Intraspecific Variability in the Composition of the Venom from Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia)

Resumo

A proteomic analysis of the venom of males and females of the Naja kaouthia monocled cobra specimens kept in captivity was carried out. Using the amino acid sequences of proteins of the taxonomic group Serpentes from the UniProt KB database, 875 proteins were identified in the venom samples and the relative content of about 190 of them was determined in each venom sample by the method of label-free quantitative proteomics. The total content of 35 major protein components of the venom of each individual was shown to comprise about 98% of the total amount of venom proteins. Analysis of relative content of the venom proteins in males and females showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher content of nerve growth factor and natriuretic peptide in the venom of females. Analysis of the profile of posttranslational modifications of N. kaouthia toxins revealed previously unknown sites for phosphorylation, acetylation, and formylation.