PATRICK JACK SPENCER

Resumo

Possui graduação em Ciências Biológicas pela Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (1991), mestrado em Tecnologia Nuclear pela Universidade de São Paulo (1995) e doutorado em Tecnologia Nuclear pela Universidade de São Paulo (2000) tendo sido bolsista sandwich no US Army Medical Research Institute for Infeccious Diseases (98-99). É responsável pelo Biotério de criação e manutenção de animais de laboratório do IPEN. Tem experiência na área de Bioquímica, com ênfase em Proteínas, atuando principalmente nos seguintes temas: veneno, proteínas, bothrops, irradiação e miotoxina.(Texto extraído do Currículo Lattes em 22 dez. 2021)

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Agora exibindo 1 - 10 de 23
  • Artigo IPEN-doc 30629
    Can gamma irradiation affect the reproductive system of insects?
    2024 - ARAUJO, M.M. de; OLIVEIRA, A.A. de; ARTHUR, V.; SPENCER, P.J.
  • Artigo IPEN-doc 30413
    Evaluation of the inhibitory potential of synthetic peptides homologous to CDR3 regions of a monoclonal antibody against bothropic venom serine proteases
    2024 - SALADINI, LUCAS Y.; MAGALHAES-JUNIOR, MARCOS J.; SILVA, CRISTIANE C.F. da; OLIVEIRA, PRISCILA G.C.; KODAMA, ROBERTO T.; GOMES, LAIS; NISHIYAMA-JUNIOR, MILTON Y.; SPENCER, PATRICK J.; SILVA, WILMAR D. da; PORTARO, FERNANDA C.V.
    Snakebite accidents, neglected tropical diseases per the WHO, pose a significant public health threat due to their severity and frequency. Envenomation by Bothrops genus snakes leads to severe manifestations due to proteolytic enzymes. While the antibothropic serum produced by the Butantan Institute saves lives, its efficacy is limited as it fails to neutralize certain serine proteases. Hence, developing new-generation antivenoms, like monoclonal antibodies, is crucial. This study aimed to explore the inhibitory potential of synthetic peptides homologous to the CDR3 regions of a monoclonal antibody targeting a snake venom thrombin-like enzyme (SVTLE) from B. atrox venom. Five synthetic peptides were studied, all stable against hydrolysis by venoms and serine proteases. Impressively, four peptides demonstrated uncompetitive SVTLE inhibition, with Ki values ranging from 10−6 to 10−7 M. These findings underscore the potential of short peptides homologous to CDR3 regions in blocking snake venom toxins, suggesting their promise as the basis for new-generation antivenoms. Thus, this study offers potential advancements in combatting snakebites, addressing a critical public health challenge in tropical and subtropical regions.
  • Resumo IPEN-doc 30248
    Estabelecimento de um consórcio entre CEMIB, IPEN e Instituto Butantan, para a capacitação, implantação e desenvolvimento da técnica de criopreservação e reprodução assistida de animais de laboratório
    2023 - MATTARAIA, VANIA G. de; SALGADO, ANDREIA R.; DEMOLIN, DANIELA M.R.; MONTEIRO, KARIN M.; SOARES, CARLOS R.J.; SPENCER, PATRICK J.; MARQUEZI, CYNTHIA Z. de A.; PASSOS, LUIZ A.C.
  • Artigo IPEN-doc 29948
    Comparing traditional and toxin-oriented approaches towards antivenom production against Bitis arietans snake venom
    2023 - GUIDOLIN, FELIPE R.; GODOI, KEMILY S. de; MEGALE, ANGELA A.A.; SILVA, CRISTIANE C.F. da; KODAMA, ROBERTO T.; CAJADO-CARVALHO, DANIELA; IWAI, LEO K.; SPENCER, PATRICK J.; PORTARO, FERNANDA C.V.; SILVA, WILMAR D. da
    Accidents with snakes are responsible for about 32,000 deaths annually in sub-Saharan Africa, caused mostly by snakes from the genus Bitis, in particular Bitis arietans. B. arietans venom is composed of a complex mixture of toxins, mainly metalloproteases, serine proteases, phospholipases, lectins, and disintegrins. In this work, we compared two approaches to anti-B. arietans antivenom production: immunization with crude snake venom (“traditional approach”) and immunization with selected key toxins isolated from the snake venom (“toxin oriented” approach). Fractions from B. arietans venom were isolated by size exclusion chromatography. Crude venom and samples containing serine proteases or metalloproteases were selected for the immunization of BALB/c mice. Anti-B. arietans and anti-serine proteases plasmas showed a similar recognition profile and higher titers and affinity than the anti-metalloproteases plasma. Cross-recognition of other Bitis venoms was observed, but with low intensity. Although the plasma of all experimental groups inhibited the enzymatic activity of B. arietans venom in vitro, in vivo protection was not achieved. Our results have shown limitations in both approaches considered. Based on this, we proposed a model of polyclonal, species-specific, monovalent antivenoms that could be used as a base to produce customizable polyvalent sera for use in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Artigo IPEN-doc 29689
    Anti-Metalloproteases
