A snapshot of Bothrops jararaca snake venom gland subcellular proteome

Snake venom protein synthesis undergoes finely regulated processes in the specialized secretory epithelium within the venom gland. Such processes occur within a defined period in the cell and at specific cellular locations. Thus, the determination of subcellular proteomes allows the characterization of protein groups for which the site may be relevant to their biological roles, thereby allowing the deconvolution of complex biological circuits into functional information. In this regard, we performed subcellular fractionation of proteins from B. jararaca venom gland, focusing on nuclear proteins since this cellular compartment comprises key effectors that shape gene expression. Our results provided a snapshot of B. jararaca's subcellular venom gland proteome and pointed to a 'conserved' proteome core among different life stages (newborn and adult) and between sexes (adult male and female). Overall, the top 15 highly abundant proteins identified in B. jararaca venom glands mirrored the panel of highly expressed genes in human salivary glands. Therefore, the expression profile observed for such a protein set could be considered a conserved core signature of salivary gland secretory epithelium. Moreover, the newborn venom gland displayed a unique expression signature of transcription factors involved in regulating transcription and biosynthetic processes and may mirror biological constraints of the ontogenetic development of B. jararaca, contributing to venom proteome diversity.& COPY; 2023 Elsevier B.V. and Societe Francaise de Biochimie et Biologie Moleculaire (SFBBM). All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Snake venom protein synthesis in the venom gland undergoes highly regulated processes, which occur within a defined period and specific cellular locations. Subcellular proteome analysis of B. jararaca venom gland identified a conserved core proteome among different life stages and between sexes. The highly abundant proteins in the venom gland showed similarities with highly expressed genes in human salivary glands, suggesting a conserved core signature of salivary gland secretory epithelium. The newborn venom gland displayed a unique expression signature, potentially reflecting the ontogenetic development constraints and contributing to venom proteome diversity.