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Honey bees have a sting which allows them to inject venomous substances into the body of an opponent or attacker. As the sting originates from a modified ovipositor, it only occurs in the female insect, and this is a defining feature of the bee species that belong to a subclade of the Hymenoptera called Aculeata. There is considerable interest in bee venom research, primarily because of an important subset of the human population who will develop a sometimes life threatening allergic response after a bee sting. However, the use of honey bee venom goes much further, with alleged healing properties in ancient therapies and recent research. The present paper aims to standardize selected methods for honey bee venom research. It covers different methods of venom collection, characterization and storage. Much attention was also addressed to the determination of the biological activity of the venom and its use in the context of biomedical research, more specifically venom allergy. Finally, the procedure for the assignment of new venom allergens has been presented. Las abejas meliferas tienen un aguijon que les permite inyectar sustancias venenosas en el cuerpo de un oponente o atacante. El aguijon es un ovipositor modificado que solo se manifiesta en el insecto hembra, siendo este una caracteristica que define a las especies de abejas que pertenecen al subclado de himenopteros llamada Aculeata. Hay un interes considerable en la investigacion del veneno de abeja, principalmente debido a que un porcentaje importante de la poblacion humana desarrollara una respuesta alergica - a veces mortal - a la picadura de abeja. Sin embargo, el uso del veneno de la abeja melifera abarca mucho mas, con presuntas propiedades curativas en terapias antiguas e investigaciones recientes. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo estandarizar metodos seleccionados para la investigacion del veneno de las abejas meliferas. Cubre diferentes metodos de recoleccion, caracterizacion y almacenamiento de veneno. Tambien se presto mucha atencion a la determinacion de la actividad biologica del veneno y su uso en el contexto de la investigacion biomedica, mas especificamente la alergia al veneno. Finalmente, se ha presentado el procedimiento para la asignacion de nuevos alergenos de veneno.

Allergic reactions to Hymenoptera venom, which could lead to systemic and even fatal symptoms, is characterized by hypersensitivity reactions mediated by specific IgE (sIgE) driven to venom allergens. Patients multisensitized to sIgE usually recognize more than one allergen in different Hymenoptera species. However, the presence of sIgE directed against Cross-Reactive Carbohydrate Determinant (CCD), which occurs in some allergens from Hymenoptera venom, hampers the identification of the culprit insects. CCD is also present in plants, pollen, fruits, but not in mammals. Bromelain (Brl) extracted from pineapples is a glycoprotein commonly used for reference to sIgE-CCD detection and analysis. In sera of fifty-one Hymenoptera allergic patients with specific IgE &ge, 1.0 KU/L, we assessed by immunoblotting the reactivity of sIgE to the major allergens of Apis mellifera, Polybia paulista and Solenopsis invicta venoms. We also distinguished, using sera adsorption procedures, the cases of CCD cross-reaction using Brl as a marker and inhibitor of CCD epitopes. The presence of reactivity for bromelain (24&ndash, 28 kDa) was obtained in 43% of the patients, in which 64% presented reactivity for more than one Hymenoptera venom in radioallergosorbent (RAST) tests, and 90% showed reactivity in immunoblot analysis to the major allergens of Apis mellifera, Polybia paulista and Solenopsis invicta venoms. Sera adsorption procedures with Brl lead to a significant reduction in patients&rsquo, sera reactivity to the Hymenoptera allergens. Immunoblotting assay using pre- and post-Brl adsorption sera from wasp-allergic patients blotted with non-glycosylated recombinant antigens (rPoly p1, rPoly p5) from Polybia paulista wasp venom showed no change in reactivity pattern of sIgE that recognize allergen peptide epitopes. Our results, using Brl as a marker and CCD inhibitor to test sIgE reactivity, suggest that it could complement diagnostic methods and help to differentiate specific reactivity to allergens&rsquo, peptide epitopes from cross-reactivity caused by CCD, which is extremely useful in clinical practice.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:04:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-05-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Phospholipase A1 (PLA1) is one of the three major allergens identified in the venom of P. paulista (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), a clinically relevant wasp from southeastern Brazil. The recombinant form of this allergen (rPoly p 1) could be used for the development of molecular diagnostic of venom allergy. Early attempts to produce rPoly p 1 using Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells rendered high yields of the insoluble rPoly p 1 but with low levels of solubilized protein recovery (12%). Here, we aimed to improve the production of rPoly p 1 in E. coli by testing different conditions of expression, solubilization of the inclusion bodies and protein purification. The results showed that the expression at 16 °C and 0.1 mM of IPTG increased the production of rPoly p 1, still in the insoluble form, but with high solubilized protein yields after incubation with citrate–phosphate buffer with 0.15 M NaCl, 6 M urea, pH 2.6 at 25 ºC for 2 h. The venom allergen was also cloned in pPICZαA vector for soluble expression as a secreted protein in Pichia pastoris X-33 cells, rendering almost undetectable levels (nanograms) in the culture supernatant. In contrast, a sevenfold increase of the solubilized and purified rPoly p 1 yields (1.5 g/L of fermentation broth) was obtained after improved production in E. coli. The identity of the protein was confirmed with an anti-His antibody and MS spectra. Allergen-specific IgE (sIgE)-mediated recognition was evaluated in immunoblotting with sera of allergic patients (n = 40). Moreover, rPoly p 1 showed high levels of diagnostic sensitivity (95%). The optimized strategy for rPoly p 1 production described here, will provide the amounts of allergen necessary for the subsequent protein refolding, immunological characterization steps, and ultimately, to the development of molecular diagnostic for P. paulista venom allergy. Center for the Study of Social Insects Department of General and Applied Biology University of Sao Paulo State (UNESP/RC) Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. Biomedical Research Division System Biology Department, Ave. 31, e/ 158 and 190, Cubanacan, Playa, P.O. Box 6162 Laboratory of Translational Immunology School of Medical Sciences University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas Arthropod Molecular Biology Laboratory-LBMA-IB University of Sao Paulo State (UNESP/RC), Ave. 24-A, 1515- Bela Vista Venoms and Venomous Animal Studies Center-CEVAP University of São Paulo State (UNESP) Lageado Experimental Farm, José Barbosa de Barros Street, 1780 Center for the Study of Social Insects Department of General and Applied Biology University of Sao Paulo State (UNESP/RC) Arthropod Molecular Biology Laboratory-LBMA-IB University of Sao Paulo State (UNESP/RC), Ave. 24-A, 1515- Bela Vista Venoms and Venomous Animal Studies Center-CEVAP University of São Paulo State (UNESP) Lageado Experimental Farm, José Barbosa de Barros Street, 1780 FAPESP: # 2014/13936-7

