Receptor sequestration in response to ß-arrestin-2 phosphorylation by ERK1/2 governs steady-state levels of GPCR cell-surface expression.

MAPKs are activated in response to G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) stimulation and play essential roles in regulating cellular processes downstream of these receptors. However, very little is known about the reciprocal effect of MAPK activation on GPCRs. To investigate possible crosstalk between the MAPK and GPCRs, we assessed the effect of ERK1/2 on the activity of several GPCR family members. We found that ERK1/2 activation leads to a reduction in the steady-state cell-surface expression of many GPCRs because of their intracellular sequestration. This subcellular redistribution resulted in a global dampening of cell responsiveness, as illustrated by reduced ligand-mediated G-protein activation and second-messenger generation as well as blunted GPCR kinases and ß-arrestin recruitment. This ERK1/2-mediated regulatory process was observed for GPCRs that can interact with ß-arrestins, such as type-2 vasopressin, type-1 angiotensin, and CXC type-4 chemokine receptors, but not for the prostaglandin F receptor that cannot interact with ß-arrestin, implicating this scaffolding protein in the receptor's subcellular redistribution. Complementation experiments in mouse embryonic fibroblasts lacking ß-arrestins combined with in vitro kinase assays revealed that ß-arrestin-2 phosphorylation on Ser14 and Thr276 is essential for the ERK1/2-promoted GPCR sequestration. This previously unidentified regulatory mechanism was observed after constitutive activation as well as after receptor tyrosine kinase- or GPCR-mediated activation of ERK1/2, suggesting that it is a central node in the tonic regulation of cell responsiveness to GPCR stimulation, acting both as an effector and a negative regulator.

Phosphoproteomic analysis identifies the tumor suppressor PDCD4 as a RSK substrate negatively regulated by 14-3-3.

The Ras/MAPK signaling cascade regulates various biological functions, including cell growth and proliferation. As such, this pathway is frequently deregulated in several types of cancer, including most cases of melanoma. RSK (p90 ribosomal S6 kinase) is a MAPK-activated protein kinase required for melanoma growth and proliferation, but relatively little is known about its exact function and the nature of its substrates. Herein, we used a quantitative phosphoproteomics approach to define the signaling networks regulated by RSK in melanoma. To more accurately predict direct phosphorylation substrates, we defined the RSK consensus phosphorylation motif and found significant overlap with the binding consensus of 14-3-3 proteins. We thus characterized the phospho-dependent 14-3-3 interactome in melanoma cells and found that a large proportion of 14-3-3 binding proteins are also potential RSK substrates. Our results show that RSK phosphorylates the tumor suppressor PDCD4 (programmed cell death protein 4) on two serine residues (Ser76 and Ser457) that regulate its subcellular localization and interaction with 14-3-3 proteins. We found that 14-3-3 binding promotes PDCD4 degradation, suggesting an important role for RSK in the inactivation of PDCD4 in melanoma. In addition to this tumor suppressor, our results suggest the involvement of RSK in a vast array of unexplored biological functions with relevance in oncogenesis.

MST1/MST2 Protein Kinases: Regulation and Physiologic Roles.

The MST1 and MST2 protein kinases comprise the GCK-II subfamily of protein kinases. In addition to their amino-terminal kinase catalytic domain, related to that of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein kinase Ste20, their most characteristic feature is the presence near the carboxy terminus of a unique helical structure called a SARAH domain; this segment allows MST1/MST2 to homodimerize and to heterodimerize with the other polypeptides that contain SARAH domains, the noncatalytic polypeptides RASSF1-6 and Sav1/WW45. Early studies emphasized the potent ability of MST1/MST2 to induce apoptosis upon being overexpressed, as well as the conversion of the endogenous MST1/MST2 polypeptides to constitutively active, caspase-cleaved catalytic fragments during apoptosis initiated by any stimulus. Later, the cleaved, constitutively active form of MST1 was identified in nonapoptotic, quiescent adult hepatocytes as well as in cells undergoing terminal differentiation, where its presence is necessary to maintain those cellular states. The physiologic regulation of full length MST1/MST2 is controlled by the availability of its noncatalytic SARAH domain partners. Interaction with Sav1/WW45 recruits MST1/MST2 into a tumor suppressor pathway, wherein it phosphorylates and activates the Sav1-bound protein kinases Lats1/Lats2, potent inhibitors of the Yap1 and TAZ oncogenic transcriptional regulators. A constitutive interaction with the Rap1-GTP binding protein RASSF5B (Nore1B/RAPL) in T cells recruits MST1 (especially) and MST2 as an effector of Rap1's control of T cell adhesion and migration, a program crucial to immune surveillance and response; loss of function mutation in human MST1 results in profound immunodeficiency. MST1 and MST2 are also regulated by other protein kinases, positively by TAO1 and negatively by Par1, SIK2/3, Akt, and cRaf1. The growing list of candidate MST1/MST2 substrates suggests that the full range of MST1/MST2's physiologic programs and contributions to pathophysiology remains to be elucidated.

