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Ding SM, Yap MKK. Deciphering toxico-proteomics of Asiatic medically significant venomous snake species: A systematic review and interactive data dashboard. Toxicon 2024:108120. [PMID: 39393539 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.108120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2024] [Revised: 09/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/06/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024]
Abstract
Snakebite envenomation (SBE) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with an approximate 1.8 million cases annually. The tremendous figure is concerning, and the currently available treatment for snakebite envenomation is antivenom. However, the current antivenom has limited cross-neutralisation activity due to the variations in snake venom composition across species and geographical locations. The proteomics of medically important venomous species is essential as they study the venom compositions within and among different species. The advancement of sophisticated proteomic approaches allows intensive investigation of snake venoms. Nevertheless, there is a need to consolidate the venom proteomics profiles and distribution analysis to examine their variability patterns. This review systematically analysed the proteomics and toxicity profiles of medically important venomous species from Asia across different geographical locations. An interactive dashboard - Asiatic Proteomics Interactive Datasets was curated to consolidate the distribution patterns of the venom compositions, serve as a comprehensive directory for large-scale comparative meta-analyses. The population proteomics demonstrate higher diversities in the predominant venom toxins. Besides, inter-regional differences were also observed in Bungarus sp., Naja sp., Calliophis sp., and Ophiophagus hannah venoms. The elapid venoms are predominated with three-finger toxins (3FTXs) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Intra-regional variation is only significantly observed in Naja naja venoms. Proteomics diversity is more prominent in viper venoms, with widespread dominance observed in snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP) and snake venom serine protease (SVSP). Correlations exist between the proteomics profiles and the toxicity (LD50) of the medically important venomous species. Additionally, the predominant toxins, alongside their pathophysiological effects, were highlighted and discussed as well. The insights of interactive toxico-proteomics datasets provide comprehensive frameworks of venom dynamics and contribute to developing antivenoms for snakebite envenomation. This could reduce misdiagnosis of SBE and accelerate the researchers' data mining process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sher Min Ding
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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Rajan K, Alangode A, Menon JC, Raveendran D, Nair SS, Reick M, Nair BG, Reick M, Vanuopadath M. Comparative functional characterization and in vitro immunological cross-reactivity studies on Daboia russelii and Craspedocephalus malabaricus venom. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:682-696. [PMID: 38860309 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae038] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Snake venom is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic constituents, including proteins and peptides. Several studies showed that antivenom efficacy differs due to intra- and inter-species venom variation. METHODS In the current study, comparative functional characterization of major enzymatic proteins present in Craspedocephalus malabaricus and Daboia russelii venom was investigated through various in vitro and immunological cross-reactivity assays. RESULTS The enzymatic assays revealed that hyaluronidase and phospholipase A2 activities were markedly higher in D. russelii. By contrast, fibrinogenolytic, fibrin clotting and L-amino acid oxidase activities were higher in C. malabaricus venom. ELISA results suggested that all the antivenoms had lower binding potential towards C. malabaricus venom. For D. russelii venom, the endpoint titration value was observed at 1:72 900 for all the antivenoms. In the case of C. malabaricus venom, the endpoint titration value was 1:2700, except for Biological E (1:8100). All these results, along with the avidity assays, indicate the strength of venom-antivenom interactions. Similarly, the western blot results suggest that all the antivenoms showed varied efficacies in binding and detecting the venom antigenic epitopes in both species. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the need for species-specific antivenom to better manage snakebite victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthika Rajan
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Clappana P.O , Kollam 690 525, Kerala, India
| | - Aswathy Alangode
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Clappana P.O , Kollam 690 525, Kerala, India
| | - Jaideep C Menon
- Preventive Cardiology & Population Health Sciences, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi 682 041 , Kerala, India
| | - Dileepkumar Raveendran
- Indriyam Biologics Pvt. Ltd, SCTIMST-TIMED, 5th Floor. M S Valiathan Building, BMT Wing - Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram 695 012, Kerala, India
| | - Sudarslal Sadasivan Nair
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Clappana P.O , Kollam 690 525, Kerala, India
| | - Margaret Reick
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Clappana P.O , Kollam 690 525, Kerala, India
| | - Bipin Gopalakrishnan Nair
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Clappana P.O , Kollam 690 525, Kerala, India
| | - Martin Reick
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Clappana P.O , Kollam 690 525, Kerala, India
| | - Muralidharan Vanuopadath
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Clappana P.O , Kollam 690 525, Kerala, India
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Freuville L, Matthys C, Quinton L, Gillet JP. Venom-derived peptides for breaking through the glass ceiling of drug development. Front Chem 2024; 12:1465459. [PMID: 39398192 PMCID: PMC11468230 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1465459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Venoms are complex mixtures produced by animals and consist of hundreds of components including small molecules, peptides, and enzymes selected for effectiveness and efficacy over millions of years of evolution. With the development of venomics, which combines genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to study animal venoms and their effects deeply, researchers have identified molecules that selectively and effectively act against membrane targets, such as ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors. Due to their remarkable physico-chemical properties, these molecules represent a credible source of new lead compounds. Today, not less than 11 approved venom-derived drugs are on the market. In this review, we aimed to highlight the advances in the use of venom peptides in the treatment of diseases such as neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, or cancer. We report on the origin and activity of the peptides already approved and provide a comprehensive overview of those still in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lou Freuville
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Chloé Matthys
- Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Biology, URPhyM, NARILIS, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Loïc Quinton
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Gillet
- Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Biology, URPhyM, NARILIS, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
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Kpordze SW, Mobegi VA, Kikuvi GM, Gikunju JK, Setsoafia Saba CK, Moshe J, Kimotho JH. Generation of chicken-based IgY polyclonal antibodies against Dendroaspis polylepis and preclinical evaluation of envenomation-neutralizing efficacy vis-à-vis selected commercial antivenoms. Toxicon X 2024; 23:100201. [PMID: 39050508 PMCID: PMC11267070 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2024.100201] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The Black mamba, D. polylepis, is one of the many venomous snakes found in Kenya, and known to account for some snakebite incidents. The Kenyan Ministry of Health data reveals annual 15,000 snakebites occurrences. Also, 1 in 15 people in Kenya gets bitten by a snake, and tragically, 1 in 147 of these individuals die of snakebite yearly. Traditionally, antivenoms for treatment are produced from horse or sheep but have complicated and expensive production issues. Alternative production approaches, such as using IgY antibodies derived from chicken egg yolks, may overcome disadvantages with traditional antivenom manufacturing techniques. In this current study, D. polylepis specific IgY polyclonal antibodies were purified from the egg yolks of chickens immunized with D. polylepis venom. These antibodies were subsequently assessed for their in-vivo neutralizing capacity vis-à-vis commercial antivenoms, PANAF-Premium and VINS. The IgY antibodies were purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and affinity-chromatography, with quality and specificity determined by SDS-PAGE and ELISA. The LD50 of D. polylepis was found to be 0.54 mg/kg in chicks, and 0.34 mg/kg in mice, respectively. Pool of extracted IgY yielded 2.8 mg/mL concentration. Purified IgY under non-reducing and reducing conditions on SDS-PAGE exhibited a single-protein band of about 183 kDa and two bands (67 kDa and 25 kDa), respectively. The minimum-edematogenic dose was 0.05 μg. Anti-D. polylepis IgY antibodies and two antivenoms demonstrated the capacity to neutralize the toxic activities of D. polylepis venom. This study confirms a successful IgY generation against Black mamba venom for the first time, and observed toxic effects of the venom as well as neutralizing capacity of antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Wilson Kpordze
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, (PAUSTI), Nairobi, Kenya
- One Health Laboratory, Spanish Laboratory Complex, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | | | - Gideon Mutie Kikuvi
- Department of Environmental Health and Disease Control, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Kangangi Gikunju
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Courage Kosi Setsoafia Saba
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
- One Health Laboratory, Spanish Laboratory Complex, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Jackan Moshe
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
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Alfa-Ibrahim Adio A, Malami I, Lawal N, Jega AY, Abubakar B, Bello MB, Ibrahim KG, Abubakar MB, Abdussamad A, Imam MU. Neurotoxic snakebites in Africa: Clinical implications, therapeutic strategies, and antivenom efficacy. Toxicon 2024; 247:107811. [PMID: 38917892 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107811] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Snakebite is a significant health concern in Africa, particularly due to neurotoxic envenomation which can lead to neuromuscular paralysis and respiratory failure. In Nigeria, snakes from the Elapidae family are a notable cause of envenomation cases, though these incidents are underreported. This review examined case reports of neurotoxic envenomation in Africa, highlighting the clinical impacts and the efficacy of available antivenoms. Preclinical studies showed that the polyvalent antivenom from the South African Institute for Medical Research (SAIMR) was highly effective against neurotoxicity with a protective efficacy (R) of 1346.80 mg/mL, while clinical assessment emphasized the need for high-dose antivenom therapy along with supportive measures like mechanical ventilation. Unlike hemorrhagic envenomation, where antivenom promptly resolves bleeding, neurotoxic cases often require additional interventions. The review underscores the necessity for tailored approaches in antivenom therapy to address the complexities of neurotoxic snakebites and reduce their public health burden in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulbaki Alfa-Ibrahim Adio
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical and Life Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim Malami
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Nafiu Lawal
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Amina Yusuf Jega
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Bilyaminu Abubakar
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Muhammad Bashir Bello
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Vaccine Development Unit, Infectious Disease Research Development, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kasimu Ghandi Ibrahim
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Zarqa University, P.O. Box 2000, Zarqa, 13110, Jordan; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Murtala Bello Abubakar
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Abdussamad Abdussamad
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Mustapha Umar Imam
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
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Offor BC, Piater LA. A comparison of the venom proteomes and potential therapeutics of 3 African naja subgenera. Toxicon 2024; 245:107792. [PMID: 38838860 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107792] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
African cobras (Naja species) represent one of the most encountered medically important snakes in Africa. They are classified as African spitting (Afronaja subgenus) and non-spitting cobras (Uraeus and Boulengerina subgenera) with similar and different characteristics. Snake venom toxins including three-finger toxin (3FTx), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP) cause snakebite envenomation leading to morbidity and mortality. The profile of the proteome of African cobra venoms will help to develop safer and more effective antivenoms. The approval of Captopril by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, has led to intensified research towards possible use of venom toxins as therapeutics. In this review, we compare the venom proteome profile of 3 African Naja subgenera. In both Afronaja and Boulengerina subgenera, 3FTx (Afronaja-69.79%; Boulengerina-60.56%) followed by PLA2 (Afronaja-21.15%; Boulengerina-20.21%) dominated the venoms compared to the Uraeus subgenus dominated by 3FTx (84.55%) with little to no PLA2 abundance (0.8%). The venom of subgenus Uraeus was distinct from the other two subgenera by the almost total absence of PLA2, thus indicating little or no contribution of PLA2 in the envenomation caused by Uraeus compared to Afronaja and Boulengerina. Furthermore, we report studies on the experimental testing of African cobra venoms and toxins against diseases including anti-cancer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict C Offor
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa
| | - Lizelle A Piater
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa.
