The presentation “Venom Analytics with Integrated Bioassaying” by Dr. Jeroen Kool focuses on a multidisciplinary analytical approach to understanding venom toxins through integrated in vitro and in vivo bioassaying. This research aims to elucidate the structure-function relationships of venom components by employing high-resolution nanofractionation analytics, targeted ion channel bioassays, and zebrafish behavioral models.

The study leverages liquid chromatography separation, nanofractionation, and mass spectrometry detection to generate high-resolution venom toxin profiles. These fractionated toxins undergo subsequent cellular and zebrafish-based assays to assess their effects on ion channels and neurotoxic pathways. The integration of high-throughput venomics allows for precise toxin identification, correlating molecular data with observed bioactivity.

The zebrafish model serves as a key tool for evaluating neurotoxic effects in an ethically acceptable, high-throughput manner. By exposing zebrafish larvae to fractionated venom toxins, researchers can monitor locomotor responses, paralysis, and acute toxicity. This approach enables the construction of bioactivity-linked chromatographic profiles, identifying key venom constituents responsible for neurotoxic effects.

Additionally, the research incorporates ion channel bioassays, such as the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor calcium influx assay, to evaluate the interaction of venom toxins with specific receptor targets. These bioassays, performed in parallel with nanofractionation and MS detection, help characterize toxin-receptor interactions at a molecular level.