Morulustatin, A Disintegrin that Inhibits ADP-Induced Platelet Aggregation, Isolated from the Mexican Tamaulipan Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus morulus).

The Tamaulipan rock rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus morulus) is a montane snake that occurs in the humid pine-oak forest and the upper cloud forest of the Sierra Madre Oriental in southwestern Tamaulipas, central Nuevo Leon, and southeastern Coahuila in Mexico. Venom from this rattlesnake was fractionated by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography for the purpose of discovering disintegrin molecules. Disintegrins are non-enzymatic, small molecular weight peptides that interfere with cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions by binding to various cell receptors. Eleven fractions were collected by anion exchange chromatography and pooled into six groups (I, II, III, IV, V, and VI). Proteins of the six groups were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and western blot using antibodies raised against a disintegrin. The antibodies recognized different protein bands in five (II, III, IV, V, and VI) of six groups in a molecular mass range of 7 to 105 kDa. Western blot analysis revealed fewer protein bands in the higher molecular mass range and two bands in the disintegrin weight range in group II compared with the other four groups. Proteins in group II were further separated into nine fractions using reverse phase C18 chromatography. Fraction 4 inhibited platelet aggregation and was named morulustatin, which exhibited a single band with a molecular mass of approximately 7 kDa. Mass spectrometry analysis of fraction 4 revealed the identification of disintegrin peptides LRPGAQCADGLCCDQCR (MH+ 2035.84) and AGEECDCGSPANCCDAATCK (MH+ 2328.82). Morulustatin inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation in human whole blood and was concentration-dependent with an IC50 of 89.5 nM ± 12.

Identification of cytoskeletal elements enclosing the ATP pools that fuel human red blood cell membrane cation pumps.

The type of metabolic compartmentalization that occurs in red blood cells differs from the types that exist in most eukaryotic cells, such as intracellular organelles. In red blood cells (ghosts), ATP is sequestered within the cytoskeletal-membrane complex. These pools of ATP are known to directly fuel both the Na(+)/K(+) and Ca(2+) pumps. ATP can be entrapped within these pools either by incubation with bulk ATP or by operation of the phosphoglycerate kinase and pyruvate kinase reactions to enzymatically generate ATP. When the pool is filled with nascent ATP, metabolic labeling of the Na(+)/K(+) or Ca(2+) pump phosphoproteins (E(Na)-P and E(Ca)-P, respectively) from bulk [γ-(32)P]-ATP is prevented until the pool is emptied by various means. Importantly, the pool also can be filled with the fluorescent ATP analog trinitrophenol ATP, as well as with a photoactivatable ATP analog, 8-azido-ATP (N(3)-ATP). Using the fluorescent ATP, we show that ATP accumulates and then disappears from the membrane as the ATP pools are filled and subsequently emptied, respectively. By loading N(3)-ATP into the membrane pool, we demonstrate that membrane proteins that contribute to the pool's architecture can be photolabeled. With the aid of an antibody to N(3)-ATP, we identify these labeled proteins by immunoblotting and characterize their derived peptides by mass spectrometry. These analyses show that the specific peptides that corral the entrapped ATP derive from sequences within ß-spectrin, ankyrin, band 3, and GAPDH.

Sensitive kinase assay linked with phosphoproteomics for identifying direct kinase substrates.