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7
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Passos JGR, Gomes JAS, Xavier-Santos JB, Yamashita FO, Cavalcanti-Cruz JV, Siqueira EMS, Garcia VB, Zucolotto SM, de Araujo-Junior RF, Ferreira LS, Silva-Junior AA, Félix-Silva J, Fernandes-Pedrosa MF. Anti-inflammatory, healing and antiophidic potential of Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae): From popular use to pharmaceutical formulation in gel. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116290. [PMID: 38458010 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116290] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) is widely used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory disorders. So, a topical gel containing the hydroethanolic extract of its leaves was developed and evaluated for its anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antiophidic properties in mice. First, the chemical profile of different parts of the plant was characterized by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) using molecular networking. In the leaf extract, 11 compounds were characterized, with a particular emphasis on the identification of flavonoids. The gel efficiently inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema, as well as acute and chronic croton oil-induced ear edema models, thereby reducing inflammatory and oxidative parameters in inflamed tissues. Besides anti-inflammatory activity, the herbal gel showed significant wound healing activity. The edematogenic, hemorrhagic and dermonecrotic activities induced by Bothrops jararaca snake venom were effectively inhibited by the treatment with J. mollissima gel. The association with the herbal gel improved in up to 90% the efficacy of commercial snake antivenom in reduce venom-induced edema. Additionally, while antivenom was not able to inhibit venom-induced dermonecrosis, treatment with herbal gel reduced in 55% the dermonocrotic halo produced. These results demonstrate the pharmacological potential of the herbal gel containing J. mollissima extract, which could be a strong candidate for the development of herbal products that can be used to complement the current antivenom therapy against snake venom local toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia G R Passos
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Jacyra A S Gomes
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Jacinthia B Xavier-Santos
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Fabiana O Yamashita
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Joelly V Cavalcanti-Cruz
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Emerson M S Siqueira
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy (PNBio), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Vinícius Barreto Garcia
- Cancer and Inflammatory Research Laboratory, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Lagoa Nova, Natal 59078-970, Brazil.
| | - Silvana M Zucolotto
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy (PNBio), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Raimundo Fernandes de Araujo-Junior
- Cancer and Inflammatory Research Laboratory, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Lagoa Nova, Natal 59078-970, Brazil.
| | - Leandro S Ferreira
- Laboratory of Quality Control, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Arnóbio A Silva-Junior
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Félix-Silva
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; Laboratory of Clinical Haematology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Matheus F Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
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Santhosh KH, Krishna V, Kemparaju K, Manjunatha H, Shashi Kumar R, Mukherjee A, Gomez Mejiba SE, Ramirez DC, Ravindranath BS. β-keto amyrin isolated from Cryptostegia grandiflora R. br. inhibits inflammation caused by Daboia russellii viper venom: Direct binding of β-keto amyrin to phospholipase A 2. Toxicon 2024; 241:107679. [PMID: 38447765 PMCID: PMC11194115 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107679] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The search for mechanism-based anti-inflammatory therapies is of fundamental importance to avoid undesired off-target effects. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity is a potential molecular target for anti-inflammatory drugs because it fuels arachidonic acid needed to synthesize inflammation mediators, such as prostaglandins. Herein, we aim to investigate the molecular mechanism by which β-keto amyrin isolated from a methanolic extract of Cryptostegia grandiflora R. Br. Leaves can inhibit inflammation caused by Daboia russellii viper (DR) venom that mainly contains PLA2. We found that β-keto amyrin neutralizes DR venom-induced paw-edema in a mouse model. Molecular docking of PLA2 with β-keto amyrin complex resulted in a higher binding energy score of -8.86 kcal/mol and an inhibition constant of 611.7 nM. Diclofenac had a binding energy of -7.04 kcal/mol and an IC50 value of 620 nM, which predicts a poorer binding interaction than β-keto amyrin. The higher conformational stability of β-keto amyrin interaction compared to diclofenac is confirmed by molecular dynamics simulation. β-keto amyrin isolated from C. grandiflora inhibits the PLA2 activity contained in Daboia russellii viper venom. The anti-inflammatory property of β-keto amyrin is due to its direct binding into the active site of PLA2, thus inhibiting its enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K H Santhosh
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta-577451, Karnataka, India
| | - V Krishna
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta-577451, Karnataka, India
| | - K Kemparaju
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Manasa Gangotri Campus, Mysore-57006, Karnataka, India
| | - H Manjunatha
- Department of Biochemistry, Jnana Bharathi Campus, Bangalore University, Bangalore- 56005, Karnataka, India
| | - R Shashi Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta-577451, Karnataka, India
| | - A Mukherjee
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal- 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - S E Gomez Mejiba
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Experimental Therapeutics, CCT-San Luis-National University of San Luis, San Luis, 5700-San Luis, Argentina.
| | - D C Ramirez
- Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Medicine. CCT-San Luis-National University of San Luis, San Luis, 5700-San Luis, Argentina.
| | - B S Ravindranath
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal- 576104, Karnataka, India.
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Wang CR, Harlington AC, Snel MF, Pukala TL. Characterisation of the forest cobra (Naja melanoleuca) venom using a multifaceted mass spectrometric-based approach. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2024; 1872:140992. [PMID: 38158032 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2023.140992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Snake venoms consist of highly biologically active proteins and peptides that are responsible for the lethal physiological effects of snakebite envenomation. In order to guide the development of targeted antivenom strategies, comprehensive understanding of venom compositions and in-depth characterisation of various proteoforms, often not captured by traditional bottom-up proteomic workflows, is necessary. Here, we employ an integrated 'omics' and intact mass spectrometry (MS)-based approach to profile the heterogeneity within the venom of the forest cobra (Naja melanoleuca), adopting different analytical strategies to accommodate for the dynamic molecular mass range of venom proteins present. The venom proteome of N. melanoleuca was catalogued using a venom gland transcriptome-guided bottom-up proteomics approach, revealing a venom consisting of six toxin superfamilies. The subtle diversity present in the venom components was further explored using reversed phase-ultra performance liquid chromatography (RP-UPLC) coupled to intact MS. This approach showed a significant increase in the number of venom proteoforms within various toxin families that were not captured in previous studies. Furthermore, we probed at the higher-order structures of the larger venom proteins using a combination of native MS and mass photometry and revealed significant structural heterogeneity along with extensive post-translational modifications in the form of glycosylation in these larger toxins. Here, we show the diverse structural heterogeneity of snake venom proteins in the venom of N. melanoleuca using an integrated workflow that incorporates analytical strategies that profile snake venom at the proteoform level, complementing traditional venom characterisation approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ruth Wang
- Discipline of Chemistry, School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Alix C Harlington
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Marten F Snel
- Discipline of Chemistry, School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; Proteomics, Metabolomics and MS-Imaging Core Facility, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Tara L Pukala
- Discipline of Chemistry, School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia.
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Dingwoke EJ, Adamude FA, Salihu A, Abubakar MS, Sallau AB. Toxicological analyses of the venoms of Nigerian vipers Echis ocellatus and Bitis arietans. Trop Med Health 2024; 52:15. [PMID: 38282015 PMCID: PMC10823708 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-024-00581-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among the medically important snakes in Nigeria, Echis ocellatus and Bitis arietans have the most lethal venom. These venoms were classified according to the presence of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), snake venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2s), and snake venom serine proteases (SVSPs). Toxicological analyzes were performed to understand the significance of different protein families in venoms. METHODS Proteins were separated from venom using column chromatography. The skin and footpad of mice were used to determine hemorrhagic and edematogenic activities. Caprine blood plasma was used to test fibrinolytic activity in vitro. RESULTS The results showed that, compared to the crude venom, the SVMP fraction induced hemorrhagic effects with a diameter of 26.00 ± 1.00 mm in E. ocellatus and 21.33 ± 1.52 mm in B. arietans. Both SVSP and SVMP had anticoagulant effects; however, the SVSP fraction had a stronger effect, with a longer anticoagulation time of 30.00 ± 3.00 min in E. ocellatus and 26.00 ± 2.00 min in B. arietans. These main venom toxins, SVMPs, SVSPs, and PLA2, were found to have edema-forming effects that were optimal at 2 h after envenomation. PLA2s had the highest edema-inducing activity, with onset 30 min after envenomation. CONCLUSIONS Given the importance of SVMPs in altering the integrity of the membrane structure and impairing the blood coagulation system, an antivenom that can specifically neutralize its activity could inhibit the hemorrhage effects of the venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeka John Dingwoke
- Department of Tropical Diseases, UNESCO-International Center for Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
- Venom, Antivenom and Natural Toxins Research Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
| | - Fatima Adis Adamude
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
- Venom, Antivenom and Natural Toxins Research Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Salihu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Mujitaba Suleiman Abubakar
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
- Venom, Antivenom and Natural Toxins Research Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Abdullahi Balarabe Sallau
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
- Venom, Antivenom and Natural Toxins Research Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
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11
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McFarlane LO, Pukala TL. Proteomic Investigation of Cape Cobra ( Naja nivea) Venom Reveals First Evidence of Quaternary Protein Structures. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:63. [PMID: 38393141 PMCID: PMC10892407 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020063] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Naja nivea (N. nivea) is classed as a category one snake by the World Health Organization since its envenomation causes high levels of mortality and disability annually. Despite this, there has been little research into the venom composition of N. nivea, with only one full venom proteome published to date. Our current study separated N. nivea venom using size exclusion chromatography before utilizing a traditional bottom-up proteomics approach to unravel the composition of the venom proteome. As expected by its clinical presentation, N. nivea venom was found to consist mainly of neurotoxins, with three-finger toxins (3FTx), making up 76.01% of the total venom proteome. Additionally, cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), vespryns (VESPs), cobra venom factors (CVFs), 5'-nucleotidases (5'NUCs), nerve growth factors (NGFs), phospholipase A2s (PLA2), acetylcholinesterases (AChEs), Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor (KUN), phosphodiesterases (PDEs), L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs), hydrolases (HYDs), snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), and snake venom serine protease (SVSP) toxins were also identified in decreasing order of abundance. Interestingly, contrary to previous reports, we find PLA2 toxins in N. nivea venom. This highlights the importance of repeatedly profiling the venom of the same species to account for intra-species variation. Additionally, we report the first evidence of covalent protein complexes in N. nivea venom, which likely contribute to the potency of this venom.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tara L. Pukala
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia;
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12
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Miyamoto JG, Kitano ES, Zelanis A, Nachtigall PG, Junqueira-de-Azevedo I, Sant'Anna SS, Lauria da Silva R, Bersanetti PA, Carmona AK, Barbosa Pereira PJ, Serrano SMT, Vilela Oliva ML, Tashima AK. A novel metalloproteinase-derived cryptide from Bothrops cotiara venom inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme activity. Biochimie 2024; 216:90-98. [PMID: 37839625 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.10.010] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Snake venoms are primarily composed of proteins and peptides, which selectively interact with specific molecular targets, disrupting prey homeostasis. Identifying toxins and the mechanisms involved in envenoming can lead to the discovery of new drugs based on natural peptide scaffolds. In this study, we used mass spectrometry-based peptidomics to sequence 197 peptides in the venom of Bothrops cotiara, including a novel 7-residue peptide derived from a snake venom metalloproteinase. This peptide, named Bc-7a, features a pyroglutamic acid at the N-terminal and a PFR motif at the C-terminal, homologous to bradykinin. Using FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) substrate assays, we demonstrated that Bc-7a strongly inhibits the two domains of angiotensin converting enzyme (Ki < 1 μM). Our findings contribute to the repertoire of biologically active peptides from snake venoms capable of inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), beyond current known structural motifs and precursors. In summary, we report a novel snake venom peptide with ACE inhibitory activity, suggesting its potential contribution to the hypotensive effect observed in envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Gabriel Miyamoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Shigueo Kitano
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling, Butantan Institute, SP, 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Zelanis
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo (ICT-UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Pedro Gabriel Nachtigall
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling, Butantan Institute, SP, 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Inácio Junqueira-de-Azevedo
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling, Butantan Institute, SP, 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rogério Lauria da Silva
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Pedro José Barbosa Pereira
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Solange M T Serrano
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling, Butantan Institute, SP, 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza Vilela Oliva
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Keiji Tashima
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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13
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Kumar A, Madni ZK, Chaturvedi S, Salunke DM. Recombinant human scFv antibody fragments against phospholipase A2 from Naja naja and Echis carinatus snake venoms: In vivo neutralization and mechanistic insights. Mol Immunol 2024; 165:55-67. [PMID: 38154407 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.12.006] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Snake envenomation results in a range of clinical sequelae, and widely used animal-based conventional antivenoms exhibit several limitations including the adverse immunological effects in human snake bite victims. Therefore, human monoclonal anti-snake venom antibodies or fragments can be an alternate therapy for overcoming the existing limitations. We developed venom-neutralizing humanized scFv antibodies and analyzed biochemical mechanisms associated with the inhibition of toxicity. Tomlinson I and J human scFv antibody libraries were screened against Naja naja and Echis carinatus venoms, and seven unique scFv antibodies were obtained. Further, specific toxins of snake venom interacting with each of these scFvs were identified, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was found to be prominently captured by the phage-anchored scFv antibodies. Our study indicated PLA2 to be one of the abundant toxins in Naja naja and Echis carinatus venom samples. The scFvs binding to PLA2 were used to perform in vivo survival assay using the mouse model and in vitro toxin inhibition assays. scFv N194, which binds to acidic PLA2, protected 50% of mice treated with Naja naja venom. Significant prolongation of survival time and 16% survival were observed in Echis carinatus venom-challenged mice treated with scFv E113 and scFv E10, respectively. However, a combination comprised of an equal amount of two scFvs, E113 and E10, both interacting with basic PLA2, exhibited synergistically enhanced survival of 33% in Echis carinatus venom-challenged mice. No such synergistically enhanced survival was observed in the case of combinatorial treatment with anti-Naja naja scFvs, N194, and N248. These scFvs demonstrated partial inhibition of venom-induced myotoxicity, and E113 also inhibited hemolysis by 50%, which corroborates the enhanced survival during combinatorial treatment in Echis carinatus venom-challenged mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Zaid Kamal Madni
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Shivam Chaturvedi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Dinakar M Salunke
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India.
