venoms, and computer modeling indicated that these enzymes had the characteristic structure of bothropic PLA(2) that consisted of three alpha-helices, a beta-wing, a short helix and a calcium-binding loop. BinTX-I (30 microg/paw) produced mouse hind paw edema that was maximal after 1h compared to after 3h with venom (10 and 100 microg/paw); in both cases, the edema decreased after 6h. BinTX-1 and venom (40 microg/ml each) produced time-dependent neuromuscular blockade in chick biventer cervicis preparations that reached 40% and 95%, respectively, after 120 min. BinTX-I also produced muscle fiber damage and an elevation in CK, as also seen with venom. These results indicate that BinTX-I contributes to the neuromuscular activity and tissue damage caused by B. insularis venom in vitro and in vivo.     

Mn(2+) ions reduce the enzymatic and pharmacological activities of bothropstoxin-I, a myotoxic Lys49 phospholipase A(2) homologue from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom

Bothropstoxin-I (BthTX-I), a myotoxic Lys49 phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) homologue isolated from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom, causes a range of biological effects, including myonecrosis, mouse paw edema, irreversible neuromuscular blockade and lysis of cell cultures. Among eight divalent cations assayed, Mn(2+) was the most effective in reducing mouse paw edema induced by BthTX-I (25 microg). Preincubating BthTX-I with Mn(2+) (1.0mM) reduced mouse paw edema by 70% and myotoxicity by 60% in mice injected i.m. with 50 microg toxin. Mn(2+) (50 microl of a 1mM solution) administered within 1min at the site of toxin injection was still but less effective in antagonising BthTX-I-induced myotoxicity. Mn(2+) (1.0mM) completely prevented BthTX-I (1.4 microM)-induced neuromuscular blockade in the mouse phrenic-nerve diaphragm preparation. Mn(2+) (0.25mM) protected about 85% of NB41A3 cells from lysis when coincubated with BthTX-I (1.0 microM) for 25h. Preincubation with 0.25mM Mn(2+) increased the sensitivity of the cells to subsequent lysis by BthTX-I in the absence of Mn(2+). BthTX-I (1 microM) caused extensive fatty acid release (from 0.8% of the total radiolabeled lipid in control cells to 56% with toxin) when incubated with the NB41A3 cell line for 25h. PLA(2) activity observed in cell cultures after addition of BthTX-I was considerably reduced by 0.25mM Mn(2+). Mn(2+) ions constitute a promising agent to assess the action mechanism and the effects of enzymatic inhibition on the pharmacological activity of Lys49 PLA(2) homologues.     

Myotoxic phospholipases A(2) isolated from Bothrops brazili snake venom and synthetic peptides derived from their C-terminal region: cytotoxic effect on microorganism and tumor cells

This paper reports the purification and biochemical/pharmacological characterization of two myotoxic phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)s) from Bothrops brazili venom, a native snake from Brazil. Both myotoxins (MTX-I and II) were purified by a single chromatographic step on a CM-Sepharose ion-exchange column up to a high purity level, showing M(r) approximately 14,000 for the monomer and 28,000Da for the dimer. The N-terminal and internal peptide amino acid sequences showed similarity with other myotoxic PLA(2)s from snake venoms, MTX-I belonging to Asp49 PLA(2) class, enzymatically active, and MTX-II to Lys49 PLA(2)s, catalytically inactive. Treatment of MTX-I with BPB and EDTA reduced drastically its PLA(2) and anticoagulant activities, corroborating the importance of residue His48 and Ca(2+) ions for the enzymatic catalysis. Both PLA(2)s induced myotoxic activity and dose-time dependent edema similar to other isolated snake venom toxins from Bothrops and Crotalus genus. The results also demonstrated that MTXs and cationic synthetic peptides derived from their 115-129 C-terminal region displayed cytotoxic activity on human T-cell leukemia (JURKAT) lines and microbicidal effects against Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Leishmania sp. Thus, these PLA(2) proteins and C-terminal synthetic peptides present multifunctional properties that might be of interest in the development of therapeutic strategies against parasites, bacteria and cancer.     

