By investigating the protective effects of secretome-derived mesenchymal stromal cells on dermonecrosis caused by Loxosceles intermedia venom in rabbits, it was observed that treated groups showed milder local effects and swelling compared to controls, which highlights the potential of stem cell-derived secretome for treating dermonecrotic lesions. … Read More →
Heterologous Fibrin Biopolymer is an innovative and entirely Brazilian product with potential for aiding neuromuscular junction regeneration
Nerve injuries lead to the disruption of neuromuscular junctions impairing motor function. Currently, satisfactory recovery after injuries remains a medical challenge. The heterologous fibrin biopolymer, a Brazilian product created from rattlesnake venom and buffalo blood, has demonstrated its ability to create a protective microenvironment enhancing regeneration in these treatments. … Read More →
Bioprospecting animal toxins as powerful ligands for ion channels and G-protein coupled receptors as therapeutic targets
The Laboratory of Toxicology and Pharmacology holds the expertise to perform experiments involving the interaction of toxins with different ion channels and G-protein coupled receptors. The purification and identification of novel compounds can also be carried out, which makes the research center a reference worldwide in the Toxinology field and state-of-the-art target-based drug discovery. … Read More →
Isolation and characterization of new compounds derived from animal poisons and venoms: challenges and perspectives
The Laboratory of Animal Toxins is equipped to perform the isolation, biochemical, structural and functional characterization of toxins from animal venoms, as well as the heterologous expression of molecules with potential biotechnological application. PEGylation of peptides and proteins is also carried out to increase their potential use as a drug. … Read More →
Laser therapy together with a fibrin biopolymer improves nerve and bone tissue regeneration
The heterologous fibrin sealant produced by CEVAP has been employed as “nerve glue” and wound healing substance for venous ulcers. Currently it is called fibrin biopolymer due to its multiple uses. In association with adjuvant scaffolds, it constitutes active biocomplexes that contribute to the morphophysiological and functional recovery of bone defects. … Read More →
Tools of death with a touch of romance: all the amazing things scorpions use their weapons for
In the world of animal weaponry, scorpions stand out by having two separate weapons, used in many different ways. The authors consolidate 150 years of research in the perspectives of feeding, defense and sexually related contests. An exciting guided tour into scorpion weapon biology and a reference for researchers. … Read More →
β-scoliidine, present in Japanese solitary wasp venom, protects neuronal cells from oxidative stress
Solitary wasp venoms represent a rich source of molecules of pharmacological interest. Thus, to unravel the content of Scolia decorata ventralis venom, proteomic techniques were used, and two new peptides were determined as its major components, α-scoliidine and β-scoliidine. Interestingly, β-scoliidin was effective in protecting neuronal cells against oxidative stress. … Read More →
Spider venom neurotoxins from the Philippine tarantula: a new source for biomedical leads
When the words “venom” and “spider” are mentioned, most people shiver with fear and will go to any extent to avoid them. However, this is not the case with spider venom researchers in the Philippines as they explore the novel neuroactivities of the venom of this endemic, medium-sized theraphosid, Phlogiellus bundokalbo. … Read More →
The venoms of sibling snakes may not be so similar
The study revealed that snake venom activities and composition vary individually even among siblings. Moreover, sex-related variation was observed among offspring. Despite not composing the venom mixture for serum production, the antivenom recognized most of the proteins present in all the venoms analyzed. … Read More →
The effects of the presence or absence of crotamine in rattlesnake venom
This study revealed that there is a pattern in the distribution of a small protein, named crotamine, in rattlesnake venoms. Moreover, the presence or absence of this protein can alter the venom composition and, consequently, the envenoming effects, which could affect the antivenom efficacy … Read More →
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