Snake venoms contain four classes of metalloproteases that all have a typical zinc-chelating sequence (HEXXHGXXH). N-terminal sequences and internal sequences of different purified metalloproteases were determined using Edman sequencing and LC MS/MS technique. Oligonucleotideswere designed and used as primers for cDNA cloning from Vipera lebetina venom gland cDNA library. We found that isoforms of fibrinolytic enzyme lebetase Le-4 and Le-3 are synthesized in different way: Le-4 is synthesized as P-I type metalloprotease, Le-3 is synthesized with disintegrin-like domain as P-II type protease and processed post-translationally. An endothelial cell apoptosis-inducing heterodimeric glycosylated metalloprotease, V. lebetina apoptosis-inducing protease (VLAIP), belongs to P-III type containing metalloprotease, disintegrin-like and cysteine-rich domains. All these enzymes hydrolyze the Aα-chain and more slowly the Bβ-chain of fibrinogen. Treatment of HUVEC cells with VLAIP induces changes in the attachment of cells to the substrate and causes apoptosis. V. lebetina venom contains also P-IV type-specific coagulant factor X activator (VLFXA) that cleaves the Arg52-Ile53 bond in the heavy chain of human factor X. VLFXA is a glycoprotein composed of a heavy chain and two C-type lectin-like light chains linked by disulfide bonds. The heavy and light chains of VLFXA are synthesized from different genes.

Keywords:
Fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes, Lebetase, Apoptosis-inducing protease, Factor X activator, Metalloproteases, Snake venom, Vipera lebetina
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© 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel
2006
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