Synergism between Basic Asp49 and Lys49 Phospholipase A2 Myotoxins of Viperid Snake Venom In Vitro and In Vivo

Two subtypes of phospholipases A₂ (PLA₂s) with the ability to induce myonecrosis, ‘Asp49’ and ‘Lys49’ myotoxins, often coexist in viperid snake venoms. Since the latter lack catalytic activity, two different mechanisms are involved in their myotoxicity. A synergism between Asp49 and Lys49 myotoxins from Bothrops asper was previously observed in vitro, enhancing Ca²⁺ entry and cell death when acting together upon C2C12 myotubes. These observations are extended for the first time in vivo, by demonstrating a clear enhancement of myonecrosis by the combined action of these two toxins in mice. In addition, novel aspects of their synergism were revealed using myotubes. Proportions of Asp49 myotoxin as low as 0.1% of the Lys49 myotoxin are sufficient to enhance cytotoxicity of the latter, but not the opposite. Sublytic amounts of Asp49 myotoxin also enhanced cytotoxicity of a synthetic peptide encompassing the toxic region of Lys49 myotoxin. Asp49 myotoxin rendered myotubes more susceptible to osmotic lysis, whereas Lys49 myotoxin did not. In contrast to myotoxic Asp49 PLA₂, an acidic non-toxic PLA₂ from the same venom did not markedly synergize with Lys49 myotoxin, revealing a functional difference between basic and acidic PLA₂ enzymes. It is suggested that Asp49 myotoxins synergize with Lys49 myotoxins by virtue of their PLA₂ activity. In addition to the membrane-destabilizing effect of this activity, Asp49 myotoxins may generate anionic patches of hydrolytic reaction products, facilitating electrostatic interactions with Lys49 myotoxins. These data provide new evidence for the evolutionary adaptive value of the two subtypes of PLA₂ myotoxins acting synergistically in viperid venoms.     

Bothrops moojeni myotoxin-II, a Lys49-phospholipase A2 homologue: an example of function versatility of snake venom proteins

MjTX-II, a myotoxic phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) homologue from Bothrops moojeni venom, was functionally and structurally characterized. The MjTX-II characterization included: (i) functional characterization (antitumoral, antimicrobial and antiparasitic effects); (ii) effects of structural modifications by 4-bromophenacyl bromide (BPB), cyanogen bromide (CNBr), acetic anhydride and 2-nitrobenzenesulphonyl fluoride (NBSF); (iii) enzymatic characterization: inhibition by low molecular weight heparin and EDTA; and (iv) molecular characterization: cDNA sequence and molecular structure prediction. The results demonstrated that MjTX-II displayed antimicrobial activity by growth inhibition against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, antitumoral activity against Erlich ascitic tumor (EAT), human breast adenocarcinoma (SK-BR-3) and human T leukemia cells (JURKAT) and antiparasitic effects against Schistosoma mansoni and Leishmania spp., which makes MjTX-II a promising molecular model for future therapeutic applications, as well as other multifunctional homologous Lys49-PLA(2)s or even derived peptides. This work provides useful insights into the structural determinants of the action of Lys49-PLA(2) homologues and, together with additional strategies, supports the concept of the presence of others "bioactive sites" distinct from the catalytic site in snake venom myotoxic PLA(2)s.     

Identification of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-binding protein in the venom of eastern cottonmouth. A new role of snake venom myotoxic Lys49-phospholipase A2

