This is a study of transcriptional gene regulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.) in response to Russian wheat aphid (RWA) (Diuraphis noxia, Kurdjumov) infestation. The Russian wheat aphid feeds on the phloem sap in the leaves of wheat plants, and causes the leaves of susceptible wheat plants to curl. This forms a protective barrier for the RWA from insecticides and natural enemies. Chlorosis also results from the RWA feeding. In cases of high infestation, death of susceptible plants can also occur. Eleven wheat genes that confer resistance to the Russian wheat aphid have been identified, but their mechanism at molecular level is still not clearly understood. Wheat near-isogenic lines (NILs) were used in a genome-wide, transcriptome analysis using cDNA-AFLP technology. RWA-resistant cultivar ‘Tugela DN’ and RWA-susceptible cultivar ‘Tugela’ were infested with the RWA and leaves were collected from the infested plants at different (0-, 1-, 2-, 6-, 12-, 24-, 48- and 120-) hours post infestation. cDNA samples derived from these leaves was then analyzed by cDNA-AFLP which revealed 18 clusters of differential gene regulation between the two NILs. The results of this experiment show that differential regulation of transcripts occur even within the first hour of infestation. All types of regulation were observed within the clusters. Differentially expressed transcript derived fragments (TDFs) that were randomly isolated from PAGE gels and sequenced (41 TDFs) included sequences in the functional groups similar to those observed in the microarray analysis. The functional categories are cell structure and maintenance [protein synthesis (14%), chaperone (2%), protein degradation (2%), transcription factor (5%)]; photosynthesis [sugar metabolism (5%), carbohydrate metabolism (2%), energy related (7%)]; defenserelated [signaling (7%), defense-related (10%)] while the rest did not have any significant homology to any known or characterized proteins. Previous suppressive subtractive hybridization experiments identified transcripts that are differentially expressed in wheat in response to RWA feeding. More transcripts were identified by PCR from cDNA pools derived from RWA-infested plants as having conserved motifs common in pathenogenesis related proteins. The isolated transcripts were used to generate a defense response-biased microarray chip that was used to investigate the regulation of these transcripts during infestation of RWA resistant wheat plants (‘Tugela DN’) in a time trial. Dual hybridization of CyDye labeled probes derived from the induced ‘Tugela DN’ plants to the microarray chips revealed differential regulation of the immobilized transcripts in wheat, at different time points post infestation with the RWA. Statistical analysis of the CyDye intensities on the 380 spots mounted on the cDNA microarray slides showed 29 transcripts to be significantly regulated (P≤0.05) during the time of the experiment. These included ESTs that were grouped into four functional categories, namely cell structure and maintenance (9 ESTs); photosynthesis (8 ESTs); defense-related (4 ESTs) and those with no significant homology found or proteins with unknown function (8 ESTs). Patterns of regulation of these transcripts in all of the functional categories included all types of regulation e.g. mainly down-regulation, mainly up-regulation, and a combination of up-/up-/down-regulation in response to RWA feeding. In conclusion, data obtained utilizing cDNA microarray and cDNA-AFLP analyses in infested wheat suggest that the ability to maintain structures involved in photosynthesis by regulating the relevant transcripts through-out infestation is an important determinant in plant survival during RWA feeding. The timing of regulation is also important as some of the transcripts are also regulated in RWA susceptible ‘Tugela’ plants but not in a timely manner which leads to loss of energy and subsequent death of susceptible plants. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Genetics / unrestricted

No description available.

The Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia, RWA), is a serious pest in most wheat producing countries around the world. Infestation of wheat fields by this pest has a severe economic impact, as a result of heavy losses in crop yield. Because of the importance of wheat as a food source and its ever growing supply demand, the study of wheat-Russian wheat aphid interactions on the molecular level are integral to the development of management strategies. This is highlighted by the fact that new RWA biotypes that overcome resistance in a number of wheat varieties, continually emerge. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to this endeavour, by elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which the RWA resistance gene Dn7 confers resistance to three different RWA biotypes (one from SA, and two from the USA). Firstly, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was applied in order to isolate transcripts differentially expressed in the RWA resistant wheat line, 94M370, carrying the Dn7 gene. There are two main advantages to this technique. One is that the relative representation of rare transcripts is increased in the subsequent cDNA population, and it is these low abundance transcripts that are arguably the ones of particular interest. Secondly, this method allows for the isolation of unknown transcripts, without the need for existing sequence information. Experiments with this method however, failed, leading to an investigation as to probable causes. The various steps involved in the SSH procedure were individually assessed in an attempt to identify and correct the problem. Various adjustments were made to PCR procedures, template enzyme digestions and ligation reactions, without success. After creating a basic cDNA-AFLP fingerprint from the existing cDNA template, in order to confirm that the template is not responsible for experimental difficulties – it was decided to apply a different strategy in order to meet research objectives. Consequently, the study on Dn7 mediated defence responses was continued with cDNA-AFLP. In addition to studying the response by Dn7 to South African biotype RWA infestation, its responses to infestation by two United States RWA biotypes was also explored. This allowed us to gain a greater comprehension of the methods by which Dn7 activates defences against different aphid eliciting agents. Findings suggest that this gene activates responses that are unique to each of the different aphid interactions. Although the interactions between Dn7 and the two US biotypes were very similar, this can possibly be explained by the fact that the differences between these two biotypes on molecular level are minuscule. Dn7 responds to the South African biotype of the RWA in a completely different manner, as judged by the very dissimilar expression patterns obtained during cDNA-AFLP analysis. Reasons for this phenomenon could include molecular differences between the South African and US RWA biotypes, differences in response generating elicitor molecules (which has indeed been shown to be the case between South African and US aphid biotypes), or a combination of both. The sequencing of fragments displaying differential expression patterns during cDNA-AFLP fingerprinting, provides us with additional information as to the exact mechanisms potentially involved. As expected, various compounds related to plant defence were identified, such as a number of Leucine rich repeat (LRR) domain containing proteins, genes related to cell signalling and genes involved in protein processing (proteases, peptidases). Finally, these results are consistent with theories that Dn7 may recognise and interact with its distinct aphid elicitors either directly, by the presence of multiple bindings sites on the same protein, or indirectly. In that case, in accordance with the guard hypothesis, Dn7 may simply monitor interactions between aphid elicitors and other recognition factors- after which a response cascade is activated. Useful potential research would focus on Dn7 itself, including mapping, isolation as well as structural and functional characterization. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Genetics / unrestricted

Mouse mast cell chymases are granule-associated serine proteinases with chymotrypsin-like substrate specificities. cDNAs for two new chymases were isolated from a cDNA library constructec using mRNA from ABFTL-6 mouse mast cells by screening with a rat mast cell proteinase cDNA. The deduced amino acid sequence of mouse cymase 1 consists fo a 226 amino acid catalytic portion and a 21 amino acid preprosequence. Chymase 1 is unusual in that an Asn occurs in the substrate binding pocket, a feature that has not been observed in any other serine proteinase. Also, chymase 1 is expected to have a large positive charge (+13) at physiological pH. A partial cDNA for chymase 2 encodes 177 residues of the carboxy terminal portion of a second proteinase distinct from chymase 1. Chymase 2 cDNA contains highly conserved intron/exon junction, a high positive charge (+17) and a novel, second potential N-glycosylation site. Transcripts for both chymases are found in ABFTL-6 mast cells, but only chymase 2 mRNA is in mouse connective tissue mast cells. These data suggest that these chymases have distinct enzymatic properties and tissue-specific patterns of gene expression.

Whole hippocampus preparations, isolated bilaterally, from untreated Wistar rats at various ages (10-90 days old) were analyzed for the mRNA expression of the alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 4, alpha 5, alpha 7, beta 2, beta 3, and beta 4 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits. To do so, RNA was isolated from acutely isolated hippocampal samples, converted to cDNA by means of a reverse transcription reaction, then analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR to determine the relative levels of the mRNAs the cells were expressing at the age when the samples were obtained. The relative expression of the levels of RNA were then compared across age groups by subunits and across subunits by ages. The results suggest that all eight subunits are expressed throughout the life of the rat and that the subunit expression for the Hippocampus varies only slightly as a rat develops.

No description available.

