Non-enzymatic proteins from snake venoms: a gold mine of pharmacological tools and drug leads.
Non-enzymatic proteins from snake venoms play important roles in the immobilization of prey, and include some large and well-recognized families of toxins. The study of such proteins has expanded not only our understanding of venom toxicity, but also the knowledge of normal and disease states in human physiology. In many cases their characterization has led to the development of powerful research tools, diagnostic techniques, and pharmaceutical drugs. They have further yielded basic understanding of protein structure-function relationships. Therefore a number of studies on these non-enzymatic proteins had major impact on several life science and medical fields. They have led to life-saving therapeutics, the Nobel prize, and development of molecular scalpels for elucidation of ion channel function, vasoconstriction, complement system activity, platelet aggregation, blood coagulation, signal transduction, and blood pressure regulation. Here, we identify research papers that have had significant impact on the life sciences. We discuss how these findings have changed the course of science, and have also included the personal recollections of the original authors of these studies. We expect that this review will provide impetus for even further exciting research on novel toxins yet to be discovered.
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
Ryan J R
RJ
McCleary
R Manjunatha
RM
Kini
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D054715:Cardiotoxins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D003170:Complement Pathway, Alternative / Q000502:physiology; D003435:Crotalid Venoms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D015195:Drug Design; D004546:Elapid Venoms / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D016232:Endothelins / Q000737:chemistry; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification; D045265:Natriuretic Peptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000737:chemistry; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D012910:Snake Venoms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology
D000925:Anticoagulants; D054715:Cardiotoxins; D003435:Crotalid Venoms; D004546:Elapid Venoms; D016232:Endothelins; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D045265:Natriuretic Peptides; D009842:Oligopeptides; D012910:Snake Venoms; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C006791:bradykinin potentiating factors; C028890:convulxin; C020273:dendrotoxin; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor