Novel components of Tityus serrulatus venom: A transcriptomic approach

Several research groups have studied the components produced by the venom gland of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus, which has one of the most lethal venoms in the world. Various methodologies have been employed to clarify the complex mechanisms of action of these components, especially neumtoxins and enzymes. Transcriptomes and proteomes have provided important information for pharmacological, biochemical, and immunological research. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has allowed the description of new transcripts and completion of partial sequence descriptions for peptides, especially those with low expression levels. In the present work, after NGS sequencing, we searched for new putative venom components. We present a total of nine new transcripts with neurotoxic potential (Ts33-41) and describe the sequences of one hyaluronidase (TsHyal_4); three enzymes involved in amidation (peptidyl-glycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase A, peptidyl-alphahydroxyglycine alpha-amidating lyase, and peptidylglycine alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase), which increases the lethal potential of neumtoxins; and also the enzyme Ts_Chitinasel, which may be involved in the venom's digestive action. In addition, we determined the level of transcription of five groups: toxins, metalloproteases, hyaluronidases, chitinases and amidation enzymes, including new components found in this study. Toxins are the predominant group with an expression level of 91.945%, followed by metallopmteases with only 7.790% and other groups representing 0.265%.

Automated summary

Several research groups have investigated the components produced by the venom gland of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus, focusing on neurotoxins, enzymes, and new transcripts. Transcriptomes and proteomes have provided crucial information for pharmacological, biochemical, and immunological research, with next-generation sequencing allowing the identification of new components.