Phospholipase A1 (PLA1) is one of the three major allergens identified in the venom of P. paulista (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), a clinically relevant wasp from southeastern Brazil. The recombinant form of this allergen (rPoly p 1) could be used for the development of molecular diagnostic of venom allergy. Early attempts to produce rPoly p 1 using Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells rendered high yields of the insoluble rPoly p 1 but with low levels of solubilized protein recovery (12%). Here, we aimed to improve the production of rPoly p 1 in E. coli by testing different conditions of expression, solubilization of the inclusion bodies and protein purification. The results showed that the expression at 16 °C and 0.1 mM of IPTG increased the production of rPoly p 1, still in the insoluble form, but with high solubilized protein yields after incubation with citrate–phosphate buffer with 0.15 M NaCl, 6 M urea, pH 2.6 at 25 ºC for 2 h. The venom allergen was also cloned in pPICZαA vector for soluble expression as a secreted protein in Pichia pastoris X-33 cells, rendering almost undetectable levels (nanograms) in the culture supernatant. In contrast, a sevenfold increase of the solubilized and purified rPoly p 1 yields (1.5 g/L of fermentation broth) was obtained after improved production in E. coli. The identity of the protein was confirmed with an anti-His antibody and MS spectra. Allergen-specific IgE (sIgE)-mediated recognition was evaluated in immunoblotting with sera of allergic patients (n = 40). Moreover, rPoly p 1 showed high levels of diagnostic sensitivity (95%). The optimized strategy for rPoly p 1 production described here, will provide the amounts of allergen necessary for the subsequent protein refolding, immunological characterization steps, and ultimately, to the development of molecular diagnostic for P. paulista venom allergy. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s13205-020-02202-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Purpose of Review Stings of Hymenoptera of the superfamily Vespoidea such as yellow jackets, paper wasps or stinging ants are common triggers for severe and even fatal allergic reactions. Antigen 5 allergens are potent allergens in the majority of these venoms with major importance for diagnosis and therapy. Reviewed here are the characteristics of antigen 5 allergens, their role in component-resolved diagnostics as well as current limitations of the available diagnostics for proper therapeutic decisions. Recent Findings Antigens 5 are proteins of unknown function in Hymenoptera venoms with high allergenic potency. They represent key elements in component-resolved diagnosis to discriminate between honeybee and vespid venom allergy. However, due to their pronounced cross-reactivity, there are remaining diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that have to be addressed. Summary Antigens 5 are highly relevant venom allergens of the Vespoidea superfamily. Although their use in component-resolved diagnosis facilitates dissection of cross-reactivity and primary allergy in double sensitization to honeybee and vespid venom, new diagnostic concepts are needed to discriminate between allergies to different vespid species.

Polybia paulista (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) is a neotropical social wasp from southeast Brazil. As most social Hymenoptera, venom from P. paulista comprises a complex mixture of bioactive toxins ranging from low molecular weight compounds to peptides and proteins. Several efforts have been made to elucidate the molecular composition of the P. paulista venom. Data derived from proteomic, peptidomic and allergomic analyses has enhanced our understanding of the whole envenoming process caused by the insect sting. The combined use of bioinformatics, -omics- and molecular biology tools have allowed the identification, characterization, in vitro synthesis and recombinant expression of several wasp venom toxins. Some of these P. paulista - derived bioactive compounds have been evaluated for the rational design of antivenoms and the improvement of allergy specific diagnosis and immunotherapy. Molecular characterization of crude venom extract has enabled the description and isolation of novel toxins with potential biotechnological applications. Here, we review the different approaches that have been used to unravel the venom composition of P. paulista. We also describe the main groups of P. paulista - venom toxins currently identified and analyze their potential in the development of component-resolved diagnosis of allergy, and in the rational design of antivenoms and novel bioactive drugs.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:10:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-06-01 Insect venom can cause systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Improvements in diagnosis and venom immunotherapy (VIT) are based on a better understanding of an immunological response triggered by venom allergens. Previously, we demonstrated that the recombinant phospholipase A1 (rPoly p 1) from Polybia paulista wasp venom induces specific IgE and IgG antibodies in sensitized mice, which recognized the native allergen. Here, we addressed the T cell immune response of rPoly p 1-sensitized BALB/c mice. Cultures of splenocytes were stimulated with Polybia paulista venom extract and the proliferation of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and the frequency of T regulatory cells (Tregs) populations were assessed by flow cytometry. Cytokines were quantified in cell culture supernatants in ELISA assays. The in vitro stimulation of T cells from sensitized mice induces a significant proliferation of CD4+ T cells, but not of CD8+ T cells. The cytokine pattern showed a high concentration of IFN- and IL-6, and no significant differences to IL-4, IL-1 and TGF- 1 production. In addition, the rPoly p 1 group showed a pronounced expansion of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ and CD4+CD25-FoxP3+ Tregs. rPoly p 1 sensitization induces a Th1/Treg profile in CD4+ T cell subset, suggesting its potential use in wasp venom immunotherapy. Laboratory of Translational Immunology Medicine School FCM University of Campinas Center of the Study of Social Insects Department of General and Applied Biology Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro S o Paulo State University Laboratory of Arthropods Molecular Biology IBRC UNESP S o Paulo State University Venoms and Venomous Animal Studies Center CEVAP S o Paulo State University Laboratory of Arthropods Molecular Biology IBRC UNESP S o Paulo State University

Although systemic reactions caused by allergenic proteins present in venoms affect a small part of the world population, Hymenoptera stings are among the main causes of immediate hypersensitivity responses, with risk of anaphylactic shock. In the attempt to obtain therapeutic treatments and prophylaxis to hypersensitivity responses, interest in the molecular characterization of these allergens has grown in the scientific community due to the promising results obtained in immunological and clinical studies. The present review provides an update on the knowledge regarding the immune response and the therapeutic potential of Antigen 5 derived from Hymenoptera venom. The results confirm that the identification and topology of epitopes, associated with molecular regions that interact with antibodies, are crucial to the improvement of hypersensitivity diagnostic methods.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:16:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-01-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Molecular cross-reactivity caused by allergen homology or cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) is a major challenge for diagnosis and immunotherapy of insect venom allergy. Venom phospholipases A1 (PLA1s) are classical, mostly non-glycosylated wasp and ant allergens that provide diagnostic benefit for differentiation of genuine sensitizations from cross-reactivity. As CCD-free molecules, venom PLA1s are not causative for CCD-based cross-reactivity. Little is known however about the protein-based cross-reactivity of PLA1 within vespid species. Here, we address PLA1-based cross-reactivity among ten clinically relevant Hymenoptera venoms from Neotropical and temperate regions including Polybia paulista (paulistinha) venom and Vespula vulgaris (yellow jacket) venom. In order to evaluate cross-reactivity, sera of mice sensitized with recombinant PLA1 (rPoly p 1) from P. paulista wasp venom were used. Pronounced IgE and IgG based cross-reactivity was detected for wasp venoms regardless the geographical region of origin. The cross-reactivity correlated well with the identity of the primary sequence and 3-D models of PLA1 proteins. In contrast, these mice sera showed no reaction with honeybee (HBV) and fire ant venom. Furthermore, sera from patients monosensitized to HBV and fire ants did not recognize the rPoly p 1 in immunoblotting. Our findings reveal the presence of conserved epitopes in the PLA1s from several clinically relevant wasps as major cause of PLA1-based in vitro cross-reactivity. These findings emphasize the limitations but also the potential of PLA1-based HVA diagnostics. Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Artrópodes-LBMA-IBRC-UNESP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. 24-A, n_1515, Bela Vista Laboratório de Imunologia Translacional Faculdade de Ciências Médicas FCM Universidade Estadual de Campinas-UNICAMP, Rua Vital Brasil, n_ 300, Cidade Universitária “Zeferino Vaz” Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Biomedical Research Division System Biology Department, Ave. 31, e/158 and 190, P.O. Box 6162, Cubanacan, Playa Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais-CEIS-IBRC-UNESP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. 24-A, n° 1515, Bela Vista Immunological Engineering Department of Engineering Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10 Euroimmun AG, Seekamp 21 Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos-CEVAP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Rua José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, Fazenda Experimental Lageado Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Artrópodes-LBMA-IBRC-UNESP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. 24-A, n_1515, Bela Vista Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais-CEIS-IBRC-UNESP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. 24-A, n° 1515, Bela Vista Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos-CEVAP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Rua José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, Fazenda Experimental Lageado FAPESP: 2013/26451-9

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:45:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-01-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Introduction Literature data have shown that the consumption of dietary proteins may cause modulatory effects on the host immune system, process denominated oral tolerance by bystander suppression. It has been shown that the bystander suppression induced by dietary proteins can improve inflammatory diseases such as experimental arthritis. Here, we evaluated the effects of oral tolerance induced by ingestion of ovalbumin (OVA) on TNBS-induced colitis in mice, an experimental model for human Crohn's disease. Methods and Results Colitis was induced in BALB/c mice by instilling a single dose of TNBS (100 mg/kg) in ethanol into the colon. Tolerized mice received OVA (4mg/mL) dissolved in the drinking water for seven consecutive days, prior to or concomitantly with the intrarectal instillation. Control groups received protein-free water and ethanol by intrarectal route. We observed that either the prior or concomitant induction of oral tolerance were able to reduce the severity of colitis as noted by recovery of body weight gain, improvement of clinical signs and reduction of histological abnormalities. The in vitro proliferation of spleen cells from tolerant colitic mice was lower than that of control mice, the same as the frequencies of CD4+ T cells secreting IL-17 and IFN-ã. The frequencies of regulatory T cells and T cells secreting IL-10 have increased significantly in mice orally treated with OVA. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-17A, TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-ã) were lower in supernatants of cells from tolerant colitic mice, whereas IL-10 levels were higher. Conclusion Our data show that the modulation of immune response induced by oral tolerance reduces the severity of experimental colitis. Such modulation may be partially attributed to the increase of Treg cells and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral lymphoid organs of tolerant mice by bystander suppression. Department of Genetics Evolution and Bioagents Institute of Biology State University of Campinas UNICAMP Institute of Biosciences Universidade Estadual Paulista UNESP Faculty of Food Engineering University of Campinas UNICAMP Department of Histology and Embryology Institute of Biology State University of Campinas UNICAMP Department of Biomedical Science Faculty of Americana FAM Institute of Biosciences Universidade Estadual Paulista UNESP FAPESP: 2013/20258-2#2014/086192#2015/09326-1#2014/1670102014/08591-0

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:07:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-12-15 Polybia paulista (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) is a clinically relevant social wasp that frequently causes stinging accidents in southeast Brazil. To date, diagnosis and specific immunotherapy (SIT) of allergy are based on the use of crude venom extracts. Production of recombinant forms of major allergens from P. paulista venom will improve diagnosis and SIT of allergic patients by reducing the incidence of cross-reactivity and non-specific sensitization. Here, we describe the molecular cloning, heterologous expression, purification and IgE-mediated immunodetection of phospholipase A1 (Poly p 1), a major allergen from P. paulista venom. The cDNA of Poly p 1 was extracted from venom glands and then cloned, and further expression of the recombinant allergen (rPoly p 1) was achieved in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells. Purification of rPoly p 1 was performed using immobilized Ni2+ metal affinity chromatography. Also, a single-step chromatographic method allowed the purification of native Poly p 1 (nPoly p 1) from the wasp's venom glands. We used western blotting to evaluate IgE-reactivity of the sera from 10 P. paulista venom-allergic patients to rPoly p 1 and nPoly p 1. High levels of insoluble rPoly p 1 were obtained during heterologous expression. After solubilization of inclusion bodies and purification of the recombinant protein, a unique band of ∼34 kDa was detected in SDS-PAGE analysis. Allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) from allergic patients' sera recognized rPoly p 1, nPoly p 1 and crude venom extract to a similar extent. Our results showed that rPoly p 1 could be used for development of component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) and molecular-defined SIT of P. paulista venom allergy. Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Artrópodes-LBMA-IBRC-UNESP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. 24-A, nº 1515, Bela Vista, CEP Laboratório de Mutagênese Ambiental, Avenida 24-A, nº 1515, Bela Vista, CEP Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Biomedical Research Division System Biology Department, Ave. 31, e/ 158 and 190, P.O. Box 6162, Cubanacan Laboratório de Imunologia Translacional Faculdade de Ciências Médicas FCM Universidade Estadual de Campinas-UNICAMP, Rua Vital Brasil, nº 300, Cidade Universitária “Zeferino Vaz”, CEP Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais-CEIS-IBRC-UNESP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. 24-A, nº 1515, Bela Vista, CEP Instituto de Pesquisa em Bioenergia (IPBEN) (Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. 24-A, nº1515, Bela Vista, CEP Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos-CEVAP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Rua José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, Fazenda Experimental Lageado Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Artrópodes-LBMA-IBRC-UNESP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. 24-A, nº 1515, Bela Vista, CEP Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais-CEIS-IBRC-UNESP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. 24-A, nº 1515, Bela Vista, CEP Instituto de Pesquisa em Bioenergia (IPBEN) (Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. 24-A, nº1515, Bela Vista, CEP Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos-CEVAP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Rua José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, Fazenda Experimental Lageado

Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-27T11:28:40Z No. of bitstreams: 0 Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-27T11:28:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2013-03-15 In this study, we describe the cDNA cloning, sequencing, and 3-D structure of the allergen hyaluronidase from Polybia paulista venom (Pp-Hyal). Using a proteomic approach, the native form of Pp-Hyal was purified to homogeneity and used to produce a Pp-specific polyclonal antibody. The results revealed that Pp-Hyal can be classified as a glycosyl hydrolase and that the full-length Pp-Hyal cDNA (1315 bp; GI: 302201582) is similar (80-90%) to hyaluronidase from the venoms of endemic Northern wasp species. The isolated mature protein is comprised of 338 amino acids, with a theoretical pI of 8.77 and a molecular mass of 39,648.8 Da versus a pI of 8.13 and 43,277.0 Da indicated by MS. The Pp-Hyal 3D-structural model revealed a central core (α/β)7 barrel, two sulfide bonds (Cys 19-308 and Cys 185-197), and three putative glycosylation sites (Asn79, Asn187, and Asn325), two of which are also found in the rVes v 2 protein. Based on the model, residues Ser299, Asp107, and Glu109 interact with the substrate and potential epitopes (five conformational and seven linear) located at surface-exposed regions of the structure. Purified native Pp-Hyal showed high similarity (97%) with hyaluronidase from Polistes annularis venom (Q9U6V9). Immunoblotting analysis confirmed the specificity of the Pp-Hyal-specific antibody as it recognized the Pp-Hyal protein in both the purified fraction and P. paulista crude venom. No reaction was observed with the venoms of Apis mellifera, Solenopsis invicta, Agelaia pallipes pallipes, and Polistes lanio lanio, with the exception of immune cross-reactivity with venoms of the genus Polybia (sericea and ignobilis). Our results demonstrate cross-reactivity only between wasp venoms from the genus Polybia. The absence of cross-reactivity between the venoms of wasps and bees observed here is important because it allows identification of the insect responsible for sensitization, or at least of the phylogenetically closest insect, in order to facilitate effective immunotherapy in allergic patients. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. Lab. de Biologia Molecular de Artrópodes-LBMA IBRC-UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Av. 24-A, no 1515, CEP 13506-900, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais CEIS-IBRC UNESP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. 24-A, no 1515, CEP 13506-900, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP Fazenda Experimental Lageado, Rua José Barbosa de Barros No. 1780, CEP 18610-307, Botucatu, SP Faculdades Integradas Claretianas, Av. Sto. Antonio Maria Claret, no 1724, CEP 13503-257, Cidade Claret, Rio Claro, SP Laboratório de Imunologia and Alergia Experimental-LIAE Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, FCM Universidade Estadual de Campinas-UNICAMP, Cidade Universitaria Zeferino Vaz, Rua Tessalia Vieira de Camargo, no 126, CEP 13083-887, Campinas, SP Lab. de Biologia Molecular de Artrópodes-LBMA IBRC-UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Av. 24-A, no 1515, CEP 13506-900, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais CEIS-IBRC UNESP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. 24-A, no 1515, CEP 13506-900, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP

Acid proteases represent an important group of enzymes, widely used in food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. For most of these applications the enzymatic preparation must be at least partially purified and free of substances that could change the characteristics of the product or the process. Fungal proteases have replaced other sources because they are easily obtained mainly from Mucor, Rhizopus, Penicillium and Aspergillus species. A strain of Aspergillus clavatus was selected by producing high level of acid protease activity. An extracellular aspartatic protease from this strain was purified 37.2 times with 37% recovery using (NH4)2SO4 fractionation and ion-exchange chromatography. The enzyme was found to be monomeric having a molecular mass of 30.4 kDa. The purified enzyme is an acid protease with optimum pH of 5.5 and temperature for optimum activity of 50 °C. Its high pH stability was verified in the range of 3.5–6.5. The acid protease was strongly inhibited by Hg+2 and partially inhibited by Cu+2, Zn+2 and Mn+2. The enzyme was sensitive to denaturing agent SDS and activated by thiol-containing reducing agent dithiotreitol (DTT). The protease activity was not influenced by iodoacetic acid, E-64 and PMSF, while it was lightly actived by EDTA and totally inhibited by pepstatin, with a Ki of 7.8 μM, indicating that is an aspartic protease. A. clavatus acid protease presents interesting characteristics for biotechnological process, such as cheese and flavor manufacture and dietary supplements, in which activity and stability in acid pH are required.

Trichoderma is one of the fungi genera that produce important metabolites for industry. The growth of these organisms is a consequence of the nutritional sources used as also of the physical conditions employed to cultivate them. In this work, the automated Bioscreen C system was used to evaluate the influence of different nutritional sources on the growth of Trichoderma strains (T. hamatum, T. harzianum, T. viride, and T. longibrachiatum) isolated from the soil in the Juréia-Itatins Ecological Station (JIES), São Paulo State - Brazil.The cultures were grown in liquid culture media containing different carbon- (2%; w/v) and nitrogen (1%; w/v) sources at 28ºC, pH 6.5, and agitated at 150 rpm for 72 h. The results showed, as expected, that glucose is superior to sucrose as a growth-stimulating carbon source in the Trichoderma strains studied, while yeast extract and tryptone were good growth-stimulating nitrogen sources in the cultivation of T. hamatum and T. harzianum.Trichoderma é um dos gêneros de fungos produtores de metabólitos de interesse industrial. O crescimento destes organismos é conseqüência das fontes nutricionais utilizadas, juntamente com as condições físicas de cultivo. Neste trabalho, o sistema automatizado Bioscreen C foi utilizado para avaliar a influência de diferentes fontes nutricionais sobre o crescimento de linhagens de Trichoderma (T. hamatum, T. harzianum, T. viride e T. longibrachiatum) isoladas do solo da Estação Ecológica da Juréia-Itatins (JIES), São Paulo - Brasil. Os cultivos foram feitos em meios líquidos de cultura contendo diferentes fontes de carbono (2%; w / v) e nitrogênio (1%; w / v) a 28ºC, pH 6,5 e agitados a 150 rpm durante 72 h. Os resultados mostraram, conforme esperado, que a glicose é melhor do que a sacarose como fonte de carbono indutora de crescimento das linhagens de Trichoderma testadas, enquanto que, o extrato de leveduras e a triptona foram boas fontes de nitrogênio indutoras de crescimento para os cultivos de T. hamatum e T. harzianum.

Phrixotrix (railroad worm) luciferases produce bioluminescence in the green and red regions of the spectrum, depending on the location of the lanterns, and are the only luciferases naturally producing red bioluminescence. Comparison of the luciferase sequences showed a set of substitutions that could be involved in bioluminescence colour determination: (a) unique substitutions in the red luciferase replacing otherwise invariant residues; (b) conserved basic residues in the green–yellow emitting luciferases; and (c) an additional R353 residue in red-emitting luciferase (Viviani et al., 1999). To investigate whether these sites have a functional role in bioluminescence colour determination, we performed a site-directed mutagenesis. Natural substitutions in the region 220–344 and residues in the putative luciferin-binding site were also investigated. With the exception of the previously identified substitution of R215 and T226 (Viviani et al., 2002), which display dramatic red-shift effects on the spectrum of green–yellow-emitting luciferases, only a few substitutions had a moderate effect on the spectrum of the green-emitting luciferase. In contrast, no single substitution affected the spectrum of the red-emitting luciferase. The results suggest that the identity of the active site residues is not so critical for determining red bioluminescence in PxRE luciferase. Rather, the conformation assumed during the emitting step could be critical to set up proper interactions with excited oxyluciferin. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-12-07T15:33:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-12-07T15:52:35Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 PMC4516928.pdf: 648864 bytes, checksum: 75ea738e8072856dd8981382ff890978 (MD5) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Fundação para o Desenvolvimento da UNESP (FUNDUNESP) Coordenadação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Along with food and drug allergic reactions, a Hymenoptera insect Sting (Apoidea, Vespidae, Formicidae) is one of the most common causes of anaphylaxis worldwide. Diagnoses of Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) and specific immunotherapy (SIT) have been based on the use of crude venom extracts. However, the incidence of cross-reactivity and low levels of sensibility during diagnosis, as well as the occurrence of nonspecific sensitization and undesired side effects during SIT, encourage the search for novel allergenic materials. Recombinant allergens are an interesting approach to improve allergy diagnosis and SIT because they circumvent major problems associated with the use of crude venom. Production of recombinant allergens depends on the profound molecular characterization of the natural counterpart by combining some omics approaches with high-throughput screening techniques and the selection of an appropriate system for heterologous expression. To date, several clinically relevant allergens and novel venom toxins have been identified, cloned and characterized, enabling a better understanding of the whole allergenic and envenoming processes. Here, we review recent findings on identification, molecular characterization and recombinant expression of Hymenoptera venom allergens and on the evaluation of these heterologous proteins as valuable tools for tackling remaining pitfalls on HVA diagnosis and immunotherapy. Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Universidade Estadual Paulista, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências de Rio Claro Universidade Estadual Paulista, Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos de Botucatu FAPESP: 2014/13936-7 FUNDUNESP: 0119710 FAPESP: 2009/51539-1

Made available in DSpace on 2021-07-14T10:30:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2003 Cotesia glomerata is a natural enemy of the vegetable plague Ascia monuste orseis and preferably parasites 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae. Parasitism effects on the haemolymph protein profile of Ascia monuste orseis larvae from the 2nd to 7th days were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively by SDS-PAGE and Coomassie-Blue binding methods. Quantitative analysis showed a progressive increase in the protein content of about 6.5 and 12.5 times in parasitized and non-parasitized larvae from the 2nd to 5th days, respectively. On the 6th day, a decrease in protein content was observed in both groups, although this decrease was significantly less than the control group that continued to metamorphosis. Meanwhile, parasitized larvae had one more day (7th day) in their larval period to complete parasitoid development, justified by the fact that parasitoid is koinobiont and allows host feeding. On this day, a drastic increase in protein content was detected when the parasitoids left the host. The SDS-PAGE showed proteins of high molecular weight (>120 kDa) on the 5th day of the non-parasitized larvae when they entered pre-pupa stage and on the 7th day of parasitized larvae. Proteins with MW lower than 62 kDa and higher than 27 kDa were absent on the 5th day in control larvae (pre-pupa phase), but present in parasitized larvae. This could indicate a possible relation between these proteins and the host juvenile hormone. Therefore, the presence of C. glomerata influences Ascia monuste orseis development, but its own physiological development is apparently independent of the host, which tends to die when parasitism succeeds. Universidade Estadual Paulista, Instituto Básico Universidade Estadual Paulista, Instituto Básico

The number and degree of digestion of pollen grains in the midgut and rectum, the midgut proteolytic activity and the time of pollen grain passage through the digestive tract in the stingless bee Scaptotrigona postica (Latreille) have been analyzed. The results show similar protein requirements among larvae, nurse bees and queens, as well as between forager bees and old males, but these requirements are higher in individuals from the former groups than in those from the latter. Although protein requirements have been demonstrated to vary according to a bee's activity in the colony, they are similar among bees from different castes or sexes. These changes in feeding behavior are related to the bee's function and to less competition for nourishment among individuals of the colony. It is also noted that pollen grains took between 6 and 28 h to pass through the digestive tract. Pollen grains are irregularly accumulated in the various regions of the midgut, which may reflect functional differentiation throughout the midgut.

