Ciencias Exactas y Ciencias de la Salud

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Evaluation of the contribution of maize germ peroxidases to resistance to the storage pest prostephanus truncatus
(Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, 2025-07) Cervantes Macedo, Elizabeth; García Lara, Silverio; emipsanchez; School of Engineering and Sciences; Campus Monterrey; González Rodríguez, América Tzitziki
Maize is a globally important crop used for food, feed, and bioethanol production. However, during storage, it faces serious threats from biotic factors, such as insect pests, particularly Prostephanus truncatus, which can cause severe grain damage and losses of up to 80%, depending on the region and conditions. These infestations also affect grain quality, nutritional value, and marketability. Maize kernels exhibit various resistance mechanisms involving structural, genetic, and biochemical traits, including proteins like peroxidases. Recent studies have linked peroxidase activity to insect resistance, with activity detected in kernel tissues, including the aleurone layer, pedicel, and germ. Although peroxidase activity is mainly concentrated in the germ, little is known about the specific peroxidases involved and their role during insect interactions, creating a gap in our understanding of this defense mechanism. This research aims to analyze the role of germ peroxidases in resistance to P. truncatus in mature maize kernels and germs. Susceptibility of maize kernels and germ tissues to P. truncatus was evaluated and compared with soluble protein concentration and peroxidase activity in the germ. Additionally, a proteomic approach was employed to identify candidate peroxidases and other proteins potentially involved in resistance mechanisms. Results revealed a significant negative correlation between susceptibility traits in maize kernels and peroxidase activity in the germ, as well as a similar correlation between these traits and soluble protein concentration. These findings suggest that peroxidase activity and soluble protein accumulation in the germ likely play an important role in kernel resistance. Despite previous reports of some genotypes exhibiting low germ damage after insect interaction, all germ samples in this study showed relatively high levels of damage, regardless of genotype. Therefore, germ tissue does not exhibit any antixenosis effect. Further research is recommended to evaluate protein candidates in the germ and kernel contributing to resistance during storage.
Bioactivity on in vitro systems from peptides derived from scorpion venom
(Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, 2022) Rivera Aboytes, Elizabeth; García Lara, Silverio; emipsanchez; Castorena Torres, Fabiola; School of engineering and sciences; Campus Monterrey; Puente Garza, César Armando
Cancer is a pervasive global health challenge, compounded by the limitations of existing chemotherapeutic agents. These treatments frequently encounter obstacles when administered, necessitating exploration into alternative therapeutic approaches. Animal venoms, including those sourced from scorpions, have emerged as promising candidates for novel cancer therapies due to their distinct bioactive properties. Scorpion venoms have demonstrated efficacy against various cancerous processes, providing a valuable foundation for the development of adjunct therapies targeting hormone- dependent cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. In this study, two peptides were designed based on the consensus sequence of scorpion venom. Additionally, in silico analysis was utilized to predict crucial peptide characteristics, guiding subsequent synthesis and evaluation of bioactivity. These peptides underwent rigorous in vitro experimentation using cancer cell lines, notably MDA-MB-231 for breast cancer and PC3 for prostate cancer. Among the tested peptides KV7 exhibited notably promising results, demonstrating favorable cytotoxicity against both MDA-MB-231 and PC3 cells. However, it was observed that KV8 displayed cytotoxicity towards HDFa cells, indicating the imperative need for further refinement to minimize off-target effects and enhance specificity. While these findings suggest the potential of scorpion venom-derived peptides as adjunct therapies for hormone-dependent cancers, further research is imperative to fully elucidate their therapeutic mechanisms and optimize their efficacy. Continued investigation into innovative cancer treatments is paramount to address the unmet medical needs of patients worldwide. This provides insights into the exploration of scorpion venom derived peptides as a promising source of novel cancer therapeutics. Leveraging the unique properties of scorpion venoms, researchers may develop more effective and targeted treatments for hormone-dependent cancers, thereby improving patient outcomes and quality of life. This research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in the ongoing battle against cancer, highlighting the potential of nature-derived compounds to revolutionize cancer treatment strategies.

Ciencias Exactas y Ciencias de la Salud

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