Qualitative and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Venoms from Mexican Rattlesnakes

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  Qualitative and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Venoms from Mexican Rattlesnakes Abstract Despite the vast biodiversity of Mexican vipers, venom of endemic species has been barely studied. Here we analyzed the venom composition of three endemic species of rattlesnakes: Crotalus aquilus , C. triseriatus , and C. ravus . We used quantitative chromato-mass-spectrometry and compared venoms with C. molossus , a species commonly found in North America, in a comparative and phylogenetic framework. In total, we identified 165 proteins grouped in 19 main protein families, consistent with previous reports for viperid venoms. In C. aquilus and C. triseriatus , the most predominant protein-family type was Serine Proteases, and in C. triseriatus and C. molossus it was Snake Venom Metalloproteases. The Label-free quantification revealed a high proportion of Snake Venom Metalloproteases in C. aquilus , C. triseriatus , and C. molossus , reaching 28–47% of the total venom. In contrast, in ...

Exploring the antiangiogenic effects of Phospholipases A2 from Bothrops diporus venom

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Exploring the antiangiogenic effects of Phospholipases A2 from Bothrops diporus venom

Abstract

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, is a crucial process in both physiological and pathological contexts, including cancer. Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s), enzymes found in snake venoms, have attracted attention due to their potential antiangiogenic properties. In this study, we explored the antiangiogenic effects of PLA2 isoforms isolated from Bothrops diporus venom using a combination of in vivo and ex vivo models. The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay revealed a significant reduction in vascular density and branching following PLA2s treatment, with histological analysis confirming vascular regression, including vessel wall thinning and luminal collapse. Moreover, PLA2s induced endothelial cell apoptosis, as shown by TUNEL staining, and reduced VEGF expression. The filter paper disc variant of the CAM assay further supported these findings, demonstrating inhibited neovascularization while preserving mature vessels. Additionally, the CAM explant assay showed a marked decrease in vascular complexity and branching. These results demonstrate the antiangiogenic effect of PLA2 isoforms from B. diporus and suggest that these enzymes may modulate key angiogenic pathways. Based on our previous findings, this modulation may involve interference with integrin-mediated signaling, which could underlie the vascular effects observed. Thus, this work provides compelling evidence for the potential role of snake venom-derived PLA2s in modulating angiogenesis and highlights the need for further research into their mechanisms and possible biomedical applications.

Sasovsky, D.J., Olea, G.B., Ojeda, G. et al. Exploring the antiangiogenic effects of Phospholipases A2 from Bothrops diporus venom. Cell Tissue Res (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-025-04008-7