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14
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AlShammari AK, Abd El-Aziz TM, Al-Sabi A. Snake Venom: A Promising Source of Neurotoxins Targeting Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 16:12. [PMID: 38251229 PMCID: PMC10820993 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010012] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The venom derived from various sources of snakes represents a vast collection of predominantly protein-based toxins that exhibit a wide range of biological actions, including but not limited to inflammation, pain, cytotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. The venom of a particular snake species is composed of several toxins, while the venoms of around 600 venomous snake species collectively encompass a substantial reservoir of pharmacologically intriguing compounds. Despite extensive research efforts, a significant portion of snake venoms remains uncharacterized. Recent findings have demonstrated the potential application of neurotoxins derived from snake venom in selectively targeting voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv). These neurotoxins include BPTI-Kunitz polypeptides, PLA2 neurotoxins, CRISPs, SVSPs, and various others. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on the significance of Kv channels in various tissues, highlighting their crucial role as proteins susceptible to modulation by diverse snake venoms. These toxins have demonstrated potential as valuable pharmacological resources and research tools for investigating the structural and functional characteristics of Kv channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altaf K. AlShammari
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Ahmed Al-Sabi
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
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15
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Sampat GH, Hiremath K, Dodakallanavar J, Patil VS, Harish DR, Biradar P, Mahadevamurthy RK, Barvaliya M, Roy S. Unraveling snake venom phospholipase A 2: an overview of its structure, pharmacology, and inhibitors. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1454-1473. [PMID: 37926795 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00543-8] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Snake bite is a neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide. WHO reported approximately 5 million people are bitten by various species of snakes each year, resulting in nearly 1 million deaths and an additional three times cases of permanent disability. Snakes utilize the venom mainly for immobilization and digestion of their prey. Snake venom is a composition of proteins and enzymes which is responsible for its diverse pharmacological action. Snake venom phospholipase A2 (SvPLA2) is an enzyme that is present in every snake species in different quantities and is known to produce remarkable functional diversity and pharmacological action like inflammation, necrosis, myonecrosis, hemorrhage, etc. Arachidonic acid, a precursor to eicosanoids, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, is released when SvPLA2 catalyzes the hydrolysis of the sn-2 positions of membrane glycerophospholipids, which is responsible for its actions. Polyvalent antivenom produced from horses or lambs is the standard treatment for snake envenomation, although it has many drawbacks. Traditional medical practitioners treat snake bites using plants and other remedies as a sustainable alternative. More than 500 plant species from more than 100 families reported having venom-neutralizing abilities. Plant-derived secondary metabolites have the ability to reduce the venom's adverse consequences. Numerous studies have documented the ability of plant chemicals to inhibit the enzymes found in snake venom. Research in recent years has shown that various small molecules, such as varespladib and methyl varespladib, effectively inhibit the PLA2 toxin. In the present article, we have overviewed the knowledge of snake venom phospholipase A2, its classification, and the mechanism involved in the pathophysiology of cytotoxicity, myonecrosis, anticoagulation, and inflammation clinical application and inhibitors of SvPLA2, along with the list of studies carried out to evaluate the potency of small molecules like varespladib and secondary metabolites from the traditional medicine for their anti-PLA2 effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh H Sampat
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Kashinath Hiremath
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Jagadeesh Dodakallanavar
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Vishal S Patil
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Darasaguppe R Harish
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | - Prakash Biradar
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | | | - Manish Barvaliya
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Subarna Roy
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
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16
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Hiremath K, Dodakallanavar J, Sampat GH, Patil VS, Harish DR, Chavan R, Hegde HV, Roy S. Three finger toxins of elapids: structure, function, clinical applications and its inhibitors. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10734-3. [PMID: 37749455 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10734-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The WHO lists snakebite as a "neglected tropical disease". In tropical and subtropical areas, envenoming is an important public health issue. This review article describes the structure, function, chemical composition, natural inhibitors, and clinical applications of Elapids' Three Finger Toxins (3FTX) using scientific research data. The primary venomous substance belonging to Elapidae is 3FTX, that targets nAChR. Three parallel β-sheets combine to create 3FTX, which has four or five disulfide bonds. The three primary types of 3FTX are short-chain, long-chain, and nonconventional 3FTX. The functions of 3FTX depend on the specific toxin subtype and the target receptor or ion channel. The well-known effect of 3FTX is probably neurotoxicity because of the severe consequences of muscular paralysis and respiratory failure in snakebite victims. 3FTX have also been studied for their potential clinical applications. α-bungarotoxin has been used as a molecular probe to study the structure and function of nAChRs (Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors). Acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) isoforms 1a and 1b are inhibited by Mambalgins, derived from Black mamba venom, which hinders their function and provide an analgesic effect. α- Cobra toxin is a neurotoxin purified from Chinese cobra (Naja atra) binds to nAChR at the neuronal junction and causes an analgesic effect for moderate to severe pain. Some of the plants and their compounds have been shown to inhibit the activity of 3FTX, and their mechanisms of action are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashinath Hiremath
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Jagadeesh Dodakallanavar
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Ganesh H Sampat
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Vishal S Patil
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Darasaguppe R Harish
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | - Rajashekar Chavan
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | - Harsha V Hegde
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Subarna Roy
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
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17
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Thumtecho S, Suteparuk S, Sitprija V. Pulmonary involvement from animal toxins: the cellular mechanisms. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2023; 29:e20230026. [PMID: 37727535 PMCID: PMC10506740 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals and their venom have always been of human interest because, despite species differences, coevolution has made them capable of targeting key physiological components of our bodies. Respiratory failure from lung injury is one of the serious consequences of envenomation, and the underlying mechanisms are rarely discussed. This review aims to demonstrate how toxins affect the pulmonary system through various biological pathways. Herein, we propose the common underlying cellular mechanisms of toxin-induced lung injury: interference with normal cell function and integrity, disruption of normal vascular function, and provocation of excessive inflammation. Viperid snakebites are the leading cause of envenomation-induced lung injury, followed by other terrestrial venomous animals such as scorpions, spiders, and centipedes. Marine species, particularly jellyfish, can also inflict such injury. Common pulmonary manifestations include pulmonary edema, pulmonary hemorrhage, and exudative infiltration. Severe envenomation can result in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Pulmonary involvement suggests severe envenomation, thus recognizing these mechanisms and manifestations can aid physicians in providing appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suthimon Thumtecho
- Division of Toxicology, Department of Medicine, Chulalongkorn
University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society,
Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suchai Suteparuk
- Division of Toxicology, Department of Medicine, Chulalongkorn
University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society,
Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Visith Sitprija
- Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute and King Chulalongkorn Memorial
Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
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18
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Nielsen VG. Novel Toxicodynamic Model of Subcutaneous Envenomation to Characterize Snake Venom Coagulopathies and Assess the Efficacy of Site-Directed Inorganic Antivenoms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13939. [PMID: 37762243 PMCID: PMC10530349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813939] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Venomous snake bite adversely affects millions of people yearly, but few animal models allow for the determination of toxicodynamic timelines with hemotoxic venoms to characterize the onset and severity of coagulopathy or assess novel, site-directed antivenom strategies. Thus, the goals of this investigation were to create a rabbit model of subcutaneous envenomation to assess venom toxicodynamics and efficacy of ruthenium-based antivenom administration. New Zealand White rabbits were sedated with midazolam via the ear vein and had viscoelastic measurements of whole blood and/or plasmatic coagulation kinetics obtained from ear artery samples. Venoms derived from Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus, Bothrops moojeni, or Calloselasma rhodostoma were injected subcutaneously, and changes in coagulation were determined over three hours and compared to samples obtained prior to envenomation. Other rabbits had ruthenium-based antivenoms injected five minutes after venom injection. Viscoelastic analyses demonstrated diverse toxicodynamic patterns of coagulopathy consistent with the molecular composition of the proteomes of the venoms tested. The antivenoms tested attenuated venom-mediated coagulopathy. A novel rabbit model can be used to characterize the onset and severity of envenomation by diverse proteomes and to assess site-directed antivenoms. Future investigation is planned involving other medically important venoms and antivenom development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vance G Nielsen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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19
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Terzioglu S, Bittenbinder MA, Slagboom J, van de Velde B, Casewell NR, Kool J. Analytical Size Exclusion Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry in Parallel with High-Throughput Venomics and Bioassaying for Venom Profiling. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:552. [PMID: 37755978 PMCID: PMC10534738 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090552] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Modern analytical size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is a suitable technique to separate venom toxin families according to their size characteristics. In this study, a method was developed to separate intact venom toxins from Bungarus multicinctus and Daboia russelii venoms via analytical SEC using volatile, non-salt-containing eluents for post-column mass spectrometry, coagulation bioassaying and high-throughput venomics. Two venoms were used to demonstrate the method developed. While the venom of Bungaurs multicinctus is known to exert anticoagulant effects on plasma, in this study, we showed the existence of both procoagulant toxins and anticoagulant toxins. For Daboia russelii venom, the method revealed characteristic procoagulant effects, with a 90 kDa mass toxin detected and matched with the Factor X-activating procoagulant heterotrimeric glycoprotein named RVV-X. The strong procoagulant effects for this toxin show that it was most likely eluted from size exclusion chromatography non-denatured. In conclusion, the separation of snake venom by size gave the opportunity to separate some specific toxin families from each other non-denatured, test these for functional bioactivities, detect the eluting mass on-line via mass spectrometry and identify the eluted toxins using high-throughput venomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedef Terzioglu
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mátyás A. Bittenbinder
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Julien Slagboom
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bas van de Velde
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Truong NV, Phan TTT, Hsu TS, Phu Duc P, Lin LY, Wu WG. Action mechanism of snake venom l-amino acid oxidase and its double-edged sword effect on cancer treatment: Role of pannexin 1-mediated interleukin-6 expression. Redox Biol 2023; 64:102791. [PMID: 37385076 PMCID: PMC10331595 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102791] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venom l-amino acid oxidases (svLAAOs) have been recognized as promising candidates for anticancer therapeutics. However, multiple aspects of their catalytic mechanism and the overall responses of cancer cells to these redox enzymes remain ambiguous. Here, we present an analysis of the phylogenetic relationships and active site-related residues among svLAAOs and reveal that the previously proposed critical catalytic residue His 223 is highly conserved in the viperid but not the elapid svLAAO clade. To gain further insight into the action mechanism of the elapid svLAAOs, we purify and characterize the structural, biochemical, and anticancer therapeutic potentials of the Thailand elapid snake Naja kaouthia LAAO (NK-LAAO). We find that NK-LAAO, with Ser 223, exhibits high catalytic activity toward hydrophobic l-amino acid substrates. Moreover, NK-LAAO induces substantial oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity with the magnitude relying on both the levels of extracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during the enzymatic redox reactions, but not being influenced by the N-linked glycans on its surface. Unexpectedly, we discover a tolerant mechanism deployed by cancer cells to dampen the anticancer activities of NK-LAAO. NK-LAAO treatment amplifies interleukin (IL)-6 expression via the pannexin 1 (Panx1)-directed intracellular calcium (iCa2+) signaling pathway to confer adaptive and aggressive phenotypes on cancer cells. Accordingly, IL-6 silencing renders cancer cells vulnerable to NK-LAAO-induced oxidative stress together with abrogating NK-LAAO-stimulated metastatic acquisition. Collectively, our study urges caution when using svLAAOs in cancer treatment and identifies the Panx1/iCa2+/IL-6 axis as a therapeutic target for improving the effectiveness of svLAAOs-based anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam V Truong
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Trinh T T Phan
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tzu-Sheng Hsu
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Phan Phu Duc
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Lih-Yuan Lin
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Wen-Guey Wu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan, ROC.
