A Neurotoxic Snake Venom without Phospholipase A₂: Proteomics and Cross-Neutralization of the Venom from Senegalese Cobra, Naja senegalensis (Subgenus: Uraeus).

ABSTRACT: The Senegalese cobra, Naja senegalensis, is a non-spitting cobra species newly erected from the Naja haje complex. Naja senegalensis causes neurotoxic envenomation in Western Africa but its venom properties remain underexplored. Applying a protein decomplexation proteomic approach, this study unveiled the unique complexity of the venom composition. Three-finger toxins constituted the major component, accounting for 75.91% of total venom proteins. Of these, cardiotoxin/cytotoxin (~53%) and alpha-neurotoxins (~23%) predominated in the venom proteome. Phospholipase A₂, however, was not present in the venom, suggesting a unique snake venom phenotype found in this species. The venom, despite the absence of PLA₂, is highly lethal with an intravenous LD<

SUBMITTER: Wong KY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7828783 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature