Analysis of differential gene expression of the venom gland of Bothrops jararaca

Title: Analysis of differential gene expression of the venom gland of Bothrops jararaca Speaker Drª. Carolina Manini Vall Bastos Briefing: The venom gland of the Brazilian venomous snake Bothrops jararaca (Crotalinae, Viperidae) is an exocrine tissue related to the salivary gland. When the venom is released, the production of new venom is triggered by the activation of noradrenaline on both α1- and β-adrenoceptors. But the genes involved and the regulation of venom production cycle are poorly known. Our group had used the microarray, next generation sequencing (454) and bioinformatics tools to identify and characterize the differentially expressed genes of Bothrops jararaca venom glands during the venom production cycle and under specific treatments to inhibit the adrenoceptors acivity. Unespectely, the analysis of the differential gene expression showed that the venom gland treated with a stronger blocker of the venom production (reserpine) had a high level of toxins transcripts up-regulated. Real-time analysis confirmed these results and we hypothesized that the α1- and β-adrenoceptors could be involved, not in the transcriptional control of the toxins but in control of the venom secretion. Our results provide the first evidence that the role of the a1 and β – adrenoceptors in the snake venom glands may be in the control of the venom secretion rather than in the control of protein synthesis. Where: Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Cardiology – Meeting Room (10º Floor) When: 05/09/2014 (Friday) at 14:00

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