Writing a scientific publication….

Scientific writing is formulaic …

1.  Abstract (Summary)

2. Introduction
3. Methods
4. Results
5. Discussion
6. References
Scientific proposal due May 12, 2015…

1.  Abstract (Summary) – short description of

project
2. Introduction – background of subject &
question being pursued.
3. Methods- How investigated question.
techniques used
4. Proposed Results based on previous literature
5. Discussion- Place project in a larger context.
6. References - primary sources!
The Holy Grail... A Nature publication…
The Holy Grail... Has a formula…
Keys to a good manuscript…

Focus: Are main themes easily iden4fied, well defined, and supported
with evidence?

Organiza4on: Is the evidence (that supports the focus) presented on an
“as needed” basis and within the appropriate sec4ons of the paper?

Voice: Is the paper wriFen fluently so it doesn’t feel tedious to read?

Conven4on: Are the terms and ideas presented to be easily understood
and free of grammar and spelling errors?
 Venomics: Harvesting Nature s Deadliest Cocktail 
Mandë Holford1,2
1.Hunter College and CUNY Graduate Center, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065!
2. American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street and Central Park West, NY, NY 10024

I. Abstract IV. Discovery VI. Delivery

Research in the Holford lab is at the forefront of Chemical and
Biological Diversity - pioneering an evolutionarily integrated approach to
the discovery of novel neuropeptides from venomous snails. An
integrated approach is applied to harness the cornucopia of venom
compounds found in marine snails using mass spectrometry,
sequencing, and synthetic chemistry. Specifically, the discovery of novel
peptide toxins from terebrid snails are highlighted, such as Tv1 from
Terebra variegata, and other venom snail peptides that manipulate cell
signaling in the nervous system to alleviate pain or to suppress tumor
proliferation.!
! II. Holford Lab Goals!

Novel neuropeptides
from venomous
marine snails
that manipulate
neuronal signals

Discovery Characterization
M.O.U.S.E. (Marine Organisms Used in Shuttle Application) nanocontainer drug delivery strategy
applied to delivery of MVIIA peptide across the blood brain barrier.!

A" B" C"

Delivery
Research projects in the Holford lab applies inventive tools from chemistry and biology to: (1)
discover disulfide-rich peptide neurotoxins from a venom source, (2) develop high-throughput
methods for characterizing structure-function peptide interactions, and (3) deliver novel peptide
targets to their site of action for therapeutic application. !
D" E" F"
III. Venomics

Venomous Conoidean marine snails (cone snails, terebrids, and turrids) are globally distributed. Molecular data
from phylogenetic trees are used as road maps to elucidate the terebrid lineages that produce peptide
neurotoxins to suppress their prey. Next generation transcriptomic analyses of venom gland is applied to identify
peptide sequences. !
V. Characterization!
Engineered M.O.U.S.E. viral nanocontainers encapsulating marine snail peptide MVIIA in the interior and cell
penetrating peptide Tat(FAM) on the exterior translocate the BBB using an endocytic pathway.!
VII. Conclusion

Transcriptomes
and Genomes!

Bioactivity
Phylogenetics!
and SAR!

Venomics!

Neuropeptide
Proteomes!
Synthesis!

Database
Development!

Venomics is an integrated learn from nature strategy used to discover novel peptide Discovery and characterization of novel terebrid toxin Tv1 from Terebra variegata.!
neurotoxins from marine snails. Rapid advances in proteomics, genomics and transcriptomics
have leveled the playing field, providing affordable technology platforms that enable mining of The Holford lab has applied a venomics strategy to identify terebrid lineages that produce neuropeptides in a
venom proteins/peptides for drug discovery from species such as predatory marine snails.! venom duct and begun characterization of these novel peptides as tools for manipulating neuronal disorders
such as pain. !
Contact Information:Dr. Mande Holford
mholford@cuny.hunter.edu, mholford@amnh.org
 Activity…

Write the first six sentences of your abstract for your

Research project….
 What next…

1. Responsible Conduct of Research Certificate Due Apr 5

2. Practice Midterm Presentations Apr 12

3. Midterm presentations Apr 19

4. Discussion on research/team projects May 3!

5. Print 3D objects May 3- May 10

6. Submit research proposal/poster by 11pm May 10 (>3pages)