Recent advances in snake venom proteomics research in India: a new horizon to decipher the geographical variation in venom proteome composition and exploration of candidate drug prototypes

Abstract

India is the home to several venomous snake species which are responsible for the highest number of snake envenomings and deaths in the world. Nevertheless, the ‘Big Four’ species of snakes namely Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii), spectacled cobra (Naja naja), common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), and saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) account for most cases of envenoming, morbidity, and mortality primarily in the rural parts of the country. The composition of these snake venoms have been determined using conventional biochemical approaches. However, these studies faced the inevitable limitation of identification of non-enzymatic and low abundance venom toxins. In the last 5 years, mass spectrometry investigations of Indian snake venoms have provided comprehensive information on their venom proteomes. In addition, proteomic analysis has also been employed to identify and characterize snake venom protein complexes and serves as a tool for screening of candidate pharmacologically active drug prototypes from snake venoms. Further, mass spectrometry analysis has also found its way for the identification and quantification of poorly immunogenic venom toxins against commercial antivenoms and this information is of paramount importance for improved design and production of snake antivenoms for better hospital management of snakebite victims. In this review article, we have focused the recent advances in snake venom proteomics research in India that has facilitated the understanding of the pathophysiology of snake envenomation, provided insights for improvement for antivenom production and also discover drug prototypes from snake venom.