Qualitative and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Venoms from Mexican Rattlesnakes

  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 Pain-Relieving Potential: Unveiling Antinociceptive Properties in Animal Venoms and Toxins

 


Exploring the Pain-Relieving Potential: Unveiling Antinociceptive Properties in Animal Venoms and Toxins

Abstract

Currently, commercially available pain medications can cause adverse effects. Within this framework, researchers have been exploring new drug candidates derived from animal venoms and toxins. The objective of this study was to investigate the number of molecules with potential for pain relief derived from animal venoms and toxins, which could potentially contribute to the development of new biopharmaceuticals. We conducted a literature search in January 2025, covering the period from 1960 to 2025, in two Latin American and nine international scientific databases. The results consisted of 212 articles selected for review. From these articles, 152 toxins and venoms with analgesic potential were identified and classified into 14 different types of pharmacological targets. The peptides investigated, with masses between 500 Da and 5000 Da, are strong candidates for alternative biopharmaceuticals. Most of the toxins found interact with ion channels, representing an alternative to commercially available drugs.

Angstmam, D. G., Jeronimo, B. C., Cavalcante, J. D., Pereira, A. F., Villarreal, C. F., Pimenta, D. C., & Ferreira Junior, R. S. (2026). Exploring the Pain-Relieving Potential: Unveiling Antinociceptive Properties in Animal Venoms and Toxins. Toxins, 18(2), 69. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins18020069