O hepatoblastoma é uma neoplasia embrionária hepática que ocorre na faixa pediátrica, rara, sendo bastante heterogênea devido aos seus diferentes componentes epiteliais e mesenquimais. Pouco ainda se sabe a respeito de sua patogênese. Utilizando um microscópio de captura a laser foram dissecadas áreas de componente epitelial do hepatoblastoma e áreas de tecido hepático adjacente não acometido. Destas amostras obtidas de pacientes não submetidos ao tratamento prévio, foram extraídos RNA e confeccionados cDNA microarrays, para análise comparativa da expressão gênica, seguida de validação por método imunohistoquímico de alguns genes selecionados. Comparando neoplasia e tecido hepático em duas amostras criopreservadas foram identificados 70 genes diferencialmente expressos, sendo 19 hiperexpressos e 51 hipoexpressos no tumor. A maioria dos genes encontrados foi mapeada nos cromossomos 1 e 2. Dos genes selecionados para validação por método imuno-histoquímico, destacaram-se o receptor de Insulina e o TFE3 (genes hipoexpressos no cDNA microarray). A imunomarcação para o receptor de insulina foi positiva tanto no tecido hepático não acometido quanto no componente epitelial fetal do hepatoblastoma , mas foi consistentemente negativa nas amostras de componente embrionário (9/9). A imunomarcação para o TFE3 foi positiva no tecido hepático não acometido, e nos componentes epitelial fetal e embrionário, em proporção variável das células com expressão mais intensa no componente embrionário. As reações imuno-histoquímicas para os outros genes selecionados não permitiram interpretação conclusiva. A alta proporção dos genes diferencialmente expressos localizados nos cromossomos 1 e 2 reflete os achados citogenéticos relatados na literatura relacionada ao hepatoblastoma . Achados de imunoexpressão de proteínas relacionadas aos genes TFE3 e receptor de insulina no tecido hepático e nos diferentes componentes do hepatoblastoma são inéditos e sugerem participação da via sinalizadora da insulina na patogênese destes tumores / Hepatoblastoma is a rare tumor, and little is known about its pathogenesis and genetic alterations. Using a laser capture microdissection microscope we sampled areas of epithelial component of hepatoblastoma prior chemotherapy and their normal liver counterpart in order to perform the comparative gene expression analysis followed by the validation of selected genes by immunohistochemistry. Comparing tumor and non-diseased liver in two frozen samples, 70 differentially expressed genes were found, 19 overexpressed and 51 underexpressed in the tumor. Most of the genes were located at chromosomes 1 and 2. Of the genes selected for validation by immunohistochemistry, the most interesting findings came from Insulin receptor and TFE3 (both underexpressed genes). Insulin receptor was positive in non diseased liver and in the fetal component of the Hepatoblastoma but was consistently negative in the embryonal component (9/9 cases). The TFE3 staining was positive in the normal liver and fetal and embryonal components of the tumor in variable proportion of the cells, more marked in the embryonal component. The higher proportion of genes located at chromosomes 1 and 2 corroborates the cytogenetics findings reported in the literature related to Hepatoblastoma . The immunohistochemistry findings of different expression of insulin receptor in the fetal and embryonal components of Hepatoblastoma and the positivity of TFE3 in normal liver and in the tumors epithelial components deserves further investigation regarding the role of these genes to the pathogenesis of Hepatoblastoma

O Brasil é o segundo maior produtor de feijão, sendo a espécie mais cultivada o Phaseolus vulgaris L. Entre as três possíveis safras exploradas no Brasil, aquela que gera a maior produção é a da seca. Por outro lado, como a maioria das lavouras emprega pouca tecnologia, um dos problemas desta cultura é o estresse hídrico, que leva a uma redução na produtividade. Dessa forma, a identificação de genes que controlam os mecanismos de defesa e adaptação do feijoeiro à falta de água seria de grande utilidade. Nos últimos anos, muitas informações ômicas do feijoeiro foram geradas, criando uma visão integrada deste organismo e oferecendo uma complexa rede de interações entre genes e seus produtos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo central à identificação de genes diferencialmente expressos no sistema radicular de um genótipo de feijoeiro resistente ao estresse hídrico (BAT 477), quando submetido a uma interrupção de irrigação durante seu desenvolvimento. Foi construída uma biblioteca subtrativa