Structure and function of a novel GH8 endoglucanase from the bacterial cellulose synthase complex of Raoultella ornithinolytica.

Cellulose synthesis in bacteria is a complex process involving the concerted action of several enzymes whose genes are often organized in operons. This process influences many fundamental physiological aspects such as bacteria and host interaction, biofilm formation, among others. Although it might sound contradictory, the participation of cellulose-degrading enzymes is critical to this process.

Brown spider (Loxosceles genus) venom toxins: Evaluation of biological conservation by immune cross-reactivity.

Loxosceles spiders are responsible for serious human envenomations worldwide. The collection of symptoms found in victims after accidents is called loxoscelism and is characterized by two clinical conditions: cutaneous loxoscelism and systemic loxocelism. The only specific treatment is serum therapy, in which an antiserum produced with Loxosceles venom is administered to the victims after spider accidents.

Metagenomic analysis of the microbiota from the crop of an invasive snail reveals a rich reservoir of novel genes.

The shortage of petroleum reserves and the increase in CO(2) emissions have raised global concerns and highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable energy sources. Second-generation ethanol made from lignocellulosic materials is considered to be one of the most promising fuels for vehicles. The giant snail Achatina fulica is an agricultural pest whose biotechnological potential has been largely untested.

Molecular cloning, heterologous expression and functional characterization of a novel translationally-controlled tumor protein (TCTP) family member from Loxosceles intermedia (brown spider) venom.

Envenoming with brown spiders (Loxosceles genus) is common throughout the world. Cutaneous symptoms following spider bite accidents include dermonecrosis, erythema, itching and pain. In some cases, accidents can cause hypersensibility or even allergic reactions.

Phospholipase-D activity and inflammatory response induced by brown spider dermonecrotic toxin: endothelial cell membrane phospholipids as targets for toxicity.

Brown spider dermonecrotic toxins (phospholipases-D) are the most well-characterized biochemical constituents of Loxosceles spp. venom. Recombinant forms are capable of reproducing most cutaneous and systemic manifestations such as dermonecrotic lesions, hematological disorders, and renal failure.

Identification of a direct hemolytic effect dependent on the catalytic activity induced by phospholipase-D (dermonecrotic toxin) from brown spider venom.

Brown spiders have world-wide distribution and are the cause of health problems known as loxoscelism. Necrotic cutaneous lesions surrounding the bites and less intense systemic signs like renal failure, DIC, and hemolysis were observed. We studied molecular mechanism by which recombinant toxin, biochemically characterized as phospholipase-D, causes direct hemolysis (complement independent).

Biological and structural comparison of recombinant phospholipase D toxins from Loxosceles intermedia (brown spider) venom.

The clinical features of brown spider bites are the appearance of necrotic skin lesions, which can also be accompanied by systemic involvement, including weakness, vomiting, fever, convulsions, disseminated intravascular coagulation, intravascular hemolysis and renal disturbances. Severe systemic loxoscelism is much less common than the cutaneous form, but it may be the cause of clinical complications and even death following envenomation. Here, by using three recombinant dermonecrotic toxins, LiRecDT1, LiRecDT2 and LiRecDT3 (the major toxins found in the venom), we report the biological, immunological and structural differences for these members of this toxin family.

Brown spider dermonecrotic toxin directly induces nephrotoxicity.

Brown spider (Loxosceles genus) venom can induce dermonecrotic lesions at the bite site and systemic manifestations including fever, vomiting, convulsions, disseminated intravascular coagulation, hemolytic anemia and acute renal failure. The venom is composed of a mixture of proteins with several molecules biochemically and biologically well characterized. The mechanism by which the venom induces renal damage is unknown.