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Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:12:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-12-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) The activation process of phospholipase A2-like (PLA2-like) toxins is a key step in their molecular mechanism, which involves oligomeric changes leading to the exposure of specific sites. Few studies have focused on the characterization of allosteric activators and the features that distinguish them from inhibitors. Herein, a comprehensive study with the BthTX-I toxin from Bothrops jararacussu venom bound or unbound to α-tocopherol (αT) was carried out. The oligomerization state of BthTX-I bound or unbound to αT in solution was studied and indicated that the toxin is predominantly monomeric but tends to oligomerize when complexed with αT. In silico molecular simulations showed the toxin presents higher conformational changes in the absence of αT,which suggests that it is important to stabilize the structure of the toxin. The transition between the two states (active/inactive) was also studied, showing that only the unbound BthTX-I system could migrate to the inactive state. In contrast, the presence of αT induces the toxin to leave the inactive state, guiding it towards the active state, with more regions exposed to the solvent, particularly its active site. Finally, the structural determinants necessary for a molecule to be an inhibitor or activator were analyzed in light of the obtained results. Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Laboratoire de Biologie et de Pharmacologie Appliquée École Normale Supérieure Paris Saclay UMR 8113 CNRS, 4 Avenue des Sciences Departamento de Física Experimental Instituto de Física Universidade de São Paulo (USP) Departamento de Biotecnologia e Bioprocessos Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Instituto de Biotecnologia Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Departamento de Biotecnologia e Bioprocessos Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Instituto de Biotecnologia Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) CNPq: 302883/2017-7 CNPq: 401190/2017-0 CAPES: 88881.134154/2016-01 CAPES: 88882.183567/2007-01

The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (called Mpro or 3CLpro) is essential for processing polyproteins encoded by viral RNA. Macromolecules adopt several favored conformations in solution depending on their structure and shape, determining their dynamics and function. Integrated methods combining the lowest-frequency movements obtained by Normal Mode Analysis (NMA), and the faster movements from Molecular Dynamics (MD), and data from biophysical techniques, are necessary to establish the correlation between complex structural dynamics of macromolecules and their function. In this article, we used a hybrid simulation method to sample the conformational space to characterize the structural dynamics and global motions of WT SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and 48 mutants, including several mutations that appear in P.1, B.1.1.7, B.1.351, B.1.525 and B.1.429+B.1.427 variants. Integrated Hybrid methods combining NMA and MD have been useful to study the correlation between the complex structural dynamics of macromolecules and their functioning mechanisms. Here, we applied this hybrid approach to elucidate the effects of mutation in the structural dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, considering their flexibility, solvent accessible surface area analyses, global movements, and catalytic dyad distance. Furthermore, some mutants showed significant changes in their structural dynamics and conformation, which could lead to distinct functional properties.HighlightsSingle surface mutations lead to changes in Mpro structural dynamics.Mutants can be more stable than WT according to the structural dynamics properties.Mpromutants can present a distinct functionality in relation to the wild-type.Potential viral markers for more pathogenic or transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:49:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-12-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Chondrodysplastic dwarfism in Miniature horses is an autosomal recessive disorder previously associated with four mutations (D1, D2, D3*, and D4) in the aggrecan (ACAN) gene. The aim of this study was to identify additional variants in the candidate ACAN gene associated with chondrodysplastic dwarfism in Miniature horses. Fifteen dwarf Miniature horses were found to possess only one of the dwarfism-causing variants, and two possessed none of the variants. The ACAN exons (EquCab3.0) of seven dwarf Miniature horses were sequenced. A missense SNP in coding exon 11 (g.95271115A > T, c.6465A > T—RefSeq XM_005602799.2), which resulted in the amino acid substitution p.Leu2155Phe (RefSeq XP_005602856.2), was initially associated with the dwarf phenotype. The variant was tested and found present in 14 dwarf foals as well as one parent of each, and both parents of a dwarf possessing two copies. Genetic testing of 347 phenotypically normal Miniature horses demonstrated that none had more than one of the dwarf alleles or c.6465A > T. However, a study of large breeds revealed the presence of c.6465A > T, which was present in homozygosis in two Mangalarga Marchador horses. We suggest that c.6465A > T as a marker of disequilibrium or complex interactions in the Miniature horse genome could contribute to the associated dwarfism. School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science São Paulo State University (Unesp) Institute for Biotechnology São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Agriculture São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science São Paulo State University (Unesp) Institute for Biotechnology São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Agriculture São Paulo State University (Unesp) FAPESP: 2016/24025-0 FAPESP: 2016/24767-7 FAPESP: 2018/11365-3 CNPq: 307686/2018-3

