Venomics of the Milos viper (Macrovipera schweizeri)

ABSTRACT: Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease and a globally important driver of death and morbidity. Vipers of the genus Macrovipera (Viperidae: Viperinae) are among the snakes of higher medical importance in the Old World. Despite the medical relevance of Macrovipera venoms, the knowledge regarding them is heterogeneously distributed with virtually all works conducted so far focusing on subspecies of Macrovipera lebetinus, while other species within the genus are largely overlooked. Here we present the first proteomic evaluation of the venom from the Greek endemic Milos viper (Macrovipera schweizeri). In line with clinical symptoms typically elicited by Macrovipera envenomations, Milos viper venom primarily comprises coagulotoxic and cytotoxic protein families, such as metalloproteinases (svMP) and serine proteases (svSP). We conducted comparative bioactivity assays on venoms from M. schweizeri and the M. lebetinus subspecies M. lebetinus cernovi, M. lebetinus obtusa, and M. lebetinus turanica, and showed that they all exhibit similarities in levels of cytotoxicity proteolytic activity, and inhibition of prokaryotic growth. Lastly, we compared 1D-SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC Macrovipera spp. venom profiles, as well as our proteomic data with previously published Macrovipera venom proteomes. The analyses performed reveal that a general venom profile seems to be conserved across blunt-nosed vipers, and that, similarly to M. lebetinus venom, M. schweizeri venom is able to cause significant tissue damage. The present work represents an important starting point to the development of comparative studies across the full taxonomic range of Macrovipera spp., and can potentially help optimize the treatment of envenomations caused by M. schweizeri.

INSTRUMENT(S): Orbitrap Eclipse

ORGANISM(S): Macrovipera Schweizeri

TISSUE(S): Trachea Gland, Venom Gland

DISEASE(S): Vector-borne Bite Transmission

SUBMITTER: Günter Lochnit  

LAB HEAD: Guenter Lochnit

PROVIDER: PXD043615 | Pride | 2023-10-24

REPOSITORIES: Pride