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Luo S, Zhou X, Wu M, Wang G, Wang L, Feng X, Wu H, Luo R, Lu M, Ju J, Wang W, Yuan L, Luo X, Peng D, Yang L, Zhang Q, Chen M, Liang S, Dong X, Hao G, Zhang Y, Liu Z. Optimizing Nav1.7-Targeted Analgesics: Revealing Off-Target Effects of Spider Venom-Derived Peptide Toxins and Engineering Strategies for Improvement. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2406656. [PMID: 39248322 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202406656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
The inhibition of Nav1.7 is a promising strategy for the development of analgesic treatments. Spider venom-derived peptide toxins are recognized as significant sources of Nav1.7 inhibitors. However, their development has been impeded by limited selectivity. In this study, eight peptide toxins from three distinct spider venom Nav channel families demonstrated robust inhibition of hNav1.7, rKv4.2, and rKv4.3 (rKv4.2/4.3) currents, exhibiting a similar mode of action. The analysis of structure and function relationship revealed a significant overlap in the pharmacophore responsible for inhibiting hNav1.7 and rKv4.2 by HNTX-III, although Lys25 seems to play a more pivotal role in the inhibition of rKv4.2/4.3. Pharmacophore-guided rational design is employed for the development of an mGpTx1 analogue, mGpTx1-SA, which retains its inhibition of hNav1.7 while significantly reducing its inhibition of rKv4.2/4.3 and eliminating cardiotoxicity. Moreover, mGpTx1-SA demonstrates potent analgesic effects in both inflammatory and neuropathic pain models, accompanied by an improved in vivo safety profile. The results suggest that off-target inhibition of rKv4.2/4.3 by specific spider peptide toxins targeting hNav1.7 may arise from a conserved binding motif. This insight promises to facilitate the design of hNav1.7-specific analgesics, aimed at minimizing rKv4.2/4.3 inhibition and associated toxicity, thereby enhancing their suitability for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Luo
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Xi Zhou
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Meijing Wu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Gongxin Wang
- Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical science, Institute of Electrophysiology, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Li Wang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Xujun Feng
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Hang Wu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Ren Luo
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Minjuan Lu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Junxian Ju
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Wenxing Wang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Lei Yuan
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Xiaoqing Luo
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Dezheng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Advanced Carbon-based Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, Yueyang, Hunan, 414006, China
| | - Li Yang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Qingfeng Zhang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Minzhi Chen
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Songping Liang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Xiuming Dong
- Department of Research, Scope Research Institute of Electrophysiology, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Guoliang Hao
- Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical science, Institute of Electrophysiology, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
- Department of Research, Scope Research Institute of Electrophysiology, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Yunxiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Advanced Carbon-based Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, Yueyang, Hunan, 414006, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Peptide and small molecule drug R&D platform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
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Wang X, Luo H, Peng X, Chen J. Spider and scorpion knottins targeting voltage-gated sodium ion channels in pain signaling. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116465. [PMID: 39102991 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
In sensory neurons that transmit pain signals, whether acute or chronic, voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are crucial for regulating excitability. NaV1.1, NaV1.3, NaV1.6, NaV1.7, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9 have been demonstrated and defined their functional roles in pain signaling based on their biophysical properties and distinct patterns of expression in each subtype of sensory neurons. Scorpions and spiders are traditional Chinese medicinal materials, belonging to the arachnid class. Most of the studied species of them have evolved venom peptides that exhibit a wide variety of knottins specifically targeting VGSCs with subtype selectivity and conformational specificity. This review provides an overview on the exquisite knottins from scorpion and spider venoms targeting pain-related NaV channels, describing the sequences and the structural features as well as molecular determinants that influence their selectivity on special subtype and at particular conformation, with an aim for the development of novel research tools on NaV channels and analgesics with minimal adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiting Wang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
| | - Huan Luo
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
| | - Xiaozhen Peng
- School of Public Health & Laboratory Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China.
| | - Jinjun Chen
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Mechanics and Function Analysis, Changsha 418000, China.
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Neumann B, McCarthy S, Gonen S. Structural basis of inhibition of human Na V1.8 by the tarantula venom peptide Protoxin-I. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.27.609828. [PMID: 39253517 PMCID: PMC11383277 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.27.609828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs) selectively permit diffusion of sodium ions across the cell membrane and, in excitable cells, are responsible for propagating action potentials. One of the nine human NaV isoforms, NaV1.8, is a promising target for analgesics, and selective inhibitors are of interest as therapeutics. One such inhibitor, the gating-modifier peptide Protoxin-I derived from tarantula venom, blocks channel opening by shifting the activation voltage threshold to more depolarised potentials, but the structural basis for this inhibition has not previously been determined. Using monolayer graphene grids, we report the cryogenic electron microscopy structures of full-length human apo-NaV1.8 and the Protoxin-I-bound complex at 3.1 Å and 2.8 Å resolution, respectively. The apo structure shows an unexpected movement of the Domain I S4-S5 helix, and VSDI was unresolvable. We find that Protoxin-I binds to and displaces the VSDII S3-S4 linker, hindering translocation of the S4II helix during activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Neumann
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Stephen McCarthy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Shane Gonen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, CA 92617, USA
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4
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Pei S, Wang N, Mei Z, Zhangsun D, Craik DJ, McIntosh JM, Zhu X, Luo S. Conotoxins Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Ion Channels. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:828-845. [PMID: 38914468 PMCID: PMC11331937 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are intimately involved in the generation and transmission of action potentials, and dysfunction of these channels may contribute to nervous system diseases, such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain, psychosis, autism, and cardiac arrhythmia. Many venom peptides selectively act on NaV channels. These include conotoxins, which are neurotoxins secreted by cone snails for prey capture or self-defense but which are also valuable pharmacological tools for the identification and/or treatment of human diseases. Typically, conotoxins contain two or three disulfide bonds, and these internal crossbraces contribute to conotoxins having compact, well defined structures and high stability. Of the conotoxins containing three disulfide bonds, some selectively target mammalian NaV channels and can block, stimulate, or modulate these channels. Such conotoxins have great potential to serve as pharmacological tools for studying the functions and characteristics of NaV channels or as drug leads for neurologic diseases related to NaV channels. Accordingly, discovering or designing conotoxins targeting NaV channels with high potency and selectivity is important. The amino acid sequences, disulfide bond connectivity, and three-dimensional structures are key factors that affect the biological activity of conotoxins, and targeted synthetic modifications of conotoxins can greatly improve their activity and selectivity. This review examines NaV channel-targeted conotoxins, focusing on their structures, activities, and designed modifications, with a view toward expanding their applications. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: NaV channels are crucial in various neurologic diseases. Some conotoxins selectively target NaV channels, causing either blockade or activation, thus enabling their use as pharmacological tools for studying the channels' characteristics and functions. Conotoxins also have promising potential to be developed as drug leads. The disulfide bonds in these peptides are important for stabilizing their structures, thus leading to enhanced specificity and potency. Together, conotoxins targeting NaV channels have both immediate research value and promising future application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengrong Pei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Nan Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Zaoli Mei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - David J Craik
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Sulan Luo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
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Dongol Y, Wilson DT, Daly NL, Cardoso FC, Lewis RJ. Structure-function and rational design of a spider toxin Ssp1a at human voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1277143. [PMID: 38034993 PMCID: PMC10682951 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1277143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The structure-function and optimization studies of NaV-inhibiting spider toxins have focused on developing selective inhibitors for peripheral pain-sensing NaV1.7. With several NaV subtypes emerging as potential therapeutic targets, structure-function analysis of NaV-inhibiting spider toxins at such subtypes is warranted. Using the recently discovered spider toxin Ssp1a, this study extends the structure-function relationships of NaV-inhibiting spider toxins beyond NaV1.7 to include the epilepsy target NaV1.2 and the pain target NaV1.3. Based on these results and docking studies, we designed analogues for improved potency and/or subtype-selectivity, with S7R-E18K-rSsp1a and N14D-P27R-rSsp1a identified as promising leads. S7R-E18K-rSsp1a increased the rSsp1a potency at these three NaV subtypes, especially at NaV1.3 (∼10-fold), while N14D-P27R-rSsp1a enhanced NaV1.2/1.7 selectivity over NaV1.3. This study highlights the challenge of developing subtype-selective spider toxin inhibitors across multiple NaV subtypes that might offer a more effective therapeutic approach. The findings of this study provide a basis for further rational design of Ssp1a and related NaSpTx1 homologs targeting NaV1.2, NaV1.3 and/or NaV1.7 as research tools and therapeutic leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashad Dongol
- Centre for Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David T. Wilson
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Norelle L. Daly
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Fernanda C. Cardoso
- Centre for Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Centre for Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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6
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Docken SS, Clancy CE, Lewis TJ. Rate-dependent effects of state-specific sodium channel blockers in cardiac tissue: Insights from idealized models. J Theor Biol 2023; 573:111595. [PMID: 37562674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2023.111595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
A common side effect of pharmaceutical drugs is an increased propensity for cardiac arrhythmias. Many drugs bind to cardiac ion-channels in a state-specific manner, which alters the ionic conductances in complicated ways, making it difficult to identify the mechanisms underlying pro-arrhythmic drug effects. To better understand the fundamental mechanisms underlying the diverse effects of state-dependent sodium (Na+) channel blockers on cellular excitability, we consider two canonical motifs of drug-ion-channel interactions and compare the effects of Na+ channel blockers on the rate-dependence of peak upstroke velocity, conduction velocity, and vulnerable window size. In the literature, both motifs are referred to as "guarded receptor," but here we distinguish between state-specific binding that does not alter channel gating (referred to here as "guarded receptor") and state-specific binding that blocks certain gating transitions ("gate immobilization"). For each drug binding motif, we consider drugs that bind to the inactivated state and drugs that bind to the non-inactivated state of the Na+ channel. Exploiting the idealized nature of the canonical binding motifs, we identify the fundamental mechanisms underlying the effects on excitability of the various binding interactions. Specifically, we derive the voltage-dependence of the drug binding time constants and the equilibrium fractions of channels bound to drug, and we then derive a formula that incorporates these time constants and equilibrium fractions to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms. In the case of charged drug, we find that drugs that bind to inactivated channels exhibit greater rate-dependence than drugs that bind to non-inactivated channels. For neutral drugs, the effects of guarded receptor interactions are rate-independent, and we describe a novel mechanism for reverse rate-dependence resulting from neutral drug binding to non-inactivated channels via the gate immobilization motif.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen S Docken
- Department of Mathematics, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Colleen E Clancy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Timothy J Lewis
- Department of Mathematics, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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7
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Wu Q, Huang J, Fan X, Wang K, Jin X, Huang G, Li J, Pan X, Yan N. Structural mapping of Na v1.7 antagonists. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3224. [PMID: 37270609 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38942-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels are targeted by a number of widely used and investigational drugs for the treatment of epilepsy, arrhythmia, pain, and other disorders. Despite recent advances in structural elucidation of Nav channels, the binding mode of most Nav-targeting drugs remains unknown. Here we report high-resolution cryo-EM structures of human Nav1.7 treated with drugs and lead compounds with representative chemical backbones at resolutions of 2.6-3.2 Å. A binding site beneath the intracellular gate (site BIG) accommodates carbamazepine, bupivacaine, and lacosamide. Unexpectedly, a second molecule of lacosamide plugs into the selectivity filter from the central cavity. Fenestrations are popular sites for various state-dependent drugs. We show that vinpocetine, a synthetic derivative of a vinca alkaloid, and hardwickiic acid, a natural product with antinociceptive effect, bind to the III-IV fenestration, while vixotrigine, an analgesic candidate, penetrates the IV-I fenestration of the pore domain. Our results permit building a 3D structural map for known drug-binding sites on Nav channels summarized from the present and previous structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiurong Wu
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
| | - Xiao Fan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
| | - Kan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xueqin Jin
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Gaoxingyu Huang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiaao Li
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaojing Pan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Nieng Yan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
- Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong Province, China.