The activation process of phospholipase A

Funda??o de Amparo ? Pesquisa do Estado de S?o Paulo (2014/13532-3). S?o Paulo State University. Institute for Biotechnology. Botucatu, SP, Brazil. Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri Federal University. Agrarian Sciences Institute. Una?, MG, Brazil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil S?o Paulo State University. Institute for Biotechnology. Botucatu, SP, Brazil. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Virology Laboratory. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. Mato Grosso Federal University. Virology and Rickettsiosis Laboratory. Cuiab?, GO, Brazil. Mato Grosso Federal University. Virology and Rickettsiosis Laboratory. Cuiab?, GO, Brazil. EMBRAPA Pantanal. Corumb?, MT, Brazil. S?o Paulo State University. Institute for Biotechnology. Botucatu, SP, Brazil. S?o Paulo State University. Institute for Biotechnology. Botucatu, SP, Brazil. Abstract: Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is a persistent lentivirus that causes equine infectious anemia (EIA). In Brazil, EIAV is endemic in the Pantanal region, and euthanasia is not mandatory in this area. All of the complete genomic sequences from field viruses are from North America, Asia, and Europe, and only proviral genomic sequences are available. Sequences from Brazilian EIAV are currently available only for gag and LTR regions. Thus, the present study aimed for the first time to sequence the entire EIAV genomic RNA in naturally infected horses from an endemic area in Brazil. RNA in plasma from naturally infected horses was used for next-generation sequencing (NGS), and gaps were filled using Sanger sequencing methodology. Complete viral genomes of EIAV from two horses were obtained and annotated (Access Number: MN560970 and MN560971). Putative genes were analyzed and compared with previously described genes, showing conservation in gag and pol genes and high variations in LTR and env sequences. Amino acid changes were identified in the p26 protein, one of the most common targets used for diagnosis, and p26 molecular modelling showed surface amino acid alterations in some epitopes. Brazilian genome sequences presented 88.6% nucleotide identity with one another and 75.8 to 77.3% with main field strains, such as EIAV Liaoning, Wyoming, Ireland, and Italy isolates. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis suggested that this Brazilian strain comprises a separate monophyletic group. These results may help to better characterize EIAV and to overcome the challenges of diagnosing and controlling EIA in endemic regions

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T00:56:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-12-01 NS3 is an important therapeutic target for direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs. However, many patients treated with DAAs have unsustained virologic response (UVR) due to the high mutation rate of HCV. The aim of this work was to shed some light on the puzzling molecular mechanisms of the virus's of patients who showed high viral loads even under treatment with DAA. Bioinformatics tools, molecular modelling analyses were employed to identify mutations associated with HCV resistance to boceprevir and possible structural features related to this phenomenon. We identified two mutations of NS3 that may be associated with HCV resistance: D168N and L153I. The substitution D168N was previously reported in the literature as related with drug failure. Additionally, we identified that its molecular resistance mechanism can be explained by the destabilization of receptor-ligand hydrogen bonds. For the L153I mutation, the resistance mechanism is different from previous models reported in the literature. The L153I substitution decreases the S139 deprotonation susceptibility, and consequently, this mutation impairs the covalent binding between the residue S139 from NS3 and the electrophilic trap on boceprevir, which can induce drug failure. These results were supported by the time course analysis of the mutations of the NS3 protease, which showed that boceprevir was designed for enzymes with an L residue at position 153; however, the sequences with I153 are predominant nowadays. The results presented here could be used to infer about resistance in others DAA, mainly protease inhibitors. Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Agriculture Department of Bioprocess and Biotechnology, Avenue Universitária Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) Medical School Blood Center, Avenue Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n Max Planck Institut for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstraße 43 Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Biosciences, Street Prof. Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin, 250 École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay Laboratory of Biology and Applied Pharmacology Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Agriculture Department of Bioprocess and Biotechnology, Avenue Universitária Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) Medical School Blood Center, Avenue Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Biosciences, Street Prof. Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin, 250

