TITLE:
Transcriptome analysis of the Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom gland
AUTHORS:
Erika R. Alvarenga, Thaís M. Mendes, Bárbara F. Magalhaes, Flávia F. Siqueira, Arthur E. Dantas, Tatiana M. Barroca, Carolina C. Horta, Evanguedes Kalapothakis
KEYWORDS:
Scorpions; Antimicrobial Peptides; Neutoxins; Venom Glands; Brazilian Yellow Scorpion
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Genetics,
Vol.2 No.4,
December
31,
2012
ABSTRACT: The Tityus serrulatus scorpion is considered
the most dangerous scorpion in Brazil
and is responsible for several cases of human envenomation annually. In this
study, we performed transcriptome profiling of the T. serrulatus venom gland. In addition to transcripts with
housekeeping functions, such as those related to protein synthesis, energy
supply and structural processes, transcripts from thirty-five families of venom
peptides or proteins were identified. These transcripts included three new
complete sequences of toxins and more than a dozen putative venom gland
proteins/peptides. The venom gland transcriptome profile was verified by
comparison with the previously determined proteomic profile. In conclusion,
this transcriptome data provides novel insights into the putative mechanisms
underlying the venomous character of T.
serrulatus. The collected data of scorpion transcripts and
proteins/peptides described herein may be an important resource for identifying
candidate targets of molecular therapies and preventative measures.