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Jiang D, Zhang J, Xia Z. Structural Advances in Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:908867. [PMID: 35721169 PMCID: PMC9204039 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.908867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are responsible for the rapid rising-phase of action potentials in excitable cells. Over 1,000 mutations in NaV channels are associated with human diseases including epilepsy, periodic paralysis, arrhythmias and pain disorders. Natural toxins and clinically-used small-molecule drugs bind to NaV channels and modulate their functions. Recent advances from cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of NaV channels reveal invaluable insights into the architecture, activation, fast inactivation, electromechanical coupling, ligand modulation and pharmacology of eukaryotic NaV channels. These structural analyses not only demonstrate molecular mechanisms for NaV channel structure and function, but also provide atomic level templates for rational development of potential subtype-selective therapeutics. In this review, we summarize recent structural advances of eukaryotic NaV channels, highlighting the structural features of eukaryotic NaV channels as well as distinct modulation mechanisms by a wide range of modulators from natural toxins to synthetic small-molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daohua Jiang
- Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Daohua Jiang,
| | - Jiangtao Zhang
- Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhanyi Xia
- Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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9
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Huang G, Liu D, Wang W, Wu Q, Chen J, Pan X, Shen H, Yan N. High-resolution structures of human Na v1.7 reveal gating modulation through α-π helical transition of S6 IV. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110735. [PMID: 35476982 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nav1.7 represents a preeminent target for next-generation analgesics for its critical role in pain sensation. Here we report a 2.2-Å resolution cryo-EM structure of wild-type (WT) Nav1.7 complexed with the β1 and β2 subunits that reveals several previously indiscernible cytosolic segments. Reprocessing of the cryo-EM data for our reported structures of Nav1.7(E406K) bound to various toxins identifies two distinct conformations of S6IV, one composed of α helical turns only and the other containing a π helical turn in the middle. The structure of ligand-free Nav1.7(E406K), determined at 3.5-Å resolution, is identical to the WT channel, confirming that binding of Huwentoxin IV or Protoxin II to VSDII allosterically induces the α → π transition of S6IV. The local secondary structural shift leads to contraction of the intracellular gate, closure of the fenestration on the interface of repeats I and IV, and rearrangement of the binding site for the fast inactivation motif.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoxingyu Huang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
| | - Dongliang Liu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
| | - Weipeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qiurong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiaofeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaojing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Huaizong Shen
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China.
| | - Nieng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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10
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Ngum NM, Aziz MYA, Latif ML, Wall RJ, Duce IR, Mellor IR. Non-canonical endogenous expression of voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 subtype by the TE671 rhabdomyosarcoma cell line. J Physiol 2022; 600:2499-2513. [PMID: 35413129 PMCID: PMC9325523 DOI: 10.1113/jp283055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract The human TE671 cell line was originally used as a model of medulloblastoma but has since been reassigned as rhabdomyosarcoma. Despite the characterised endogenous expression of voltage‐sensitive sodium currents in these cells, the specific voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC) subtype underlying these currents remains unknown. To profile the VGSC subtype in undifferentiated TE671 cells, endpoint and quantitative reverse transcription–PCR (qRT‐PCR), western blot and whole‐cell patch clamp electrophysiology were performed. qRT‐PCR profiling revealed that expression of the SCN9A gene was ∼215‐fold greater than the SCN4A gene and over 400‐fold greater than any of the other VGSC genes, while western blot confirmed that the dominant SCN9A RNA was translated to a protein with a molecular mass of ∼250 kDa. Elicited sodium currents had a mean amplitude of 2.6 ± 0.7 nA with activation and fast inactivation V50 values of −31.9 ± 1.1 and −69.6 ± 1.0 mV, respectively. The currents were completely and reversibly blocked by tetrodotoxin at concentrations greater than 100 nm (IC50 = 22.3 nm). They were also very susceptible to the NaV1.7 specific blockers Huwentoxin‐IV and Protoxin‐II with IC50 values of 14.6 nm and 0.8 nm, respectively, characteristic of those previously determined for NaV1.7. Combined, the results revealed the non‐canonical and highly dominant expression of NaV1.7 in the human TE671 rhabdomyosarcoma cell line. We show that the TE671 cell line is an easy to maintain and cost‐effective model for the study of NaV1.7, a major target for the development of analgesic drugs and more generally for the study of pain. Key points Undifferentiated TE671 cells produce a voltage‐sensitive sodium current when depolarised. The voltage‐gated sodium channel isoform expressed in undifferentiated TE671 cells was previously unknown.
Through qRT‐PCR, western blot and toxin pharmacology, it is shown that undifferentiated TE671 cells dominantly (>99.5%) express the NaV1.7 isoform that is strongly associated with pain.
The TE671 cell line is, therefore, a very easy to maintain and cost‐effective model to study NaV1.7‐targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neville M Ngum
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Muhammad Y A Aziz
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - M Liaque Latif
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Richard J Wall
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ian R Duce
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ian R Mellor
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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11
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Kong X, Li Y, Perez-Miller S, Luo G, Liao Q, Wu X, Liang S, Tang C, Khanna R, Liu Z. The small molecule compound C65780 alleviates pain by stabilizing voltage-gated sodium channels in the inactivated and slowly-recovering state. Neuropharmacology 2022; 212:109057. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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Nguyen PT, Yarov-Yarovoy V. Towards Structure-Guided Development of Pain Therapeutics Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:842032. [PMID: 35153801 PMCID: PMC8830516 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.842032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are critical molecular determinants of action potential generation and propagation in excitable cells. Normal NaV channel function disruption can affect physiological neuronal signaling and lead to increased sensitivity to pain, congenital indifference to pain, uncoordinated movement, seizures, or paralysis. Human genetic studies have identified human NaV1.7 (hNaV1.7), hNaV1.8, and hNaV1.9 channel subtypes as crucial players in pain signaling. The premise that subtype selective NaV inhibitors can reduce pain has been reinforced through intensive target validation and therapeutic development efforts. However, an ideal therapeutic has yet to emerge. This review is focused on recent progress, current challenges, and future opportunities to develop NaV channel targeting small molecules and peptides as non-addictive therapeutics to treat pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong T Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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13
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Deuis JR, Ragnarsson L, Robinson SD, Dekan Z, Chan L, Jin AH, Tran P, McMahon KL, Li S, Wood JN, Cox JJ, King GF, Herzig V, Vetter I. The Tarantula Venom Peptide Eo1a Binds to the Domain II S3-S4 Extracellular Loop of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Na V1.8 to Enhance Activation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:789570. [PMID: 35095499 PMCID: PMC8795738 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.789570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms from cone snails and arachnids are a rich source of peptide modulators of voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels, however relatively few venom-derived peptides with activity at the mammalian NaV1.8 subtype have been isolated. Here, we describe the discovery and functional characterisation of β-theraphotoxin-Eo1a, a peptide from the venom of the Tanzanian black and olive baboon tarantula Encyocratella olivacea that modulates NaV1.8. Eo1a is a 37-residue peptide that increases NaV1.8 peak current (EC50 894 ± 146 nM) and causes a large hyperpolarising shift in both the voltage-dependence of activation (ΔV50-20.5 ± 1.2 mV) and steady-state fast inactivation (ΔV50-15.5 ± 1.8 mV). At a concentration of 10 μM, Eo1a has varying effects on the peak current and channel gating of NaV1.1-NaV1.7, although its activity is most pronounced at NaV1.8. Investigations into the binding site of Eo1a using NaV1.7/NaV1.8 chimeras revealed a critical contribution of the DII S3-S4 extracellular loop of NaV1.8 to toxin activity. Results from this work may form the basis for future studies that lead to the rational design of spider venom-derived peptides with improved potency and selectivity at NaV1.8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Deuis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lotten Ragnarsson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Samuel D. Robinson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Zoltan Dekan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lerena Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ai-Hua Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Poanna Tran
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kirsten L. McMahon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shengnan Li
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - John N. Wood
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James J. Cox
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Volker Herzig
- GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
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14
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Peng S, Chen M, Xiao Z, Xiao X, Luo S, Liang S, Zhou X, Liu Z. A Novel Spider Toxin Inhibits Fast Inactivation of the Na v1.9 Channel by Binding to Domain III and Domain IV Voltage Sensors. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:778534. [PMID: 34938190 PMCID: PMC8685421 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.778534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals have evolved to produce peptide toxins that modulate the activity of voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels. These specific modulators are powerful probes for investigating the structural and functional features of Nav channels. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of δ-theraphotoxin-Gr4b (Gr4b), a novel peptide toxin from the venom of the spider Grammostola rosea. Gr4b contains 37-amino acid residues with six cysteines forming three disulfide bonds. Patch-clamp analysis confirmed that Gr4b markedly slows the fast inactivation of Nav1.9 and inhibits the currents of Nav1.4 and Nav1.7, but does not affect Nav1.8. It was also found that Gr4b significantly shifts the steady-state activation and inactivation curves of Nav1.9 to the depolarization direction and increases the window current, which is consistent with the change in the ramp current. Furthermore, analysis of Nav1.9/Nav1.8 chimeric channels revealed that Gr4b preferentially binds to the voltage-sensor of domain III (DIII VSD) and has additional interactions with the DIV VSD. The site-directed mutagenesis analysis indicated that N1139 and L1143 in DIII S3-S4 linker participate in toxin binding. In sum, this study reports a novel spider peptide toxin that may slow the fast inactivation of Nav1.9 by binding to the new neurotoxin receptor site-DIII VSD. Taken together, these findings provide insight into the functional role of the Nav channel DIII VSD in fast inactivation and activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuijiao Peng
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Minzhi Chen
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhen Xiao
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Xiao
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Sen Luo