de cDNA (SSH), que representou os genes diferencialmente expressos no genótipo resistente, utilizando-se como driver o genótipo Carioca 80SH (suscetível a seca). Foram obtidos 1572 reads válidos, sendo 931 destes singletons e 189 contigs com uma média de seis reads por cluster. A anotação das sequências foi conduzida via BLASTX, sendo consideradas para anotação somente os melhores resultados dos produtos gênicos similares com E- Value \'<OU=\' 10-5. A classificação funcional foi feita tendo-se como base modelos descritos para plantas (modelo CS e MIPS) e os resultados foram agrupados em seis classes funcionais distintas. As análises de bioinformática ajudaram na identificação de genes descritos como envolvidos na resposta da planta ao estresse hídrico. Entre eles: proteínas do grupo LEA; fatores de transcrição como DREB, NAC e proteínas ricas em leucina; enzimas sintetizadoras de carboidratos incluindo trehalose, sacarose e rhamnose; proteínas ricas em prolina; receptores de hormônios (ABA, etileno); aquaporinas; chaperonas; ubiquitinas; nodulinas; e proteínas associadas à fotossíntese e à respiração. A fim de se obter a validação das ESTs anotadas, foi conduzido um experimento de PCR em tempo real confrontando os padrões de expressão de 15 genes sob quatro tratamentos: ambos os genótipos sob estresse e respectivos controles. Três replicatas biológicas foram adotadas e dois genes de referência (act e skip2) foram escolhidos para normalização interna dos dados. Os padrões de expressão gênica obtidos confirmam a hipótese de que tais genes são mesmo mais expressos no genótipo resistente, embora não sejam exclusivos já que uma quantidade menor de tais transcritos também foi detectada no genótipo suscetível / Brazil is the second biggest producer of common bean, being Phaseolus vulgaris L. the most cultivated species. Among the three possible harvests exploited in Brazil, drought is the one which generates the greatest production. On the other hand, as the majority of the households employees low technology, one of the problems of this culture is drought stress that leads to a reduction in the productivity. So, the identification of gene that controls the mechanisms of defense and adaptation of common bean to the lack of water would be very useful. In the past years, many omics information of common bean have been generated, creating an integrated view of this organism and providing a complex network between genes and its products. The main goal of this work was the identification of differentially expressed genes in a genotype of common bean resistant to drought stress (BAT 477), when submitted to a interruption of irrigation during its development. It was build a cDNA suppression subtractive hybridization library (SSH), which represented the differentially expressed genes, on the resistant genotype, having as driver the genotype Carioca 80SH (susceptible to drought). It was obtained 1572 valid reads, being 931 singletons and 189 contigs, with the average of 6 reads per cluster. The sequences annotation was conducted via BLAST X, considering only the best similarity results with E value \'<OU=\' 10-5. The functional classification was done adopting models described for plants (CS and MIPS) and the results were grouped into six different functional classes. Bioinformatic analyses contribuited to the identification of genes described as involved on plants response to drought stress. Among them: LEA proteins; transcription factors like DREB, NAC and leucine-rich proteins; carbohydrates synthesizers enzymes like the ones for trehalose, sucrose and rhamnose; proline-rich proteins; hormone receptors (ABA and ethylene); aquaporins; chaperones; ubiquitins; nodulins; and proteins associated with photosynthesis and respiration. In order to validate the ESTs annotated, a RT-qPCR experiment was conducted comparing the expression patterns of 15 genes under four treatments: both genotypes under stress and their respective controls. Three technical replicates were used and two reference genes (act and skip2) were chosen for intern data normalization. The gene expression patterns obtained confirm the hypothesis that such genes are more expressed on the resistant genotype although they are not exclusive since a lower levels of these transcripts were also detected in the susceptible genotype

