Snake venom metalloproteinases

Abstract

The volume Snake Venom Metalloproteinases, edited by Jay W. Fox (University of Virginia, USA) and José María Gutiérrez (University of Costa Rica), is a printed reissue of a Special Issue published in the journal Toxins (MDPI) between 2016 and 2017. It compiles review and research articles focused on the structure, function, and pathophysiological roles of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), key enzymes responsible for hemorrhage, coagulopathy, and tissue damage during viperid envenomations. The collection provides a comprehensive overview of SVMP molecular diversity, evolutionary relationships with the ADAM and ADAMTS protein families, and their mechanisms of action on the extracellular matrix and blood coagulation systems. Additionally, it highlights new findings on natural inhibitors, genomic insights into venom evolution, and novel catalytically inactive SVMP variants. Through both historical and modern perspectives, the book emphasizes the biomedical and therapeutic implications of understanding SVMPs for the development of improved antivenoms and toxin inhibitors.