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21
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Tioyama EC, Bayona-Serrano JD, Portes-Junior JA, Nachtigall PG, de Souza VC, Beraldo-Neto E, Grazziotin FG, Junqueira-de-Azevedo ILM, Moura-da-Silva AM, Freitas-de-Sousa LA. The Venom Composition of the Snake Tribe Philodryadini: 'Omic' Techniques Reveal Intergeneric Variability among South American Racers. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:415. [PMID: 37505684 PMCID: PMC10467154 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070415] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakes of the Philodryadini tribe are included in the Dipsadidae family, which is a diverse group of rear-fanged snakes widespread in different ecological conditions, including habitats and diet. However, little is known about the composition and effects of their venoms despite their relevance for understanding the evolution of these snakes or even their impact on the occasional cases of human envenoming. In this study, we integrated venom gland transcriptomics, venom proteomics and functional assays to characterize the venoms from eight species of the Philodryadini tribe, which includes the genus Philodryas, Chlorosoma and Xenoxybelis. The most abundant components identified in the venoms were snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), C-type lectins (CTLs), snake endogenous matrix metalloproteinases type 9 (seMMP-9) and snake venom serinoproteinases (SVSPs). These protein families showed a variable expression profile in each genus. SVMPs were the most abundant components in Philodryas, while seMMP-9 and CRISPs were the most expressed in Chlorosoma and Xenoxybelis, respectively. Lineage-specific differences in venom composition were also observed among Philodryas species, whereas P. olfersii presented the highest amount of SVSPs and P. agassizii was the only species to express significant amounts of 3FTx. The variability observed in venom composition was confirmed by the venom functional assays. Philodryas species presented the highest SVMP activity, whereas Chlorosoma species showed higher levels of gelatin activity, which may correlate to the seMMP-9 enzymes. The variability observed in the composition of these venoms may be related to the tribe phylogeny and influenced by their diets. In the presented study, we expanded the set of venomics studies of the Philodryadini tribe, which paves new roads for further studies on the evolution and ecology of Dipsadidae snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilly Campos Tioyama
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências-Toxinologia, Escola Superior do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05508-210, Brazil; (E.C.T.); (J.D.B.-S.)
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (J.A.P.-J.); (A.M.M.-d.-S.)
| | - Juan David Bayona-Serrano
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências-Toxinologia, Escola Superior do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05508-210, Brazil; (E.C.T.); (J.D.B.-S.)
- Laboratório de Toxinologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (P.G.N.); (V.C.d.S.); (I.L.M.J.-d.-A.)
| | - José A. Portes-Junior
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (J.A.P.-J.); (A.M.M.-d.-S.)
| | - Pedro Gabriel Nachtigall
- Laboratório de Toxinologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (P.G.N.); (V.C.d.S.); (I.L.M.J.-d.-A.)
| | - Vinicius Carius de Souza
- Laboratório de Toxinologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (P.G.N.); (V.C.d.S.); (I.L.M.J.-d.-A.)
| | - Emidio Beraldo-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
| | | | | | - Ana Maria Moura-da-Silva
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (J.A.P.-J.); (A.M.M.-d.-S.)
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22
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Gopal G, Muralidar S, Prakash D, Kamalakkannan A, Indhuprakash ST, Thirumalai D, Ambi SV. The concept of Big Four: Road map from snakebite epidemiology to antivenom efficacy. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124771. [PMID: 37169043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Snake envenomation is a life-threatening disease caused by the injection of venom toxins from the venomous snake bite. Snakebite is often defined as the occupational or domestic hazard mostly affecting the rural population. India experiences a high number of envenoming cases and fatality due to the nation's diversity in inhabiting venomous snakes. The Indian Big Four snakes namely Russell's viper (Daboia russelii), spectacled cobra (Naja naja), common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), and saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) are responsible for majority of the snake envenoming cases and death. The demographic characteristics including occupation, stringent snake habitat management, poor healthcare facilities and ignorance of the rural victims are the primary influencers of high mortality. Biogeographic venom variation greatly influences the clinical pathologies of snake envenomation. The current antivenoms against the Big Four snakes are found to be less immunogenic against the venom toxins emphasizing the necessity of alternative approaches for antivenom generation. This review summarizes the burden of snake envenomation in India by the Big Four snakes including the geographic distribution of snake species and biogeographic venom variation. We have provided comprehensive information on snake venom proteomics that has aided the better understanding of venom induced pathological features, summarized the impact of current polyvalent antivenom therapy highlighting the need for potential antivenom treatment for the effective management of snakebites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Gopal
- Biopharmaceutical Research Lab, Anusandhan Kendra-1, SASTRA Deemed-to-be-University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed-to-be-University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Shibi Muralidar
- Biopharmaceutical Research Lab, Anusandhan Kendra-1, SASTRA Deemed-to-be-University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed-to-be-University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Diwahar Prakash
- Biopharmaceutical Research Lab, Anusandhan Kendra-1, SASTRA Deemed-to-be-University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed-to-be-University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abishek Kamalakkannan
- Biopharmaceutical Research Lab, Anusandhan Kendra-1, SASTRA Deemed-to-be-University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed-to-be-University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Srichandrasekar Thuthikkadu Indhuprakash
- Biopharmaceutical Research Lab, Anusandhan Kendra-1, SASTRA Deemed-to-be-University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed-to-be-University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Diraviyam Thirumalai
- Biopharmaceutical Research Lab, Anusandhan Kendra-1, SASTRA Deemed-to-be-University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed-to-be-University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Senthil Visaga Ambi
- Biopharmaceutical Research Lab, Anusandhan Kendra-1, SASTRA Deemed-to-be-University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed-to-be-University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India.
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23
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Yee KT, Macrander J, Vasieva O, Rojnuckarin P. Exploring Toxin Genes of Myanmar Russell's Viper, Daboia siamensis, through De Novo Venom Gland Transcriptomics. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15050309. [PMID: 37235344 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15050309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Russell's viper (Daboia siamensis) is a medically important venomous snake in Myanmar. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) shows potential to investigate the venom complexity, giving deeper insights into snakebite pathogenesis and possible drug discoveries. mRNA from venom gland tissue was extracted and sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq platform and de novo assembled by Trinity. The candidate toxin genes were identified via the Venomix pipeline. Protein sequences of identified toxin candidates were compared with the previously described venom proteins using Clustal Omega to assess the positional homology among candidates. Candidate venom transcripts were classified into 23 toxin gene families including 53 unique full-length transcripts. C-type lectins (CTLs) were the most highly expressed, followed by Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors, disintegrins and Bradykinin potentiating peptide/C-type natriuretic peptide (BPP-CNP) precursors. Phospholipase A2, snake venom serine proteases, metalloproteinases, vascular endothelial growth factors, L-amino acid oxidases and cysteine-rich secretory proteins were under-represented within the transcriptomes. Several isoforms of transcripts which had not been previously reported in this species were discovered and described. Myanmar Russell's viper venom glands displayed unique sex-specific transcriptome profiles which were correlated with clinical manifestation of envenoming. Our results show that NGS is a useful tool to comprehensively examine understudied venomous snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khin Than Yee
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Yangon 11191, Myanmar
| | - Jason Macrander
- Department of Biology, Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL 33801, USA
| | - Olga Vasieva
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- BioSynthetic Machines, Inc., Chicago, IL 60062, USA
| | - Ponlapat Rojnuckarin
- Excellence Center in Translational Hematology, Division of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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24
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Wachtel E, Bittenbinder MA, van de Velde B, Slagboom J, de Monts de Savasse A, Alonso LL, Casewell NR, Vonk FJ, Kool J. Application of an Extracellular Matrix-Mimicking Fluorescent Polymer for the Detection of Proteolytic Venom Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15040294. [PMID: 37104232 PMCID: PMC10143632 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytotoxicity caused by snake venoms is a serious medical problem that greatly contributes to the morbidity observed in snakebite patients. The cytotoxic components found in snake venoms belong to a variety of toxin classes and may cause cytotoxic effects by targeting a range of molecular structures, including cellular membranes, the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the cytoskeleton. Here, we present a high-throughput assay (384-well plate) that monitors ECM degradation by snake venom toxins via the application of fluorescent versions of model ECM substrates, specifically gelatin and collagen type I. Both crude venoms and fractionated toxins of a selection of medically relevant viperid and elapid species, separated via size-exclusion chromatography, were studied using the self-quenching, fluorescently labelled ECM-polymer substrates. The viperid venoms showed significantly higher proteolytic degradation when compared to elapid venoms, although the venoms with higher snake venom metalloproteinase content did not necessarily exhibit stronger substrate degradation than those with a lower one. Gelatin was generally more readily cleaved than collagen type I. In the viperid venoms, which were subjected to fractionation by SEC, two (B. jararaca and C. rhodostoma, respectively) or three (E. ocellatus) active proteases were identified. Therefore, the assay allows the study of proteolytic activity towards the ECM in vitro for crude and fractionated venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Wachtel
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matyas A Bittenbinder
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bas van de Velde
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julien Slagboom
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Axel de Monts de Savasse
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Luis L Alonso
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Freek J Vonk
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Kool
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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Castro-Amorim J, Novo de Oliveira A, Da Silva SL, Soares AM, Mukherjee AK, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. Catalytically Active Snake Venom PLA 2 Enzymes: An Overview of Its Elusive Mechanisms of Reaction. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5364-5376. [PMID: 37018514 PMCID: PMC10150362 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Snake venom-secreted phospholipase A2 (svPLA2) enzymes, both catalytically active and inactive, are a central component in envenoming. These are responsible for disrupting the cell membrane's integrity, inducing a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as the necrosis of the bitten limb, cardiorespiratory arrest, edema, and anticoagulation. Although extensively characterized, the reaction mechanisms of enzymatic svPLA2 are still to be thoroughly understood. This review presents and analyses the most plausible reaction mechanisms for svPLA2, such as the "single-water mechanism" or the "assisted-water mechanism" initially proposed for the homologous human PLA2. All of the mechanistic possibilities are characterized by a highly conserved Asp/His/water triad and a Ca2+ cofactor. The extraordinary increase in activity induced by binding to a lipid-water interface, known as "interfacial activation," critical for the PLA2s activity, is also discussed. Finally, a potential catalytic mechanism for the postulated noncatalytic PLA2-like proteins is anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Castro-Amorim
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Novo de Oliveira
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Saulo Luís Da Silva
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreimar M Soares
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Proteins and Bioactive Compounds (LABIOPROT), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, National Institute of Epidemiology in the Western Amazon (INCT-EpiAmO), Porto Velho, Rondônia 76812-245, Brazil
- Sao Lucas Universitary Center (UniSL), Porto Velho, Rondônia 76805-846, Brazil
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India
- Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Studies in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati 781035, Assam, India
| | - Maria João Ramos
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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26
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Silva de França F, Tambourgi DV. Hyaluronan breakdown by snake venom hyaluronidases: From toxins delivery to immunopathology. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1125899. [PMID: 37006255 PMCID: PMC10064005 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1125899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venom enzymes have a broad range of molecular targets in plasma, tissues, and cells, among which hyaluronan (HA) is outstanding. HA is encountered in the extracellular matrix of diverse tissues and in the bloodstream, and its different chemical configurations dictate the diverse morphophysiological processes in which it participates. Hyaluronidases are highlighted among the enzymes involved in HA metabolism. This enzyme has been detected along the phylogenetic tree, suggesting that hyaluronidases exert multiple biological effects on different organisms. Hyaluronidases have been described in tissues, blood and snake venoms. Snake venom hyaluronidases (SVHYA) contribute to tissue destruction in envenomations and are called spreading factors since their action potentiates venom toxin delivery. Interestingly, SVHYA are clustered in Enzyme Class 3.2.1.35 together with mammalian hyaluronidases (HYAL). Both HYAL and SVHYA of Class 3.2.1.35 act upon HA, generating low molecular weight HA fragments (LMW-HA). LMW-HA generated by HYAL becomes a damage-associated molecular pattern that is recognized by Toll-like receptors 2 and 4, triggering cell signaling cascades culminating in innate and adaptive immune responses that are characterized by lipid mediator generation, interleukin production, chemokine upregulation, dendritic cell activation and T cell proliferation. In this review, aspects of the structures and functions of HA and hyaluronidases in both snake venoms and mammals are presented, and their activities are compared. In addition, the potential immunopathological consequences of HA degradation products generated after snakebite envenoming and their use as adjuvant to enhance venom toxin immunogenicity for antivenom production as well as envenomation prognostic biomarker are also discussed.