Metalloproteases play a fundamental role in snake venom envenomation inducing hemorrhagic, fibrigen(ogen)olytic and myotoxic effects in their victims. Several snake venoms, such as those from the Bothrops genus, present important local effects which are not efficiently neutralized by conventional serum therapy. Consequently, these accidents may result in permanent sequelae and disability, creating economic and social problems, especially in developing countries, leading the attention of the World Health Organization that considered ophidic envenomations a neglected tropical disease. Aiming to produce an efficient inhibitor against bothropic venoms, we synthesized different molecules classified as quinolinones – a group of low-toxic chemical compounds widely used as antibacterial and antimycobacterial drugs – and tested their inhibitory properties against hemorrhage caused by bothropic venoms. The results from this initial screening indicated the molecule 2-hydroxymethyl-6-methoxy-1,4-dihydro-4-quinolinone (Q8) was the most effective antihemorrhagic compound among all of the assayed synthetic quinolinones. Other in vitro and in vivo experiments showed this novel compound was able to inhibit significantly the hemorrhagic and/or proteolytic activities of bothropic crude venoms and isolated snake venom metalloproteases (SVMPs) even at lower concentrations. Docking and molecular dynamic simulations were also performed to get insights into the structural basis of Q8 inhibitory mechanism against proteolytic and hemorrhagic SVMPs. These structural studies demonstrated that Q8 may form a stable complex with SVMPs, impairing the access of substrates to the active sites of these toxins. Therefore, both experimental and structural data indicate that Q8 compound is an interesting candidate for antiophidic therapy, particularly for the treatment of the hemorrhagic and necrotic effects induced by bothropic venoms.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:26:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-01-01 Teaching and learning strategies that use innovating technologies, such as the development of software or an understanding of the theoretical concepts of analytical equipment, can be essential tools for the construction of knowledge. In this way, this work describes the construction of an innovative and lowcost colorimeter using a RGB LED and a microcontroller board as a guide for teachers of undergraduate classes to prepare pedagogical activities using the proposed device as a learning object. The device was applied in experiments using methylene blue (MB), methylene orange (MO) and cobalt chloride (CC) aqueous solutions of different concentrations. Each one of these solutions has absorption peaks near the RGB colors. The results demonstrated that this lowcost device was able to identify unambiguous absorption peaks in the expected range of the MB, MO and CC absorption spectrums, allowing us to determine a feasible calibration curve for each tested solution. Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquista Filho” (UNESP). Professor Assistente Doutor Departamento de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Agriculture Department of Bioprocess and Biotechnology Avenida Universitária São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Medicine Avenida Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães, Montenegro s/n São Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Biosciences Department of Physics and Biophysics Rua Prof. Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin Universidade de São Paulo (USP) Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Caixa Postal 369 Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquista Filho” (UNESP). Professor Assistente Doutor Departamento de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Agriculture Department of Bioprocess and Biotechnology Avenida Universitária São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Medicine Avenida Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães, Montenegro s/n São Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Biosciences Department of Physics and Biophysics Rua Prof. Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:20:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-06-02 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) is an icosahedral, non-enveloped, and single-stranded circular DNA virus that belongs to the family Circoviridae, genus Circovirus, and is responsible for a complex of different diseases defined as porcine circovirus diseases (PCVDs). These diseases – including postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), enteric disease, respiratory disease, porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS), and reproductive failure – are responsible for large economic losses in the pig industry. After serial passages in swine testicle (ST) cells of a wild-type virus isolated from an animal with PMWS, we identified three PCV2b viruses with capsid protein (known as Cap protein) cumulative mutations, including two novel mutants. The mutant viruses were introduced into new ST cell cultures for reisolation and showed, in comparison to the wild-type PCV2b, remarkable viral replication efficiency (> 1011 DNA copies/ml) and cell death via necrosis, which were clearly related to the accretion of capsid protein mutations. The analysis of a Cap protein/capsid model showed that the mutated residues were located in solvent-accessible positions on the external PCV2b surface. Additionally, the mutated residues were found in linear epitopes and participated in pockets on the capsid surface, indicating that these residues could also be involved in antibody recognition. Taking into account the likely natural emergence of PCV2b variants, it is possible to consider that the results of this work increase knowledge of Circovirus biology and could help to prevent future serious cases of vaccine failure that could lead to heavy losses to the swine industry. Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Instituto de Biociências (IB) Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) Instituto de Biotecnologia (IBTEC) Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) Departamento de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas (FCA) Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal Universidade de São Paulo (USP) Departamento de Salud Animal Universidad de Caldas Departamento de Bioestatística Instituto de Biociências (IB) Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) Laboratoire de Biologie et de Pharmacologie Appliquée ENS Cachan/Université Paris-Saclay Complexo Educacional Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas (FMU/HOVET) São Paulo São Paulo Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Instituto de Biociências (IB) Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) Instituto de Biotecnologia (IBTEC) Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) Departamento de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas (FCA) Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) Departamento de Bioestatística Instituto de Biociências (IB) Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) FAPESP: 2006/57976-6 FAPESP: 2006/59002-9 FAPESP: 2013/14530-1

Crotoxin is a neurotoxin from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom that shows immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor and analgesic activities. Structurally, this toxin is a heterodimeric complex composed by a toxic basic PLA2 (Crotoxin B or CB) non-covalently linked to an atoxic non-enzymatic and acidic component (Crotapotin, Crotoxin A or CA). Several CA and CB isoforms have been isolated and characterized, showing that the crotoxin venom fraction is, in fact, a mixture of different molecules derived from the combination of distinct subunit isoforms. Intercro (IC) is a protein from the same snake venom which presents high similarity in primary structure to CB, indicating that it could be an another isoform of this toxin. In this work, we compare IC to the crotoxin complex (CA/CB) and/or CB in order to understand its functional aspects. The experiments with IC revealed that it is a new toxin with different biological activities from CB, keeping its catalytic activity but presenting low myotoxicity and absence of neurotoxic activity. The results also indicated that IC is structurally similar to CB isoforms, but probably it is not able to form a neurotoxic active complex with crotoxin A as observed for CB. Moreover, structural and phylogenetic data suggest that IC is a new toxin with possible toxic effects not related to the typical CB neurotoxin.

Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) participate in a number of important biological, physiological and pathophysiological processes and are primarily responsible for the local tissue damage characteristic of viperid snake envenomations. The use of medicinal plant extracts as antidotes against animal venoms is an old practice, especially against snake envenomations. Such plants are sources of many pharmacologically active compounds and have been shown to antagonize the effects of some venoms and toxins. The present study explores the activity of triacontyl p -coumarate (PCT), an active compound isolated from root bark of Bombacopsis glabra vegetal extract ( Bg ), against harmful effects of Bothropoides pauloensis snake venom and isolated toxins (SVMPs or phospholipase A 2 ). Before inhibition assays, Bg or PCT was incubated with venom or toxins at ratios of 1:1 and 1:5 (w/w; venom or isolated toxins/PCT) for 30 min at 37 °C. Treatment conditions were also assayed to simulate snakebite with PCT inoculated at either the same venom or toxin site. PCT neutralized fibrinogenolytic activity and plasmatic fibrinogen depletion induced by B. pauloensis venom or isolated toxin. PCT also efficiently inhibited the hemorrhagic (3MDH – minimum hemorrhagic dose injected i.d into mice) and myotoxic activities induced by Jararhagin, a metalloproteinase from B. jararaca at 1:5 ratio (toxin: inhibitor, w/w) when it was previously incubated with PCT and injected into mice or when PCT was administered after toxin injection. Docking simulations using data on a metalloproteinase (Neuwiedase) structure suggest that the binding between the protein and the inhibitor occurs mainly in the active site region causing blockade of the enzymatic reaction by displacement of catalytic water. Steric hindrance may also play a role in the mechanism since the PCT hydrophobic tail was found to interact with the loop associated with substrate anchorage. Thus, PCT may provide a alternative to complement ophidian envenomation treatments.