O extraordinário potencial regenerativo do complexo dentino-pulpar enfatiza a importância da caracterização dos processos celulares e moleculares envolvidos na regeneração dentinária. O avanço da pesquisa com células-tronco desencadeou um grande interesse de cultivá-las na presença de sinais de indução odontogênica. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar comparativamente células indiferenciadas da polpa (OD-21) e odontoblásticas (MDPC-23) através da avaliação do estímulo celular e do perfil de expressão gênica. As células OD-21 e MDPC-23 foram cultivadas em garrafas de cultura até a subconfluência e, em seguida, cultivadas em placas de 24 poços na concentração de 104 células /poço (n = 5). Os parâmetros analisados foram: (1) proliferação, viabilidade celular e atividade de fosfatase alcalina após 3, 7 e 10 dias; além de detecção e quantificação de matriz mineralizada após 17 dias (o teste estatístico utilizado foi o de Mann-Whitney para p&le;0,05); (2) imunofluorescência para proteínas não-colágenas (DSPP e osteopontina) após 1, 3 e 7 dias; (3) análises de expressão transcricional através da tecnologia de cDNA microarray e PCR em tempo real. Os dados de microarrays foram analisados com o auxílio de programas de bioinformática especializados como SAM (significance analysis of microarrays), Cluster-TreeView e GeneNetwork. A expressão gênica foi avalidada pela reação em tempo real em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Os resultados mostraram que a viabilidade celular ficou acima dos 80% em ambas as células, e que a proliferação celular e a atividade de fosfatase alcalina foram maiores nas células MDPC-23. Foram observados nódulos de mineralização somente na cultura de células odontoblásticas. A osteopontina apresentou-se igualmente presente em ambas as células, enquanto a sialofosfoproteína dentinária foi expressa em maior quantidade nas células MDPC-23. Os resultados demonstraram genes com comportamento semelhante nos dois tipos de células, tais como Bad (morte celular), Erf e Btg1 (proliferação celular), Cxcl10 e Il13 (resposta imune) e Arfgef1 (comunicação celular). Além disso, regiões no heatmap mostraram diferenças na indução e repressão de genes, como C1qb (resposta imune), Jak2 (morte, comunicação e proliferação celular), Col4a1 (adesão celular), Rpl6 e Rpl26 (processo metabólico celular). Concluímos que as células OD-21, embora indiferenciadas, compartilham muitos genes com comportamento semelhante à células odontoblásticas MDPC-23, sugerindo seu potencial para se diferenciar em odontoblastos. / The extraordinary regenerative potential of pulp-dentin complex leads to the importance of the characterization of cell and molecular processes involved in regeneration of dentin. The advancement of stem cell research sparked great interest in cultivating them in the presence of signs of odontogenic induction. The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate comparatively undifferentiated pulp cells (OD-21) and odontoblastic cells (MDPC-23) through the assessment of cell stimulation and gene expression profiling. OD-21 and MDPC-23 cells were grown in culture flasks until subconfluence, and then cultured in 24-well plates at a concentration of 104 cells/well (n=5). The parameters analyzed were: (1) proliferation, cell viability and alkaline phosphatase activity after 3, 7 and 10 days, in addition to detection and quantification of mineralized matrix after 17 days (the statistical test used was the Mann-Whitney p&le;0.05), (2) immunofluorescence for non-collagen proteins (DSPP and osteopontin) at 1, 3 and 7 days, (3) transcriptional expression analysis using cDNA microarray technology and real-time PCR. The microarray data were analyzed with the aid of specialized bioinformatics programs such as SAM (significance analysis of microarrays), Cluster, TreeView and GeneNetwork. Gene expression was avalided by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results showed that cell viability was above 80% in both cells, and cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity were higher in MDPC-23 cells. Mineralization nodules were observed only in the odontoblastic cell cultures. Osteopontin was present equally in both cells, whereas dentin sialophosphoprotein was higher expressed in MDPC-23 cells. The results showed genes with similar behavior in two cell types, such as Bad (cell death), Erf and Btg1 (cell proliferation), Il13 and Cxcl10 (immune response) and Arfgef1 (cell communication). Moreover, regions of the heatmap showed differences in induction and repression of genes, such C1qb (immune response), Jak2 (death, communication and cell proliferation), Col4a1 (cell adhesion), Rpl26 and Rpl6 (cellular metabolic process). We conclude that the OD-21 cells, although undifferentiated, share many genes with similar behavior to the odontoblastic MDPC-23 cells, suggesting their potential to differentiate into odontoblasts.