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27
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The secretory phenotypes of envenomed cells: Insights into venom cytotoxicity. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 133:193-230. [PMID: 36707202 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Snake envenomation is listed as Category A Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) by World Health Organization, indicates a severe public health problem. The global figures for envenomation cases are estimated to be more than 1.8 million annually. Even if the affected victims survive the envenomation, they might suffer from permanent morbidity due to local envenomation. One of the most prominent local envenomation is dermonecrosis. Dermonecrosis is a pathophysiological outcome of envenomation that often causes disability in the victims due to surgical amputations, deformities, contracture, and chronic ulceration. The key venom toxins associated with this local symptom are mainly attributed to substantial levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic toxins as well as their possible synergistic actions. Despite so, the severity of the local tissue damage is based on macroscopic observation of the bite areas. Furthermore, limited knowledge is known about the key biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of dermonecrosis. The current immunotherapy with antivenom is also ineffective against dermonecrosis. These local effects eventually end up as sequelae. There is also a global shortage of toxins-targeted therapeutics attributed to inadequate knowledge of the actual molecular mechanisms of cytotoxicity. This chapter discusses the characterization of secretory phenotypes of dermonecrosis as an advanced tool to indicate its severity and pathogenesis in envenomation. Altogether, the secretory phenotypes of envenomed cells and tissues represent the precise characteristics of dermonecrosis caused by venom toxins.
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28
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Kalapothakis Y, Miranda K, Molina DAM, Conceição IMCA, Larangote D, Op den Camp HJM, Kalapothakis E, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Borges A. An overview of Tityus cisandinus scorpion venom: Transcriptome and mass fingerprinting reveal conserved toxin homologs across the Amazon region and novel lipolytic components. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 225:1246-1266. [PMID: 36427608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.11.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Tityus cisandinus, a neglected medically important scorpion in Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazonia, belongs to a complex of species related to the eastern Amazon endemic Tityus obscurus, spanning a distribution of ca. 4000 km. Despite high morbidity and mortality rates, no effective scorpion antivenom is currently available in the Amazon region. Knowledge of the structural/functional relationships between T. cisandinus venom components and those from related Amazonian species is crucial for designing region-specific therapeutic antivenoms. In this work, we carried out the first venom gland transcriptomic study of an Amazonian scorpion outside Brazil, T. cisandinus. We also fingerprinted its total venom through MALDI-TOF MS, which supported our transcriptomic findings. We identified and calculated the expression level of 94 components: 60 toxins, 25 metalloproteases, five disulfide isomerases, three amidating enzymes, one hyaluronidase, and also uncovered transcripts encoding novel lipolytic beta subunits produced by New World buthid scorpions. This study demonstrates the high similarity between T. cisandinus and T. obscurus venoms, reinforcing the existence of a neglected complex of genetically and toxinologically related Amazonian scorpions of medical importance. Finally, we demonstrated the low recognition of currently available therapeutic sera against T. cisandinus and T. obscurus venoms, and concluded that these should be improved to protect against envenomation by Amazonian Tityus spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Kelton Miranda
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Denis Alexis Molina Molina
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Izabela Mamede Costa Andrade Conceição
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Débora Larangote
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Huub J M Op den Camp
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, NL-6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adolfo Borges
- Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela; Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, CEDIC, Asunción 1255, Paraguay.
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A current perspective on snake venom composition and constituent protein families. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:133-153. [PMID: 36437303 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03420-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are heterogeneous mixtures of proteins and peptides used for prey subjugation. With modern proteomics there has been a rapid expansion in our knowledge of snake venom composition, resulting in the venom proteomes of 30% of vipers and 17% of elapids being characterised. From the reasonably complete proteomic coverage of front-fanged snake venom composition (179 species-68 species of elapids and 111 species of vipers), the venoms of vipers and elapids contained 42 different protein families, although 18 were only reported in < 5% of snake species. Based on the mean abundance and occurrence of the 42 protein families, they can be classified into 4 dominant, 6 secondary, 14 minor, and 18 rare protein families. The dominant, secondary and minor categories account for 96% on average of a snake's venom composition. The four dominant protein families are: phospholipase A2 (PLA2), snake venom metalloprotease (SVMP), three-finger toxins (3FTx), and snake venom serine protease (SVSP). The six secondary protein families are: L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO), cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRiSP), C-type lectins (CTL), disintegrins (DIS), kunitz peptides (KUN), and natriuretic peptides (NP). Venom variation occurs at all taxonomic levels, including within populations. The reasons for venom variation are complex, as variation is not always associated with geographical variation in diet. The four dominant protein families appear to be the most important toxin families in human envenomation, being responsible for coagulopathy, neurotoxicity, myotoxicity and cytotoxicity. Proteomic techniques can be used to investigate the toxicological profile of a snake venom and hence identify key protein families for antivenom immunorecognition.
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Nguyen GTT, O'Brien C, Wouters Y, Seneci L, Gallissà-Calzado A, Campos-Pinto I, Ahmadi S, Laustsen AH, Ljungars A. High-throughput proteomics and in vitro functional characterization of the 26 medically most important elapids and vipers from sub-Saharan Africa. Gigascience 2022; 11:giac121. [PMID: 36509548 PMCID: PMC9744630 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giac121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Venomous snakes are important parts of the ecosystem, and their behavior and evolution have been shaped by their surrounding environments over the eons. This is reflected in their venoms, which are typically highly adapted for their biological niche, including their diet and defense mechanisms for deterring predators. Sub-Saharan Africa is rich in venomous snake species, of which many are dangerous to humans due to the high toxicity of their venoms and their ability to effectively deliver large amounts of venom into their victims via their bite. In this study, the venoms of 26 of sub-Saharan Africa's medically most relevant elapid and viper species were subjected to parallelized toxicovenomics analysis. The analysis included venom proteomics and in vitro functional characterization of whole venom toxicities, enabling a robust comparison of venom profiles between species. The data presented here corroborate previous studies and provide biochemical details for the clinical manifestations observed in envenomings by the 26 snake species. Moreover, two new venom proteomes (Naja anchietae and Echis leucogaster) are presented here for the first time. Combined, the presented data can help shine light on snake venom evolutionary trends and possibly be used to further improve or develop novel antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giang Thi Tuyet Nguyen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Carol O'Brien
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Yessica Wouters
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lorenzo Seneci
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Alex Gallissà-Calzado
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Isabel Campos-Pinto
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Quiroz S, Henao Castañeda IC, Granados J, Patiño AC, Preciado LM, Pereañez JA. Inhibitory Effects of Varespladib, CP471474, and Their Potential Synergistic Activity on Bothrops asper and Crotalus durissus cumanensis Venoms. Molecules 2022; 27:8588. [PMID: 36500682 PMCID: PMC9737558 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease that causes extensive mortality and morbidity in rural communities. Antivenim sera are the currently approved therapy for snake bites; however, they have some therapeutic limitations that have been extensively documented. Recently, small molecule toxin inhibitors have received significant attention as potential alternatives or co-adjuvant to immunoglobulin-based snakebite therapies. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of the phospholipase A2 inhibitor varespladib and the metalloproteinase inhibitor CP471474 and their synergistic effects on the lethal, edema-forming, hemorrhagic, and myotoxic activities of Bothrops asper and Crotalus durissus cumanensis venoms from Colombia. Except for the preincubation assay of the lethal activity with B. asper venom, the mixture showed the best inhibitory activity. Nevertheless, the mix did not display statistically significant differences to varespladib and CP471474 used separately in all assays. In preincubation assays, varespladib showed the best inhibitory activity against the lethal effect induced by B. asper venom. However, in independent injection assays, the mix of the compounds partially inhibited the lethal activity of both venoms (50%). In addition, in the assays to test the inhibition of edema-forming activity, the mixture exhibited the best inhibitory activity, followed by Varespladib, but without statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). The combination also decreased the myotoxic activity of evaluated venoms. In these assays, the mix showed statistical differences regarding CP471474 (p < 0.05). The mixture also abolished the hemorrhagic activity of B. asper venom in preincubation assays, with no statistical differences to CP471474. Finally, the mixture showed inhibition in studies with independent administration in a time-dependent manner. To propose a mode of action of varespladib and CP471474, molecular docking was performed. PLA2s and SVMPs from tested venoms were used as targets. In all cases, our molecular modeling results suggested that inhibitors may occupy the substrate-binding cleft of the enzymes, which was supported by specific interaction with amino acids from the active site, such as His48 for PLA2s and Glu143 for the metalloproteinase. In addition, varespladib and CP471474 also showed interaction with residues from the hydrophobic channel in PLA2s and substrate binding subsites in the SVMP. Our results suggest a synergistic action of the mixed inhibitors and show the potential of varespladib, CP471474, and their mixture to generate new treatments for snakebite envenoming with application in the field or as antivenom co-adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Quiroz
- Research Group in Toxinology, Pharmaceutical, and Food Alternatives, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia
| | - Isabel C. Henao Castañeda
- Research Group in Marine Natural Products, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Johan Granados
- Research Group in Pharmaceutical Promotion and Prevention, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Arley Camilo Patiño
- Research Group in Toxinology, Pharmaceutical, and Food Alternatives, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia
| | - Lina María Preciado
- Research Group in Toxinology, Pharmaceutical, and Food Alternatives, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia
| | - Jaime Andrés Pereañez
- Research Group in Toxinology, Pharmaceutical, and Food Alternatives, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia
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Nasri Nasrabadi N, Mohammadpour Dounighi N, Ahmadinejad M, Rabiei H, Tabarzad M, Najafi M, Vatanpour H. Isolation of the Anticoagulant and Procoagulant Fractions of the Venom of Iranian Endemic Echis carinatus. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2022; 21:e127240. [PMID: 36942067 PMCID: PMC10024320 DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-127240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background The venom of Echis carinatus contains both procoagulant and anticoagulant components that can either promote or block the blood coagulation cascade, and some of these components affect platelet function in different ways. Objectives The present study focuses on setting up a procedure for the purification of crude venom and designing appropriate clotting tests in order to characterize the procoagulant and anticoagulant fractions of E. carinatus venom. Methods Chromatographic methods, including gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography, and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), were applied for purifying these fractions. Coagulant activity testing, prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were used to determine procoagulant and anticoagulant properties. For measuring molecular weight, 15% SDS-PAGE electrophoresis with a molecular weight standard ranging from 6.5 to 200 kDa was used. Results We obtained five fractions named F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5. The F1 and F2 fractions showed procoagulant activity, and the F5 fraction had anticoagulant activity. The molecular weight of F2.4.2 from fraction F2 and F5.1 from fraction F5 were analyzed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis under the reducing condition. These factors were identified as a single protein band at the end of purification. The molecular weights of these purified fractions were estimated to be 7.5 kDa and 38 kDa for F5.1(b) and F2.4.2(b), respectively. Conclusions Our findings suggest an efficient and suitable procedure for the identification and purification of the procoagulant and anticoagulant factors of the venom of Iranian E. carinatus using the PT and APTT assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiseh Nasri Nasrabadi
- Student Research Commitee, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Centre, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasser Mohammadpour Dounighi
- Department of Venomous Animals and Anti-venom Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
| | - Minoo Ahmadinejad
- Pathology Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadi Rabiei
- Department of Venomous Animals and Anti-venom Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Tabarzad
- Protein Technology Research Center, Shahid Behashti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Najafi
- Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Hossein Vatanpour
- Department of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Corresponding Author: Department of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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BmooMPα-I, a Metalloproteinase Isolated from Bothrops moojeni Venom, Reduces Blood Pressure, Reverses Left Ventricular Remodeling and Improves Cardiac Electrical Conduction in Rats with Renovascular Hypertension. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110766. [PMID: 36356016 PMCID: PMC9697896 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BmooMPα-I has kininogenase activity, cleaving kininogen releasing bradykinin and can hydrolyze angiotensin I at post-proline and aspartic acid positions, generating an inactive peptide. We evaluated the antihypertensive activity of BmooMPα-I in a model of two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C). Wistar rats were divided into groups: Sham, who underwent sham surgery, and 2K1C, who suffered stenosis of the right renal artery. In the second week of hypertension, we started treatment (Vehicle, BmooMPα-I and Losartan) for two weeks. We performed an electrocardiogram and blood and heart collection in the fourth week of hypertension. The 2K1C BmooMPα-I showed a reduction in blood pressure (systolic pressure: 131 ± 2 mmHg; diastolic pressure: 84 ± 2 mmHg versus 174 ± 3 mmHg; 97 ± 4 mmHg, 2K1C Vehicle, p < 0.05), improvement in electrocardiographic parameters (Heart Rate: 297 ± 4 bpm; QRS: 42 ± 0.1 ms; QT: 92 ± 1 ms versus 332 ± 6 bpm; 48 ± 0.2 ms; 122 ± 1 ms, 2K1C Vehicle, p < 0.05), without changing the hematological profile (platelets: 758 ± 67; leukocytes: 3980 ± 326 versus 758 ± 75; 4400 ± 800, 2K1C Vehicle, p > 0.05), with reversal of hypertrophy (left ventricular area: 12.1 ± 0.3; left ventricle wall thickness: 2.5 ± 0.2; septum wall thickness: 2.3 ± 0.06 versus 10.5 ± 0.3; 2.7 ± 0.2; 2.5 ± 0.04, 2K1C Vehicle, p < 0.05) and fibrosis (3.9 ± 0.2 versus 7.4 ± 0.7, 2K1C Vehicle, p < 0.05). We concluded that BmooMPα-I improved blood pressure levels and cardiac remodeling, having a cardioprotective effect.