Our understanding of the molecular control of many disease pathologies requires the identification of direct substrates targeted by specific protein kinases. Here we describe an integrated proteomic strategy, termed kinase assay linked with phosphoproteomics, which combines a sensitive kinase reaction with endogenous kinase-dependent phosphoproteomics to identify direct substrates of protein kinases. The unique in vitro kinase reaction is carried out in a highly efficient manner using a pool of peptides derived directly from cellular kinase substrates and then dephosphorylated as substrate candidates. The resulting newly phosphorylated peptides are then isolated and identified by mass spectrometry. A further comparison of these in vitro phosphorylated peptides with phosphopeptides derived from endogenous proteins isolated from cells in which the kinase is either active or inhibited reveals new candidate protein substrates. The kinase assay linked with phosphoproteomics strategy was applied to identify unique substrates of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), a protein-tyrosine kinase with duel properties of an oncogene and a tumor suppressor in distinctive cell types. We identified 64 and 23 direct substrates of Syk specific to B cells and breast cancer cells, respectively. Both known and unique substrates, including multiple centrosomal substrates for Syk, were identified, supporting a unique mechanism that Syk negatively affects cell division through its centrosomal kinase activity.

Identification of the components of a glycolytic enzyme metabolon on the human red blood cell membrane.

Glycolytic enzymes (GEs) have been shown to exist in multienzyme complexes on the inner surface of the human erythrocyte membrane. Because no protein other than band 3 has been found to interact with GEs, and because several GEs do not bind band 3, we decided to identify the additional membrane proteins that serve as docking sites for GE on the membrane. For this purpose, a method known as "label transfer" that employs a photoactivatable trifunctional cross-linking reagent to deliver a biotin from a derivatized GE to its binding partner on the membrane was used. Mass spectrometry analysis of membrane proteins that were biotinylated following rebinding and photoactivation of labeled GAPDH, aldolase, lactate dehydrogenase, and pyruvate kinase revealed not only the anticipated binding partner, band 3, but also the association of GEs with specific peptides in α- and ß-spectrin, ankyrin, actin, p55, and protein 4.2. More importantly, the labeled GEs were also found to transfer biotin to other GEs in the complex, demonstrating for the first time that GEs also associate with each other in their membrane complexes. Surprisingly, a new GE binding site was repeatedly identified near the junction of the membrane-spanning and cytoplasmic domains of band 3, and this binding site was confirmed by direct binding studies. These results not only identify new components of the membrane-associated GE complexes but also provide molecular details on the specific peptides that form the interfacial contacts within each interaction.

Snake venom cysteine-rich secretory protein from Mojave rattlesnake venom (Css-CRiSP) induces acute inflammatory responses on different experimental models.

Snake venoms contain various molecules known for activating innate immunity and causing local effects associated with increased vascular permeability, such as vascular leakage and edema, common symptoms seen in snakebite envenomings. We have demonstrated that snake venom cysteine-rich secretory proteins (svCRiSPs) from North American pit vipers increase vascular permeability. This study aimed to explore the functional role of CRiSP isolated from Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus) venom (Css-CRiSP) on the activation of inflammatory responses in different models. We measured the release of inflammatory mediators in cultured human dermal blood endothelial cells (HDBEC), lymphatic endothelial cells (HDLEC) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) at 0.5, 1, 3, 6, and 24 h after treatment with Css-CRiSP (1 µM). We also determined the acute inflammatory response in BALB/c mice 30 min after intraperitoneal injection of the toxin (2 µg/mouse). Css-CRiSP induced the production of IL-8 and IL-6, but not TNF-α, in HDBEC and HDLEC in a time-dependent manner. In addition, Css-CRiSP significantly enhanced the production of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-1ß in MDM. Moreover, it caused a remarkable increase of chemotactic mediators in the exudates of experimental mice. Our results reveal that Css-CRiSPs can promote a sustained release of inflammatory mediators on cell lines and an acute activation of innate immunity in a murine model. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the involvement of svCRiSPs in the augmentation of envenomation effects, specifically, the role of svCRiSPs in inducing vascular dysfunction, initiating early inflammatory responses, and facilitating the activation of leukocytes and releasing mediators. These findings will lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of envenoming by Mojave rattlesnakes, allowing the development of more efficient therapeutic strategies.

Genotype-by-Environment Interactions in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Chronic Illness among Mexican Americans: The Role of Acculturation Stress.

