Functional Characterization and Anti-Tumor Effect of a Novel Group II Secreted Phospholipase A<sub>2</sub> from Snake Venom of Saudi <i>Cerastes cerates gasperetti</i>

oleh: Mona Alonazi, Najeh Krayem, Mona G. Alharbi, Arwa Ishaq A. Khayyat, Humidah Alanazi, Habib Horchani, Abir Ben Bacha

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2023-09-01

Deskripsi

Secreted phospholipases A<sub>2</sub> are snake-venom proteins with many biological activities, notably anti-tumor activity. Phospholipases from the same snake type but different geographical locations have shown similar biochemical and biological activities with minor differences in protein sequences. Thus, the discovery of a new phospholipase A<sub>2</sub> with unique characteristics identified in a previously studied venom could suggest the origins of these differences. Here, a new Group II secreted phospholipase A<sub>2</sub> (Cc-PLA<sub>2</sub>-II) from the snake venom of Saudi <i>Cerastes cerastes gasperetti</i> was isolated and characterized. The purified enzyme had a molecular weight of 13.945 kDa and showed high specific activity on emulsified phosphatidylcholine of 1560 U/mg at pH 9.5 and 50 °C with strict calcium dependence. Interestingly, stability in extreme pH and high temperatures was observed after enzyme incubation at several pH levels and temperatures. Moreover, a significant dose-dependent cytotoxic anti-tumor effect against six human cancer cell lines was observed with concentrations of Cc-PLA<sub>2</sub> ranging from 2.5 to 8 µM. No cytotoxic effect on normal human umbilical-vein endothelial cells was noted. These results suggest that Cc-PLA<sub>2</sub>-II potentially has angiogenic activity of besides cytotoxicity as part of its anti-tumor mechanism. This study justifies the inclusion of this enzyme in many applications for anticancer drug development.