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Songping Liang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xi Zhou
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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15
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Dongol Y, Choi PM, Wilson DT, Daly NL, Cardoso FC, Lewis RJ. Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Modulation by a New Spider Toxin Ssp1a Isolated From an Australian Theraphosid. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:795455. [PMID: 35002728 PMCID: PMC8740163 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.795455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the important role of voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channel-modulating spider toxins in elucidating the function, pharmacology, and mechanism of action of therapeutically relevant NaV channels, we screened the venom from Australian theraphosid species against the human pain target hNaV1.7. Using assay-guided fractionation, we isolated a 33-residue inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) peptide (Ssp1a) belonging to the NaSpTx1 family. Recombinant Ssp1a (rSsp1a) inhibited neuronal hNaV subtypes with a rank order of potency hNaV1.7 > 1.6 > 1.2 > 1.3 > 1.1. rSsp1a inhibited hNaV1.7, hNaV1.2 and hNaV1.3 without significantly altering the voltage-dependence of activation, inactivation, or delay in recovery from inactivation. However, rSsp1a demonstrated voltage-dependent inhibition at hNaV1.7 and rSsp1a-bound hNaV1.7 opened at extreme depolarizations, suggesting rSsp1a likely interacted with voltage-sensing domain II (VSD II) of hNaV1.7 to trap the channel in its resting state. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed key structural features of Ssp1a, including an amphipathic surface with hydrophobic and charged patches shown by docking studies to comprise the interacting surface. This study provides the basis for future structure-function studies to guide the development of subtype selective inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashad Dongol
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Phil M. Choi
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David T. Wilson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Norelle L. Daly
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Fernanda C. Cardoso
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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16
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Lopez L, Montnach J, Oliveira-Mendes B, Khakh K, Thomas B, Lin S, Caumes C, Wesolowski S, Nicolas S, Servent D, Cohen C, Béroud R, Benoit E, De Waard M. Synthetic Analogues of Huwentoxin-IV Spider Peptide With Altered Human NaV1.7/NaV1.6 Selectivity Ratios. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:798588. [PMID: 34988086 PMCID: PMC8722715 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.798588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Huwentoxin-IV (HwTx-IV), a peptide discovered in the venom of the Chinese bird spider Cyriopagopus schmidti, has been reported to be a potent antinociceptive compound due to its action on the genetically-validated NaV1.7 pain target. Using this peptide for antinociceptive applications in vivo suffers from one major drawback, namely its negative impact on the neuromuscular system. Although studied only recently, this effect appears to be due to an interaction between the peptide and the NaV1.6 channel subtype located at the presynaptic level. The aim of this work was to investigate how HwTx-IV could be modified in order to alter the original human (h) NaV1.7/NaV1.6 selectivity ratio of 23. Nineteen HwTx-IV analogues were chemically synthesized and tested for their blocking effects on the Na+ currents flowing through these two channel subtypes stably expressed in cell lines. Dose-response curves for these analogues were generated, thanks to the use of an automated patch-clamp system. Several key amino acid positions were targeted owing to the information provided by earlier structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies. Among the analogues tested, the potency of HwTx-IV E4K was significantly improved for hNaV1.6, leading to a decreased hNaV1.7/hNaV1.6 selectivity ratio (close to 1). Similar decreased selectivity ratios, but with increased potency for both subtypes, were observed for HwTx-IV analogues that combine a substitution at position 4 with a modification of amino acid 1 or 26 (HwTx-IV E1G/E4G and HwTx-IV E4K/R26Q). In contrast, increased selectivity ratios (>46) were obtained if the E4K mutation was combined to an additional double substitution (R26A/Y33W) or simply by further substituting the C-terminal amidation of the peptide by a carboxylated motif, linked to a marked loss of potency on hNaV1.6 in this latter case. These results demonstrate that it is possible to significantly modulate the selectivity ratio for these two channel subtypes in order to improve the potency of a given analogue for hNaV1.6 and/or hNaV1.7 subtypes. In addition, selective analogues for hNaV1.7, possessing better safety profiles, were produced to limit neuromuscular impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludivine Lopez
- L’institut du Thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV NANTES, Nantes, France
| | - Jérôme Montnach
- L’institut du Thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV NANTES, Nantes, France
| | | | | | | | - Sophia Lin
- Xenon Pharmaceuticals, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Denis Servent
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), Service d’Ingénierie Moléculaire pour La Santé (SIMoS), ERL CNRS/CEA, Institut des Sciences du Vivant Frédéric Joliot, CEA, Université Paris Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | | | - Evelyne Benoit
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), Service d’Ingénierie Moléculaire pour La Santé (SIMoS), ERL CNRS/CEA, Institut des Sciences du Vivant Frédéric Joliot, CEA, Université Paris Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Michel De Waard
- L’institut du Thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV NANTES, Nantes, France
- Smartox Biotechnology, Saint-Egrève, France
- LabEx « Ion Channels, Science and Therapeutics », Valbonne, France
- *Correspondence: Michel De Waard,
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17
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Neff RA, Wickenden AD. Selective Targeting of Nav1.7 with Engineered Spider Venom-Based Peptides. Channels (Austin) 2021; 15:179-193. [PMID: 33427574 PMCID: PMC7808416 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2020.1860382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A fundamental mechanism that drives the propagation of electrical signals in the nervous system is the activation of voltage-gated sodium channels. The sodium channel subtype Nav1.7 is critical for the transmission of pain-related signaling, with gain-of-function mutations in Nav1.7 resulting in various painful pathologies. Loss-of-function mutations cause complete insensitivity to pain and anosmia in humans that otherwise have normal nervous system function, rendering Nav1.7 an attractive target for the treatment of pain. Despite this, no Nav1.7 selective therapeutic has been approved for use as an analgesic to date. Here we present a summary of research that has focused on engineering peptides found in spider venoms to produce Nav1.7 selective antagonists. We discuss the progress that has been made on various scaffolds from different venom families and highlight the challenges that remain in the effort to produce a Nav1.7 selective, venom-based analgesic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Neff
- Neuroscience Discovery, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alan D. Wickenden
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
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18
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Hu H, Mawlawi SE, Zhao T, Deuis JR, Jami S, Vetter I, Lewis RJ, Cardoso FC. Engineering of a Spider Peptide via Conserved Structure-Function Traits Optimizes Sodium Channel Inhibition In Vitro and Anti-Nociception In Vivo. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:742457. [PMID: 34621788 PMCID: PMC8490825 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.742457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Venom peptides are potent and selective modulators of voltage-gated ion channels that regulate neuronal function both in health and in disease. We previously identified the spider venom peptide Tap1a from the Venezuelan tarantula Theraphosa apophysis that targeted multiple voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels in visceral pain pathways and inhibited visceral mechano-sensing neurons contributing to irritable bowel syndrome. In this work, alanine scanning and domain activity analysis revealed Tap1a inhibited sodium channels by binding with nanomolar affinity to the voltage-sensor domain II utilising conserved structure-function features characteristic of spider peptides belonging to family NaSpTx1. In order to speed up the development of optimized NaV-targeting peptides with greater inhibitory potency and enhanced in vivo activity, we tested the hypothesis that incorporating residues identified from other optimized NaSpTx1 peptides into Tap1a could also optimize its potency for NaVs. Applying this approach, we designed the peptides Tap1a-OPT1 and Tap1a-OPT2 exhibiting significant increased potency for NaV1.1, NaV1.2, NaV1.3, NaV1.6 and NaV1.7 involved in several neurological disorders including acute and chronic pain, motor neuron disease and epilepsy. Tap1a-OPT1 showed increased potency for the off-target NaV1.4, while this off-target activity was absent in Tap1a-OPT2. This enhanced potency arose through a slowed off-rate mechanism. Optimized inhibition of NaV channels observed in vitro translated in vivo, with reversal of nocifensive behaviours in a murine model of NaV-mediated pain also enhanced by Tap1a-OPT. Molecular docking studies suggested that improved interactions within loops 3 and 4, and C-terminal of Tap1a-OPT and the NaV channel voltage-sensor domain II were the main drivers of potency optimization. Overall, the rationally designed peptide Tap1a-OPT displayed new and refined structure-function features which are likely the major contributors to its enhanced bioactive properties observed in vivo. This work contributes to the rapid engineering and optimization of potent spider peptides multi-targeting NaV channels, and the research into novel drugs to treat neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Hu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - S E Mawlawi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - T Zhao
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - J R Deuis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - S Jami
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - I Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - R J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - F C Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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19
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Abd El-Aziz TM, Xiao Y, Kline J, Gridley H, Heaston A, Linse KD, Ward MJ, Rokyta DR, Stockand JD, Cummins TR, Fornelli L, Rowe AH. Identification and Characterization of Novel Proteins from Arizona Bark Scorpion Venom That Inhibit Nav1.8, a Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Regulator of Pain Signaling. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13070501. [PMID: 34357973 PMCID: PMC8310189 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.8 is linked to neuropathic and inflammatory pain, highlighting the potential to serve as a drug target. However, the biophysical mechanisms that regulate Nav1.8 activation and inactivation gating are not completely understood. Progress has been hindered by a lack of biochemical tools for examining Nav1.8 gating mechanisms. Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) venom proteins inhibit Nav1.8 and block pain in grasshopper mice (Onychomys torridus). These proteins provide tools for examining Nav1.8 structure–activity relationships. To identify proteins that inhibit Nav1.8 activity, venom samples were fractioned using liquid chromatography (reversed-phase and ion exchange). A recombinant Nav1.8 clone expressed in ND7/23 cells was used to identify subfractions that inhibited Nav1.8 Na+ current. Mass-spectrometry-based bottom-up proteomic analyses identified unique peptides from inhibitory subfractions. A search of the peptides against the AZ bark scorpion venom gland transcriptome revealed four novel proteins between 40 and 60% conserved with venom proteins from scorpions in four genera (Centruroides, Parabuthus, Androctonus, and Tityus). Ranging from 63 to 82 amino acids, each primary structure includes eight cysteines and a “CXCE” motif, where X = an aromatic residue (tryptophan, tyrosine, or phenylalanine). Electrophysiology data demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of bioactive subfractions can be removed by hyperpolarizing the channels, suggesting that proteins may function as gating modifiers as opposed to pore blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (T.M.A.E.-A.); (J.D.S.)