This study examines the complex interplay of genetic and environmental interactions that shape chronic illness risk. Evidence is mounting for the role of genetic expression and the immune response in the pathogenesis of chronic disease. In the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas, where 90% of the population is Mexican American, chronic illnesses (including obesity, diabetes, nonalcoholic liver disease, and depression) are reaching epidemic proportions. This study leverages an ongoing family study of the genetic determinants of risk for obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and depression in a Mexican American population. Data collected included blood pressure, BMI, hepatic transaminases, HbA1c, depression (BDI-II), acculturation/marginalization (ARSMA-II), and liver health as assessed by elastography. Heritability and genotype-by-environment (G×E) interactions were analyzed, focusing on the marginalization/separation measure of the ARSMA-II. Significant heritabilities were found for traits such as HbA1c (h2 = 0.52), marginalization (h2 = 0.30), AST (h2 = 0.25), ALT (h2 = 0.41), and BMI (h2 = 0.55). Genotype-by-environment interactions were significant for HbA1c, AST/ALT ratio, BDI-II, and CAP, indicating that genetic factors interact with marginalization to influence these traits. This study found that acculturation stress exacerbates the genetic response to chronic illness. These findings underscore the importance of considering G×E interactions in understanding disease susceptibility and may inform targeted interventions for at-risk populations. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying molecular pathways and replicate these findings in diverse populations.

Establishment and characterization of turtle liver organoids provides a potential model to decode their unique adaptations.

Painted turtles are remarkable for their freeze tolerance and supercooling ability along with their associated resilience to hypoxia/anoxia and oxidative stress, rendering them an ideal biomedical model for hypoxia-induced injuries (including strokes), tissue cooling during surgeries, and organ cryopreservation. Yet, such research is hindered by their seasonal reproduction and slow maturation. Here we developed and characterized adult stem cell-derived turtle liver organoids (3D self-assembled in vitro structures) from painted, snapping, and spiny softshell turtles spanning ~175My of evolution, with a subset cryopreserved. This development is, to the best of our knowledge, a first for this vertebrate Order, and complements the only other non-avian reptile organoids from snake venom glands. Preliminary characterization, including morphological, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses, revealed organoids enriched in cholangiocytes. Deriving organoids from distant turtles and life stages demonstrates that our techniques are broadly applicable to chelonians, permitting the development of functional genomic tools currently lacking in herpetological research. Such platform could potentially support studies including genome-to-phenome mapping, gene function, genome architecture, and adaptive responses to climate change, with implications for ecological, evolutionary, and biomedical research.

Prostate Cancer Therapy Cardiotoxicity Map (PROXMAP) for Advanced Disease States: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis with Bayesian Modeling of Treatment Histories.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Recommendations of first-line therapies for metastatic hormone-sensitive (mHSPC), nonmetastatic castrate-resistant (M0CRPC), and metastatic castrate-resistant (mCRPC) prostate cancer do not account for cardiotoxicity due to a lack of clear prior evidence. This manuscript assesses cardiotoxicity of these therapies. METHODS: We searched Ovid Medline, Elsevier Embase, and the Cochrane Library for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from database inception to January 14, 2024. Network meta-analyses of first-line mHSPC, M0CRPC, and mCRPC therapies were constructed for the five cardiotoxicity metrics defined by the International Cardio-Oncology Society: heart failure, myocarditis, vascular toxicity, hypertension, and arrhythmias. Additional Bayesian network meta-analyses also accounted for prior treatment history. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: Thirteen RCTs (16 292 patients) were included. For mHSPC, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plus docetaxel (DTX) plus abiraterone acetate (AA) with prednisone (P) demonstrated a significant increase in hypertension and arrhythmias versus ADT + DTX (risk ratio [RR] 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67-4.89, and RR 2.01, 95% CI 1.17-3.44, respectively); however, no corresponding differences were observed between ADT + DTX plus darolutamide (DAR) and ADT + DTX (RR 1.55, 95% CI 0.73-3.30, and RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.63-1.40, respectively). For mCRPC assuming a history of mHSPC treatment, ADT + AA + P plus olaparib (OLA) demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in hypertension versus ADT + AA + P (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.16-0.26). M0CRPC results were unremarkable. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: For mHSPC, ADT + DTX + DAR demonstrates less cardiotoxicity than ADT + DTX + AA + P due to a lower risk of hypertension and arrhythmias from decreased mineralocorticoid excess. In addition, OLA counterintuitively offers decreased hypertension when superimposed on ADT + AA + P for mCRPC treatment after prior androgen deprivation from mHSPC therapy.

