1
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Lin Z, Assaraf YG, Kwok HF. Peptides for microbe-induced cancers: latest therapeutic strategies and their advanced technologies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10197-4. [PMID: 39008152 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10197-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a significant global health concern associated with multiple distinct factors, including microbial and viral infections. Numerous studies have elucidated the role of microorganisms, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), as well as viruses for example human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), in the development of human malignancies. Substantial attention has been focused on the treatment of these microorganism- and virus-associated cancers, with promising outcomes observed in studies employing peptide-based therapies. The current paper provides an overview of microbe- and virus-induced cancers and their underlying molecular mechanisms. We discuss an assortment of peptide-based therapies which are currently being developed, including tumor-targeting peptides and microbial/viral peptide-based vaccines. We describe the major technological advancements that have been made in the design, screening, and delivery of peptides as anticancer agents. The primary focus of the current review is to provide insight into the latest research and development in this field and to provide a realistic glimpse into the future of peptide-based therapies for microbe- and virus-induced neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Lin
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Lab, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Instituteof Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
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2
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Ajdi B, El Asbahani A, El Hidan MA, Bocquet M, Falconnet L, Ait Hamza M, Elmourid A, Touloun O, Boubaker H, Bulet P. Molecular diversity assessed by MALDI mass spectrometry of two scorpion species venom from two different locations in Morocco. Toxicon 2024; 238:107562. [PMID: 38103799 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107562] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion venom is a cocktail of molecules whose composition is remarkably plastic, controlled by several factors. The Moroccan scorpion fauna is characterized by its richness and high rate of endemism and the venom molecular variability of many species is not yet well characterized. The aim of the present study was to highlight the molecular variability of the venom composition of Androctonus amoreuxi and Buthacus stockmanni (endemic species), both belonging to the Buthidae family, collected from two Moroccan regions, Zagora and Tan-tan. Characterization of the molecular mass fingerprints (MFPs) of each specimen was performed by Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) using a sandwich (Sand) and a dried-droplet (DD) sample preparation and dilutions. Considering these two methods, a total of 828 ion signals were detected, and Sand method produced more adducts (56%) than DD (44%). We observed interspecific variations in the venom composition between these two species showing they share 235 ion signals, while 226 and 367 are specific for these two species, respectively. Moreover, B. stockmanni specimens showed a clear difference in their MFPs between the two geographical areas studied, suggesting intraspecific variations. Moreover, specimens from each population also show an intraspecific variability. In addition, for the same individual, a variation in the venom composition was also recorded depending on the milking frequency. Our results confirmed the presence of characteristic components in each extracted venom sample. In conclusion, MFPs assessed by MALDI-MS represent a fast, non-supervised, sensitive, reliable and cost-efficient approach for taxonomic identification and molecular variability characterization. This study undoubtedly represents a step forward for understanding the scorpion venom plasticity, intra/inter variations, and their temporal and geographical variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boujemaa Ajdi
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Plant Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco; Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CR Inserm U1209, CNRSUMR 5309, University of Grenoble-Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France; Platform BioPark Archamps, 74160, Archamps, France.
| | - Abdelhafed El Asbahani
- Applied Chemistry and Environment Laboratory, Team of Bio-organic Chemistry and Natural Substances, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Michel Bocquet
- Platform BioPark Archamps, 74160, Archamps, France; Apimedia, 74370, Annecy, France
| | | | - Mohamed Ait Hamza
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Abdessamad Elmourid
- Polyvalent Team in Research and Development (EPVRD), Department of Biology & Geology, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, 23030, Morocco.
| | - Oulaid Touloun
- Polyvalent Team in Research and Development (EPVRD), Department of Biology & Geology, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, 23030, Morocco.
| | - Hassan Boubaker
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Plant Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Philippe Bulet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CR Inserm U1209, CNRSUMR 5309, University of Grenoble-Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France; Platform BioPark Archamps, 74160, Archamps, France.
