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 →
Snake venom toxin activates immune cells and decreases the invasion potential of tumor cells
BJcuL toxin – isolated from the venom of the Brazilian snake Bothrops jararacussu – was able to stimulate cells of the immune system to act against tumor cells. Blood neutrophils, when stimulated by BJcuL, reduced the migratory potential of neuroblastoma cells in culture. … Read More →
Treatment of difficult-to-heal venous ulcers with fibrin sealant
Difficult-to-heal ulcers in lower limbs are those that occur below the knee and for several reasons do not reach healing, remaining open for months or years. Difficulties in healing encourage the development of new products. Fibrin sealant is one of these alternatives because it is a biological dressing with excellent healing properties. … Read More →
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