To date, there are no allergenic extracts or components available in Brazil to diagnosis and treatment of patients with venom allergy from social wasp (Vespidae Family; Polistinae Subfamily) despite of the great number of existing species. We evaluated the immunogenic potential of the Hyal recombinant protein (Pp-Hyal-rec) which was expressed in an insoluble form in comparison with the allergenic native protein (Pp-Hyal-nat) for recognition of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the serum of allergic patients to venom of the endemic social wasp Polybia paulista from Sao Paulo State, Brazil. Hyal cDNA from the venom of the social wasp P. paulista (Pp-Hyal) (GI: 302201582) was cloned into the expression vector pET-28a in Escherichia coli DE3 (BL21) cells. Solubilization and purification of Pp-Hyal-rec from inclusion bodies were performed using Ni(2+) affinity chromatography (Ni-NTA-Agarose) under denaturing conditions. Both the native (Pp-Hyal-nat) and the recombinant (Pp-Hyal-rec) purified allergens were used for Western blotting to assess the levels of Pp-Hyal-IgE specific in the serum of 10 patients exclusively reactive to the venom of the social wasp P. paulista. The immune sera specifically recognized the band corresponding to the Pp-Hyal-rec protein (40 kDa) at a higher intensity than the native allergen (39 kDa). The sera recognized other proteins in P. paulista crude venom extract to a lesser extent, likely corresponding to other venom allergens such as phospholipase (34 kDa), Antigen 5 (25 kDa), and proteases. The recognition pattern of the immune sera to the Pp-Hyal-rec allergen strongly suggests that this recombinant antigen could be used for developing a diagnostic allergy test as well as for specific immunotherapy (IT).

Made available in DSpace on 2021-07-14T10:38:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2000 Some properties of a Africanized honeybee venom proteases were determined by enzymatic assays in solution, electrophoresis in SDS-PAGE, and gel filtration. Bee venom extracts were obtained by reservoir disruption, selective dialysis (cut off 12 kDa) to eliminate small components, such as the protease inhibitor present in the venom, and then fractionation of the dialyzed extract by gel filtration on a Sephadex G-100 column. The optimal conditions for the caseinolytic assays were pH 9.5, 2-hour digestion at 37 °C, and 1% casein concentration. The proteolytic activity was also determined by electrophoresis in SDS-PAGE with co-polymerized gelatin with three major bands of 66.0, 41.6, and 25.1 kDa. A principal serine-protease-like mechanism was revealed in the enriched fraction of proteolytic activity. Universidade Estadual Paulista, Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals - CEVAP Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, Department of Biology Universidade Estadual Paulista, Center of Study of Social Insects Universidade Estadual Paulista, Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals - CEVAP Universidade Estadual Paulista, Center of Study of Social Insects

An endoxylanase (β-1,4-xylan xylanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.8) was purified from the culture filtrate of a strain of Aspergillus versicolor grown on oat wheat. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-75. The purified enzyme was a monomer of molecular mass estimated to be 19 kDa by SDS-PAGE and gel filtration. The enzyme was glycoprotein with 71% carbohydrate content and exhibited a pI of 5.4. The purified xylanase was specific for xylan hydrolysis. The enzyme had a K m of 6.5 mg ml −1 and a V max of 1440 U (mg protein) −1 .

1. The comparison of molecular exclusion cromatography profiles of venoms from sting apparatuses of Apis mellifera ligustica, Apis mellifera adansonii and Africanized honey-bees in Sephadex G-100 revealed both qualitative and quantitative differences. 2. The venoms from A.m. ligustica and A.m. adansonii presented, respectively, three and two peaks characteristic of each sub-species, while Africanized honey-bee was characterized by the absence of eight peaks common to the former. 3. The polypeptides with M r in the range from 100,000 to 7500 Da correspond respectively to 62.0%, 66.6% and 68.7% of total proteins from the venon of A.m. ligustica, A.m. adansonii and Africanized honey-bees, while the peptidic fraction with M r range from 4100 to 2000 Da corresponds to 11.4%, 32.4% and 10.2% of venom protein, respectively.

Lysine-ketoglutarate reductase catalyzes the first step of lysine catabolism in maize (Zea mays L.) endosperm. The enzyme condenses l-lysine and α-ketoglutarate into saccharopine using NADPH as cofactor. It is endosperm-specific and has a temporal pattern of activity, increasing with the onset of kernel development, reaching a peak 20 to 25 days after pollination, and there-after decreasing as the kernel approaches maturity. The enzyme was extracted from the developing maize endosperm and partially purified by ammonium-sulfate precipitation, anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, and affinity chromatography on Blue-Sepharose CL-6B. The preparation obtained from affinity chromatography was enriched 275-fold and had a specific activity of 411 nanomoles per minute per milligram protein. The native and denaturated enzyme is a 140 kilodalton protein as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme showed specificity for its substrates and was not inhibited by either aminoethyl-cysteine or glutamate. Steady-state product-inhibition studies revealed that saccharopine was a noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to α-ketoglutarate and a competitive inhibitor with respect to lysine. This is suggestive of a rapid equilibrium-ordered binding mechanism with a binding order of lysine, α-ketoglutarate, NADPH. The enzyme activity was investigated in two maize inbred lines with homozygous normal and opaque-2 endosperms. The pattern of lysine-ketoglutarate reductase activity is coordinated with the rate of zein accumulation during endosperm development. A coordinated regulation of enzyme activity and zein accumulation was observed in the opaque-2 endosperm as the activity and zein levels were two to three times lower than in the normal endosperm. Enzyme extracted from L1038 normal and opaque-2 20 days after pollination was partially purified by DEAE-cellulose chromatography. Both genotypes showed a similar elution pattern with a single activity peak eluted at approximately 0.2 molar KCL. The molecular weight and physical properties of the normal and opaque-2 enzymes were essentially the same. We suggest that the Opaque-2 gene, which is a transactivator of the 22 kilodalton zein genes, may be involved in the regulation of the lysine-ketoglutarate reductase gene in maize endosperm. In addition, the decreased reductase activity caused by the opaque-2 mutation may explain, at least in part, the elevated concentration of lysine found in the opaque-2 endosperm.