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Yucheng Xiao
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (Y.X.); (T.R.C.)
| | - Jake Kline
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA; (J.K.); (H.G.); (A.H.); (L.F.)
| | - Harold Gridley
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA; (J.K.); (H.G.); (A.H.); (L.F.)
| | - Alyse Heaston
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA; (J.K.); (H.G.); (A.H.); (L.F.)
| | - Klaus D. Linse
- Bio-Synthesis Inc., 612 E. Main Street, Lewisville, TX 75057, USA;
| | - Micaiah J. Ward
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; (M.J.W.); (D.R.R.)
| | - Darin R. Rokyta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; (M.J.W.); (D.R.R.)
| | - James D. Stockand
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (T.M.A.E.-A.); (J.D.S.)
| | - Theodore R. Cummins
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (Y.X.); (T.R.C.)
| | - Luca Fornelli
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA; (J.K.); (H.G.); (A.H.); (L.F.)
| | - Ashlee H. Rowe
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA; (J.K.); (H.G.); (A.H.); (L.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-936-577-5782
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20
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Katz D, Sindhikara D, DiMattia M, Leffler AE. Potency-Enhancing Mutations of Gating Modifier Toxins for the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Na V1.7 Can Be Predicted Using Accurate Free-Energy Calculations. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:193. [PMID: 33800031 PMCID: PMC8002187 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13030193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gating modifier toxins (GMTs) isolated from venomous organisms such as Protoxin-II (ProTx-II) and Huwentoxin-IV (HwTx-IV) that inhibit the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 by binding to its voltage-sensing domain II (VSDII) have been extensively investigated as non-opioid analgesics. However, reliably predicting how a mutation to a GMT will affect its potency for NaV1.7 has been challenging. Here, we hypothesize that structure-based computational methods can be used to predict such changes. We employ free-energy perturbation (FEP), a physics-based simulation method for predicting the relative binding free energy (RBFE) between molecules, and the cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of ProTx-II and HwTx-IV bound to VSDII of NaV1.7 to re-predict the relative potencies of forty-seven point mutants of these GMTs for NaV1.7. First, FEP predicted these relative potencies with an overall root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.0 ± 0.1 kcal/mol and an R2 value of 0.66, equivalent to experimental uncertainty and an improvement over the widely used molecular-mechanics/generalized born-surface area (MM-GB/SA) RBFE method that had an RMSE of 3.9 ± 0.8 kcal/mol. Second, inclusion of an explicit membrane model was needed for the GMTs to maintain stable binding poses during the FEP simulations. Third, MM-GB/SA and FEP were used to identify fifteen non-standard tryptophan mutants at ProTx-II[W24] predicted in silico to have a at least a 1 kcal/mol gain in potency. These predicted potency gains are likely due to the displacement of high-energy waters as identified by the WaterMap algorithm for calculating the positions and thermodynamic properties of water molecules in protein binding sites. Our results expand the domain of applicability of FEP and set the stage for its prospective use in biologics drug discovery programs involving GMTs and NaV1.7.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Abba E. Leffler
- Schrӧdinger, Inc., 120 West 45th St., New York, NY 10036, USA; (D.K.); (D.S.); (M.D.)
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21
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Wisedchaisri G, Tonggu L, Gamal El-Din TM, McCord E, Zheng N, Catterall WA. Structural Basis for High-Affinity Trapping of the Na V1.7 Channel in Its Resting State by Tarantula Toxin. Mol Cell 2021; 81:38-48.e4. [PMID: 33232657 PMCID: PMC8043720 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels initiate electrical signals and are frequently targeted by deadly gating-modifier neurotoxins, including tarantula toxins, which trap the voltage sensor in its resting state. The structural basis for tarantula-toxin action remains elusive because of the difficulty of capturing the functionally relevant form of the toxin-channel complex. Here, we engineered the model sodium channel NaVAb with voltage-shifting mutations and the toxin-binding site of human NaV1.7, an attractive pain target. This mutant chimera enabled us to determine the cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the channel functionally arrested by tarantula toxin. Our structure reveals a high-affinity resting-state-specific toxin-channel interaction between a key lysine residue that serves as a "stinger" and penetrates a triad of carboxyl groups in the S3-S4 linker of the voltage sensor. By unveiling this high-affinity binding mode, our studies establish a high-resolution channel-docking and resting-state locking mechanism for huwentoxin-IV and provide guidance for developing future resting-state-targeted analgesic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lige Tonggu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Eedann McCord
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ning Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - William A Catterall
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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22
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Yousuf A, Sadeghi M, Adams DJ. Venom-Derived Peptides Inhibiting Voltage-Gated Sodium and Calcium Channels in Mammalian Sensory Neurons. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1349:3-19. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-4254-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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23
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Eagles DA, Chow CY, King GF. Fifteen years of Na
V
1.7 channels as an analgesic target: Why has excellent in vitro pharmacology not translated into in vivo analgesic efficacy? Br J Pharmacol 2020; 179:3592-3611. [DOI: 10.1111/bph.15327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Eagles
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Chun Yuen Chow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
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24
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Chen M, Peng S, Wang L, Yang L, Si Y, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Liu Z. Recombinant PaurTx-3, a spider toxin, inhibits sodium channels and decreases membrane excitability in DRG neurons. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 533:958-964. [PMID: 33004176 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.09.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels are critical for the generation and propagation of action potentials. Gating modifier toxins from spider venom can modulate the gating mechanism of sodium channels and thus have potential as drug leads. Here, we established expression of the gating modifier toxin PaurTx-3, a sodium channel inhibitor found in the venom of the spider Phrixotrichus auratus. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings indicated that recombinant PaurTx-3 (rPaurTx-3) inhibited Nav1.4, Nav1.5, and Nav1.7 currents with IC50 values of 61 nM, 72 nM, and 25 nM, respectively. Furthermore, rPaurTx-3 irreversibly inhibited Nav1.7 currents, but had 60-70% recovery in Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 after washing with a bath solution. rPaurTx-3 also hyperpolarized the voltage-dependent steady-state inactivation curve and significantly slowed recovery from fast inactivation of Nav1.7. Current-clamp recordings showed that rPaurTx-3 suppressed small DRG neuron activity. The biological activity assay findings for rPaurTx-3 support its potent pharmacological effect in Nav1.7 and small DRG neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minzhi Chen
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Shuijiao Peng
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Li Wang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Li Yang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Yuxin Si
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Xi Zhou
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China.
| | - Yunxiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Advanced Carbon-based Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, Yueyang, 414006, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China.
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25
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Peschel A, Cardoso FC, Walker AA, Durek T, Stone MRL, Braga Emidio N, Dawson PE, Muttenthaler M, King GF. Two for the Price of One: Heterobivalent Ligand Design Targeting Two Binding Sites on Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels Slows Ligand Dissociation and Enhances Potency. J Med Chem 2020; 63:12773-12785. [PMID: 33078946 PMCID: PMC7667638 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Voltage-gated
sodium (NaV) channels are pore-forming
transmembrane proteins that play essential roles in excitable cells,
and they are key targets for antiepileptic, antiarrhythmic, and analgesic
drugs. We implemented a heterobivalent design strategy to modulate
the potency, selectivity, and binding kinetics of NaV channel
ligands. We conjugated μ-conotoxin KIIIA, which occludes the
pore of the NaV channels, to an analogue of huwentoxin-IV,
a spider-venom peptide that allosterically modulates channel gating.
