Structure and function of paralytic neurotoxins and proteases from terrestrial mammals

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25702047
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Biomolecular chemistry
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: Kita Masaki 筑波大学, 数理物質系, 准教授 (30335012)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 天然物化学 / 神経毒 / 単離と構造 / 生物活性 / プロテアーゼ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, I have conducted neurotoxins and proteases from venomous mammals, including shrews and solenodons. The short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda) produce a lethal protein venom in saliva. After removing proteins by ultracentrifugation, the smaller molecular weight fraction showed significant paralytic activity against mealworms and mice (icv injection). Based on this activity, two peptide neurotoxins with molecular weights of 5.1 and 5.7 kDa were purified, and their primary amino acid sequences were established. As for Cuban solenodon (Solenodon cubanus), ecological survey was conducted in a national park in Cuba. Several individuals were successfully taken alive, and their saliva was collected. The partial amino acid sequences and activity of one of the major proteases in solenodon saliva was determined.

Free Research Field

天然物化学・生物有機化学・ケミカルバイオロジー