As fosfolipases A2 (PLA2s) são enzimas que induzem vários efeitos farmacológicos e geralmente, correspondem a maior porcentagem do conteúdo protéico dos venenos de serpentes. Desta forma, o isolamento e a caracterização bioquímica, funcional e estrutural de PLA2s poderão gerar informações importantes para o melhor entendimento dos efeitos farmacológicos e de efeitos tóxicos ocasionados por estas proteínas. Através de dois métodos cromatográficos (troca-iônica em CM-Sepharose e hidrofóbica em Phenyl-Sepharose) foi isolada uma isoforma de fosfolipase A2 ácida presente na peçonha da serpente Bothrops moojeni, denominada de BmooPLA2. Quando submetida à eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida com agente desnaturante, BmooPLA2 apresentou massa molar relativa de aproximadamente 14.000. A proteína isolada, BmooPLA2, possui uma única cadeia polipeptídica, pI~5,2, é rica em aminoácidos hidrofóbicos, ácidos e possui 14 resíduos de cisteína. Esta isoforma pH-termoestável apresentou alta atividade fosfolipásica. A enzima induziu edema moderado in vivo, na concentração de 25 g. Além disso, a BmooPLA2 foi capaz de inibir a agregação plaquetária de modo dose dependente e induzir efeito hipotensor nas concentrações de 15 e 30 g . Foi realizada também a construção da biblioteca de cDNA da glândula de peçonha da serpente Bothrops moojeni, onde o cDNA que codifica a proteína BmooPLA2 foi clonado e a proteína recombinante expressa em E. coli. Todos os ESTs (Expressed Sequence Tags) foram classificados de acordo com a homologia de sua estrutura primária com sequências conhecidas. As sequencias codificando para toxinas representaram cerca de 30% do total de sequências identificadas. De acordo com o transcriptoma, as toxinas mais expressas pela serpente Bothrops moojeni são as metaloproteases (SVMP), as quais correspondem a aproximadamente 77% das toxinas encontradas. A proteína recombinante apresentou a mesma sequência de aminoácidos, atividade fosfolipásica e efeito inibitório sobre plaquetas, observados para a proteína nativa BmooPLA2, sugerindo que a recBmooPLA2 foi expressa, purificada e reenovelada em sua forma ativa. Como nenhum estudo abordou a participação das PLA2s ácidas de Bothrops nos processos inflamatórios e os mecanismos envolvidos na liberação desses mediadores, particularmente os prostanóides, as toxinas nativa e recombinante foram avaliadas quanto ao seu efeito sobre a resposta inflamatória (ensaios sobre leucócitos in vitro), avaliando a expressão da enzima COX-2 e liberação do prostanóide PGE2, além de outros mediadores como TXB4 e LTB2, após a incubação com macrófagos isolados, in vitro. Com estes resultados foi possível uma melhor compreensão da composição da peçonha desta serpente, bem como um melhor entendimento da participação das PLA2s ácidas envenenamento ofídico, abrindo novas perspectivas para sua aplicação biotecnológica. / The phospholipase A2 (PLA2s) are enzymes that induce various pharmacological effects and usually correspond to a higher percentage of the protein content of snake venoms. Thus, isolation, biochemical, functional and structural characterization of PLA2s may generate important information for a better understanding of the pharmacological effects and toxicity induced by these proteins. Through two chromatographic steps (ion exchange on CMSepharose and hydrophobic in Phenyl-Sepharose) an acidic phospholipase A2 isoform was isolated from the venom of the snake Bothrops moojeni and named BmooPLA2. Its biochemical and partial functional characterization were also performed. When submitted to electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel with denaturing agent (SDS-PAGE), BmooPLA2 presented relative molar mass of approximately 14,000. The isolated protein, BmooPLA2, has a single polypeptidic chain, pI ~ 5.2, is rich in hydrophobic amino acids and has 14 cysteine residues. This pH-thermostable isoform showed high phospholipasic activity. The enzyme induced moderate edema in vivo, at the concentration of 25 g. In addition, BmooPLA2 was able to inhibit platelet aggregation in a dose dependent manner and showed hypotensive effect at different concentrations (15 and 30 g). It was also carried out the construction of the cDNA library from the venom gland of the snake Bothrops moojeni, where the cDNA encoding the protein BmooPLA2 was cloned and a recombinant protein expressed in E. coli. All ESTs (Expressed Sequence Tags) were classified according to their primary structure homology with known sequences. The sequences coding for toxins accounted for approximately 30% of all identified sequences. According to the transcriptome, the majority of the toxins expressed by the snake Bothrops moojeni are metalloproteases (SVMP), which correspond to approximately 77% of the toxins found. The recombinant protein presented the same amino acid sequence, phospholipase activity and inhibitory effect on platelets, observed for the native BmooPLA2, suggesting that recBmooPLA2 was expressed, purified and refolded in its active form. Since no study has addressed the involvement of acidic PLA2s from Bothrops genus upon inflammatory processes and the mechanisms involved in the release of such mediators, particularly prostanoids, native and recombinant toxins were evaluated for their effects on the inflammatory response (essays on leukocytes in vitro), evaluating the expression of COX-2 and prostanoid release of PGE2, as well as other mediators as TXB4 and LTB2, after incubation with isolated macrophages, in vitro. With these results it was possible to better understand the composition of the venom of this snake, and a better understanding of the role of acidic PLA2s on the snake envenomation, opening new perspectives for its biotechnological application.