Bioorthogonal hydrazide and copper-assisted azide–alkyne cycloaddition
conjugation chemistries were employed to generate heterobivalent ligands
using polyethylene glycol linkers spanning 40–120 Å. The
ligand with an 80 Å linker had the most pronounced bivalent effects,
with a significantly slower dissociation rate and 4–24-fold
higher potency compared to those of the monovalent peptides for the
human NaV1.4 channel. This study highlights the power of
heterobivalent ligand design and expands the repertoire of pharmacological
probes for exploring the function of NaV channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Peschel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Fernanda C Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew A Walker
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - M Rhia L Stone
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nayara Braga Emidio
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Philip E Dawson
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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26
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Pajouhesh H, Beckley JT, Delwig A, Hajare HS, Luu G, Monteleone D, Zhou X, Ligutti J, Amagasu S, Moyer BD, Yeomans DC, Du Bois J, Mulcahy JV. Discovery of a selective, state-independent inhibitor of Na V1.7 by modification of guanidinium toxins. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14791. [PMID: 32908170 PMCID: PMC7481244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71135-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channel isoform NaV1.7 is highly expressed in dorsal root ganglion neurons and is obligatory for nociceptive signal transmission. Genetic gain-of-function and loss-of-function NaV1.7 mutations have been identified in select individuals, and are associated with episodic extreme pain disorders and insensitivity to pain, respectively. These findings implicate NaV1.7 as a key pharmacotherapeutic target for the treatment of pain. While several small molecules targeting NaV1.7 have been advanced to clinical development, no NaV1.7-selective compound has shown convincing efficacy in clinical pain applications. Here we describe the discovery and characterization of ST-2262, a NaV1.7 inhibitor that blocks the extracellular vestibule of the channel with an IC50 of 72 nM and greater than 200-fold selectivity over off-target sodium channel isoforms, NaV1.1-1.6 and NaV1.8. In contrast to other NaV1.7 inhibitors that preferentially inhibit the inactivated state of the channel, ST-2262 is equipotent in a protocol that favors the resting state of the channel, a protocol that favors the inactivated state, and a high frequency protocol. In a non-human primate study, animals treated with ST-2262 exhibited reduced sensitivity to noxious heat. These findings establish the extracellular vestibule of the sodium channel as a viable receptor site for the design of selective ligands targeting NaV1.7.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Pajouhesh
- SiteOne Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - J T Beckley
- SiteOne Therapeutics, Bozeman, MT, 59715, USA
| | - A Delwig
- SiteOne Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - H S Hajare
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - G Luu
- SiteOne Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - D Monteleone
- SiteOne Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - X Zhou
- SiteOne Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - J Ligutti
- Neuroscience Department, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - S Amagasu
- Neuroscience Department, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - B D Moyer
- Neuroscience Department, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91320, USA
| | - D C Yeomans
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - J Du Bois
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - J V Mulcahy
- SiteOne Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
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27
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Zhang Q, Si Y, Yang L, Wang L, Peng S, Chen Y, Chen M, Zhou X, Liu Z. Two Novel Peptide Toxins from the Spider Cyriopagopus longipes Inhibit Tetrodotoxin-Sensitive Sodium Channels. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090529. [PMID: 32824960 PMCID: PMC7551932 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sodium channels play a critical role in the generation and propagation of action potentials in excitable tissues, such as nerves, cardiac muscle, and skeletal muscle, and are the primary targets of toxins found in animal venoms. Here, two novel peptide toxins (Cl6a and Cl6b) were isolated from the venom of the spider Cyriopagopus longipes and characterized. Cl6a and Cl6b were shown to be inhibitors of tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S), but not TTX-resistant, sodium channels. Among the TTX-S channels investigated, Cl6a and Cl6b showed the highest degree of inhibition against NaV1.7 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 11.0 ± 2.5 nM and 18.8 ± 2.4 nM, respectively) in an irreversible manner that does not alter channel activation, inactivation, or repriming kinetics. Moreover, analysis of NaV1.7/NaV1.8 chimeric channels revealed that Cl6b is a site 4 neurotoxin. Site-directed mutagenesis analysis indicated that D816, V817, and E818 observably affected the efficacy of the Cl6b-NaV1.7 interaction, suggesting that these residues might directly affect the interaction of NaV1.7 with Cl6b. Taken together, these two novel peptide toxins act as potent and sustained NaV1.7 blockers and may have potential in the pharmacological study of sodium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xi Zhou
- Correspondence: (X.Z); (Z.L.)
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28
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Gao S, Na R, Yang L, Yu H, Zhao X, Huang X. Investigation of binding modes of spider toxin–human voltage-gated sodium channel subtybe 1.7. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:4981-4989. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1783363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Gao
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Risong Na
- College of plant protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, P.R China
| | - Lianjuan Yang
- Department of Mycology, Shanghai Dermatology Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Yu
- College of Science, Beihua Univesrity, Jilin, China
| | - Xi Zhao
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuri Huang
- College of plant protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, P.R China
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29
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Cardoso FC. Multi-targeting sodium and calcium channels using venom peptides for the treatment of complex ion channels-related diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114107. [PMID: 32579958 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Venom peptides are amongst the most exquisite group of bioactive molecules able to alter the normal physiology of organisms. These bioactive peptides penetrate tissues and blood vessels to encounter a number of receptors and ion channels to which they bind with high affinity and execute modulatory activities. Arachnid is the most diverse class of venomous animals often rich in peptides modulating voltage-gated sodium (NaV), calcium (CaV), and potassium (KV) channels. Spider venoms, in particular, contain potent and selective peptides targeting these channels, with a few displaying interesting multi-target properties for NaV and CaV channels underlying disease mechanisms such as in neuropathic pain, motor neuron disease and cancer. The elucidation of the pharmacology and structure-function properties of these venom peptides are invaluable for the development of effective drugs targeting NaV and CaV channels. This perspective discusses spider venom peptides displaying multi-target properties to modulate NaV and CaV channels in regard to their pharmacological features, structure-function relationships and potential to become the next generation of effective drugs to treat neurological disorders and other multi-ion channels related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Rd., St Lucia, QLD AU 4072, Australia
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30
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Employing NaChBac for cryo-EM analysis of toxin action on voltage-gated Na + channels in nanodisc. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:14187-14193. [PMID: 32513729 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1922903117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
NaChBac, the first bacterial voltage-gated Na+ (Nav) channel to be characterized, has been the prokaryotic prototype for studying the structure-function relationship of Nav channels. Discovered nearly two decades ago, the structure of NaChBac has not been determined. Here we present the single particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) analysis of NaChBac in both detergent micelles and nanodiscs. Under both conditions, the conformation of NaChBac is nearly identical to that of the potentially inactivated NavAb. Determining the structure of NaChBac in nanodiscs enabled us to examine gating modifier toxins (GMTs) of Nav channels in lipid bilayers. To study GMTs in mammalian Nav channels, we generated a chimera in which the extracellular fragment of the S3 and S4 segments in the second voltage-sensing domain from Nav1.7 replaced the corresponding sequence in NaChBac. Cryo-EM structures of the nanodisc-embedded chimera alone and in complex with HuwenToxin IV (HWTX-IV) were determined to 3.5 and 3.2 Å resolutions, respectively. Compared to the structure of HWTX-IV-bound human Nav1.7, which was obtained at an overall resolution of 3.2 Å, the local resolution of the toxin has been improved from ∼6 to ∼4 Å. This resolution enabled visualization of toxin docking. NaChBac can thus serve as a convenient surrogate for structural studies of the interactions between GMTs and Nav channels in a membrane environment.
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31
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Spider venom-derived peptide induces hyperalgesia in Na v1.7 knockout mice by activating Na v1.9 channels. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2293. [PMID: 32385249 PMCID: PMC7210961 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16210-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The sodium channels Nav1.7, Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 are critical for pain perception in peripheral nociceptors. Loss of function of Nav1.7 leads to congenital insensitivity to pain in humans. Here we show that the spider peptide toxin called HpTx1, first identified as an inhibitor of Kv4.2, restores nociception in Nav1.7 knockout (Nav1.7-KO) mice by enhancing the excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons. HpTx1 inhibits Nav1.7 and activates Nav1.9 but does not affect Nav1.8. This toxin produces pain in wild-type (WT) and Nav1.7-KO mice, and attenuates nociception in Nav1.9-KO mice, but has no effect in Nav1.8-KO mice. These data indicate that HpTx1-induced hypersensitivity is mediated by Nav1.9 activation and offers pharmacological insight into the relationship of the three Nav channels in pain signalling. Loss of function of Nav1.7 leads to congenital insensitivity to pain in humans. Here the authors found that activation of Nav1.9 can restore nociception in Nav1.7 knockout mice, revealed by a venom-derived peptide as a probe.