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Menon JC, Joseph JK, Jose MP, Janakiram C, Kumar K D, Lakappa DB, Sudhakaran PR, Oomen OV. Hypocholesterolaemia as a prognostic factor in venomous snakebite: a retrospective study from a single centre in Kerala, India. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2022; 116:1071-1076. [PMID: 35771650 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have suggested a association between serum cholesterol values and severity of envenoming. The objective of the study was to correlate the serum cholesterol levels with severity of envenoming in victims of snakebite, across snake species in our patient population. METHODS Retrospective secondary data analysis of health records of a cohort of snakebite victims treated at Little Flower Hospital, Angamaly, Kerala during June 2006-January 2008 was performed. The cholesterol values were assessed in 205 consecutive patients admitted with snakebite envenoming, within 24 h of admission and 10 h of overnight fasting. Lipid fractions were estimated from fasting serum through the standard CHOD-PAP method on a Hitachi analyzer. The cholesterol level was compared between victims with mild and serious envenoming to assess the proportion among each category with a low cholesterol (defined as ≤150 mg/dl as per institutional criteria). In addition, low cholesterol as a marker of severity was compared with other laboratory parameters suggesting severe envenoming such as low fibrinogen, low platelet count, neutrophilia, elevated creatinine, d-dimer, hepatic transaminases and albuminuria. RESULTS Of the 146 victims with serious degree of snakebite envenoming 116 (79%) had low cholesterol values ≤150 mg%, while 30 (21%) had values >150 mg%. Of the patients with low cholesterol, 116 (78%) had serious envenoming, while 22% had mild envenoming. By contrast, 30 patients (21%) had values >150 mg%. The risk of moderate-severe envenoming with low cholesterol was 2.7 times (170%) that of victims with normal or high cholesterol on admission. CONCLUSIONS A low cholesterol on admission in victims of snake envenoming suggested a more severe degree of envenoming and likelihood of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaideep C Menon
- Preventive Cardiology & Population Health Sciences, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Joseph K Joseph
- Senior Consultant Nephrologist, Little Flower hospital & Research centre, Angamaly Kerala, 683572, India
| | - Manoj P Jose
- Senior Consultant Physician, Little Flower hospital & Research centre, Angamaly Kerala, 683572, India
| | - Chandrasekhar Janakiram
- Public Health Dentistry, Amrita School of Dentistry, Amrita Vishwavidhyapeetham, Cochin, Kerala, 680241, India
| | - Dileep Kumar K
- Indriyam Biologics Pvt. Ltd, SCTIMST-TIMED, 5th Floor. M S Valiathan Building, BMT Wing - Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695012, India
| | - Dhananjaya B Lakappa
- Toxinology/Toxicology and Drug Discovery Unit, Center for Emerging Technologies, Jain Global Campus, Jain University, Jakksandra post, Kanakapura Taluk, Ramanagara, Karnataka, 562112, India
| | - Perumana R Sudhakaran
- Asuthosh Mookerjee Fellow, Department of Computational BioAlogy and Bioinformatics, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Trivandrum, Kerala, 695581, India
| | - Oomen V Oomen
- Centre for Venom Informatics, Dept. of Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, University of Kerala, Kariavattom North Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam, 695581, India
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Offor BC, Muller B, Piater LA. A Review of the Proteomic Profiling of African Viperidae and Elapidae Snake Venoms and Their Antivenom Neutralisation. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:723. [PMID: 36355973 PMCID: PMC9694588 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that results from the injection of snake venom of a venomous snake into animals and humans. In Africa (mainly in sub-Saharan Africa), over 100,000 envenomings and over 10,000 deaths per annum from snakebite have been reported. Difficulties in snakebite prevention and antivenom treatment are believed to result from a lack of epidemiological data and underestimated figures on snakebite envenoming-related morbidity and mortality. There are species- and genus-specific variations associated with snake venoms in Africa and across the globe. These variations contribute massively to diverse differences in venom toxicity and pathogenicity that can undermine the efficacy of adopted antivenom therapies used in the treatment of snakebite envenoming. There is a need to profile all snake venom proteins of medically important venomous snakes endemic to Africa. This is anticipated to help in the development of safer and more effective antivenoms for the treatment of snakebite envenoming within the continent. In this review, the proteomes of 34 snake venoms from the most medically important snakes in Africa, namely the Viperidae and Elipdae, were extracted from the literature. The toxin families were grouped into dominant, secondary, minor, and others based on the abundance of the protein families in the venom proteomes. The Viperidae venom proteome was dominated by snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs-41%), snake venom serine proteases (SVSPs-16%), and phospholipase A2 (PLA2-17%) protein families, while three-finger toxins (3FTxs-66%) and PLA2s (16%) dominated those of the Elapidae. We further review the neutralisation of these snake venoms by selected antivenoms widely used within the African continent. The profiling of African snake venom proteomes will aid in the development of effective antivenom against snakebite envenoming and, additionally, could possibly reveal therapeutic applications of snake venom proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict C. Offor
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa
| | - Beric Muller
- South Africa Venom Suppliers CC, Louis Trichardt 0920, South Africa
| | - Lizelle A. Piater
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa
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Rodríguez-Vargas A, Vega N, Reyes-Montaño E, Corzo G, Neri-Castro E, Clement H, Ruiz-Gómez F. Intraspecific Differences in the Venom of Crotalus durissus cumanensis from Colombia. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080532. [PMID: 36006194 PMCID: PMC9416679 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Biochemical and biological differences in the venom of Crotalus durissus cumanensis from three ecoregions of Colombia were evaluated. Rattlesnakes were collected from the geographic areas of Magdalena Medio (MM), Caribe (CA) and Orinoquía (OR). All three regionally distributed venoms contain proteases, PLA2s and the basic subunit of crotoxin. However, only crotamine was detected in the CA venom. The highest lethality, coagulant, phospholipase A2 and hyaluronidase activities were found in the MM venom. Also, some differences, observed by western blot and immunoaffinity, were found in all three venoms when using commercial antivenoms. Furthermore, all three eco-regional venoms showed intraspecific variability, considering the differences in the abundance and intensity of their components, in addition to the activity and response to commercial antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Rodríguez-Vargas
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia; (N.V.); (E.R.-M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nohora Vega
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia; (N.V.); (E.R.-M.)
| | - Edgar Reyes-Montaño
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia; (N.V.); (E.R.-M.)
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (G.C.); (E.N.-C.); (H.C.)
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (G.C.); (E.N.-C.); (H.C.)
| | - Herlinda Clement
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (G.C.); (E.N.-C.); (H.C.)
