scholarly journals Can proteomics of snake venoms help drug discovery? A study on the venom of spectacled cobra (Naja naja) from the Western Ghats

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muralidharan Vanuopadath ◽  
Dileepkumar Raveendran ◽  
Bipin Gopalakrishnan Nair ◽  
Sudarslal Sadasivan Nair
Keyword(s):  
Glutathione Peroxidase ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Cobra Venom ◽  
Venom Protein ◽  
Naja Naja ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Western Ghats

AbstractVenom proteome profiling is important to understand the toxicology and treatment of persons poisoned by animal venoms. An in depth understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms induced by venom toxins could help in the discovery of novel drug molecules. In the current study, we aimed to delineate the venom toxins of Indian cobra (Naja naja) from the Western Ghats of India through SDS-PAGE and reversed-phase HPLC followed by Q-TOF LC-MS/MS analysis, incorporating PEAKS and Novor assisted de novo sequencing methodologies. A total of 143 proteins distributed across 17 different enzymatic and non-enzymatic venom protein families were identified. The de novo analysis exclusively yielded 59 peptides representing 28 venom protein families. Among these, glutathione peroxidase and endonuclease were reported for the first time in Indian cobra venom. Immunological cross-reactivity of cobra venom assessed using Indian polyvalent antivenoms suggested that VINS showed better EC50 (2.48 µg/mL) values than that of PSAV (6.04 µg/mL) and Virchow (6.03 µg/mL) antivenoms. Also, immunoaffinity chromatography performed using VINS antivenom indicated that it failed to detect few low molecular mass proteins (<10 kDa) that include three-finger toxins, phospholipase A2s and kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors. Taken together, the present study enabled a large-scale characterization of the venom proteome of Naja naja that offers valuable insights on the possible pharmacological mechanisms and future therapeutic potential of hitherto unexplored snake venom constituents.SignificanceThe present work describes the venom proteome characterization of Naja naja collected from the Western Ghats region in India, incorporating conventional proteomics approaches as well as de novo sequencing methods. Interestingly, we were able to determine proteins belong to glutathione peroxidase and endonuclease family, which was not reported in any of the previous studies on Naja naja venom. Notably, our study has reported the highest number of proteins from cobra venom so far. Also, the current study highlights the importance of developing region-specific antivenoms for improving the specificity and cross-neutralization potential of antivenoms.HighlightsProteomics of cobra venom resulted in the identification of 143 proteins.De novo approaches exclusively yielded 59 peptides representing 28 proteins.Glutathione peroxidase and endonuclease were identified for the first time in Indian cobra venom.Indian polyvalent antivenoms showed varying cross-reactivity towards cobra venom.VINS antivenom failed to detect few low molecular mass proteins (< 10 kDa).

Synopsis and lectotypification of Distimake rhyncorhiza (Dalzell) Simões & Staples (Convolvulaceae): a little known species from the Western Ghats (India)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 336 (3) ◽  
pp. 293
Author(s):  
ANA RITA SIMÕES ◽  
SUSHANT MORE
Keyword(s):  
Western Ghats ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
Morphological Description ◽  
Western India ◽  
Full Characterization ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Western Ghats

We present a synopsis of a rare and little-known species of Distimake from Western India: a complete morphological description based on recent collections is provided, and nomenclature and typification issues are resolved. The fruit and seeds are described for the first time. With new morphological evidence and a full characterization of D. rhyncorhiza, the present study corroborates its placement in Distimake and supports its identity as a distinct species. The conservation status is assessed as Endangered but its distribution range is not yet fully documented and this assessment might be reviewed if more collections are made.

New locality records and call description of the Resplendent Shrub Frog Raorchestes resplendens (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from the Western Ghats, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 16502-16509
Author(s):  
Sandeep Das ◽  
K.P. Rajkumar ◽  
K.A. Sreejith ◽  
M. Royaltata ◽  
P.S. Easa
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
Small Area ◽  
Grassland Ecosystem ◽  
Critically Endangered Species ◽  
Controlled Burning ◽  
New Locations ◽  
Southern Western Ghats ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Western Ghats

Abstract: The Resplendent Shrub Frog, Raorchestes resplendens Biju, Shouche, Dubois, Dutta, & Bossuyt, 2010 is a Critically Endangered species endemic to the Western Ghats and was considered to be restricted to a three-square kilometer patch atop Anamudi summit.  In this study, we report 36 new locations of the species from the Anamalai massif of the southern Western Ghats.  Niche-based prediction modelling suggests that the species is restricted to Anamalai massif.  The call description of this frog is also provided for the first time. The preferred microhabitat of the frog is Chrysopogon grass clumps in the marshy/swampy montane grassland ecosystem. Restricted to a small area with controlled burning management practiced in its habitat, R. resplendens needs immediate attention.

scholarly journals A new distribution record of the Western Ghats endemic damselfly Melanoneura bilineata Fraser, 1922 (Insecta: Odonata) from Maharashtra, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 19380-19382
Author(s):  
Yogesh Koli ◽  
Akshay Dalvi
Keyword(s):  
Western Ghats ◽  
First Time ◽  
Distribution Record ◽  
The Western Ghats ◽  
New Distribution