Isolation and characterization of two new non-hemorrhagic metalloproteinases with fibrinogenolytic activity from the mapanare (Bothrops colombiensis) venom.

Colombienases are acidic, low molecular weight metalloproteinases (Mr of 23,074.31 Da colombienase-1 and 23,078.80 Da colombienase-2; pI of 6.0 and 6.2, respectively) isolated from Bothrops colombiensis snake venom. The chromatographic profile in RP-HPLC and its partial sequence confirmed its high homogeneity. Both colombienases present fibrino(geno)lytic activity, but did not show any hemorrhagic, amidolytic, plasminogen activator or coagulant activities, and no effect on platelet aggregation induced by collagen or ADP. Both enzymes were strongly active on fibrinogen Aα chains followed by the Bß chains, and colombienases-2, at high doses, also degraded the γ chains. This activity was stable at temperatures ranging between 4 and 37 °C, with a maximum activity at 25 °C, and at pHs between 7 and 9. The homology demonstrated by the comparison of sequences, with zinc-dependent metalloproteinases, as well as the metal chelant effects on, confirmed that the colombienases were metalloproteinases, particularly to α-fibrinogenases belonging to the P-I class of SVPMs (20-30 kDa), which contain only the single-domain proteins. The biological characteristics of the colombienases confer a therapeutic potential, since they contain a high fibrino(geno)lytic activity, devoid of hemorrhagic activity. These metalloproteinases might be explored as thrombolytic agents given that they dissolve fibrin clots or prevent their formation.

Proteomic Profiling of Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from Plasma and Peritoneal Exudate in Mice Induced by Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus Crude Venom and Its Purified Cysteine-Rich Secretory Protein (Css-CRiSP).

Increased vascular permeability is a frequent outcome of viperid snakebite envenomation, leading to local and systemic complications. We reported that snake venom cysteine-rich secretory proteins (svCRiSPs) from North American pit vipers increase vascular permeability both in vitro and in vivo. They also induce acute activation of several adhesion and signaling molecules that may play a critical role in the pathophysiology of snakebites. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained interest for their diverse functions in intercellular communication, regulating cellular processes, blood-endothelium interactions, vascular permeability, and immune modulation. They also hold potential as valuable biomarkers for diagnosing, predicting, and monitoring therapeutic responses in different diseases. This study aimed to identify proteins in peritoneal exudate and plasma EVs isolated from BALB/c mice following a 30 min post-injection of Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus venom and its purified CRiSP (Css-CRiSP). EVs were isolated from these biofluids using the EVtrap method. Proteomic analysis of exudate- and plasma-derived EVs was performed using LC-MS/MS. We observed significant upregulation or downregulation of proteins involved in cell adhesion, cytoskeleton rearrangement, signal transduction, immune responses, and vesicle-mediated transports. These findings suggest that svCRiSPs play a crucial role in the acute effects of venom and contribute to the local and systemic toxicity of snakebites.

Non-compartmental toxicokinetic studies of the Nigerian Naja nigricollis venom.

Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is a neglected public health problem, especially in Asia, Latin America and Africa. There is inadequate knowledge of venom toxicokinetics especially from African snakes. To mimic a likely scenario of a snakebite envenoming, we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) approach to study the toxicokinetic parameters in rabbits, following a single intramuscular (IM) administration of Northern Nigeria Naja nigricollis venom. We used a developed and validated non-compartmental approach in the R package PK to determine the toxicokinetic parameters of the venom and subsequently used pharmacometrics modelling to predict the movement of the toxin within biological systems. We found that N. nigricollis venom contained sixteen venom protein families following a mass spectrometric analysis of the whole venom. Most of these proteins belong to the three-finger toxins family (3FTx) and venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2) with molecular weight ranging from 3 to 16 kDa. Other venom protein families were in small proportions with higher molecular weights. The N. nigricollis venom was rapidly absorbed at 0.5 h, increased after 1 h and continued to decrease until the 16th hour (Tmax), where maximum concentration (Cmax) was observed. This was followed by a decrease in concentration at the 32nd hour. The venom of N. nigricollis was found to have high volume of distribution (1250 ± 245 mL) and low clearance (29.0 ± 2.5 mL/h) with an elimination half-life of 29 h. The area under the curve (AUC) showed that the venom remaining in the plasma over 32 h was 0.0392 ± 0.0025 mg h.L-1, and the mean residence time was 43.17 ± 8.04 h. The pharmacometrics simulation suggests that the venom toxins were instantly and rapidly absorbed into the extravascular compartment and slowly moved into the central compartment. Our study demonstrates that Nigerian N. nigricollis venom contains low molecular weight toxins that are well absorbed into the blood and deep tissues. The venom could be detected in rabbit blood 48 h after intramuscular envenoming.