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
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Salama WH, Shaheen MNF, Shahein YE. Egyptian cobra (Naja haje haje) venom phospholipase A2: a promising antiviral agent with potent virucidal activity against simian rotavirus and bovine coronavirus. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:526. [PMID: 35895237 PMCID: PMC9326960 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03139-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Viral infections are linked to a variety of human diseases. Despite the achievements made in drug and vaccine development, several viruses still lack preventive vaccines and efficient antiviral compounds. Thus, developing novel antiviral agents is of great concern, particularly the natural products that are promising candidates for such discoveries. In this study, we have purified an approximately 15 kDa basic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzyme from the Egyptian cobra Naja haje haje venom. The purified N. haje PLA2 showed a specific activity of 22 units/mg protein against 6 units/mg protein for the whole crude venom with 3.67-fold purification. The antiviral activity of purified N. haje PLA2 has been investigated in vitro against bovine coronavirus (BCoV) and simian rotavirus (RV SA-11). Our results showed that the CC50 of PLA2 were 33.6 and 29 µg/ml against MDBK and MA104 cell lines, respectively. Antiviral analysis of N. haje PLA2 showed an inhibition of BCoV and RV SA-11 infections with a therapeutic index equal to 33.6 and 16, respectively. Moreover, N. haje PLA2 decreased the BCoV and RV SA-11 titers by 4.25 log10 TCID50 and 2.5 log10 TCID50, respectively. Thus, this research suggests the potential antiviral activity of purified N. haje PLA2 against BCoV and RV SA-11 infections in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa H Salama
- Molecular Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed N F Shaheen
- Environmental Virology Laboratory, Water Pollution Research Department, Environment and Climate Change Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Yasser E Shahein
- Molecular Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
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38
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Oliveira AL, Viegas MF, da Silva SL, Soares AM, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. The chemistry of snake venom and its medicinal potential. Nat Rev Chem 2022; 6:451-469. [PMID: 35702592 PMCID: PMC9185726 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-022-00393-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The fascination and fear of snakes dates back to time immemorial, with the first scientific treatise on snakebite envenoming, the Brooklyn Medical Papyrus, dating from ancient Egypt. Owing to their lethality, snakes have often been associated with images of perfidy, treachery and death. However, snakes did not always have such negative connotations. The curative capacity of venom has been known since antiquity, also making the snake a symbol of pharmacy and medicine. Today, there is renewed interest in pursuing snake-venom-based therapies. This Review focuses on the chemistry of snake venom and the potential for venom to be exploited for medicinal purposes in the development of drugs. The mixture of toxins that constitute snake venom is examined, focusing on the molecular structure, chemical reactivity and target recognition of the most bioactive toxins, from which bioactive drugs might be developed. The design and working mechanisms of snake-venom-derived drugs are illustrated, and the strategies by which toxins are transformed into therapeutics are analysed. Finally, the challenges in realizing the immense curative potential of snake venom are discussed, and chemical strategies by which a plethora of new drugs could be derived from snake venom are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L. Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Matilde F. Viegas
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Saulo L. da Silva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreimar M. Soares
- Biotechnology Laboratory for Proteins and Bioactive Compounds from the Western Amazon, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, National Institute of Epidemiology in the Western Amazon (INCT-EpiAmO), Porto Velho, Brazil
- Sao Lucas Universitary Center (UniSL), Porto Velho, Brazil
| | - Maria J. Ramos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro A. Fernandes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Frihling BEF, Boleti APDA, de Oliveira CFR, Sanches SC, Cardoso PHDO, Verbisck N, Macedo MLR, Rita PHS, Carvalho CME, Migliolo L. Purification, Characterization and Evaluation of the Antitumoral Activity of a Phospholipase A2 from the Snake Bothrops moojeni. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060724. [PMID: 35745643 PMCID: PMC9230114 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nature presents a wide range of biomolecules with pharmacological potential, including venomous animal proteins. Among the protein components from snake venoms, phospholipases (PLA2) are of great importance for the development of new anticancer compounds. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the PLA2 anticancer properties from Bothrops moojeni venom. The crude venom was purified through three chromatographic steps, monitored by enzymatic activity and SDS-PAGE (12%). The purified PLA2 denominated BmPLA2 had its molecular mass and N-terminal sequence identified by mass spectrometry and Edman degradation, respectively. BmPLA2 was assayed against human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2), human rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RD) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung (NCI-H292), using human fibroblast cells (MRC-5) and microglia cells (BV-2) as a cytotoxicity control. BmPLA2 presented 13,836 Da and a 24 amino acid-residue homologue with snake PLA2, which showed a 90% similarity with other Bothrops moojeni PLA2. BmPLA2 displayed an IC50 of 0.6 µM against Caco-2, and demonstrated a selectivity index of 1.85 (compared to MRC-5) and 6.33 (compared to BV-2), supporting its selectivity for cancer cells. In conclusion, we describe a new acidic phospholipase, which showed antitumor activity and is a potential candidate in the development of new biotechnological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breno Emanuel Farias Frihling
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, MS, Brazil; (B.E.F.F.); (A.P.d.A.B.); (S.C.S.); (P.H.d.O.C.); (C.M.E.C.)
| | - Ana Paula de Araújo Boleti
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, MS, Brazil; (B.E.F.F.); (A.P.d.A.B.); (S.C.S.); (P.H.d.O.C.); (C.M.E.C.)
| | - Caio Fernando Ramalho de Oliveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição (FACFAN), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande 79603-011, MS, Brazil; (C.F.R.d.O.); (M.L.R.M.)
| | - Simone Camargo Sanches
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, MS, Brazil; (B.E.F.F.); (A.P.d.A.B.); (S.C.S.); (P.H.d.O.C.); (C.M.E.C.)
| | - Pedro Henrique de Oliveira Cardoso
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, MS, Brazil; (B.E.F.F.); (A.P.d.A.B.); (S.C.S.); (P.H.d.O.C.); (C.M.E.C.)
| | | | - Maria Lígia Rodrigues Macedo
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição (FACFAN), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande 79603-011, MS, Brazil; (C.F.R.d.O.); (M.L.R.M.)
| | - Paula Helena Santa Rita
- Biotério e Serpentário, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, MS, Brazil;
| | - Cristiano Marcelo Espinola Carvalho
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, MS, Brazil; (B.E.F.F.); (A.P.d.A.B.); (S.C.S.); (P.H.d.O.C.); (C.M.E.C.)
| | - Ludovico Migliolo
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, MS, Brazil; (B.E.F.F.); (A.P.d.A.B.); (S.C.S.); (P.H.d.O.C.); (C.M.E.C.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Ajisebiola BS, Adeniji OB, James AS, Ajayi BO, Adeyi AO. Naja nigricollis venom altered reproductive and neurological functions via modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative damage in male rats. Metabol Open 2022; 14:100188. [PMID: 35633732 PMCID: PMC9130106 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2022.100188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive and neurological anomalies are often characterized by malfunctioning of reproductive and nervous organs sometimes attributed to systemic toxins. However, limited information is available on the impact of snake venom toxins on male reproductive and nervous system. This study investigated the toxicological effects of Naja nigricollis venom on male reproductive and neural functions in rat model. Twenty male Wistar rats weighing between 195 and 230 g were divided randomly into two groups of ten rats each. Group 1 served as normal control while rats in group 2 were envenomed with a single intraperitoneal injection of 0.25 mg/kg-1 (LD12.5) of N. nigricollis venom on first and twenty fifth day within the period of fifty days experiment. The venom significantly decreased sperm counts, motile cells and volume combined with increased sperm abnormalities. The venom induced hormonal imbalances in the envenomed group as levels of testosterone, luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones depreciated compared to the control. Oxidative stress biomarkers: malondialdehyde significantly increased parallels with depletion of glutathione level and catalase activities in testis, epididymis and brain of envenomed rats. Furthermore, N. nigricollis venom up-regulated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin1-beta (IL-1β) production in testis, epididymis and brain of envenomed rats compared to the control. Also, various histological alterations were noticed in tissues of testis, epididymis and brain of envenomed rats. Findings indicated that N. nigricollis venom is capable of inducing reproductive and neurological dysfunction in envenomed victims.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adewale Segun James
- Department of Chemical Sciences (Biochemistry Program), Augustine University, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Babajide O. Ajayi
- Onco-preventives and Systems Oncology Research Laboratory, Biochemistry Unit, Department of Chemical Sciences, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria
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Aravind L, Iyer LM, Burroughs AM. Discovering Biological Conflict Systems Through Genome Analysis: Evolutionary Principles and Biochemical Novelty. Annu Rev Biomed Data Sci 2022; 5:367-391. [PMID: 35609893 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biodatasci-122220-101119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Biological replicators, from genes within a genome to whole organisms, are locked in conflicts. Comparative genomics has revealed a staggering diversity of molecular armaments and mechanisms regulating their deployment, collectively termed biological conflict systems. These encompass toxins used in inter- and intraspecific interactions, self/nonself discrimination, antiviral immune mechanisms, and counter-host effectors deployed by viruses and intragenomic selfish elements. These systems possess shared syntactical features in their organizational logic and a set of effectors targeting genetic information flow through the Central Dogma, certain membranes, and key molecules like NAD+. These principles can be exploited to discover new conflict systems through sensitive computational analyses. This has led to significant advances in our understanding of the biology of these systems and furnished new biotechnological reagents for genome editing, sequencing, and beyond. We discuss these advances using specific examples of toxins, restriction-modification, apoptosis, CRISPR/second messenger-regulated systems, and other enigmatic nucleic acid-targeting systems. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biomedical Data Science, Volume 5 is August 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Aravind
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
| | - Lakshminarayan M Iyer
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
| | - A Maxwell Burroughs
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
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Adrião AAX, dos Santos AO, de Lima EJSP, Maciel JB, Paz WHP, da Silva FMA, Pucca MB, Moura-da-Silva AM, Monteiro WM, Sartim MA, Koolen HHF. Plant-Derived Toxin Inhibitors as Potential Candidates to Complement Antivenom Treatment in Snakebite Envenomations. Front Immunol 2022; 13:842576. [PMID: 35615352 PMCID: PMC9126284 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.842576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenomations (SBEs) are a neglected medical condition of global importance that mainly affect the tropical and subtropical regions. Clinical manifestations include pain, edema, hemorrhage, tissue necrosis, and neurotoxic signs, and may evolve to functional loss of the affected limb, acute renal and/or respiratory failure, and even death. The standard treatment for snake envenomations is antivenom, which is produced from the hyperimmunization of animals with snake toxins. The inhibition of the effects of SBEs using natural or synthetic compounds has been suggested as a complementary treatment particularly before admission to hospital for antivenom treatment, since these alternative molecules are also able to inhibit toxins. Biodiversity-derived molecules, namely those extracted from medicinal plants, are promising sources of toxin inhibitors that can minimize the deleterious consequences of SBEs. In this review, we systematically synthesize the literature on plant metabolites that can be used as toxin-inhibiting agents, as well as present the potential mechanisms of action of molecules derived from natural sources. These findings aim to further our understanding of the potential of natural products and provide new lead compounds as auxiliary therapies for SBEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asenate A. X. Adrião
- Post Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology BIONORTE, Superior School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Aline O. dos Santos
- Post Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology BIONORTE, Superior School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Emilly J. S. P. de Lima
- Post Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology BIONORTE, Superior School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Jéssica B. Maciel
- Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine, Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Weider H. P. Paz
- Post Graduate Program in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Felipe M. A. da Silva
- Post Graduate Program in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Multidisciplinary Support Center, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Brazil
| | - Ana M. Moura-da-Silva
- Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine, Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wuelton M. Monteiro
- Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine, Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Marco A. Sartim
- Post Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology BIONORTE, Superior School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil
- Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine, Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
- University Nilton Lins, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Hector H. F. Koolen
- Post Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology BIONORTE, Superior School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil
- Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine, Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
- Post Graduate Program in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
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Silva DPD, Ferreira SDS, Torres-Rêgo M, Furtado AA, Yamashita FDO, Diniz EADS, Vieira DS, Ururahy MAG, Silva-Júnior AAD, Luna KPDO, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Antiophidic potential of chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid against Bothrops leucurus snake venom. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 148:112766. [PMID: 35247716 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bothrops leucurus is responsible for most cases of snakebite in Northeast Brazil; however, this species is not included in the pool of venoms used in antivenom production in Brazil. The serotherapy has logistical and effectiveness limitations, which stimulates the search for therapeutic alternatives. Chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid present several biological activities, but their antiophidic potential has been poorly explored. Thus, the aim of this approach was to evaluate the potential inhibitory effects of these compounds on B. leucurus venom. Initially, the enzymatic inhibition of toxins was evaluated in vitro. Then, anti-hemorrhagic, anti-myotoxic, and anti-edematogenic assays were performed in vivo, as well analysis of several biochemical markers and hemostatic parameters. In addition, the interaction of inhibitors with SVMP and PLA2 was investigated by docking analysis. Results revealed that compounds inhibited in vitro the enzymatic activities and venom-induced edema, with a decrease in both myeloperoxidase and interleukin quantification. The inhibitors also attenuated the hemorrhagic and myotoxic actions and mitigated changes in serum biochemical and hemostatic markers, as well as decreased lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. Docking analysis revealed attractive interactions of both inhibitors with the zinc-binding site of SVMP and, in the case of PLA2, chlorogenic acid showed a similar inhibition mechanism to that described for rosmarinic acid. The results evidenced the antiophidic potential of both compounds, which showed higher efficiency than antivenom serum. Thus, both inhibitors are promising candidates for future adjuvants to be used to complement antivenom serotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Pontes da Silva
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Sarah de Sousa Ferreira
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Manoela Torres-Rêgo
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Lagoa Nova, Natal 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Allanny Alves Furtado
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Fabiana de Oliveira Yamashita
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo Augusto da Silva Diniz
- Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Lagoa Nova, Natal 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Davi Serradella Vieira
- Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Lagoa Nova, Natal 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Marcela Abbott Galvão Ururahy
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Analysis and Toxicological, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Karla Patrícia de Oliveira Luna
- Center of Biological and Health Sciences, State University of Paraíba, Avenue Baraúnas, S/N, Bodocongó, Campina Grande 58429-500, Brazil.
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil.