    2023 - GODOI, KEMILY S. de; GUIDOLIN, FELIPE R.; PORTARO, FERNANDA C.V.; SPENCER, PATRICK J.; SILVA, WILMAR D. da
    Bitis arietans is a medically important snake found in Sub-Saharan Africa. The envenomation is characterized by local and systemic effects, and the lack of antivenoms aggravates the treatment. This study aimed to identify venom toxins and develop antitoxins. The F2 fraction obtained from Bitis arietans venom (BaV) demonstrated the presence of several proteins in its composition, including metalloproteases. Titration assays carried out together with the immunization of mice demonstrated the development of anti-F2 fraction antibodies by the animals. The determination of the affinity of antibodies against different Bitis venoms was evaluated, revealing that only BaV had peptides recognized by anti-F2 fraction antibodies. In vivo analyses demonstrated the hemorrhagic capacity of the venom and the effectiveness of the antibodies in inhibiting up to 80% of the hemorrhage and 0% of the lethality caused by BaV. Together, the data indicate: (1) the prevalence of proteins that influence hemostasis and envenomation; (2) the effectiveness of antibodies in inhibiting specific activities of BaV; and (3) isolation and characterization of toxins can become crucial steps in the development of new alternative treatments. Thus, the results obtained help in understand
  • Artigo IPEN-doc 29496
    Action of bromelain and ficin on horse anti Bothrops sp venom antibodies
    2022 - MARQUES, RODOLFO F.; QUINTILIO, WAGNER; KNIRSCH, MARCOS C.; FUCASE, TAMARA M.; SPENCER, PATRICK J.; STEPHANO, MARCO A.
    The treatment with hyperimmune sera constitute the only specific and effective therapy available against snakebite envenomation, most common in developing countries. Serum quality is an important factor on patient recovery time and in the incidence of death and permanent disability. To date, most sera consist of pepsin digested IgG antibodies harvested from hyperimmune animals. The use of animal derived enzymes, such as pepsin, to digest IgG, constitute a source of adventitious agents and contaminants, such as porcine circovirus. The present study aims to evaluate the use of the plant derived enzymes bromelain and ficin, as an alternative to pepsin. To this purpose, horse serum immunized against Bothrops venoms was purified with caprylic acid and digested with bromelain or ficin. SDS-PAGE results evidence the formation of F(ab)’2 fragments and suggest that a digestion time superior to 8 hours may be required to completely digest the antibodies with bromelain or ficin. F(ab)’2 fragments obtained by digestion with either bromelain or ficin digestion preserved the ability to recognize Bothrops sp. venom in western blotting assays. Therefore, both enzymes are suitable for use in large-scale production, minimizing contamination risks and increasing safety and efficiency of serotherapy treatments.
  • Artigo IPEN-doc 29112
    Antibodies as snakebite antivenoms
    2022 - SILVA, WILMAR D. da; ANDRADE, SONIA A. de; MEGALE, ANGELA A.A.; SOUZA, DANIEL A. de; SANTANNA, OSVALDO A.; MAGNOLI, FABIO C.; GUIDOLIN, FELIPE R.; GODOI, KEMILY S.; SALADINI, LUCAS Y.; SPENCER, PATRICK J.; PORTARO, FERNANDA C.V.
    Snakebite envenomation is considered a neglected tropical disease, affecting tens of thousands of people each year. The recommended treatment is the use of antivenom, which is composed of immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin fragments obtained from the plasma of animals hyperimmunized with one (monospecific) or several (polyspecific) venoms. In this review, the efforts made in the improvement of the already available antivenoms and the development of new antivenoms, focusing on snakes of medical importance from sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, are described. Some antivenoms currently used are composed of whole IgGs, whereas others use F(ab’)2 fragments. The classic methods of attaining snake antivenoms are presented, in addition to new strategies to improve their effectiveness. Punctual changes in immunization protocols, in addition to the use of cross-reactivity between venoms from different snakes for the manufacture of more potent and widely used antivenoms, are presented. It is known that venoms are a complex mixture of components; however, advances in the field of antivenoms have shown that there are key toxins that, if effectively blocked, are capable of reversing the condition of in vivo envenomation. These studies provide an opportunity for the use of monoclonal antibodies in the development of new-generation antivenoms. Thus, monoclonal antibodies and their fragments are described as a possible alternative for the production of antivenoms, regardless of the venom. This review also highlights the challenges associated with their development.
