Characterisation of the irukandji venom proteins (C6.5)

Task leader: Prof. Jim Burnell, James Cook University

The aim of this project is to completely characterise the proteins present in the venom of jellyfish that cause the irukandji syndrome. This will be achieved by using both biochemical and molecular biological techniques. Individual proteins will be separated and purified by two-dimensional electrophoresis and high-pressure liquid chromatography and sent to APAF (Australian Protein Analysis Facility) for amino acid sequence analysis.

A cDNA libraries will be constructed from messenger RNA isolated from nematocysts and whole jellyfish and the libraries screened with primers designed based on the amino acids sequence analysis of the purified proteins. Clones obtained from screening the library will be isolated and characterised and the nucleotide and the inferred amino acid sequences used to identify the proteins by comparison with other sequences (GenBank). Individual clones may be expressed to fully characterise individual proteins.

The significance of the project is that it will identify and characterise all of the proteins present in the jellyfish venom. This information will be used to ensure that optimum treatments are used to treat patients suffering from jellyfish envenomation. It may also identify proteins with potential pharmaceutical use.