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Rao WQ, Kalogeropoulos K, Allentoft ME, Gopalakrishnan S, Zhao WN, Workman CT, Knudsen C, Jiménez-Mena B, Seneci L, Mousavi-Derazmahalleh M, Jenkins TP, Rivera-de-Torre E, Liu SQ, Laustsen AH. The rise of genomics in snake venom research: recent advances and future perspectives. Gigascience 2022; 11:giac024. [PMID: 35365832 PMCID: PMC8975721 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms represent a danger to human health, but also a gold mine of bioactive proteins that can be harnessed for drug discovery purposes. The evolution of snakes and their venom has been studied for decades, particularly via traditional morphological and basic genetic methods alongside venom proteomics. However, while the field of genomics has matured rapidly over the past 2 decades, owing to the development of next-generation sequencing technologies, snake genomics remains in its infancy. Here, we provide an overview of the state of the art in snake genomics and discuss its potential implications for studying venom evolution and toxinology. On the basis of current knowledge, gene duplication and positive selection are key mechanisms in the neofunctionalization of snake venom proteins. This makes snake venoms important evolutionary drivers that explain the remarkable venom diversification and adaptive variation observed in these reptiles. Gene duplication and neofunctionalization have also generated a large number of repeat sequences in snake genomes that pose a significant challenge to DNA sequencing, resulting in the need for substantial computational resources and longer sequencing read length for high-quality genome assembly. Fortunately, owing to constantly improving sequencing technologies and computational tools, we are now able to explore the molecular mechanisms of snake venom evolution in unprecedented detail. Such novel insights have the potential to affect the design and development of antivenoms and possibly other drugs, as well as provide new fundamental knowledge on snake biology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-qiao Rao
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Genomics Institute-Research, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Konstantinos Kalogeropoulos
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten E Allentoft
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, 6102, Bentley Perth, Australia
- Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5, 1350, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shyam Gopalakrishnan
- Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5, 1350, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Wei-ning Zhao
- Department of Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Genomics Institute-Research, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Christopher T Workman
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Knudsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Belén Jiménez-Mena
- DTU Aqua, Technical University of Denmark, Vejlsøvej 39, 8600, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Lorenzo Seneci
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mahsa Mousavi-Derazmahalleh
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, 6102, Bentley Perth, Australia
| | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Si-qi Liu
- Department of Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Genomics Institute-Research, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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45
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The Enzymatic Core of Scorpion Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14040248. [PMID: 35448857 PMCID: PMC9030722 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14040248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Enzymes are an integral part of animal venoms. Unlike snakes, in which enzymes play a primary role in envenomation, in scorpions, their function appears to be ancillary in most species. Due to this, studies on the diversity of scorpion venom components have focused primarily on the peptides responsible for envenomation (toxins) and a few others (e.g., antimicrobials), while enzymes have been overlooked. In this work, a comprehensive study on enzyme diversity in scorpion venoms was performed by transcriptomic and proteomic techniques. Enzymes of 63 different EC types were found, belonging to 330 orthogroups. Of them, 24 ECs conform the scorpion venom enzymatic core, since they were determined to be present in all the studied scorpion species. Transferases and lyases are reported for the first time. Novel enzymes, which can play different roles in the venom, including direct toxicity, as venom spreading factors, activators of venom components, venom preservatives, or in prey pre-digestion, were described and annotated. The expression profile for transcripts coding for venom enzymes was analyzed, and shown to be similar among the studied species, while being significantly different from their expression pattern outside the telson.
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Review of the Mechanisms of Snake Venom Induced Pain: It's All about Location, Location, Location. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042128. [PMID: 35216244 PMCID: PMC8879488 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain—acute, chronic and debilitating—is the most feared neurotoxicity resulting from a survivable venomous snake bite. The purpose of this review is to present in a novel paradigm what we know about the molecular mechanisms responsible for pain after envenomation. Progressing from known pain modulating peptides and enzymes, to tissue level interactions with venom resulting in pain, to organ system level pain syndromes, to geographical level distribution of pain syndromes, the present work demonstrates that understanding the mechanisms responsible for pain is dependent on “location, location, location”. It is our hope that this work can serve to inspire the molecular and epidemiologic investigations needed to better understand the neurotoxic mechanisms responsible for these snake venom mediated diverse pain syndromes and ultimately lead to agent specific treatments beyond anti-venom alone.
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Rivera-de-Torre E, Rimbault C, Jenkins TP, Sørensen CV, Damsbo A, Saez NJ, Duhoo Y, Hackney CM, Ellgaard L, Laustsen AH. Strategies for Heterologous Expression, Synthesis, and Purification of Animal Venom Toxins. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:811905. [PMID: 35127675 PMCID: PMC8811309 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.811905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms are complex mixtures containing peptides and proteins known as toxins, which are responsible for the deleterious effect of envenomations. Across the animal Kingdom, toxin diversity is enormous, and the ability to understand the biochemical mechanisms governing toxicity is not only relevant for the development of better envenomation therapies, but also for exploiting toxin bioactivities for therapeutic or biotechnological purposes. Most of toxinology research has relied on obtaining the toxins from crude venoms; however, some toxins are difficult to obtain because the venomous animal is endangered, does not thrive in captivity, produces only a small amount of venom, is difficult to milk, or only produces low amounts of the toxin of interest. Heterologous expression of toxins enables the production of sufficient amounts to unlock the biotechnological potential of these bioactive proteins. Moreover, heterologous expression ensures homogeneity, avoids cross-contamination with other venom components, and circumvents the use of crude venom. Heterologous expression is also not only restricted to natural toxins, but allows for the design of toxins with special properties or can take advantage of the increasing amount of transcriptomics and genomics data, enabling the expression of dormant toxin genes. The main challenge when producing toxins is obtaining properly folded proteins with a correct disulfide pattern that ensures the activity of the toxin of interest. This review presents the strategies that can be used to express toxins in bacteria, yeast, insect cells, or mammalian cells, as well as synthetic approaches that do not involve cells, such as cell-free biosynthesis and peptide synthesis. This is accompanied by an overview of the main advantages and drawbacks of these different systems for producing toxins, as well as a discussion of the biosafety considerations that need to be made when working with highly bioactive proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre, ; Andreas H. Laustsen,
| | - Charlotte Rimbault
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Christoffer V. Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anna Damsbo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Natalie J. Saez
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Yoan Duhoo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Celeste Menuet Hackney
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Ellgaard
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre, ; Andreas H. Laustsen,
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Santos NFTD, Imberg ADS, Mariano DOC, Moraes ACD, Andrade-Silva J, Fernandes CM, Sobral AC, Giannotti KC, Kuwabara WMT, Pimenta DC, Maria DA, Sandoval MRL, Afeche SC. β-micrustoxin (Mlx-9), a PLA2 from Micrurus lemniscatus snake venom: biochemical characterization and anti-proliferative effect mediated by p53. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20210094. [PMID: 35432496 PMCID: PMC9008913 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endogenous phospholipases A2 (PLA2) play a fundamental role in inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, apoptosis and cellular senescence. Neurotoxins with PLA2 activity are found in snake venoms from the Elapidae and Viperidae families. The mechanism of action of these neurotoxins have been studied using hippocampal and cerebellar neuronal cultures showing [Ca2+]i increase, mitochondrial depolarization and cell death. Astrocytes are rarely used as a model, despite being modulators at the synapses and responsible for homeostasis and defense in the central nervous system. Preserving the cell division ability, they can be utilized to study the cell proliferation process. In the present work cultured astrocytes and glioblastoma cells were employed to characterize the action of β-micrustoxin (previously named Mlx-9), a PLA2 isolated from Micrurus lemniscatus snake venom. The β-micrustoxin structure was determined and the cell proliferation, cell cycle phases and the regulatory proteins p53, p21 and p27 were investigated. Methods β-micrustoxin was characterized biochemically by a proteomic approach. Astrocytes were obtained by dissociation of pineal glands from Wistar rats; glioblastoma tumor cells were purchased from ATCC and Sigma and cultured in DMEM medium. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay; cell proliferation and cell cycle phases were analyzed by flow cytometry; p53, p21 and p27 proteins were studied by western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Results Proteomic analysis revealed fragments on β-micrustoxin that aligned with a PLA2 from Micrurus lemniscatus lemniscatus previously identified as transcript ID DN112835_C3_g9_i1/m.9019. β-micrustoxin impaired the viability of astrocytes and glioblastoma tumor cells. There was a reduction in cell proliferation, an increase in G2/M phase and activation of p53, p21 and p27 proteins in astrocytes. Conclusion These findings indicate that β-micrustoxin from Micrurus lemniscatus venom could inhibit cell proliferation through p53, p21 and p27 activation thus imposing cell cycle arrest at the checkpoint G2/M.
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Mender MM, Bolton F, Berry C, Young M. Antivenom: An immunotherapy for the treatment of snakebite envenoming in sub-Saharan Africa. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2021; 129:435-477. [PMID: 35305724 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming (SBE) leads to significant morbidity and mortality, resulting in over 90,000 deaths and approximately 400,000 amputations annually. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) alone, SBE accounts for over 30,000 deaths per annum. Since 2017, SBE has been classified as a priority Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The major species responsible for mortality from SBE within SSA are from the Bitis, Dendroaspis, Echis and Naja genera. Pharmacologically active toxins such as metalloproteinases, serine proteinases, 3-finger toxins, kunitz-type toxins, and phospholipase A2s are the primary snake venom components. These toxins induce cytotoxicity, coagulopathy, hemorrhage, and neurotoxicity in envenomed victims. Antivenom is currently the only available venom-specific treatment for SBE and contains purified equine or ovine polyclonal antibodies, collected from donor animals repeatedly immunized with low doses of adjuvanted venom. The resulting plasma or serum contains a high titre of specific antibodies, which can then be collected and stored until required. The purified antibodies are either whole IgG, monovalent fragment antibody (Fab) or divalent fragment antibody F(ab')2. Despite pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences, all three are effective in the treatment of SBE. No antivenom is without adverse reactions but, the level of their impact and severity varies from benign early adverse reactions to the rarely occurring fatal anaphylactic shock. However, the major side effects are largely reversible with immediate administration of adrenaline and corticosteroids. There are 16 different antivenoms marketed within SSA, but the efficacy and safety profiles are only published for less than 50% of these products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mender M Mender
- School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Department of Research and Development, MicroPharm Ltd, Newcastle Emlyn, United Kingdom.
| | - Fiona Bolton
- Department of Research and Development, MicroPharm Ltd, Newcastle Emlyn, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Berry
- School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Young
- School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Hayashi MAF, Campeiro JD, Yonamine CM. Revisiting the potential of South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus toxins as therapeutic, theranostic and/or biotechnological agents. Toxicon 2021; 206:1-13. [PMID: 34896407 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.12.005] [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: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The potential biotechnological and biomedical applications of the animal venom components are widely recognized. Indeed, many components have been used either as drugs or as templates/prototypes for the development of innovative pharmaceutical drugs, among which many are still used for the treatment of human diseases. A specific South American rattlesnake, named Crotalus durissus terrificus, shows a venom composition relatively simpler compared to any viper or other snake species belonging to the Crotalus genus, although presenting a set of toxins with high potential for the treatment of several still unmet human therapeutic needs, as reviewed in this work. In addition to the main toxin named crotoxin, which is under clinical trials studies for antitumoral therapy and which has also anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities, other toxins from the C. d. terrificus venom are also being studied, aiming for a wide variety of therapeutic applications, including as antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumoral or antiparasitic agent, or as modulator of animal metabolism, fibrin sealant (fibrin glue), gene carrier or theranostic agent. Among these rattlesnake toxins, the most relevant, considering the potential clinical applications, are crotamine, crotalphine and gyroxin. In this narrative revision, we propose to organize and present briefly the updates in the accumulated knowledge on potential therapeutic applications of toxins collectively found exclusively in the venom of this specific South American rattlesnake, with the objective of contributing to increase the chances of success in the discovery of drugs based on toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirian A F Hayashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), SP, Brazil.
| | - Joana D Campeiro
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), SP, Brazil
| | - Camila M Yonamine
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), SP, Brazil.
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