Unraveling the Venom Proteome of Rhopilema hispidum for Therapeutic Innovation
Keywords:
Rhopilema hispidum, venom proteomics, jellyfish toxins, metalloproteinase, phospholipase A2, therapeutic peptides, marine biopharmaceuticals, cytolysins, jellyfish venom, neurotoxinsAbstract
The venom of the scyphozoan jellyfish Rhopilema hispidum is emerging as a promising source of biologically active proteins and peptides with significant therapeutic implications. While its envenomation effects have been widely reported, the venom’s biochemical complexity remains largely unexplored. Recent advances in marine venom proteomics have facilitated the identification of multiple functional toxins, including metalloproteinases, phospholipases, jellyfish toxins (JFTs), and neurotoxin-like peptides. These proteins exhibit diverse bioactivities—ranging from cytolysis to immune modulation—and offer untapped potential in drug development. This paper presents a detailed overview of the R. hispidum venom proteome, analyzes its protein classes and abundance, and discusses their relevance in biomedical innovation, with a focus on cancer therapy, wound healing, and antimicrobial resistance.
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