Melanoneura bilineata Fraser, 1922 is reported for the first time from Maharashtra, India. Previously it was only known from the Kerala and Karnataka states.

scholarly journals First record of Mantispilla indica (Westwood, 1852) (Neuroptera: Mantispidae) from the Western Ghats, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 19376-19379
Author(s):  
T.B. Suryanarayanan ◽  
C. Bijoy
Keyword(s):  
Western Ghats ◽  
First Record ◽  
Kerala State ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Western Ghats

The species, Mantispilla indica (Westwood, 1852) of the Mantispidae family is recorded for the first time from the Western Ghats as well as from Kerala state. Besides, the distribution of the species in India is mapped. 

scholarly journals First record of Speculitermes chadaensis Chatterjee & Thapa, 1964 (Isoptera: Termitidae) from the Western Ghats, India

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 9042
Author(s):  
Poovoli Amina ◽  
K. Rajmohana ◽  
K. V. Bhavana
Keyword(s):  
Western Ghats ◽  
First Record ◽  
Distribution Map ◽  
Termite Species ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Western Ghats

Speculitermes chadaensis Chatterjee & Thapa, 1964, a termite species under Termitidae family is reported for the first time from the Western Ghats.  A distribution map of the species is also provided.

Clonal propagation through stem cuttings and air layering in Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) Alston an endemic tree Species of the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-87
Author(s):  
Abdul Hussain ◽  
C. Anilkumar
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
Clonal Propagation ◽  
Stem Cuttings ◽  
Resource Base ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Ideal Tool ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Western Ghats

Rooting trials conducted with stem cuttings and air layering in Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) Alston, an important medicinal and fruit plant gave promising results after treatment with auxins such as IAA, IBA and NAA in different concentrations. Both stem cuttings and air layering from 10 year old plants have resulted a maximum rooting of 80% and 70% respectively through the application of IBA-1000ppm, in their natural habitats. The plants developed from stem cuttings and air layering was also survived with 90% success. Thus the standardized clonal propagation method in S. caryophyllatum through stem cutting and air layering reported for the first time can be taken as an ideal tool for the multiplication and subsequent resource base utilization of the species since the populations are prone to endangerment in its habitats.

scholarly journals Early stages of Nilgiri Grass Yellow Eurema nilgiriensis (Yata, 1990) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), with a note on its range extension in the Kerala part of the Western Ghats, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 16161-16165
Author(s):  
Balakrishnan Valappil ◽  
V.K.Chandrasekharan
Keyword(s):  
Host Plant ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
Range Extension ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Larval Host ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
Southern Western Ghats ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Western Ghats ◽  
Photographic Records

Complete documentation of the early stages of Eurema nilgiriensis (Yata) on the larval host plant Ventilago bombaiensis (Rhamnaceae) is presented in this paper.  In addition to this, notes on the range extensions of this species in southern Western Ghats in Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, and Palakkad districts in Kerala is also provided. Field records from the northern Kerala part of the Western Ghats and the complete biology are reported for the first time since its description in 1990. Photographic records from seven locations since 2011 were confirmed by comparing with the original descriptions and in consultation with the author of the   species. Eggs collected from field were reared at home, and every stage observed is also reported, as well as the discovery of the host plant Ventilago bombaiensis.  It is concluded that the species is widespread in forested areas at elevations from 70m to 1,000m.

scholarly journals A contribution to the earthworm diversity (Clitellata, Moniligastridae) of Kerala, a component of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, India, using integrated taxonom

2021 ◽  
pp. 117-137
Author(s):  
S. S. Thakur ◽  
A. R. Lone ◽  
S. K. Tiwari ◽  
S. K. Jain ◽  
S. W. James ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Ghats ◽  
National Park ◽  
Gap Analysis ◽  
Mitochondrial Gene ◽  
Dna Barcode ◽  
Wildlife Sanctuary ◽  
Tiger Reserve ◽  
First Time ◽  
Barcode Gap

Earthworms (Clitellata, Moniligastridae) of Chaliyar River Malappuram, Eravikulam National Park, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar National Park, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary and Wayanad Forest, Kerala, a component of the hotspot of Western Ghats, India, were studied by the standard method of taxonomy, and their DNA barcode signatures using the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) were generated for the first time. This study represents eleven species of earthworms of the family Moniligastridae: Drawida brunnea Stephenson, Drawida circumpapillata Aiyer, Drawida ghatensis Michaelsen, Drawida impertusa Stephenson, Drawida nilamburensis (Bourne), Drawida robusta (Bourne), Drawida scandens Rao, Drawida travancorense Michaelsen, Moniligaster aiyeri Gates, Moniligaster deshayesi Perrier, and Moniligaster gravelyi (Stephenson). In the phylogenetic analysis all the species were recovered in both neighbour–joining (NJ) and maximum likelihood (ML) trees with high clade support. The average K2P distance within and between species was 1.2 % and 22 %, whereas the clear barcode gap of 2–5 % was suggested by barcode gap analysis (BGA) of studied species, reflecting the accuracy of characterization. The study presents the first step in the molecular characterization of the native earthworm family Moniligastridae of India. Data published through GBIF (Doi: 10.15470/l2nlhz)

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