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T18:41:29Z No. of bitstreams: 1 S1517-83822009000200035.pdf: 168638 bytes, checksum: 402d2e57f337a24a7065615e96e0858b (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T18:41:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S1517-83822009000200035.pdf: 168638 bytes, checksum: 402d2e57f337a24a7065615e96e0858b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-06-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T19:28:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1517-83822009000200035.pdf: 168638 bytes, checksum: 402d2e57f337a24a7065615e96e0858b (MD5) S1517-83822009000200035.pdf.txt: 33366 bytes, checksum: b33e88b168384142499e5969d81c3a0b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-06-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:54:54Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S1517-83822009000200035.pdf: 168638 bytes, checksum: 402d2e57f337a24a7065615e96e0858b (MD5) S1517-83822009000200035.pdf.txt: 33366 bytes, checksum: b33e88b168384142499e5969d81c3a0b (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:54:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1517-83822009000200035.pdf: 168638 bytes, checksum: 402d2e57f337a24a7065615e96e0858b (MD5) S1517-83822009000200035.pdf.txt: 33366 bytes, checksum: b33e88b168384142499e5969d81c3a0b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-06-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Trichoderma é um dos gêneros de fungos produtores de metabólitos de interesse industrial. O crescimento destes organismos é conseqüência das fontes nutricionais utilizadas, juntamente com as condições físicas de cultivo. Neste trabalho, o sistema automatizado Bioscreen C foi utilizado para avaliar a influência de diferentes fontes nutricionais sobre o crescimento de linhagens de Trichoderma (T. hamatum, T. harzianum, T. viride e T. longibrachiatum) isoladas do solo da Estação Ecológica da Juréia-Itatins (JIES), São Paulo - Brasil. Os cultivos foram feitos em meios líquidos de cultura contendo diferentes fontes de carbono (2%; w / v) e nitrogênio (1%; w / v) a 28ºC, pH 6,5 e agitados a 150 rpm durante 72 h. Os resultados mostraram, conforme esperado, que a glicose é melhor do que a sacarose como fonte de carbono indutora de crescimento das linhagens de Trichoderma testadas, enquanto que, o extrato de leveduras e a triptona foram boas fontes de nitrogênio indutoras de crescimento para os cultivos de T. hamatum e T. harzianum. Trichoderma is one of the fungi genera that produce important metabolites for industry. The growth of these organisms is a consequence of the nutritional sources used as also of the physical conditions employed to cultivate them. In this work, the automated Bioscreen C system was used to evaluate the influence of different nutritional sources on the growth of Trichoderma strains (T. hamatum, T. harzianum, T. viride, and T. longibrachiatum) isolated from the soil in the Juréia-Itatins Ecological Station (JIES), São Paulo State - Brazil.The cultures were grown in liquid culture media containing different carbon- (2%; w/v) and nitrogen (1%; w/v) sources at 28ºC, pH 6.5, and agitated at 150 rpm for 72 h. The results showed, as expected, that glucose is superior to sucrose as a growth-stimulating carbon source in the Trichoderma strains studied, while yeast extract and tryptone were good growth-stimulating nitrogen sources in the cultivation of T. hamatum and T. harzianum. Universidade Estadual de Campinas Departamento de Bioquímica Universidade Estadual Paulista Departamento de Biologia Universidade Estadual Paulista Centro de Estudos Ambientais Universidade Estadual Paulista Departamento de Bioquímica e Microbiologia Universidade Estadual Paulista Departamento de Biologia Universidade Estadual Paulista Centro de Estudos Ambientais Universidade Estadual Paulista Departamento de Bioquímica e Microbiologia

Made available in DSpace on 2021-07-14T10:30:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005-09. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-14T11:31:53Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S1678-91992005000300007.pdf: 284696 bytes, checksum: cd5f0e59e9184685913000b64fa4a591 (MD5) Large scale mass rearing of natural enemies has been a mean of improving biological control in the sugarcane intensive agriculture. Among them, Cotesia flavipes, a gregarious koinobiont endoparasitoid, was imported by Brasil to control caterpillars of the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis. The C. flavipes larval development depends on its association with polydnavirus, which blocks the host defense reaction. To verify if the oviposition sequence (1st, 2nd or 3rd) and the female condition (mated or virgin) interfere in the number of C. flavipes descendents, 4th instar caterpillars of D. saccharalis were parasitized. Analysis of the data showed that: a) there is an inverse correlation between the parasitism efficiency and the host reaction (encapsulation); b) the number of caterpillars parasitized by virgin females that released parasitoid larvae in the period from 12 to 15 days was higher than that of caterpillars parasitized by mated females; c) a slight difference between mated and virgin females in relation to the parasitim success was observed; and d) the number of encapsulated parasitoid larvae was higher than that of eggs, suggesting that eggs have a better capacity to overcome the host reaction. In this study, the viability of C. flavipes eggs and larvae in the non-specific host D. saccharalis could be correlated with the oviposition sequence and the female condition. Universidade Estadual Paulista, Institute of Biosciences Universidade Estadual Paulista, Institute of Biosciences

Fireflies emit flashes in the green-yellow region of the spectrum for the purpose of sexual attraction. The bioluminescence color is determined by the luciferases. It is well known that the in vitro bioluminescence color of firefly luciferases can be shifted toward the red by lower pH and higher temperature; for this reason they are classified as pH-sensitive luciferases. However, the mechanism and structural origin of pH sensitivity in fireflies remains unknown. Here we report the cloning of a new luciferase from the Brazilian twilight active firefly Macrolampis sp2, which displays an unusual bimodal spectrum. The recombinant luciferase displays a sensitive spectrum with the peak at 569 nm and a shoulder in the red region. Comparison of the bioluminescence spectra of Macrolampis, Photinus and Cratomorphus firefly luciferases shows that the distinct colors are determined by the ratio between green and red emitters under luciferase influence. Comparison of Macrolampis luciferase with the highly similar North American Photinus pyralis luciferase (91%) showed few substitutions potentially involved with the higher spectral sensitivity in Macrolampis luciferase. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that the natural substitution E354N determines the appearance of the shoulder in the red region of Macrolampis luciferase bioluminescence spectrum, helping to identify important interactions and residues involved in the pH-sensing mechanism in firefly luciferases.

Hymenoptera venoms are complex mixtures containing simple organic molecules, proteins, peptides, and other bioactive elements. Several of these components have been isolated and characterized, and their primary structures determined by biochemical techniques. These compounds are responsible for many toxic or allergic reactions in different organisms, such as local pain, inflammation, itching, irritation, and moderate or severe allergic reactions. The most extensively characterized Hymenoptera venoms are bee venoms, mainly from the Apis genus and also from social wasps and ant species. However, there is little information about other Hymenoptera groups. The Apis venom presents high molecular weight molecules - enzymes with a molecular weight higher than 10.0 kDa - and peptides. The best studied enzymes are phospholipase A2, responsible for cleaving the membrane phospholipids, hyaluronidase, which degrades the matrix component hyaluronic acid into non-viscous segments and acid phosphatase acting on organic phosphates. The main peptide compounds of bee venom are lytic peptide melittin, apamin (neurotoxic), and mastocyte degranulating peptide (MCD).

