Abstract
Naja ashei is an African spitting cobra species closely related to N. mossambica and N. nigricollis. It is known that the venom of N. ashei, like that of other African spitting cobras, mainly has cytotoxic effects, however data about its specific protein composition are not yet available. Thus, an attempt was made to determine the venom proteome of N. ashei with the use of 2-D electrophoresis and MALDI ToF/ToF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight) mass spectrometry techniques. Our investigation revealed that the main components of analysed venom are 3FTxs (Three-Finger Toxins) and PLA2s (Phospholipases A2). Additionally the presence of cysteine-rich venom proteins, 5′-nucleotidase and metalloproteinases has also been confirmed. The most interesting fact derived from this study is that the venom of N. ashei includes proteins not described previously in other African spitting cobras—cobra venom factor and venom nerve growth factor. To our knowledge, there are currently no other reports concerning this venom composition and we believe that our results will significantly increase interest in research of this species.
Highlights
Electrophoretic techniques have been extensively used during past years to analyze complex mixtures of peptides and proteins like snake venoms
In 2007, N. ashei became another representative of African spitting cobras as Wüster and Broadley have classified it as a separate species [1]
This study shows that two-dimensional electrophoresis still can be used as an effective method for protein separation in analysis of snake venom proteome
Summary
Electrophoretic techniques have been extensively used during past years to analyze complex mixtures of peptides and proteins like snake venoms. The African spitting cobras are widely distributed throughout the dry, open areas of sub-Saharan region They are present from Senegal in the west to Somalia in the east, and from southern Egypt in the north to South Africa. This group comprises several snake species, including Naja nigricollis, N. katiensis and N. pallida. N. ashei venom has similar properties to the venoms of other African spitting cobras. It can cause local tissue damage, i.e., oedema, blistering and necrosis of the skin and subcutaneous connective tissue [2,3,4,5]. A rapid development of tissue necrosis is observed, and in cases when antivenom treatment is administered too late, local
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