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Agwa AJ, Tran P, Mueller A, Tran HNT, Deuis JR, Israel MR, McMahon KL, Craik DJ, Vetter I, Schroeder CI. Manipulation of a spider peptide toxin alters its affinity for lipid bilayers and potency and selectivity for voltage-gated sodium channel subtype 1.7. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:5067-5080. [PMID: 32139508 PMCID: PMC7152767 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.012281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Huwentoxin-IV (HwTx-IV) is a gating modifier peptide toxin from spiders that has weak affinity for the lipid bilayer. As some gating modifier toxins have affinity for model lipid bilayers, a tripartite relationship among gating modifier toxins, voltage-gated ion channels, and the lipid membrane surrounding the channels has been proposed. We previously designed an HwTx-IV analogue (gHwTx-IV) with reduced negative charge and increased hydrophobic surface profile, which displays increased lipid bilayer affinity and in vitro activity at the voltage-gated sodium channel subtype 1.7 (NaV1.7), a channel targeted in pain management. Here, we show that replacements of the positively-charged residues that contribute to the activity of the peptide can improve gHwTx-IV's potency and selectivity for NaV1.7. Using HwTx-IV, gHwTx-IV, [R26A]gHwTx-IV, [K27A]gHwTx-IV, and [R29A]gHwTx-IV variants, we examined their potency and selectivity at human NaV1.7 and their affinity for the lipid bilayer. [R26A]gHwTx-IV consistently displayed the most improved potency and selectivity for NaV1.7, examined alongside off-target NaVs, compared with HwTx-IV and gHwTx-IV. The lipid affinity of each of the three novel analogues was weaker than that of gHwTx-IV, but stronger than that of HwTx-IV, suggesting a possible relationship between in vitro potency at NaV1.7 and affinity for lipid bilayers. In a murine NaV1.7 engagement model, [R26A]gHwTx-IV exhibited an efficacy comparable with that of native HwTx-IV. In summary, this study reports the development of an HwTx-IV analogue with improved in vitro selectivity for the pain target NaV1.7 and with an in vivo efficacy similar to that of native HwTx-IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akello J Agwa
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Pain Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Poanna Tran
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Pain Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Alexander Mueller
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Pain Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Hue N T Tran
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Pain Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer R Deuis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Pain Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mathilde R Israel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Pain Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Kirsten L McMahon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Pain Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Pain Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Pain Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4103, Australia
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Pain Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
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Tang D, Yang Y, Xiao Z, Xu J, Yang Q, Dai H, Liang S, Tang C, Dong H, Liu Z. Scorpion toxin inhibits the voltage-gated proton channel using a Zn 2+ -like long-range conformational coupling mechanism. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:2351-2364. [PMID: 31975366 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Blocking the voltage-gated proton channel HV 1 is a promising strategy for the treatment of diseases like ischaemia stroke and cancer. However, few HV 1 channel antagonists have been reported. Here, we have identified a novel HV 1 channel antagonist from scorpion venom and have elucidated its action mechanism. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH HV 1 and NaV channels were heterologously expressed in mammalian cell lines and their currents recorded using whole-cell patch clamp. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate mutants. Toxins were recombinantly produced in Escherichia coli. AGAP/W38F-HV 1 interaction was modelled by molecular dynamics simulations. KEY RESULTS The scorpion toxin AGAP (anti-tumour analgesic peptide) potently inhibited HV 1 currents. One AGAP mutant has reduced NaV channel activity but intact HV 1 activity (AGAP/W38F). AGAP/W38F inhibited HV 1 channel activation by trapping its S4 voltage sensor in a deactivated state and inhibited HV 1 currents with less pH dependence than Zn2+ . Mutation analysis showed that the binding pockets of AGAP/W38F and Zn2+ in HV 1 channel partly overlapped (common sites are His140 and His193). The E153A mutation at the intracellular Coulombic network (ICN) in HV 1 channel markedly reduced AGAP/W38F inhibition, as observed for Zn2+ . Experimental data and MD simulations suggested that AGAP/W38F inhibited HV 1 channel using a Zn2+ -like long-range conformational coupling mechanism. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our results suggest that the Zn2+ binding pocket in HV 1 channel might be a hotspot for modulators and valuable for designing HV 1 channel ligands. Moreover, AGAP/W38F is a useful molecular probe to study HV 1 channel and a lead compound for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Tang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuqin Yang
- Kuang Yaming Honors School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhen Xiao
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiahui Xu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiuchu Yang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Han Dai
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Songping Liang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Cheng Tang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Dong
- Kuang Yaming Honors School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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Neff RA, Flinspach M, Gibbs A, Shih AY, Minassian NA, Liu Y, Fellows R, Libiger O, Young S, Pennington MW, Hunter MJ, Wickenden AD. Comprehensive engineering of the tarantula venom peptide huwentoxin-IV to inhibit the human voltage-gated sodium channel hNav1.7. J Biol Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(17)49888-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Neff RA, Flinspach M, Gibbs A, Shih AY, Minassian NA, Liu Y, Fellows R, Libiger O, Young S, Pennington MW, Hunter MJ, Wickenden AD. Comprehensive engineering of the tarantula venom peptide huwentoxin-IV to inhibit the human voltage-gated sodium channel hNa v1.7. J Biol Chem 2019; 295:1315-1327. [PMID: 31871053 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain is a significant public health burden in the United States, and current treatment approaches rely heavily on opioids, which often have limited efficacy and can lead to addiction. In humans, functional loss of the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 leads to pain insensitivity without deficits in the central nervous system. Accordingly, discovery of a selective Nav1.7 antagonist should provide an analgesic without abuse liability and an improved side-effect profile. Huwentoxin-IV, a component of tarantula venom, potently blocks sodium channels and is an attractive scaffold for engineering a Nav1.7-selective molecule. To define the functional impact of alterations in huwentoxin-IV sequence, we produced a library of 373 point mutants and tested them for Nav1.7 and Nav1.2 activity. We then combined favorable individual changes to produce combinatorial mutants that showed further improvements in Nav1.7 potency (E1N, E4D, Y33W, Q34S-Nav1.7 pIC50 = 8.1 ± 0.08) and increased selectivity over other Nav isoforms (E1N, R26K, Q34S, G36I, Nav1.7 pIC50 = 7.2 ± 0.1, Nav1.2 pIC50 = 6.1 ± 0.18, Nav1.3 pIC50 = 6.4 ± 1.0), Nav1.4 is inactive at 3 μm, and Nav1.5 is inactive at 10 μm We also substituted noncoded amino acids at select positions in huwentoxin-IV. Based on these results, we identify key determinants of huwentoxin's Nav1.7 inhibition and propose a model for huwentoxin-IV's interaction with Nav1.7. These findings uncover fundamental features of huwentoxin involved in Nav1.7 blockade, provide a foundation for additional optimization of this molecule, and offer a basis for the development of a safe and effective analgesic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Neff
- Neuroscience Discovery, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, California 92121
| | - Mack Flinspach
- Biologics Research, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, California 92121
| | - Alan Gibbs
- Structural Biology, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477
| | - Amy Y Shih
- Discovery Chemistry-Computational Chemistry, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, California 92121
| | - Natali A Minassian
- Neuroscience Discovery, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, California 92121
| | - Yi Liu
- Neuroscience Discovery, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, California 92121
| | - Ross Fellows
- Biologics Research, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, California 92121
| | - Ondrej Libiger
- Translational Medicine and Early Development Statistics, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, California 92121
| | - Stephanie Young
- Translational Medicine and Early Development Statistics, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, California 92121
| | | | - Michael J Hunter
- Biologics Research, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, California 92121
| | - Alan D Wickenden
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, California 92121
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Newly Discovered Action of HpTx3 from Venom of Heteropoda venatoria on Na v1.7 and Its Pharmacological Implications in Analgesia. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11120680. [PMID: 31757020 PMCID: PMC6950750 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11120680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that Heteropodatoxin3 (HpTx3), a peptidic neurotoxin purified from the venom of the spider species Heteropoda venatoria, could inhibit Kv4.2 channels. Our present study newly found that HpTx3 also has potent and selective inhibitory action on Nav1.7, with an IC50 of 135.61 ± 12.98 nM. Without effect on the current–voltage (I-V) relationship of Nav1.7, HpTx3 made minor alternation in the voltage-dependence of activation and steady-state inactivation of Nav1.7 (4.15 mV and 7.29 mV, respectively) by interacting with the extracellular S3–S4 loop (S3b–S4 sequence) in domain II and the domain IV of the Nav channel subtype, showing the characteristics of both pore blocker and gate modifier toxin. During the interaction of HpTx3 with the S3b–S4 sequence of Nav1.7, the amino acid residue D in the sequence played a key role. When administered intraperitoneally or intramuscularly, HpTx3 displayed potent analgesic activity in a dose-dependent manner in different mouse pain models induced by formalin, acetic acid, complete Freund’s adjuvant, hot plate, or spared nerve injury, demonstrating that acute, inflammatory, and neuropathic pains were all effectively inhibited by the toxin. In most cases HpTx3 at doses of ≥ 1mg/kg could produce the analgesic effect comparable to that of 1 mg/kg morphine. These results suggest that HpTx3 not only can be used as a molecular probe to investigate ion channel function and pain mechanism, but also has potential in the development of the drugs that treat the Nav1.7 channel-related pain.
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Tzakoniati F, Xu H, Li T, Garcia N, Kugel C, Payandeh J, Koth CM, Tate EW. Development of Photocrosslinking Probes Based on Huwentoxin-IV to Map the Site of Interaction on Nav1.7. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 27:306-313.e4. [PMID: 31732432 PMCID: PMC7083225 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels respond to changes in the membrane potential of excitable cells through the concerted action of four voltage-sensor domains (VSDs). Subtype Nav1.7 plays an important role in the propagation of signals in pain-sensing neurons and is a target for the clinical development of novel analgesics. Certain inhibitory cystine knot (ICK) peptides produced by venomous animals potently modulate Nav1.7; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their selective binding and activity remain elusive. This study reports on the design of a library of photoprobes based on the potent spider toxin Huwentoxin-IV and the determination of the toxin binding interface on VSD2 of Nav1.7 through a photocrosslinking and tandem mass spectrometry approach. Our Huwentoxin-IV probes selectively crosslink to extracellular loop S1-S2 and helix S3 of VSD2 in a chimeric channel system. Our results provide a strategy that will enable mapping of sites of interaction of other ICK peptides on Nav channels. Development of six potent diazirine-containing photoprobes based on Huwentoxin-IV Photoprobes specifically photolabel purified bacterial-Nav1.7 VSD2 chimeric channels Proteomic mass spectrometry identifies binding site on S1-S2 loop and S3 helix Proposed model of HwTx-IV binding reveals importance of K27 and R29
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Tianbo Li
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Natalie Garcia
- Department of Protein Analytical Chemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Christine Kugel
- Department of Biomolecular Resources, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jian Payandeh
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Christopher M Koth
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Edward W Tate
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK.
