A membrane disrupting toxin from wasp venom underlies the molecular mechanism of tissue damage. (15th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ombati, Rose; Wang, Yunfei; Du, Canwei; Lu, Xiancui; Li, Bowen; Nyachieo, Atunga; Li, Yaxiong; Yang, Shilong; Lai, Ren
• Is Part Of: Toxicon. Volume 148(2018)
• Page Start: 56
• Page End: 63
• Publication Date: 2018-06-15
• Subjects: Wasp envenomation -- Membrane disrupting toxin -- Inflammation -- Edema -- Tissue necrosis; Toxins -- Periodicals; Venom -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-0101

Abstract

Abstract: The molecular mechanism of the local hypersensitivity reactions to wasp venom including dermal necrosis remains an enigma regardless of the numerosity of the reported cases. In this study, we discovered a new membrane disrupting toxin, VESCP-M2 responsible for tissue damage symptoms following Vespa mandarinia envenomation. Electrophysiological assays revealed a potent ability of VESCP-M2 to permeate the cell membrane whereas in vivo experiments demonstrated that VESCP-M2 induces edema, pain and dermal necrosis characterized by the presence of morphological and behavioral phenotypes, pro-inflammatory mediators, biomarkers as well as the disruption of dermal tissue. This study presents the molecular mechanism and symptom-related function of VESCP-M2 which may form a basis for prognosis as well as therapeutic interventions. Highlights: A new membrane disrupting toxin, VESCP-M2, is purified from Vespa mandarinia venom. VESCP-M2 induces potent and non-selective membrane disruptive activity on different cells. In vivo assays establish that VESCP-M2 induces pain and edema characterized by increased apolipoprotein A-I levels. VESCP-M2 causes dermal necrosis evidenced by disruption of skin tissue and increased level of keratin in wound exudates.