Non-parallel expression of a triflavin-like disintegrin venom protein in the main glands of Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus

Abstract

Snake venom proteins are synthesized and accumulated in the venom gland. Based on studies that have focused on the morphological and biochemical changes that occur in the venom gland after the release of venom, it was believed that each cell synthesized all the venom components. However, the kinetics of snake venom protein expression remains largely unknown. In this report, we propose a non-parallel synthesis mechanism for the production of triflavin-like disintegrin venom protein in the main glands of Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus.

Keywords::

• Immunohistochemical analysis
• kinetics
• protein synthesis
• venom release

Acknowledgements

This research was supported in part by the National Science Council (NSC Grant 89-2320-B016-125) and in part by a basic research grant from the National Defense Medical Center (DOD-89-PM-48), Taipei, Taiwan. The authors thank Professor Huang and Professor Sheu for the gift of anti-triflavin antiserum, which made this study possible.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.