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Spider Knottin Pharmacology at Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels and Their Potential to Modulate Pain Pathways. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11110626. [PMID: 31671792 PMCID: PMC6891507 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11110626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs) are a key determinant of neuronal signalling. Neurotoxins from diverse taxa that selectively activate or inhibit NaV channels have helped unravel the role of NaV channels in diseases, including chronic pain. Spider venoms contain the most diverse array of inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) toxins (knottins). This review provides an overview on how spider knottins modulate NaV channels and describes the structural features and molecular determinants that influence their affinity and subtype selectivity. Genetic and functional evidence support a major involvement of NaV subtypes in various chronic pain conditions. The exquisite inhibitory properties of spider knottins over key NaV subtypes make them the best lead molecules for the development of novel analgesics to treat chronic pain.
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Ma RSY, Kayani K, Whyte-Oshodi D, Whyte-Oshodi A, Nachiappan N, Gnanarajah S, Mohammed R. Voltage gated sodium channels as therapeutic targets for chronic pain. J Pain Res 2019; 12:2709-2722. [PMID: 31564962 PMCID: PMC6743634 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s207610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Being maladaptive and frequently unresponsive to pharmacotherapy, chronic pain presents a major unmet clinical need. While an intact central nervous system is required for conscious pain perception, nociceptor hyperexcitability induced by nerve injury in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is sufficient and necessary to initiate and maintain neuropathic pain. The genesis and propagation of action potentials is dependent on voltage-gated sodium channels, in particular, Nav1.7, Nav1.8 and Nav1.9. However, nerve injury triggers changes in their distribution, expression and/or biophysical properties, leading to aberrant excitability. Most existing treatment for pain relief acts through non-selective, state-dependent sodium channel blockage and have narrow therapeutic windows. Natural toxins and developing subtype-specific and molecular-specific sodium channel blockers show promise for treatment of neuropathic pain with minimal side effects. New approaches to analgesia include combination therapy and gene therapy. Here, we review how individual sodium channel subtypes contribute to pain, and the attempts made to develop more effective analgesics for the treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Siu Yu Ma
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kayani Kayani
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Raihan Mohammed
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Evaluation of the Spider ( Phlogiellus genus) Phlotoxin 1 and Synthetic Variants as Antinociceptive Drug Candidates. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11090484. [PMID: 31443554 PMCID: PMC6784069 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the two last decades, venom toxins have been explored as alternatives to opioids to treat chronic debilitating pain. At present, approximately 20 potential analgesic toxins, mainly from spider venoms, are known to inhibit with high affinity the NaV1.7 subtype of voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels, the most promising genetically validated antinociceptive target identified so far. The present study aimed to consolidate the development of phlotoxin 1 (PhlTx1), a 34-amino acid and 3-disulfide bridge peptide of a Phlogiellus genus spider, as an antinociceptive agent by improving its affinity and selectivity for the human (h) NaV1.7 subtype. The synthetic homologue of PhlTx1 was generated and equilibrated between two conformers on reverse-phase liquid chromatography and exhibited potent analgesic effects in a mouse model of NaV1.7-mediated pain. The effects of PhlTx1 and 8 successfully synthetized alanine-substituted variants were studied (by automated whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology) on cell lines stably overexpressing hNaV subtypes, as well as two cardiac targets, the hCaV1.2 and hKV11.1 subtypes of voltage-gated calcium (CaV) and potassium (KV) channels, respectively. PhlTx1 and D7A-PhlTx1 were shown to inhibit hNaV1.1-1.3 and 1.5-1.7 subtypes at hundred nanomolar concentrations, while their affinities for hNaV1.4 and 1.8, hCaV1.2 and hKV11.1 subtypes were over micromolar concentrations. Despite similar analgesic effects in the mouse model of NaV1.7-mediated pain and selectivity profiles, the affinity of D7A-PhlTx1 for the NaV1.7 subtype was at least five times higher than that of the wild-type peptide. Computational modelling was performed to deduce the 3D-structure of PhlTx1 and to suggest the amino acids involved in the efficiency of the molecule. In conclusion, the present structure-activity relationship study of PhlTx1 results in a low improved affinity of the molecule for the NaV1.7 subtype, but without any marked change in the molecule selectivity against the other studied ion channel subtypes. Further experiments are therefore necessary before considering the development of PhlTx1 or synthetic variants as antinociceptive drug candidates.
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Wisedchaisri G, Tonggu L, McCord E, Gamal El-Din TM, Wang L, Zheng N, Catterall WA. Resting-State Structure and Gating Mechanism of a Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel. Cell 2019; 178:993-1003.e12. [PMID: 31353218 PMCID: PMC6688928 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels initiate action potentials in nerve, muscle, and other electrically excitable cells. The structural basis of voltage gating is uncertain because the resting state exists only at deeply negative membrane potentials. To stabilize the resting conformation, we inserted voltage-shifting mutations and introduced a disulfide crosslink in the VS of the ancestral bacterial sodium channel NaVAb. Here, we present a cryo-EM structure of the resting state and a complete voltage-dependent gating mechanism. The S4 segment of the VS is drawn intracellularly, with three gating charges passing through the transmembrane electric field. This movement forms an elbow connecting S4 to the S4-S5 linker, tightens the collar around the S6 activation gate, and prevents its opening. Our structure supports the classical "sliding helix" mechanism of voltage sensing and provides a complete gating mechanism for voltage sensor function, pore opening, and activation-gate closure based on high-resolution structures of a single sodium channel protein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lige Tonggu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Eedann McCord
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Liguo Wang
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ning Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - William A Catterall
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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µ-TRTX-Ca1a: a novel neurotoxin from Cyriopagopus albostriatus with analgesic effects. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:859-866. [PMID: 30382183 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0181-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human genetic and pharmacological studies have demonstrated that voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of pain. Spider venom contains many toxins that modulate the activity of VGSCs. To date, only 0.01% of such spider toxins has been explored, and thus there is a great potential for discovery of novel VGSC modulators as useful pharmacological tools or potential therapeutics. In the current study, we identified a novel peptide, µ-TRTX-Ca1a (Ca1a), in the venom of the tarantula Cyriopagopus albostriatus. This peptide consisted of 38 residues, including 6 cysteines, i.e. IFECSISCEIEKEGNGKKCKPKKCKGGWKCKFNICVKV. In HEK293T or ND7/23 cells expressing mammalian VGSCs, this peptide exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity on Nav1.7 (IC50 378 nM), followed by Nav1.6 (IC50 547 nM), Nav1.2 (IC50 728 nM), Nav1.3 (IC50 2.2 µM) and Nav1.4 (IC50 3.2 µM), and produced negligible inhibitory effect on Nav1.5, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9, even at high concentrations of up to 10 µM. Furthermore, this peptide did not significantly affect the activation and inactivation of Nav1.7. Using site-directed mutagenesis of Nav1.7 and Nav1.4, we revealed that its binding site was localized to the DIIS3-S4 linker region involving the D816 and E818 residues. In three different mouse models of pain, pretreatment with Cala (100, 200, 500 µg/kg) dose-dependently suppressed the nociceptive responses induced by formalin, acetic acid or heat. These results suggest that Ca1a is a novel neurotoxin against VGSCs and has a potential to be developed as a novel analgesic.
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Nicolas S, Zoukimian C, Bosmans F, Montnach J, Diochot S, Cuypers E, De Waard S, Béroud R, Mebs D, Craik D, Boturyn D, Lazdunski M, Tytgat J, De Waard M. Chemical Synthesis, Proper Folding, Na v Channel Selectivity Profile and Analgesic Properties of the Spider Peptide Phlotoxin 1. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11060367. [PMID: 31234412 PMCID: PMC6628435 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11060367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phlotoxin-1 (PhlTx1) is a peptide previously identified in tarantula venom (Phlogius species) that belongs to the inhibitory cysteine-knot (ICK) toxin family. Like many ICK-based spider toxins, the synthesis of PhlTx1 appears particularly challenging, mostly for obtaining appropriate folding and concomitant suitable disulfide bridge formation. Herein, we describe a procedure for the chemical synthesis and the directed sequential disulfide bridge formation of PhlTx1 that allows for a straightforward production of this challenging peptide. We also performed extensive functional testing of PhlTx1 on 31 ion channel types and identified the voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channel Nav1.7 as the main target of this toxin. Moreover, we compared PhlTx1 activity to 10 other spider toxin activities on an automated patch-clamp system with Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells expressing human Nav1.7. Performing these analyses in reproducible conditions allowed for classification according to the potency of the best natural Nav1.7 peptide blockers. Finally, subsequent in vivo testing revealed that intrathecal injection of PhlTx1 reduces the response of mice to formalin in both the acute pain and inflammation phase without signs of neurotoxicity. PhlTx1 is thus an interesting toxin to investigate Nav1.7 involvement in cellular excitability and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Nicolas
- Institut du Thorax, Inserm UMR 1087/CNRS UMR 6291, LabEx "Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics", F-44007 Nantes, France.
| | - Claude Zoukimian
- Smartox Biotechnology, 6 rue des Platanes, F-38120 Saint-Egrève, France.
