Ammodytagin, a heterodimeric metalloproteinase from Vipera ammodytes ammodytes venom with strong hemorrhagic activity

► Novel protein of biological relevance was isolated from the Vipera ammodytes venom. ► Biochemical characterisation identified it as Zn2+-dependent metalloproteinase. ► Results allowed its classification into P-IIIc group with only very few members identified so far. ►The mechanisms underlying the protein's observed hemorrhagic activity were investigated. ► Selective proteolytic degradation of basal membrane components and blood clotting factors was found crucial.