Mechanisms involved in the phenotype variability of venoms from snakes from the same group (Bothrops)

Abstract

The variability in venom composition is suggested as a key factor in the occupation of different ecological niches by the advanced snakes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying snake venom variability are still not entirely clear and this information provides important clues to the understanding of the main mechanisms of adaptation to different environments. The venom from rattlesnakes can be characterized in type I or II according to the predominant expression of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) or phospholipases A2 (PLA2) phenotypes, respectively. In the composition of Bothrops venom, SVMPs are the major toxins in the venoms of most species, including Bothrops atrox. In opposition, PLA2 molecules predominate in the venom of B. jararacussu, a species classified within the same group of B. atrox. Thus our goal in this project is to compare the venoms of B. atrox and B. jararacussu snakes to elucidate part of the mechanisms involved in these disagreeing phenotypes. During my stay in Dr. Rokyta's laboratory, we intend to run and analyze the transcriptome and proteome from B. atrox and B. jararacussu which are of Type I and Type 2 venoms respectively. The data from individual transcripts and venom protein isoforms produced by this snakes will be used to examine the extent of differential expression in these venom phenotypes for further mechanistic studies. (AU)