Numerous mammalian species, including the mongoose, hedgehog, and opossum appear to be resistant to a variety of snake venoms. It is currently accepted that this resistance is conferred through two mechanisms: 1) the resistant animal displays a mutation in the receptor targeted by the snake’s toxin, and/or 2) the resistant animal contains serum proteins, referred to as snake venom metalloproteinase inhibitors (SVMPIs), that form non-covalent complexes, thus neutralizing the toxin. One such protein, oprin, has previously been identified in the N. American opossum (Didelphius virginiana). This work will present our efforts to clone the oprin gene from opossum tissue via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), insert it into an expression vector, and to over-express and purify this protein. In addition, we will discuss our efforts to develop protein and peptide based inhibitors of Western diamondback rattlesnake (C. atrox) venom components using both a gelatinase and fluorescent peptide assay.

Investigation of the oprin protein from North American opossum (Didelphis virginiana) as a potential inhibitor of Western diamondback rattlesnake (C. atrox) venom metalloproteinases

254th National Meeting (2017)

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