  • Artigo IPEN-doc 28693
    Synthesis, in vitro testing, and biodistribution of surfactant-free radioactive nanoparticles for cancer treatment
    2022 - SOUZA, CARLA D. de; BARBEZAN, ANGELICA B.; ROSERO, WILMMER A.A.; SANTOS, SOFIA N. dos; CARVALHO, DIEGO V. de S.; ZEITUNI, CARLOS A.; BERNARDES, EMERSON S.; VIEIRA, DANIEL P.; SPENCER, PATRICK J.; RIBEIRO, MARTHA S.; ROSTELATO, MARIA E.C.M.
    New forms of cancer treatment, which are effective, have simple manufacturing processes, and easily transportable, are of the utmost necessity. In this work, a methodology for the synthesis of radioactive Gold-198 nanoparticles without the use of surfactants was described. The nuclear activated Gold-198 foils were transformed into H198AuCl4 by dissolution using aqua regia, following a set of steps in a specially designed leak-tight setup. Gold-198 nanoparticles were synthesized using a citrate reduction stabilized with PEG. In addition, TEM results for the non-radioactive product presented an average size of 11.0 nm. The DLS and results for the radioactive 198AuNPs presented an average size of 8.7 nm. Moreover, the DLS results for the PEG-198AuNPs presented a 32.6 nm average size. Cell line tests showed no cytotoxic effect in any period and the concentrations were evaluated. Furthermore, in vivo testing showed a high biological uptake in the tumor and a cancer growth arrest.
  • Capítulo IPEN-doc 28624
    Bradykinin-potentiating and related peptides from reptile venoms
    2021 - PIMENTA, DANIEL C.; SPENCER, PATRICK J.
    Evolution has provided venomous snakes with a vast arsenal of molecules able to interfere in several physiological processes. The ultimate role of these toxins, which are proteins or peptides, is to subdue the prey, although digestive functions should also be considered. Among these toxins, some are vasoactive peptides, which induce a drastic drop in blood pressure. This effect is attributed mostly to bradykinin-potentiating peptides, although other venom peptides have been shown to interfere with blood pressure. Bradykinin-potentiating peptides are modular in nature, with highly conserved motifs, and present high proline content, a pyroglutamate at the N-terminal and an IPP motif at the C-terminal. These peptides are potent and highly selective inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme, a crucial molecule for blood pressure regulation, and display K i s as low as 8 nM. Besides the enzyme inhibition, some of these peptides might cross the cell membrane, interfering in the production of nitric oxide, another modulator of blood vessel tonus. Evolution frequently results in physiological redundancies. Such a fact is reflected by the occurrence of another class of blood pressure–modulating toxins. C-type natriuretic peptides can be considered as such. Apparently, these toxins increase guanylate cyclase levels, inducing vasorelaxation. These peptides are being considered as drug leads for congestive heart failure. While C-type natriuretic peptides are still under investigation as potential drugs, bradykinin-potentiating peptide–derived drugs are the boldest example of the use of a deleterious “toxin” as a building block for a cheap drug that benefits a huge number of human beings.
  • Artigo IPEN-doc 27822
    Characterization and evaluation of the enzymatic activity of tetanus toxin submitted to cobalt-60 gamma radiation
    2021 - SARTORI, GISELLE P.; COSTA, ANDREA da; MACARINI, FERNANDO L. dos S.; MARIANO, DOUGLAS O.C.; PIMENTA, DANIEL C.; SPENCER, PATRICK J.; NALI, LUIZ H. da S.; GALISTEO JUNIOR, ANDRES J.
    Background Tetanus toxin blocks the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and causes tetanus and its main form of prevention is through vaccination. The vaccine is produced by inactivation of tetanus toxin with formaldehyde, which may cause side effects. An alternative way is the use of ionizing radiation for inactivation of the toxin and also to improve the potential immunogenic response and to reduce the post-vaccination side effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the tetanus toxin structure after different doses of ionizing radiation of 60Co. Methods Irradiated and native tetanus toxin was characterized by SDS PAGE in reducing and non-reducing conditions and MALD-TOF. Enzymatic activity was measured by FRET substrate. Also, antigenic properties were assessed by ELISA and Western Blot data. Results Characterization analysis revealed gradual modification on the tetanus toxin structure according to doses increase. Also, fragmentation and possible aggregations of the protein fragments were observed in higher doses. In the analysis of peptide preservation by enzymatic digestion and mass spectrometry, there was a slight modification in the identification up to the dose of 4 kGy. At subsequent doses, peptide identification was minimal. The analysis of the enzymatic activity by fluorescence showed 35 % attenuation in the activity even at higher doses. In the antigenic evaluation, anti-tetanus toxin antibodies were detected against the irradiated toxins at the different doses, with a gradual decrease as the dose increased, but remaining at satisfactory levels. Conclusion Ionizing radiation promoted structural changes in the tetanus toxin such as fragmentation and/or aggregation and attenuation of enzymatic activity as the dose increased, but antigenic recognition of the toxin remained at good levels indicating its possible use as an immunogen. However, studies of enzymatic activity of tetanus toxin irradiated with doses above 8 kGy should be further analyzed.