Papillomaviruses (PVs) infect a wide range of animal species and show great genetic diversity. To date, excluding equine sarcoids, only three species of PVs were identified associated with lesions in horses: Equus caballus papillomavirus 1 (EcPV1-cutaneous), EcPV2 (genital) and EcPV3 (aural plaques). In this study, we identified a novel equine PV from aural plaques, which we designated EcPV4. Cutaneous samples from horses with lesions that were microscopically diagnosed as aural plaques were subjected to DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing. Rolling circle amplification and inverse PCR with specific primers confirmed the presence of an approximately 8 kb circular genome. The full-length EcPV4 L1 major capsid protein sequence has 1488 nucleotides (495 amino acids). EcPV4 had a sequence identity of only 53.3%, 60.2% and 51.7% when compared with the published sequences for EcPV1, EcPV2 and EcPV3, respectively. A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis indicated that EcPV4 clusters with EcPV2, but not with EcPV1 and EcPV3. Using the current PV classification system that is based on the nucleotide sequence of L1, we could not define the genus of the newly identified virus. Therefore, a structural analysis of the L1 protein was carried out to aid in this classification because EcPV4 cause lesion similar to the lesion caused by EcPV3. A comparison of the superficial loops demonstrated a distinct amino acid conservation pattern between EcPV4/EcPV2 and EcPV4/EcPV3. These results demonstrate the presence of a new equine PV species and that structural studies could be useful in the classification of PVs.

Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-27T14:54:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 WOS000288405600025.pdf: 1278756 bytes, checksum: 896ffddb7dac3da35225da5b17d55895 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-03-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T18:37:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 WOS000288405600025.pdf: 1278756 bytes, checksum: 896ffddb7dac3da35225da5b17d55895 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-03-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:49:42Z No. of bitstreams: 1 WOS000288405600025.pdf: 1278756 bytes, checksum: 896ffddb7dac3da35225da5b17d55895 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:49:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 WOS000288405600025.pdf: 1278756 bytes, checksum: 896ffddb7dac3da35225da5b17d55895 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-03-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG) Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia em Toxinas (INCTTox) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)s) are important components of Bothrops snake venoms, that can induce several effects on envenomations such as myotoxicity, inhibition or induction of platelet aggregation and edema. It is known that venomous and non-venomous snakes present PLA(2) inhibitory proteins (PLIs) in their blood plasma. An inhibitory protein that neutralizes the enzymatic and toxic activities of several PLA2s from Bothrops venoms was isolated from Bothrops alternatus snake plasma by affinity chromatography using the immobilized myotoxin BthTX-I on CNBr-activated Sepharose. Biochemical characterization of this inhibitory protein, denominated alpha BaltMIP, showed it to be a glycoprotein with Mr of similar to 24,000 for the monomeric subunit. CD spectra of the PLA(2)/inhibitor complexes are considerably different from those corresponding to the individual proteins and data deconvolution suggests that the complexes had a relative gain of helical structure elements in comparison to the individual protomers, which may indicate a more compact structure upon complexation. Theoretical and experimental structural studies performed in order to obtain insights into the structural features of aBaltMIP indicated that this molecule may potentially trimerize in solution, thus strengthening the hypothesis previously raised by other authors about snake PLIs oligomerization. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. Univ São Paulo, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut Ribeirao Preto, Dept Anal Clin Toxicol & Bromatol, BR-14049 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil Univ São Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Bioquim & Imunol, BR-14049 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Inst Biociencias, Dept Fis & Biofis, Botucatu, SP, Brazil Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Diretoria Pesquisa & Desenvolvimento, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil Ctr Nacl Pesquisas Energia & Mat, Lab Nacl Biociencias, São Paulo, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Inst Biociencias, Dept Fis & Biofis, Botucatu, SP, Brazil

Crotoxin, the main toxin of South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus) venom, was the first snake venom protein to be purified and crystallized. Crotoxin is a heterodimeric beta-neurotoxin that consists of a weakly toxic basic phospholipase A(2) and a non-enzymatic, non-toxic acidic component (crotapotin). The classic biological activities normally attributed to crotoxin include neurotoxicity, myotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. However, numerous studies in recent years have shown that crotoxin also has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-tumor and analgesic actions. In this review, we describe the historical background to the discovery of crotoxin and its main toxic activities and then discuss recent structure-function studies and investigations that have led to the identification of novel pharmacological activities for the toxin.

A thrombin-like enzyme, named BjussuSP-I, isolated from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom, is an acidic single-chain glycoprotein with M(r)=61,000, pI approximately 3.8 and 6% sugar. BjussuSP-I shows high proteolytic activity upon synthetic substrates, such as S-2238 and S-2288. It also shows procoagulant and kallikrein-like activity, but is unable to act on platelets and plasmin. These activities are inhibited by specific inhibitors of this class of enzymes. The complete cDNA sequence of BjussuSP-I with 696bp encodes open reading frames of 232 amino acid residues, which conserve the common domains of thrombin-like serine proteases. BjussuSP-I shows a high structural homology with other thrombin-like enzymes from snake venoms where common amino acid residues are identified as those corresponding to the catalytic site and subsites S1, S2 and S3 already reported. In this study, we also demonstrated the importance of N-linked glycans to improve thrombin-like activity of BjussuSP-I toxin.