- Department of Molecular Chemistry, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, 570 rue de la chimie, CS 40700, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Frank Bosmans
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, P.O. Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jérôme Montnach
- Institut du Thorax, Inserm UMR 1087/CNRS UMR 6291, LabEx "Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics", F-44007 Nantes, France.
| | - Sylvie Diochot
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR7275, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 660 route des lucioles, 6560 Valbonne, France.
| | - Eva Cuypers
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, P.O. Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Stephan De Waard
- Institut du Thorax, Inserm UMR 1087/CNRS UMR 6291, LabEx "Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics", F-44007 Nantes, France.
| | - Rémy Béroud
- Smartox Biotechnology, 6 rue des Platanes, F-38120 Saint-Egrève, France.
| | - Dietrich Mebs
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - David Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.
| | - Didier Boturyn
- Department of Molecular Chemistry, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, 570 rue de la chimie, CS 40700, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Michel Lazdunski
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR7275, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 660 route des lucioles, 6560 Valbonne, France.
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, P.O. Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Michel De Waard
- Institut du Thorax, Inserm UMR 1087/CNRS UMR 6291, LabEx "Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics", F-44007 Nantes, France.
- Smartox Biotechnology, 6 rue des Platanes, F-38120 Saint-Egrève, France.
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44
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Wu T, Wang M, Wu W, Luo Q, Jiang L, Tao H, Deng M. Spider venom peptides as potential drug candidates due to their anticancer and antinociceptive activities. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2019; 25:e146318. [PMID: 31210759 PMCID: PMC6551028 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-14-63-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider venoms are known to contain proteins and polypeptides that perform various
functions including antimicrobial, neurotoxic, analgesic, cytotoxic, necrotic,
and hemagglutinic activities. Currently, several classes of natural molecules
from spider venoms are potential sources of chemotherapeutics against tumor
cells. Some of the spider peptide toxins produce lethal effects on tumor cells
by regulating the cell cycle, activating caspase pathway or inactivating
mitochondria. Some of them also target the various types of ion channels
(including voltage-gated calcium channels, voltage-gated sodium channels, and
acid-sensing ion channels) among other pain-related targets. Herein we review
the structure and pharmacology of spider-venom peptides that are being used as
leads for the development of therapeutics against the pathophysiological
conditions including cancer and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Wenfang Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Qianxuan Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Liping Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Huai Tao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Meichun Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
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45
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Cardoso FC, Lewis RJ. Structure-Function and Therapeutic Potential of Spider Venom-Derived Cysteine Knot Peptides Targeting Sodium Channels. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:366. [PMID: 31031623 PMCID: PMC6470632 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider venom-derived cysteine knot peptides are a mega-diverse class of molecules that exhibit unique pharmacological properties to modulate key membrane protein targets. Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) are often targeted by these peptides to allosterically promote opening or closing of the channel by binding to structural domains outside the channel pore. These effects can result in modified pain responses, muscle paralysis, cardiac arrest, priapism, and numbness. Although such effects are often deleterious, subtype selective spider venom peptides are showing potential to treat a range of neurological disorders, including chronic pain and epilepsy. This review examines the structure–activity relationships of cysteine knot peptides from spider venoms that modulate NaV and discusses their potential as leads to novel therapies for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C Cardoso
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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46
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Gonçalves TC, Benoit E, Kurz M, Lucarain L, Fouconnier S, Combemale S, Jaquillard L, Schombert B, Chambard JM, Boukaiba R, Hessler G, Bohme A, Bialy L, Hourcade S, Béroud R, De Waard M, Servent D, Partiseti M. From identification to functional characterization of cyriotoxin-1a, an antinociceptive toxin from the spider Cyriopagopus schioedtei. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:1298-1314. [PMID: 30784059 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The NaV 1.7 channel is highly expressed in dorsal root ganglia of the sensory nervous system and plays a central role in the pain signalling process. We investigated a library prepared from original venoms of 117 different animals to identify new selective inhibitors of this target. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used high throughput screening of a large venom collection using automated patch-clamp experiments on human voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes and then in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological experiments to characterize the active peptides that have been purified, sequenced, and chemically synthesized. Analgesic effects were evaluated in vivo in mice models. KEY RESULTS We identified cyriotoxin-1a (CyrTx-1a), a novel peptide isolated from Cyriopagopus schioedtei spider venom, as a candidate for further characterization. This 33 amino acids toxin belongs to the inhibitor cystine knot structural family and inhibits hNaV 1.1-1.3 and 1.6-1.7 channels in the low nanomolar range, compared to the micromolar range for hNaV 1.4-1.5 and 1.8 channels. CyrTx-1a was 920 times more efficient at inhibiting tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive than TTX-resistant sodium currents recorded from adult mouse dorsal root ganglia neurons and in vivo electrophysiological experiments showed that CyrTx-1a was approximately 170 times less efficient than huwentoxin-IV at altering mouse skeletal neuromuscular excitability properties. CyrTx-1a exhibited an analgesic effect in mice by increasing reaction time in the hot-plate assay. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The pharmacological profile of CyrTx-1a paves the way for further molecular engineering aimed to optimize the potential antinociceptive properties of this peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia C Gonçalves
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France.,Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines (SIMOPRO), CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Evelyne Benoit
- Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines (SIMOPRO), CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.,Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay (Neuro-PSI), UMR CNRS/Université Paris-Sud 9197, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Michael Kurz
- Integrated Drug Discovery-Synthetic Molecular Design, Sanofi R&D, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Laetitia Lucarain
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Sophie Fouconnier
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | | | | | - Brigitte Schombert
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Jean-Marie Chambard
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Rachid Boukaiba
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Gerhard Hessler
- Integrated Drug Discovery-Synthetic Molecular Design, Sanofi R&D, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andrees Bohme
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Laurent Bialy
- Integrated Drug Discovery-Synthetic Molecular Design, Sanofi R&D, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stéphane Hourcade
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, Neurodegeneration Research, Sanofi R&D, Chilly-Mazarin, France
| | | | - Michel De Waard
- Smartox Biotechnology, Saint-Egrève, France.,Institut du Thorax, Inserm UMR 1087/CNRS UMR 6291, LabEx "Ion Channels, Science and Therapeutics", Nantes, France
| | - Denis Servent
- Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines (SIMOPRO), CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Michel Partiseti
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
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47
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Bennett DL, Clark AJ, Huang J, Waxman SG, Dib-Hajj SD. The Role of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels in Pain Signaling. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:1079-1151. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00052.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute pain signaling has a key protective role and is highly evolutionarily conserved. Chronic pain, however, is maladaptive, occurring as a consequence of injury and disease, and is associated with sensitization of the somatosensory nervous system. Primary sensory neurons are involved in both of these processes, and the recent advances in understanding sensory transduction and human genetics are the focus of this review. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are important determinants of sensory neuron excitability: they are essential for the initial transduction of sensory stimuli, the electrogenesis of the action potential, and neurotransmitter release from sensory neuron terminals. Nav1.1, Nav1.6, Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9 are all expressed by adult sensory neurons. The biophysical characteristics of these channels, as well as their unique expression patterns within subtypes of sensory neurons, define their functional role in pain signaling. Changes in the expression of VGSCs, as well as posttranslational modifications, contribute to the sensitization of sensory neurons in chronic pain states. Furthermore, gene variants in Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9 have now been linked to human Mendelian pain disorders and more recently to common pain disorders such as small-fiber neuropathy. Chronic pain affects one in five of the general population. Given the poor efficacy of current analgesics, the selective expression of particular VGSCs in sensory neurons makes these attractive targets for drug discovery. The increasing availability of gene sequencing, combined with structural modeling and electrophysiological analysis of gene variants, also provides the opportunity to better target existing therapies in a personalized manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L. Bennett
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; and Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Alex J. Clark
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; and Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jianying Huang
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; and Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Stephen G. Waxman
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; and Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Sulayman D. Dib-Hajj
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; and Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
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48
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Liu K, Wang M, Jiang L, Tang X, Liu Z, Zhou Z, Hu W, Duan Z, Liang S. Structural Foundation for Insect-Selective Activity of Acylpolyamine Toxins from Spider Araneus ventricosus. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:659-667. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.8b00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Liping Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Xing Tang
- College of Life Science and Environment, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang 421002, China
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49
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Bajaj S, Han J. Venom-Derived Peptide Modulators of Cation-Selective Channels: Friend, Foe or Frenemy. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:58. [PMID: 30863305 PMCID: PMC6399158 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Ion channels play a key role in our body to regulate homeostasis and conduct electrical signals. With the help of advances in structural biology, as well as the discovery of numerous channel modulators derived from animal toxins, we are moving toward a better understanding of the function and mode of action of ion channels. Their ubiquitous tissue distribution and the physiological relevancies of their opening and closing suggest that cation channels are particularly attractive drug targets, and years of research has revealed a variety of natural toxins that bind to these channels and alter their function. In this review, we provide an introductory overview of the major cation ion channels: potassium channels, sodium channels and calcium channels, describe their venom-derived peptide modulators, and how these peptides provide great research and therapeutic value to both basic and translational medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Bajaj
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jingyao Han
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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50
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Shen H, Liu D, Wu K, Lei J, Yan N. Structures of human Na v1.7 channel in complex with auxiliary subunits and animal toxins. Science 2019; 363:1303-1308. [PMID: 30765606 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaw2493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 represents a promising target for pain relief. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of the human Nav1.7-β1-β2 complex bound to two combinations of pore blockers and gating modifier toxins (GMTs), tetrodotoxin with protoxin-II and saxitoxin with huwentoxin-IV, both determined at overall resolutions of 3.2 angstroms. The two structures are nearly identical except for minor shifts of voltage-sensing domain II (VSDII), whose S3-S4 linker accommodates the two GMTs in a similar manner. One additional protoxin-II sits on top of the S3-S4 linker in VSDIV The structures may represent an inactivated state with all four VSDs "up" and the intracellular gate closed. The structures illuminate the path toward mechanistic understanding of the function and disease of Nav1.7 and establish the foundation for structure-aided development of analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaizong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Dongliang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Kun Wu
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Jianlin Lei
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Technology Center for Protein Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Nieng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China. .,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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