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165) and its receptor KDR (kinase insert domain-containing receptor) are central regulators of blood vessel formation. We herein report a KDR-binding protein we have isolated in the venom of eastern cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus). Sequence analysis revealed the isolated KDR-binding protein (designated KDR-bp) is identical to Lys49-phosholipase A2 (Lys49PLA2), an inactive PLA2 homologue with strong myotoxicity, in which Lys49 substitutes Asp49, a key residue for binding the essential cofactor Ca2+. KDR-bp binds to the extracellular domain of KDR with subnanomolar affinity. KDR-bp also binds to a lesser extent with Flt-1 and IgG but not to other receptors with similar immunoglobulin-like domain structures such as platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha. The interaction between KDR-bp and KDR was blocked by VEGF165, and KDR-bp specifically inhibited VEGF165-stimulated endothelial cell proliferation, indicating KDR-bp is an antagonistic ligand for KDR. Lys49PLA2s from another snake venom were found to exhibit similar receptor binding properties to KDR-bp. This is the first report to demonstrate that an exogenous factor antagonizes VEGF and its receptor system. Our observation offers further insight into the as yet unknown molecular mechanism of myotoxic activity of snake venom Lys49PLA2s. Furthermore, KDR-bp would make a valuable tool for studying the structure and function of KDR, such as that expressed on skeletal muscle cells.     

Cloning and cDNA sequence analysis of Lys(49) and Asp(49) basic phospholipase A(2) myotoxin isoforms from Bothrops asper

Snake venom myotoxic phospholipases A(2) contribute to much of the tissue damage observed during envenomation by Bothrops asper, the major cause of snake bites in Central America. Several myotoxic PLA(2)s have been identified, but their mechanism of myotoxicity is still unclear. To aid in the molecular characterization of these venom toxins, the complete open reading frames encoding two Lys(49) and one Asp(49) basic PLA(2) myotoxins from the Central American snake B. asper (terciopelo) were obtained by cDNA cloning from venom gland poly-adenylated RNA. The amino acid sequence deduced from the myotoxins II and III open reading frames corresponded in each case to one of the reported amino acid sequence isoforms. The sequence of a new myotoxin IV-like sequence (MT-IVa) contains conservative Val-->Leu(18) and Ala-->Val(23) substitutions when compared with the reported N-terminus of the native myotoxin IV, suggesting minor isoform variations among specimens of a single species. Sequence alignment studies indicated significant (>75% sequence identity) identities with other crotalid venom Lys(49) PLA(2)s, particularly bothropstoxin I/Ia isoforms of B. jararacussu and myotoxin II of B. asper.     

The edema inducing activity of phospholipase A2 enzymes

The edema inducing activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes from snake venoms and porcine pancreas was investigated using mouse paw as experimental model. All ten PLA2 enzymes exhibited potent edema inducing activity. PLA2, however, is generally not the major edema inducing component of snake venom. Chemical modification studies indicated that enzymatic activity of PLA2 was required for its edema inducing activity. All PLA2 enzymes examined displayed a rapid onset edema which was suppressed by pretreatment of the mice with antihistamine. Dexamethasone pretreatment also inhibited edemas elicited by some PLA2 enzymes.     

Structural insights for fatty acid binding in a Lys49-phospholipase A2: crystal structure of myotoxin II from Bothrops moojeni complexed with stearic acid

The crystal structure of dimeric Lys49-phospholipase A2 myotoxin-II from Bothrops moojeni (MjTX-II) co-crystallized with stearic acid (C(18)H(36)O(2)) has been determined at a resolution of 1.8 A. The electron density maps permitted the unambiguous inclusion of six stearic acid molecules in the refinement. Two stearic acid molecules could be located in the substrate-binding cleft of each monomer in positions, which favor the interaction of their carboxyl groups with active site residues. The way of binding of stearic acids to this Lys49-PLA(2)s is analogous to phospholipids and transition state analogues to catalytically active PLA(2)s. Two additional stearic acid molecules were located at the dimer interface region, defining a hitherto unidentified acyl-binding site on the protein surface. The strictly conserved Lys122 for Lys49-PLA(2)s may play a fundamental role for stabilization of legend-protein complex. The comparison of MjTX-II/satiric acid complex with other Lys-PLA(2)s structures whose putative fatty acids were located at their active site is also analysed. Molecular details of the stearic acid/protein interactions provide insights to binding in group I/II PLA(2)s, and to the possible interactions of Lys49-PLA(2)s with target membranes.     