Crotoxin B (CB or Cdt PLA2) is a basic Asp49-PLA2 found in the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus and it is one of the subunits that constitute the crotoxin (Cro). This heterodimeric toxin, main component of the C. d. terrificus venom, is completed by an acidic, nontoxic, and nonenzymatic component (crotoxin A, CA or crotapotin), and it is related to important envenomation effects such as neurological disorders, myotoxicity, and renal failure. Although Cro has been crystallized since 1938, no crystal structure of this toxin or its subunits is currently available. In this work, the authors present the crystal structure of a novel tetrameric complex formed by two dimers of crotoxin B isoforms (CB1 and CB2). The results suggest that these assemblies are stable in solution and show that Ser1 and Glu92 of CB1 and CB2, respectively, play an important role in the oligomerization. The tetrameric and dimeric conformations resulting from the association of the isoforms may increase the neurotoxicity of the toxin CB by the creation of new binding sites, which could improve the affinity of the molecular complexes to the presynaptic membrane. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Snake venom metalloproteases (SVMPs) embody zinc-dependent multidomain enzymes responsible for a relevant pathophysiology in envenomation, including local and systemic hemorrhage. The molecular features responsible for hemorrhagic potency of SVMPs have been associated with their multidomains structures which can target these proteins them to several receptors of different tissues and cellular types. BjussuMP-I, a SVMP isolated from the Bothrops jararacussu venom, has been characterized as a P-III hemorrhagic metalloprotease. The complete cDNA sequence of BjussuMP-I with 1641bp encodes open reading frames of 547 amino acid residues, which conserve the common domains of P-III high molecular weight hemorrhagic metalloproteases: (i) pre-pro-peptide, (ii) metalloprotease, (iii) disintegrin-like and (iv) rich cysteine domain. BjussuMP-I induced lyses in fibrin clots and inhibited collagen- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation. We are reporting, for the first time, the primary structure of an RGD-P-III class snake venom metalloprotease. A phylogenetic analysis of the BjussuMP-I metalloprotease/catalytic domain was performed to get new insights into the molecular evolution of the metalloproteases. A theoretical molecular model of this domain was built through folding recognition (threading) techniques and refined by molecular dynamics simulation. Then, the final BjussuMP-I catalytic domain model was compared to other SVMPs and Reprolysin family proteins in order to identify eventual structural differences, which could help to understand the biochemical activities of these enzymes. The presence of large hydrophobic areas and some conserved surface charge-positive residues were identified as important features of the SVMPs and other metalloproteases.

Phospholipases A2 belong to the superfamily of proteins which hydrolyzes the sn-2 acyl groups of membrane phospholipids to release arachidonic acid and lysophospholipids. An acidic phospholipase A2 isolated from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom presents a high catalytic, platelet aggregation inhibition and hypotensive activities. This protein was crystallized in two oligomeric states: monomeric and dimeric. The crystal structures were solved at 1.79 and 1.90 A resolution, respectively, for the two states. It was identified a Na+ ion at the center of Ca2+-binding site of the monomeric form. A novel dimeric conformation with the active sites exposed to the solvent was observed. Conformational states of the molecule may be due to the physicochemical conditions used in the crystallization experiments. We suggest dimeric state is one found in vivo.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-01T18:45:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2016-04-01T18:50:17Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 ISSN1110-7243-2014-2014-01-11.pdf: 1666043 bytes, checksum: ac41ab698ee781e99d5f25a508548554 (MD5) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Instituto Nacional para Pesquisa em Toxinas (INCT-Tox) This paper shows the results of quercitrin effects on the structure and biological activity of secretory phospholipase (sPLA2) from Crotalus durissus terrificus, which is the main toxin involved in the pharmacological effects of this snake venom. According to our mass spectrometry and circular dichroism results, quercetin was able to promote a chemical modification of some amino acid residues and modify the secondary structure of C. d. terrificus sPLA2. Moreover, molecular docking studies showed that quercitrin can establish chemical interactions with some of the crucial amino acid residues involved in the enzymatic activity of the sPLA2, indicating that this flavonoid could also physically impair substrate molecule access to the catalytic site of the toxin. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo assays showed that the quercitrin strongly diminished the catalytic activity of the protein, altered its Vmax and Km values, and presented a more potent inhibition of essential pharmacological activities in the C. d. terrificus sPLA2, such as its myotoxicity and edematogenic effect, in comparison to quercetin. Thus, we concluded that the rhamnose group found in quercitrin is most likely essential to the antivenom activities of this flavonoid against C. d. terrificus sPLA2. Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS), São Paulo, SP, Brasil Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, São Vicente, SP, Brasil Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Campinas, SP, Brasil Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, Escola de Engenharia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu (IBB), Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Botucatu, SP, Brasil Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, São Vicente, SP, Brasil Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu (IBB), Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Botucatu, SP, Brasil FAPESP: 2011/06704-4 FAPESP: 2012/06502-5 FAPESP: 2013/12077-8

Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-27T11:28:51Z No. of bitstreams: 0Bitstream added on 2014-05-27T14:32:25Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 2-s2.0-84875754127.pdf: 2388319 bytes, checksum: a9bbcc83ccad7f38ef96dc6202934a79 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-27T11:28:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2013-04-03 The mortality caused by snakebites is more damaging than many tropical diseases, such as dengue haemorrhagic fever, cholera, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis and Chagas disease. For this reason, snakebite envenoming adversely affects health services of tropical and subtropical countries and is recognized as a neglected disease by the World Health Organization. One of the main components of snake venoms is the Lys49-phospholipases A2, which is catalytically inactive but possesses other toxic and pharmacological activities. Preliminary studies with MjTX-I from Bothrops moojeni snake venom revealed intriguing new structural and functional characteristics compared to other bothropic Lys49-PLA2s. We present in this article a comprehensive study with MjTX-I using several techniques, including crystallography, small angle X-ray scattering, analytical size-exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering, myographic studies, bioinformatics and molecular phylogenetic analyses.Based in all these experiments we demonstrated that MjTX-I is probably a unique Lys49-PLA2, which may adopt different oligomeric forms depending on the physical-chemical environment. Furthermore, we showed that its myotoxic activity is dramatically low compared to other Lys49-PLA2s, probably due to the novel oligomeric conformations and important mutations in the C-terminal region of the protein. The phylogenetic analysis also showed that this toxin is clearly distinct from other bothropic Lys49-PLA2s, in conformity with the peculiar oligomeric characteristics of MjTX-I and possible emergence of new functionalities inresponse to environmental changes and adaptation to new preys. © 2013 Salvador et al. Depto. de Física e Biofísica Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Botucatu, SP Depto. de Farmacologia Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ Rondonia and Centro de Estudos de Biomoleculas Aplicadas - CEBio Universidade Federal de Rondônia - UNIR, Porto Velho, RO Depto. de Física Experimental Instituto de Física Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP Depto. de Biologia Molecular Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza Universidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB, João Pessoa-PB Depto. de Física e Biofísica Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Botucatu, SP Depto. de Farmacologia Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP

Neurospora crassa has been widely used as a model organism and contributed to the development of biochemistry and molecular biology by allowing the identification of many metabolic pathways and mechanisms responsible for gene regulation. Nuclear proteins are synthesized in the cytoplasm and need to be translocated to the nucleus to exert their functions which the importin-α receptor has a key role for the classical nuclear import pathway. In an attempt to get structural information of the nuclear transport process in N. crassa, we present herein the cloning, expression, purification and structural studies with N-terminally truncated IMPα from N. crassa (IMPα-Nc). Circular dichroism analysis revealed that the IMPα-Nc obtained is correctly folded and presents a high structural conservation compared to other importins-α. Dynamic light scattering, analytical size-exclusion chromatography experiments and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the IMPα-Nc unbound to any ligand may present low stability in solution. The IMPα-Nc theoretical model displayed high similarity of its inner concave surface, which binds the cargo proteins containing the nuclear localization sequences, among IMPα from different species. However, the presence of non-conserved amino acids relatively close to the NLS binding region may influence the binding specificity of IMPα-Nc to cargo proteins.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T20:54:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-08-01 One of the main components of snake venoms are the Asp49-phospholipases A2, also known as svPLA2s. The study of these toxins is a matter of great scientific interest due to their wide variety of biological effects. In this work we present strong evidences found in literature and other aspects which strengthen the importance of quaternary assembly for understanding the activities and molecular evolution of svPLA2s. © 2009 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd. Departamento de Física e Biofísica Instituto de Biociências UNESP, Botucatu, SP Departamento de Física e Biofísica Instituto de Biociências UNESP, Caixa Postal 510, Botucatu, SP Departamento de Física e Biofísica Instituto de Biociências UNESP, Botucatu, SP Departamento de Física e Biofísica Instituto de Biociências UNESP, Caixa Postal 510, Botucatu, SP

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T20:54:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-08-01 Phospholipases A2 homologues are found in the venom of Crotalinae snakes, being their main action related to myonecrosis induction. Although many studies on these toxins had already been performed, their mechanism of action remains unclear. Here, important aspects about these toxins are reviewed, including their correct biological assembly and how essential is the natural substitution D49K for their catalytic inactivity. © 2009 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd. Departamento de Física e Biofisica Instituto de Biociéncias UNESP, Botucatu, SP Departamento de Física e Biofísica Instituto de Biociências UNESP, Botucatu, SP Departamento de Física e Biofisica Instituto de Biociéncias UNESP, Botucatu, SP Departamento de Física e Biofísica Instituto de Biociências UNESP, Botucatu, SP

Crotoxin (CA.CB) is a beta-neurotoxin from Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom that is responsible for main envenomation effects upon biting by this snake. It is a heterodimer of an acidic protein (CA) devoid of any biological activity per se and a basic, enzymatically active, PLA(2) counterpart (CB). Both lethal and enzymatic activities of crotoxin have been shown to be inhibited by CNF, a protein from the blood of C. d. terrificus snakes. CNF replaces CA in the CA.CB complex, forming a stable, non-toxic complex CNF.CB. The molecular sites involved in the tight interfacial protein-protein interactions in these PLA(2)-based complexes have not been clearly determined. To help address this question, we used the peptide arrays approach to map possible interfacial interaction sites in CA.CB and CNF.CB. Amino acid stretches putatively involved in these interactions were firstly identified in the primary structure of CB. Further analysis of the interfacial availability of these stretches in the presumed biologically active structure of CB, suggested two interaction main sites, located at the amino-terminus and beta-wing regions. Peptide segments at the carboxyl-terminus of CB were also suggested to play a secondary role in the binding of both CA and CNF.

