Proteomic and biochemical characterization of Bothrops pubescens (Serpentes: Viperidae) venom

 

Proteomic and biochemical characterization of Bothrops pubescens (Serpentes: Viperidae) venom

ABSTRACT

Bothrops pubescens is a clinically significant viperid snake species in Uruguay, accounting for over 60 cases of human envenomation annually, alongside Bothrops alternatus. Formerly classified within the Bothrops neuwiedi complex, recent taxonomic revisions now restrict its distribution to Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) and Uruguay. This species is not very robust, with a body length ranging from 22 to 92 cm and displays a distinctive dorsolateral pattern consisting of dark brown trapezoidal blotches on each side.

The venom of B. pubescens exhibits toxicological properties typical of the Bothrops genus, including coagulopathy and severe local tissue damage, which may result in limb amputation in extreme cases. As in other Bothrops species, metalloproteinases are the most abundant toxins, accompanied by high levels of phospholipase A2, serine proteases, L-amino acid oxidases, and C-type lectins. Minor venom components include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), hyaluronidases, and cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs).

Recent studies suggest that B. pubescens and B. diporus share a common evolutionary lineage and display highly similar venom compositions. In our study, biochemical and proteomic analyses revealed a venom profile in Uruguayan B. pubescens closely resembling that of B. diporus from Argentina yet differing slightly from B. pubescens specimens in Brazil.

Berasain, P., Pinto, A., Zelanis, A., Cúparo, M., Baletta, S., Carreira, S., Staats, C., Termignoni, C., Diedrich, J. K., Yates III, J., & Morais, V. (2025). Proteomic and biochemical characterization of Bothrops pubescens (Serpentes: Viperidae) venom. Toxicon, 108953. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108953