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Molecular Toxicity Research of Biological Venoms

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Toxicology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2025 | Viewed by 1253

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo-USP, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
Interests: enzymes; animal venoms; venomics; drug discovery; translational science; pre-formulation; quality by design; bioconjugation; pharmaceutical care practice

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Guest Editor
Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo-USP, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
Interests: animal toxins; antitumor activity; snake venom; biotechnological application; biological characterization

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Animal poisons and venoms are complex mixtures of bioactive molecules that interact with biological targets, leading to a range of physiological responses in the envenomed organisms. The molecular diversity and specificity of venom components make them invaluable tools with significant potential in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. The articles in this Special Issue will highlight the potential of venom-derived compounds as therapeutic agents or pharmacological tools, including their antitumor, antimicrobial, and insecticidal activities. Articles on the challenges and innovations in translating venom-derived compounds into clinical or agricultural applications are also welcome.

Edited by Dr. Karla Bordon (University of São Paulo) and Prof. Dr. Suely Vilela (University of São Paulo) and assisted by our Thematic Advisory Panel Member Prof. Dr. Cháriston Dal Belo (Federal University of São Paulo), this Special Issue focuses on the functional analysis of animal venoms and poisons and the interaction of their components with biological targets at the molecular level. Original research articles, short communications and reviews highlighting the significance of molecular toxicity research of biological venoms in both basic science and applied biotechnology are welcome in this Special Issue.

Dr. Karla De Castro Figueiredo Bordon
Prof. Dr. Suely Vilela Sampaio
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • neurotoxicity assays
  • insect models
  • electrophysiology
  • screening assays
  • ion channels
  • therapeutic molecules
  • animal venoms
  • antitumoral activity
  • enzyme activity
  • biotechnological application

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

17 pages, 2293 KiB  
Article
Pararamosis, a Neglected Tropical Disease Induced by Premolis semirufa Caterpillar Toxins: Investigating Their Effects on Synovial Cell Inflammation
by Paula C. Pohl, Isadora M. Villas-Boas, Giselle Pidde and Denise V. Tambourgi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 13149; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252313149 - 6 Dec 2024
Viewed by 857
Abstract
Pararamosis, also known as Pararama-associated phalangeal periarthritis, is a neglected tropical disease primarily affecting rubber tappers in the Amazon region. It is caused by contact with the urticating hairs of the Premolis semirufa moth caterpillar, which resides in rubber plantations. The condition is [...] Read more.
Pararamosis, also known as Pararama-associated phalangeal periarthritis, is a neglected tropical disease primarily affecting rubber tappers in the Amazon region. It is caused by contact with the urticating hairs of the Premolis semirufa moth caterpillar, which resides in rubber plantations. The condition is marked by the thickening of the articular synovial membrane and cartilage impairment, features associated with chronic synovitis. Given the significance of synovial inflammation in osteoarticular diseases, in this study, the role of synoviocytes and their interactions with macrophages and chondrocytes are examined when stimulated by Pararama toxins. Synoviocytes and macrophages treated with Pararama hair extract showed an increased production of cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, indicating a direct effect on these cells. In cocultures, there was a significant rise in inflammation, with levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and chemokines CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL8 increasing up to seven times compared to monocultures. Additionally, matrix-degrading enzymes MMP-1 and MMP-3 were significantly elevated in cocultures. Chondrocytes exposed to the extract also produced IL-6, CCL2, and CCL5, and in cocultures with synoviocytes, there was a notable increase in IL-6, CCL5, and CXCL8, as well as a doubling of MMP-1 and MMP-3 levels. These findings underscore the critical role of cell crosstalk in the inflammatory and catabolic processes associated with pararamosis and demonstrate how Pararama hair extract can influence factors affecting cartilage health, providing valuable insights into this condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Toxicity Research of Biological Venoms)
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