An L-amino acid oxidase (Bp-LAAO) from Bothrops pauloensis snake venom was highly purified using sequential chromatography steps on CM-Sepharose, Phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B, Benzamidine Sepharose and C18 reverse-phase HPLC. Purified Bp-LAAO showed to be a homodimeric acidic glycoprotein with molecular weight around 65kDa under reducing conditions in SDS-PAGE. The best substrates for Bp-LAAO were L-Met, L-Leu, L-Phe and L-Ile and the enzyme showed a strong reduction of its catalytic activity upon L-Met and L-Phe substrates at extreme temperatures. Bp-LAAO showed leishmanicidal, antitumoral and bactericidal activities dose dependently. Bp-LAAO induced platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma and this activity was inhibited by catalase. Bp-LAAO-cDNA of 1548bp codified a mature protein with 516 amino acid residues corresponding to a theoretical isoelectric point and molecular weight of 6.3 and 58kDa, respectively. Additionally, structural and phylogenetic studies identified residues under positive selection and their probable location in Bp-LAAO and other snake venom LAAOs (svLAAOs). Structural and functional investigations of these enzymes can contribute to the advancement of toxinology and to the elaboration of novel therapeutic agents.

Crotoxin B (CB or Cdt PLA(2)) is a basic Asp49-PLA(2) found in the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus and it is one of the subunits that constitute the crotoxin (Cro). This heterodimeric toxin, main component of the C. d. terrificus venom, is completed by an acidic, nontoxic, and nonenzymatic component (crotoxin A, CA or crotapotin), and it is related to important envenomation effects such as neurological disorders, myotoxicity, and renal failure. Although Cro has been crystallized since 1938, no crystal structure of this toxin or its subunits is currently available. In this work, the authors present the crystal structure of a novel tetrameric complex formed by two dimers of crotoxin B isoforms (CB1 and CB2). The results suggest that these assemblies are stable in solution and show that Ser1 and Glu92 of CB1 and CB2, respectively, play an important role in the oligomerization. The tetrameric and dimeric conformations resulting from the association of the isoforms may increase the neurotoxicity of the toxin CB by the creation of new binding sites, which could improve the affinity of the molecular complexes to the presynaptic membrane.

BjussuMP-II is an acidic low molecular weight metalloprotease (Mr approximately 24,000 and pI approximately 6.5), isolated from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom. The chromatographic profile in RP-HPLC and its N-terminal sequence confirmed its high purity level. Its complete cDNA was obtained by RT-PCR and the 615bp codified for a mature protein of 205 amino acid residues. The multiple alignment of its deduced amino acid sequence and those of other snake venom metalloproteases showed a high structural similarity, mainly among class P-I proteases. The molecular modeling analysis of BjussuMP-II showed also conserved structural features with other SVMPs. BjussuMP-II did not induce hemorrhage, myotoxicity and lethality, but displayed dose-dependent proteolytic activity on fibrinogen, collagen, fibrin, casein and gelatin, keeping stable at different pHs, temperatures and presence of several divalent ions. BjussuMP-II did not show any clotting or anticoagulant activity on human citrated plasma, in contrast to its inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation. The aspects broached, in this work, provide data on the relationship between structure and function, in order to better understand the effects elicited by snake venom metalloproteases.

Two l -amino acid oxidases (LAAOs) were identified by random sequencing of cDNA libraries from the venom glands of Bothrops moojeni (BmooLAAO) and Bothrops jararacussu (Bjussu LAAO) . Phylogenetic analysis involving other SV-LAAOs showed sequence identities within the range 83–87% being closely related to those from Agkistrodon and Trimeresurus . Molecular modeling experiments indicated the FAD-binding, substrate-binding, and helical domains of Bmoo and Bjussu LAAOs. The RMS deviations obtained by the superposition of those domains and that from Calloselasma rhodostoma LAAO crystal structure confirm the high degree of structural similarity between these enzymes. Purified BjussuLAAO-I and BmooLAAO-I exhibited antiprotozoal activities which were demonstrated to be hydrogen-peroxide mediated. This is the first report on the isolation and identification of cDNAs encoding LAAOs from Bothrops venom. The findings here reported contribute to the overall structural elucidation of SV-LAAOs and will advance the understanding on their mode of action.

The crystal structure of an acidic phospholipase A(2) isolated from Bothrops jararacussu venom (BthA-I) chemically modified with p-bromophenacyl bromide (BPB) has been determined at 1.85 Angstroms resolution. The catalytic, platelet-aggregation inhibition, anticoagulant and hypotensive activities of BthA-I are abolished by ligand binding. Electron-density maps permitted unambiguous identification of inhibitor covalently bound to His48 in the substrate-binding cleft. The BthA-I-BPB complex contains three structural regions that are modified after inhibitor binding: the Ca(2+)-binding loop, beta-wing and C-terminal regions. Comparison of BthA-I-BPB with two other BPB-inhibited PLA(2) structures suggests that in the absence of Na(+) ions at the Ca(2+)-binding loop, this loop and other regions of the PLA(2)s undergo structural changes. The BthA-I-BPB structure reveals a novel oligomeric conformation. This conformation is more energetically and conformationally stable than the native structure and the abolition of pharmacological activities by the ligand may be related to the oligomeric structural changes. A residue of the ;pancreatic' loop (Lys69), which is usually attributed as providing the anticoagulant effect, is in the dimeric interface of BthA-I-BPB, leading to a new hypothesis regarding the abolition of this activity by BPB.

