This research will discover novel polypeptides in snake venom that may have utility in biomedical research. Toxins discovered that prove useful will be produced commercially as specialty biochemicals. These toxins will impact a variety of targets, including some or all of the following: sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride channels, monoamine and opiate receptors, nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, acetycholinesterases, complement system components, platelets, fibrinogen, fibrin and other clotting factors, cell membranes, and cardiac and vascular smooth muscle. Because of their specificity, natural toxins are increasingly used to explore the causes of neurological and cardiovascular disorders. Some of the discovered toxins may serve as lead structures for human or veterinary pharmaceuticals to treat these diseases. Other toxins may prove useful as components of natural pesticides. Venom of the Surinam coral snake (Micrurus surinamensis) is an extremely promising source for novel natural toxins. Preliminary data indicate that this venom is radically different from that of any other snake. Specific aims of this proposal are to systematically fractionate this venom, to purify all significant (>0.1%) constituents, and to determine their primary structures. A subsequent grant will be required to explore the pharmacology of promising novel toxins. National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