Regulation of Syk by phosphorylation on serine in the linker insert.

The Syk protein-tyrosine kinase is phosphorylated on multiple tyrosines after the aggregation of the B cell antigen receptor. However, metabolic labeling experiments indicate that Syk is inducibly phosphorylated to an even greater extent on serine after receptor ligation. A combination of phosphopeptide mapping and mass spectrometric analyses indicates that serine 291 is a major site of phosphorylation. Serine 291 lies within a 23-amino acid insert located within the linker B region that distinguishes Syk from SykB and Zap-70. The phosphorylation of serine-291 by protein kinase C enhances the ability of Syk to couple the antigen receptor to the activation of the transcription factors NFAT and Elk-1. Protein interaction studies indicate a role for the phosphorylated linker insert in promoting an interaction between Syk and the chaperone protein, prohibitin.

Characterization of toxins from the broad-banded water snake Helicops angulatus (Linnaeus, 1758): isolation of a cysteine-rich secretory protein, Helicopsin.

Helicops angulatus (broad-banded water snake) according to recent proposals is presently cited in the family Dipsadidae, subfamily Xenodontinae, forming the tribe Hydropsini along with the genera Hydrops and Pseudoeryx. The current work characterizes the proteolytic and neurotoxic activities of H. angulatus crude toxins from salivary excretion (SE) and describes the isolation and identification of a cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP) called helicopsin. The SE lethal dose (LD50) was 5.3 mg/kg; however, the SE did not contain hemorrhagic activity. Helicopsin was purified using activity-guided, Superose 12 10/300 GL molecular exclusion, Mono Q10 ion exchange, and Protein Pak 60 molecular exclusion. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed a highly purified band of approximately 20 kDa. The minimal lethal dose for helicopsin was 0.4 mg/kg. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis identified 2 unique peptides MEWYPEAAANAER and YTQIVWYK, representing a protein sequence (deleted homology) belonging to cysteine-rich secretory proteins, which are conserved in snake venoms (CRISPs). CRISPs are a large family of cysteine-rich secretory proteins found in various organisms and participate in diverse biological processes. Helicopsin exhibited robust neurotoxic activity as evidenced by immediate death (~8 min) due to respiratory paralysis in NIH mice. These observations for helicopsin purified from H. angulatus provide further evidence of the extensive distribution of highly potent neurotoxins in the Colubroidea superfamily of snakes than previously described.

Evaluation of Signaling Pathways Profiling in Human Dermal Endothelial Cells Treated by Snake Venom Cysteine-Rich Secretory Proteins (svCRiSPs) from North American Snakes Using Reverse Phase Protein Array (RPPA).

Cysteine-Rich Secretory Proteins (CRiSPs) are typically found in many snake venoms; however, the role that these toxins play in the pathophysiology of snakebites is still unclear. Herein, we compared the effects of snake venom CRiSPs (svCRiSPs) from the most medically important species of North American snakes on endothelial cell permeability and vascular permeability. We used reverse phase protein array (RPPA) to identify key signaling molecules on human dermal lymphatic (HDLECs) and blood (HDBECs) endothelial cells treated with svCRiSPs. The results showed that Css-CRiSP isolated from Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus and App-CRiSP from Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus are the most potent causes of increase vascular and endothelial permeability in comparison with other svCRiSPs used in this study. We examined the protein expression levels and their activated phosphorylation states in HDLECs and HDBECs induced by App-CRiSP and Css-CRiSP using RPPA. Interestingly, both App-CRiSP and Css-CRiSP induced caveolin-1 expression in HDBECs. We also found that stimulating HDBECs with Css-CRiSP and App-CRiSP significantly induced the phosphorylation of mTOR and Src, respectively. In HDLECs, Css-CRiSP significantly downregulated the expression of N-Cadherin and phospholipase C-gamma, while App-CRiSP significantly enhanced Akt and JNK phosphorylation. These results suggest that the increased endothelial permeability in HDLECs and HDBECs by Css-CRiSP and App-CRiSP may occur through different pathways.