Biochemical and pharmacological characterization of PhTX-I a new myotoxic phospholipase A2 isolated from Porthidium hyoprora snake venom

This paper reports the biochemical and pharmacological characterization of a new myotoxic PLA(2) (EC 3.1.1.4) called PhTX-I, purified from Porthidium hyoprora venom by one step analytical chromatography reverse phase HPLC. The homogeneity of the PhTX-I fraction and its molecular mass were initially evaluated by SDS-PAGE and confirmed by MALDI-TOF spectrometry, indicating a molecular mass of 14.249Da and constituted of a single polipeptidic chain. Amino acid sequence was determined by "de novo sequencing," in tandem mass spectrometry, belonging to D49-PLA(2) enzyme class and exhibiting high identity (44-90%) with other myotoxics PLA(2) from snake venoms. The enzymatic investigation showed maximal activity at pH 8 and 35-45°C. This activity was dependent on Ca(2+), other cations (Mg(2+), Mn(2+), Cd(2+) and Zn(2+)) reduced notably the enzymatic activity, suggesting that the arrangement of the catalytic site presents an exclusive structure for Ca(2+). Ex vivo, whole venom and PhTX-I PLA(2) caused blockade of the neuromuscular transmission in young chick biventer cervicis preparations similar to other isolated snake venom toxins from the Bothrops genus. In vivo, both induced local myotoxicity and systemic interleukin-6 response upon intramuscular injection, additionally, induced moderate footpad edema. In vitro, both induced low cytotoxicity in skeletal muscle myoblasts, however PhTX-I PLA(2) was able to lyse myotubes.     

Isolation and functional characterization of proinflammatory acidic phospholipase A2 from Bothrops leucurus snake venom

In the present study, an acidic PLA(2), designated Bl-PLA(2), was isolated from Bothrops leucurus snake venom through two chromatographic steps: ion-exchange on CM-Sepharose and hydrophobic chromatography on Phenyl-Sepharose. Bl-PLA(2) was homogeneous on SDS-PAGE and when submitted to 2D electrophoresis the molecular mass was 15,000Da and pI was 5.4. Its N-terminal sequence revealed a high homology with other Asp49 acidic PLA(2)s from snake venoms. Its specific activity was 159.9U/mg and the indirect hemolytic activity was also higher than that of the crude venom. Bl-PLA(2) induced low myotoxic and edema activities as compared to those of the crude venom. Moreover, the enzyme was able to induce increments in IL-12p40, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels and no variation of IL-8 and IL-10 in human PBMC stimulated in vitro, suggesting that Bl-PLA(2) induces proinflammatory cytokine production by human mononuclear cells. Bothrops leucurus venom is still not extensively explored and knowledge of its components will contribute for a better understanding of its action mechanism.     

Unusual venom phospholipases A2 of two primitive tree vipers Trimeresurus puniceus and Trimeresurus borneensis

To explore the venom diversity of Asian pit vipers, we investigated the structure and function of venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2) derived from two primitive tree vipers Trimeresurus puniceus and Trimeresurus borneensis. We purified six novel PLA2s from T. puniceus venom and another three from T. borneensis venom. All cDNAs encoding these PLA2s except one were cloned, and the molecular masses and N-terminal sequences of the purified enzymes closely matched those predicted from the cDNA. Three contain K49 and lack a disulfide bond at C61-C91, in contrast with the D49-containing PLA2s in both venom species. They are less thermally stable than other K49-PLA2s which contain seven disulfide bonds, as indicated by a decrease of 8.8 degrees C in the melting temperature measured by CD spectroscopy. The M110D mutation in one of the K49-PLA2s apparently reduced its edematous potency. A phylogenetic tree based on the amino-acid sequences of 17 K49-PLA2s from Asian pit viper venoms illustrates close relationships among the Trimeresurus species and intergeneric segregations. Basic D49-PLA2s with a unique Gly6 substitution were also purified from both venoms. They showed edema-inducing and anticoagulating activities. It is notable that acidic PLA2s from both venoms inhibited blood coagulation rather than platelet aggregation, and this inhibition was only partially dependent on enzyme activity. These results contribute to our understanding of the evolution of Trimeresurus pit vipers and the structure-function relationships between various subtypes of crotalid venom PLA2.