Made available in DSpace on 2021-07-14T10:38:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 1995 The presence of a polydnavirus in the ovary of the microhymenoptera Apanteles galleriae was detected. This wasp parasites the larvae of the wax moth Galleria mellonella. To study the possible viral effects on the total protein of G.mellonella, hemolymph extracts of the ovary calyxes of parasitized A. galleriae were injected into 6th and 7th instar cells of G.mellonella larvae. Protein profiles on polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE) of host cell extracts showed a suppression of several protein bands when infection occurred in the 6th instar. However, in the 7th instar, parasitism caused an amplification in the synthesis of most proteins with some changes in the electrophoretic profile. UNESP, Department of Ecology of the Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro UNESP, Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals - CEVAP UNESP, Department of Biology of the Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro UNESP, Department of Ecology of the Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro UNESP, Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals - CEVAP UNESP, Department of Biology of the Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro

Made available in DSpace on 2021-07-14T10:38:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 1995 A comparison among the profiles of molecular exclusion chromatography in Sephadex G 100 column of venoms from Apis mellifera adansonii and Africanized honeybees revealed unique peaks which might be used to identify these populations. The venoms from hybrid populations resulting from the reciprocal mating of Apis mellifera adansonii and Africanized honeybees presented unique peaks, probably resulting from a synergistic effect between the parental genomes. The occurrence of characteristic peaks in venoms of hybrid populations might be used to identify these populations as well as to distinguish them from their parents. UNESP, Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals - CEVAP Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, Department of Biology UNESP, Center for the Study of Social Insects - CEIS UNESP, Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals - CEVAP UNESP, Center for the Study of Social Insects - CEIS

Background Between 9.3 and 28.5% of world population are estimated to be allergic to the protein components of Hymenoptera venom and among them, the hyaluronidase (HYAL) is one of the most important, although the nature of its IgE binding epitopes is unknown. Methods Enzyme was purified from P. paulista venom by cation exchange chromatography in AKTA-FPLC system with a Hiprep CM FF column. Fractions with HYAL activity were pooled, lyophilized, dialyzed against distilled water in presence of protease inhibitor (PMSF) and subjected to SDS-PAGE 15%. The only protein bands visualized were submitted to tryptic digestion and to MALDI-ToF/ToF mass spectrometry. Digested peptides produced were compared with partial/complete protein sequences from Data Bank including with the HYAL (Q9U6V9) of Polistes annularis venom used as model. Western blotting was performed with Pp-HYAL-specific antibody to test the identity of pure protein. Results All analysis performed identified the pure protein as an HYAL present in P.paulista venom, which also had its cDNA sequence (GI:302201582) cloned and determined in previous studies, being its high similarity with the Polistes annularis enzyme already confirmed. The mature allergenic protein has 338 amino acids and a molecular weight of 39 KDa. The same allergen is known in other insects, venoms and immunological cross reactivity may sometimes be observed among closely related species. Here, the immunoblotting assay revealed that the Pp-HYAL-specific antibody used recognized the correspondent protein in the purified fraction and in the crude venom of P. paulista, but not in the Apis mellifera and Solenopsis invicta venoms. Conclusions The methodology used was able to purify the allergen, which is a key step in the characterization of its binding epitopes. Such knowledge has direct implications in accuracy of diagnostic procedures and strategies for specific immunotherapy of allergic patients to the venom of this insect. Funding: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP).

Using a combination of Chromatographic and sucrose density gradient techniques under carefully controlled conditions of pH and protease inhibitors, we demonstrate that there is only one form of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase in the cytosol fraction of the Blastocladiella emersonii zoospore. If any of these conditions are omitted during extract preparation, one obtains what are apparently multiple forms of the enzyme, which are in reality artifacts due to extensive endogenous proteolytic activity. This endogenous protease is stimulated by alkaline pH and inhibited by antipain. The zoospore protein kinase is similar to type II protein kinase from mammalian cells in several aspects including Chromatographic behavior on DEAE-cellulose column, conditions for subunit dissociation and reassociation, as well as the molecular weight value of the regulatory subunit.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:14:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-09-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Polybia paulista (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) is responsible for a high number of sting accidents and anaphylaxis events in Southeast Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. The specific detection of allergy to the venom of this wasp is often hampered by the lack of recombinant allergens currently available for molecular diagnosis. Antigen 5 (~23 kDa) from P. paulista venom (Poly p 5) is a highly abundant and glycosylated allergenic protein that could be used for development of component-resolved diagnosis (CRD). Here, we describe the cloning and heterologous expression of the antigen 5 (rPoly p 5) from P. paulista venom using the eukaryotic system Pichia pastoris. The expression as a secreted protein yielded high levels of soluble rPoly p 5. The recombinant allergen was further purified to homogeneity (99%) using a two-step chromatographic procedure. Simultaneously, the native form of the allergen (nPoly p 5) was purified from the wasp venom by Ion exchange chromatography. The rPoly p 5 and nPoly p 5 were then submitted to a comparative analysis of IgE-mediated immunodetection using sera from patients previously diagnosed with sensitization to wasp venoms. Both rPoly p 5 and nPoly p 5 were recognized by specific IgE (sIgE) in the sera of the allergic individuals. The high levels of identity found between nPoly p 5 and rPoly p 5 by the alignment of its primary sequences as well as by 3-D models support the results obtained in the immunoblot. Overall, we showed that P. pastoris is a suitable system for production of soluble rPoly p 5 and that the recombinant allergen represents a potential candidate for molecular diagnosis of P.paulista venom allergy. Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Artrópodes-LBMA-IB-RC-UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Av. 24-A, n◦ 1515, Bela Vista Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais-CEIS-IBRC-UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Av. 24-A, n◦ 1515, Bela Vista Laboratório de Imunologia Translacional-LIT Departamento de Clínica Médica Faculdade de Ciências Médicas FCM Universidade Estadual de Campinas-UNICAMP, Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo n◦ 126, Cidade Universitária “Zeferino Vaz” System Biology Department Biomedical Research Division Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Ave. 31, e/158 and 190, P.O. Box 6162, Cubanacan Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos-CEVAP Univ Estadual Paulista, Rua José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, Fazenda Experimental Lageado Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Artrópodes-LBMA-IB-RC-UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Av. 24-A, n◦ 1515, Bela Vista Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais-CEIS-IBRC-UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Av. 24-A, n◦ 1515, Bela Vista Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos-CEVAP Univ Estadual Paulista, Rua José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, Fazenda Experimental Lageado FAPESP: 2013/26451-9 FAPESP: 2014/13936-7 CNPq: 455422/2014-1