The chemistry of snake venom and its medicinal potential

Oliveira, Ana; Viegas, Matilde F.; Silva, Saulo L. da; Soares, Andreimar M.; Ramos, María J.; Fernandes, Pedro A.

doi:10.1038/s41570-022-00393-7

Cited by 78 publications

(42 citation statements)

References 246 publications

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“…8C ). These phenotypes are reminiscent of the local and systemic skeletal muscle degeneration caused by snakebite envenomation and mass bee attacks, with the phospholipases A 2 in these venoms catalyzing phospholipid hydrolysis or inducing myonecrosis via a nonenzymatic membrane permeabilization mechanism ( 2 , 3 ). In addition, a variety of bacterial pore-forming toxins—such as Panton-valentine leukocidin from Staphylococcus aureus and β-toxin from Clostridium perfringens —induce necrosis in muscles and intestinal epithelium ( 42 – 44 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Predators such as snakes and spiders adopt modified fangs or radulae to release venom that targets prey. These neurotoxic venoms primarily affect the peripheral nervous system, in particular, neuromuscular junctions, to paralyze prey, although some elapid snake venoms also induce muscle necrosis mediated by enzymatically dependent plasma membrane damage (1)(2)(3). Some prey species have evolved specialized structures, such as the fin spines of fish or the glandular trichomes of plants, to store venom and secondary metabolites that are used to defend themselves from predation (4)(5)(6).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A carnivorous mushroom paralyzes and kills nematodes via a volatile ketone

Lee

Chang

et al. 2023

Sci. Adv.

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The carnivorous mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus uses an unknown toxin to rapidly paralyze and kill nematode prey upon contact. We report that small lollipop-shaped structures (toxocysts) on fungal hyphae are nematicidal and that a volatile ketone, 3-octanone, is detected in these fragile toxocysts. Treatment of Caenorhabditis elegans with 3-octanone recapitulates the rapid paralysis, calcium influx, and neuronal cell death arising from fungal contact. Moreover, 3-octanone disrupts cell membrane integrity, resulting in extracellular calcium influx into cytosol and mitochondria, propagating cell death throughout the entire organism. Last, we demonstrate that structurally related compounds are also biotoxic to C. elegans , with the length of the ketone carbon chain being crucial. Our work reveals that the oyster mushroom has evolved a specialized structure containing a volatile ketone to disrupt the cell membrane integrity of its prey, leading to rapid cell and organismal death in nematodes.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A carnivorous mushroom paralyzes and kills nematodes via a volatile ketone

Lee

Chang

et al. 2023

Sci. Adv.

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“…For the development of novel anticoagulants, inspiration can be found from anticoagulant toxins produced by a variety of animals. Anti-clotting proteins from an array of exotic creatures, such as ticks, leeches, snakes, and vampire bats, can be studied, extracted or produced in vitro, genetically engineered, and used as drugs upon mass chemical synthesis [ 34 ]. A synthetic drug developed using this approach is bivalirudin.…”

Section: A Short History Of Anticoagulants: From Serendipity To Molec...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Anticoagulants: A Short History, Their Mechanism of Action, Pharmacology, and Indications

Heestermans

Poénou

Hamzeh‐Cognasse

et al. 2022

Cells

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Anticoagulant drugs antagonize coagulation and are used to prevent or cure (recurrent) venous thromboembolism (VTE). Drugs to prevent clotting have been used for more than a century, and, nowadays, physicians possess a broad panel of multiple anticoagulants to meet the individual needs of a patient. Within this review, we aimed to revise the history of the different anticoagulants that are currently prescribed in the clinic. In addition, we compared their pharmacological properties, medical indications, and the difficulties in implementing new anticoagulants in vulnerable patient populations. Since the introduction of unfractionated heparin in the 1930s, major advances in the mechanistic understanding and the medical use of anticoagulants have allowed for significant improvements to treat VTE patients. However, a new generation of anticoagulants is currently being tested in clinical trials, with the goal of further optimizing medical care.

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“…The venom of venomous organisms has long intrigued researchers regarding its potential for clinically relevant natural products [ 15 ]. Venom-microbiomics is a newly emerging field that seeks to study venom-associated microbes found in a variety of different organisms, including snakes, spiders, insects, fish, etc [ 16 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A first molecular characterization of the scorpion telson microbiota of Hadrurus arizonensis and Smeringurus mesaensis

et al. 2023

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Scorpions represent an ancient lineage of arachnids that have radiated across the globe and are incredibly resilient—since some thrive in harsh environments and can exist on minimal and intermittent feedings. Given the emerging importance of microbiomes to an organism’s health, it is intriguing to suggest that the long-term success of the scorpion bauplan may be linked to the microbiome. Little is known about scorpion microbiomes, and what is known, concentrates on the gut. The microbiome is not limited to the gut, rather it can be found within tissues, fluids and on external surfaces. We tested whether the scorpion telson, the venom-producing organ, of two species, Smeringurus mesaensis and Hadrurus arizonensis, contain bacteria. We isolated telson DNA from each species, amplified bacterial 16S rRNA genes, and identified the collection of bacteria present within each scorpion species. Our results show for the first time that telsons of non-buthid scorpion species do indeed contain bacteria. Interestingly, each scorpion species has a phylogenetically unique telson microbiome including Mollicutes symbionts. This study may change how we view scorpion biology and their venoms.

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The chemistry of snake venom and its medicinal potential

Abstract: The ability of a substance to negatively affect the structure or function of the central or peripheral nervous system.

Cited by 78 publications

References 246 publications

A carnivorous mushroom paralyzes and kills nematodes via a volatile ketone

A carnivorous mushroom paralyzes and kills nematodes via a volatile ketone

Anticoagulants: A Short History, Their Mechanism of Action, Pharmacology, and Indications

A first molecular characterization of the scorpion telson microbiota of Hadrurus arizonensis and Smeringurus mesaensis

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