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Aly EK, Mahmoud HS, Alkhalifah DHM, Shehab GMG, Abuelsaad ASA, Abdel-Rehiem ES, Abdul-Hamid M. Bee venom ameliorates oxidative stress and histopathological changes of hippocampus, liver and testis during status epileptics. Neuropeptides 2023; 101:102368. [PMID: 37562116 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The unrelenting progression of neurodegenerative diseases has a negative impact on affected individuals, their families, and society. Recurrent epileptic seizures are the hallmark of epilepsy, and treating it effectively remains difficult. Clarify and understanding effects of the antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in epilepsy by comparing the therapeutic effects between rats receiving valproic acid (VPA) and Bee venom (BV) was aimed throughout the present study. Four male Wistar rat groups were included: control, epileptic group receiving pilocarpine (PILO), epileptic group treated with VPA and BV respectively. Cognitive functions were assessed by evaluating latency time in hot plate, despair swim test, grooming, rearing and ambulation frequency in the open field. BV has ameliorative effect on electrolytes balancing, assured by decreasing lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and increasing catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. BV enhanced restoration of liver functions indicated by alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), total proteins, and albumin; hormonal parameters total and free testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) were preserved by BV with great recovery of hippocampus, liver and testicular histopathology and ultrastructure comparing with the epileptic rats. The present findings suggested that BV and its active components offer fresh options for controlling epilepsy and prospective methods via minimize or manage the severe consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa K Aly
- Cell Biology & Histology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
| | - Hanan S Mahmoud
- Ecology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
| | - Dalal Hussien M Alkhalifah
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaber M G Shehab
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelaziz S A Abuelsaad
- Immunology Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, 62511 Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Eman S Abdel-Rehiem
- Molecular Physiology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
| | - Manal Abdul-Hamid
- Cell Biology & Histology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt.
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4
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Rogalski A, Himaya SWA, Lewis RJ. Coordinated adaptations define the ontogenetic shift from worm- to fish-hunting in a venomous cone snail. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3287. [PMID: 37311767 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38924-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine cone snails have attracted researchers from all disciplines but early life stages have received limited attention due to difficulties accessing or rearing juvenile specimens. Here, we document the culture of Conus magus from eggs through metamorphosis to reveal dramatic shifts in predatory feeding behaviour between post-metamorphic juveniles and adult specimens. Adult C. magus capture fish using a set of paralytic venom peptides combined with a hooked radular tooth used to tether envenomed fish. In contrast, early juveniles feed exclusively on polychaete worms using a unique "sting-and-stalk" foraging behaviour facilitated by short, unbarbed radular teeth and a distinct venom repertoire that induces hypoactivity in prey. Our results demonstrate how coordinated morphological, behavioural and molecular changes facilitate the shift from worm- to fish-hunting in C. magus, and showcase juvenile cone snails as a rich and unexplored source of novel venom peptides for ecological, evolutionary and biodiscovery studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymeric Rogalski
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, QLD, Australia
| | - S W A Himaya
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, QLD, Australia.
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The Molecular Composition of Peptide Toxins in the Venom of Spider Lycosa coelestis as Revealed by cDNA Library and Transcriptomic Sequencing. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15020143. [PMID: 36828457 PMCID: PMC9959208 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020143] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In the so-called "struggle for existence" competition, the venomous animals developed a smart and effective strategy, envenomation, for predation and defense. Biochemical analysis revealed that animal venoms are chemical pools of proteinase, peptide toxins, and small organic molecules with various biological activities. Of them, peptide toxins are of great molecular diversity and possess the capacity to modulate the activity of ion channels, the second largest group of drug targets expressed on the cell membrane, which makes them a rich resource for developing peptide drug pioneers. The spider Lycosa coelestis (L. coelestis) commonly found in farmland in China is a dominant natural enemy of agricultural pests; however, its venom composition and activity were never explored. Herein, we conducted cDNA library and transcriptomic sequencing of the venom gland of L. coelestis, which identified 1131 high-quality expressed sequence tags (ESTs), grouped into three categories denoted as toxin-like ESTs (597, 52.79%), cellular component ESTs (357, 31.56%), and non-matched ESTs (177, 15.65%). These toxin-like ESTs encode 98 non-reductant toxins, which are artificially divided into 11 families based on their sequence homology and cysteine frameworks (2-14 cysteines forming 1-7 disulfide bonds to stabilize the toxin structure). Furthermore, RP-HPLC purification combined with off-line MALDI-TOF analysis have detected 147 different peptides physically existing in the venom of L. coelestis. Electrophysiology analysis confirmed that the venom preferably inhibits the voltage-gated calcium channels in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Altogether, the present study has added a great lot of new members to the spider toxin superfamily and built the foundation for characterizing novel active peptides in the L. coelestis venom.