Examination of the Efficacy and Cross-Reactivity of a Novel Polyclonal Antibody Targeting the Disintegrin Domain in SVMPs to Neutralize Snake Venom.

Snake envenomation can result in hemorrhage, local necrosis, swelling, and if not treated properly can lead to adverse systemic effects such as coagulopathy, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity, which can result in death. As such, snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) and disintegrins are two toxic components that contribute to hemorrhage and interfere with the hemostatic system. Administration of a commercial antivenom is the common antidote to treat snake envenomation, but the high-cost, lack of efficacy, side effects, and limited availability, necessitates the development of new strategies and approaches for therapeutic treatments. Herein, we describe the neutralization ability of anti-disintegrin polyclonal antibody on the activities of isolated disintegrins, P-II/P-III SVMPs, and crude venoms. Our results show disintegrin activity on platelet aggregation in whole blood and the migration of the SK-Mel-28 cells that can be neutralized with anti-disintegrin polyclonal antibody. We characterized a SVMP and found that anti-disintegrin was also able to inhibit its activity in an in vitro proteolytic assay. Moreover, we found that anti-disintegrin could neutralize the proteolytic and hemorrhagic activities from crude Crotalus atrox venom. Our results suggest that anti-disintegrin polyclonal antibodies have the potential for a targeted approach to neutralize SVMPs in the treatment of snakebite envenomations.

Proteomic Identification and Quantification of Snake Venom Biomarkers in Venom and Plasma Extracellular Vesicles.

The global exploration of snakebites requires the use of quantitative omics approaches to characterize snake venom as it enters into the systemic circulation. These omics approaches give insights into the venom proteome, but a further exploration is warranted to analyze the venom-reactome for the identification of snake venom biomarkers. The recent discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs), and their critical cellular functions, has presented them as intriguing sources for biomarker discovery and disease diagnosis. Herein, we purified EV's from the snake venom (svEVs) of Crotalus atrox and C. oreganus helleri, and from plasma of BALB/c mice injected with venom from each snake using EVtrap in conjunction with quantitative mass spectrometry for the proteomic identification and quantification of svEVs and plasma biomarkers. Snake venom EVs from C. atrox and C. o. helleri were highly enriched in 5' nucleosidase, L-amino acid oxidase, and metalloproteinases. In mouse plasma EVs, a bioinformatic analysis for revealed upregulated responses involved with cytochrome P450, lipid metabolism, acute phase inflammation immune, and heat shock responses, while downregulated proteins were associated with mitochondrial electron transport, NADH, TCA, cortical cytoskeleton, reticulum stress, and oxidative reduction. Altogether, this analysis will provide direct evidence for svEVs composition and observation of the physiological changes of an envenomated organism.

Quantitative analysis of snake venoms using soluble polymer-based isotope labeling.

We present the design and synthesis of a new quantitative strategy termed soluble polymer-based isotope labeling (SoPIL) and its application as a novel and inclusive method for the identification and relative quantification of individual proteins in complex snake venoms. The SoPIL reagent selectively captures and isolates cysteine-containing peptides, and the subsequent tagged peptides are released and analyzed using nanoflow liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The SoPIL strategy was used to quantify venom proteins from two pairs of venomous snakes: Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus type A, C. scutulatus scutulatus type B, Crotalus oreganus helleri, and Bothrops colombiensis. The hemorrhagic, hemolytic, clotting ability, and fibrinogenolytic activities of crude venoms were measured and correlated with difference in protein abundance determined by the SoPIL analysis. The SoPIL approach could provide an efficient and widely applicable tool for quantitative proteomics.