Many plants are used in traditional medicine as active agents against various effects induced by snakebite. The methanolic extract from Cordia verbenacea (Cv) significantly inhibited paw edema induced by Bothrops jararacussu snake venom and by its main basic phospholipase A2 homologs, namely bothropstoxins I and II (BthTXs). The active component was isolated by chromatography on Sephadex LH-20 and by RP-HPLC on a C18 column and identified as rosmarinic acid (Cv-RA). Rosmarinic acid is an ester of caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid [2-O-cafeoil-3-(3,4-di-hydroxy-phenyl)-R-lactic acid]. This is the first report of RA in the species C. verbenacea (‘baleeira’, ‘whaler’) and of its anti-inflammatory and antimyotoxic properties against snake venoms and isolated toxins. RA inhibited the edema and myotoxic activity induced by the basic PLA2s BthTX-I and BthTX-II. It was, however, less efficient to inhibit the PLA2 activity of BthTX-II and, still less, the PLA2 and edema-inducing activities of the acidic isoform BthA-I-PLA2 from the same venom, showing therefore a higher inhibitory activity upon basic PLA2s. RA also inhibited most of the myotoxic and partially the edema-inducing effects of both basic PLA2s, thus reinforcing the idea of dissociation between the catalytic and pharmacological domains. The pure compound potentiated the ability of the commercial equine polyvalent antivenom in neutralizing lethal and myotoxic effects of the crude venom and of isolated PLA2s in experimental models. CD data presented here suggest that, after binding, no significant conformation changes occur either in the Cv-RA or in the target PLA2. A possible model for the interaction of rosmarinic acid with Lys49-PLA2 BthTX-I is proposed.

Phospholipases A(2) are components of Bothrops venoms responsible for disruption of cell membrane integrity via hydrolysis of its phospholipids. A class of PLA(2)-like proteins has been described which despite PLA(2) activity on artificial substrate, due to a D49K mutation, is still highly myonecrotic. This work reports the X-ray structure determination of two Lys49-PLA(2)s from Bothrops neuwiedi pauloensis (BnSP-7 and BnSP-6) and, for the first time, the comparison of eight dimeric Lys49-PLA(2)s. This comparison reveals that there are not just two ("open" and "closed") but at least six different conformations. The binding of fatty acid observed in three recent Lys49-PLA(2) structures seems to be independent of their quaternary conformation. Cys29 polarization by Lys122 is not significant for BnSP-7 and BnSP-6 or other structures not bound by fatty acids. These structures may be in an "active" state when nothing is bound to them and the Lys122/Cys29 interactions are weak or absent.

Envenoming due to snakebites is an important public health problem in many tropical and subtropical countries which, in addition to mortality, may result in permanent sequelae as a consequence of local tissue damage, i.e. necrosis and hemorrhage. Toxins that play a leading role in the complex pathogenesis of these feared venom actions have been identified as members of the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and metalloproteinase protein families. Phospholipases A2 are enzymes responsible for cellular membrane disruption through Ca2+-dependent hydrolysis of phospholipids. A class of these proteins (Lys49-PLA2s) does not show catalytic activity but can exert a pronounced local myotoxic effect that is not neutralized by serum therapy. After more than 20 years of structural, biochemical and biological studies with this class of proteins, its biological mechanism still remain not totally understood. Here, based in a comprehensive study including over than 30 crystallographic structures, Small Angle X-ray Scattering, Dynamic Light Scattering, Isothermal Titration Calorimetry, Biochemical, Bioinformatics, Phylogenic and Myografic experiments, we proposed a complete myotoxic mechanism. This work confirms the biological dimer indicated by recent studies in which both C-termini are in the dimeric interface. In this configuration, we propose that the myotoxic site of these toxins is composed by the Lys 20, Lys115 and Arg118 residues. The extensive structural analysis also include: (i) the function of hydrophobic long-chain molecules as Lys49-PLA2s inhibitors, (ii) the role of Lys122, previously indicated as being responsible for Lys49-PLA2s catalytic inactivity, (iii) a structural comparison of the Ca2+-binding loop region between Lys49 and Asp49-PLA2s, (iv) the importance of Tyr119 residue, (v) the role of different classes of inhibitors and (vi) the role of hydrophobic knuckle. Taking into account all these issues we were able to propose a complete mechanism of action of these proteins and also proposed the different ways to inhibit them. These results may be useful to guide new experiments that can definitively clarify the action mechanism of snake venom PLA2s and lead to the design of structure-based inhibitors to complement the serum therapy.

Neurospora crassa has been widely used as a model organism and contributed to the development of biochemistry and molecular biology by allowing the identification of many metabolic pathways and mechanisms responsible for gene regulation. Nuclear proteins are synthesized in the cytoplasm and need to be translocated to the nucleus to exert their functions which the importin-α receptor has a key role for the classical nuclear import pathway. In an attempt to get structural information of the nuclear transport process in N. crassa, we present herein the cloning, expression, purification and structural studies with N-terminally truncated IMPα from N. crassa (IMPα-Nc). Circular dichroism analysis revealed that the IMPα-Nc obtained is correctly folded and presents a high structural conservation compared to other importins-α. Dynamic light scattering, analytical size-exclusion chromatography experiments and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the IMPα-Nc unbound to any ligand may present low stability in solution. The IMPα-Nc theoretical model displayed high similarity of its inner concave surface, which binds the cargo proteins containing the nuclear localization sequences, among IMPα from different species. However, the presence of non-conserved amino acids relatively close to the NLS binding region may influence the binding specificity of IMPα-Nc to cargo proteins.