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de Melo-Braga MN, Moreira RDS, Gervásio JHDB, Felicori LF. Overview of protein posttranslational modifications in Arthropoda venoms. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20210047. [PMID: 35519418 PMCID: PMC9036706 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0047] [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: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Accidents with venomous animals are a public health issue worldwide. Among the species involved in these accidents are scorpions, spiders, bees, wasps, and other members of the phylum Arthropoda. The knowledge of the function of proteins present in these venoms is important to guide diagnosis, therapeutics, besides being a source of a large variety of biotechnological active molecules. Although our understanding about the characteristics and function of arthropod venoms has been evolving in the last decades, a major aspect crucial for the function of these proteins remains poorly studied, the posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Comprehension of such modifications can contribute to better understanding the basis of envenomation, leading to improvements in the specificities of potential therapeutic toxins. Therefore, in this review, we bring to light protein/toxin PTMs in arthropod venoms by accessing the information present in the UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot database, including experimental and putative inferences. Then, we concentrate our discussion on the current knowledge on protein phosphorylation and glycosylation, highlighting the potential functionality of these modifications in arthropod venom. We also briefly describe general approaches to study "PTM-functional-venomics", herein referred to the integration of PTM-venomics with a functional investigation of PTM impact on venom biology. Furthermore, we discuss the bottlenecks in toxinology studies covering PTM investigation. In conclusion, through the mining of PTMs in arthropod venoms, we observed a large gap in this field that limits our understanding on the biology of these venoms, affecting the diagnosis and therapeutics development. Hence, we encourage community efforts to draw attention to a better understanding of PTM in arthropod venom toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Nunes de Melo-Braga
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Raniele da Silva Moreira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - João Henrique Diniz Brandão Gervásio
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Liza Figueiredo Felicori
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Molecular Diversity of Peptide Toxins in the Venom of Spider Heteropoda pingtungensis as Revealed by cDNA Library and Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14020140. [PMID: 35202167 PMCID: PMC8876598 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14020140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The venoms of toxic animals are chemical pools composed of various proteins, peptides, and small organic molecules used for predation and defense, in which the peptidic toxins have been intensively pursued mining modulators targeting disease-related ion channels and receptors as valuable drug pioneers. In the present study, we uncovered the molecular diversity of peptide toxins in the venom of the spider Heteropoda pingtungensis (H. pingtungensis) by using a combinatory strategy of venom gland cDNA library and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). An amount of 991 high-quality expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were identified from 1138 generated sequences, which fall into three categories, such as the toxin-like ESTs (531, 53.58%), the cellular component ESTs (255, 25.73%), and the no-match ESTs (205, 20.69%), as determined by gene function annotations. Of them, 190 non-redundant toxin-like peptides were identified and can be artificially grouped into 13 families based on their sequence homology and cysteine frameworks (families A–M). The predicted mature toxins contain 2–10 cysteines, which are predicted to form intramolecular disulfide bonds to stabilize their three-dimensional structures. Bioinformatics analysis showed that toxins from H. pingtungensis venom have high sequences variability and the biological targets for most toxins are unpredictable due to lack of homology to toxins with known functions in the database. Furthermore, RP-HPLC and MALDI-TOF analyses have identified a total of 110 different peptides physically existing in the H. pingtungensis venom, and many RP-HPLC fractions showed potent inhibitory activity on the heterologously expressed NaV1.7 channel. Most importantly, two novel NaV1.7 peptide antagonists, µ-Sparatoxin-Hp1 and µ-Sparatoxin-Hp2, were characterized. In conclusion, the present study has added many new members to the spider toxin superfamily and built the foundation for identifying novel modulators targeting ion channels in the H. pingtungensis venom.
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Santhosh KN, Pavana D, Shruthi BR, Thippeswamy NB. Protein profile of scorpion venom from Hottentotta rugiscutis and its immunogenic potential in inducing long term memory response. Toxicon 2022; 205:71-78. [PMID: 34826434 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.11.121] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The scorpions of the Buthidae family exhibit diverse toxins with proven pharmacological activities and yet underexplored. The Hottentotta rugiscutis is a commonly found south-Indian buthid scorpion, whose venom proteomic profile is unknown. In this study, the venom was biochemically and immunologically characterized by SDS-PAGE, MALDI-TOF MS, Western blot and ELISA. The regional and seasonal variation in the venom composition from the same species was also assessed at the molecular mass level. The venom was further studied in albino mice to understand its impact on various blood parameters. The venom has varied MW proteins from 6 to 275 kDa, four of them were found to be major immunodominant proteins. The mass spectra have revealed that some proteins are predominantly present in the venom of 3-4.5 kDa or 6.5-8.0 kDa, which could be the K+ or Na+ channel blockers respectively whose ratio varied by season. The obtained venom-mass spectra could also be used as H. rugiscutis specific finger-print in identifying the region-specific species. The venom was found to elicit a stress-induced innate immune response in mice, giving rise to a strong Th2 mediated humoral immune response. Overall, this study has provided a glimpse of the venom composition and its immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kambaiah Nagaraj Santhosh
- Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Microbiology, Jnana Sahyadri Campus, Kuvempu University, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India.
| | - Dattatreya Pavana
- Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Microbiology, Jnana Sahyadri Campus, Kuvempu University, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India.
| | - Balakrishna Rao Shruthi
- Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Microbiology, Jnana Sahyadri Campus, Kuvempu University, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India.
| | - Nayaka Boramuthi Thippeswamy
- Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Microbiology, Jnana Sahyadri Campus, Kuvempu University, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India.
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Fernandes FF, Moraes JR, Santos JLD, Soares TG, Gouveia VJP, Matavel ACS, Borges WDC, Cordeiro MDN, Figueiredo SG, Borges MH. Comparative venomic profiles of three spiders of the genus Phoneutria. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20210042. [PMID: 35283937 PMCID: PMC8875809 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Spider venoms induce different physio-pharmacological effects by binding
with high affinity on molecular targets, therefore being of biotechnological
interest. Some of these toxins, acting on different types of ion channels,
have been identified in the venom of spiders of the genus
Phoneutria, mainly from P.
nigriventer. In spite of the pharmaceutical potential demonstrated
by P. nigriventer toxins, there is limited information on
molecules from venoms of the same genus, as their toxins remain poorly
characterized. Understanding this diversity and clarifying the differences
in the mechanisms of action of spider toxins is of great importance for
establishing their true biotechnological potential. This prompted us to
compare three different venoms of the Phoneutria genus:
P. nigriventer (Pn-V), P. eickstedtae
(Pe-V) and P. pertyi (Pp-V). Methods: Biochemical and functional comparison of the venoms were carried out by
SDS-PAGE, HPLC, mass spectrometry, enzymatic activities and
electrophysiological assays (whole-cell patch clamp). Results: The employed approach revealed that all three venoms had an overall
similarity in their components, with only minor differences. The presence of
a high number of similar proteins was evident, particularly toxins in the
mass range of ~6.0 kDa. Hyaluronidase and proteolytic activities were
detected in all venoms, in addition to isoforms of the toxins Tx1 and Tx2-6.
All Tx1 isoforms blocked Nav1.6 ion currents, with slight differences. Conclusion: Our findings showed that Pn-V, Pe-V and Pp-V are highly similar concerning
protein composition and enzymatic activities, containing isoforms of the
same toxins sharing high sequence homology, with minor modifications.
However, these structural and functional variations are very important for
venom diversity. In addition, our findings will contribute to the
comprehension of the molecular diversity of the venoms of the other species
from Phoneutria genus, exposing their biotechnological
potential as a source for searching for new active molecules.
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Lopez SMM, Aguilar JS, Fernandez JBB, Lao AGJ, Estrella MRR, Devanadera MKP, Ramones CMV, Villaraza AJL, Guevarra LA, Santiago-Bautista MR, Santiago LA. Neuroactive venom compounds obtained from Phlogiellus bundokalbo as potential leads for neurodegenerative diseases: insights on their acetylcholinesterase and beta-secretase inhibitory activities in vitro. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210009. [PMID: 34249120 PMCID: PMC8237997 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0009] [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: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spider venom is a rich cocktail of neuroactive compounds designed to prey capture and defense against predators that act on neuronal membrane proteins, in particular, acetylcholinesterases (AChE) that regulate synaptic transmission through acetylcholine (ACh) hydrolysis - an excitatory neurotransmitter - and beta-secretases (BACE) that primarily cleave amyloid precursor proteins (APP), which are, in turn, relevant in the structural integrity of neurons. The present study provides preliminary evidence on the therapeutic potential of Phlogiellus bundokalbo venom against neurodegenerative diseases. Methods Spider venom was extracted by electrostimulation and fractionated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Neuroactivity of the whole venom was observed by a neurobehavioral response from Terebrio molitor larvae in vivo and fractions were screened for their inhibitory activities against AChE and BACE in vitro. Results The whole venom from P. bundokalbo demonstrated neuroactivity by inducing excitatory movements from T. molitor for 15 min. Sixteen fractions collected produced diverse mass fragments from MALDI-TOF-MS ranging from 900-4500 Da. Eleven of sixteen fractions demonstrated AChE inhibitory activities with 14.34% (± 2.60e-4) to 62.05% (± 6.40e-5) compared with donepezil which has 86.34% (± 3.90e-5) inhibition (p > 0.05), while none of the fractions were observed to exhibit BACE inhibition. Furthermore, three potent fractions against AChE, F1, F3, and F16 displayed competitive and uncompetitive inhibitions compared to donepezil as the positive control. Conclusion The venom of P. bundokalbo contains compounds that demonstrate neuroactivity and anti-AChE activities in vitro, which could comprise possible therapeutic leads for the development of cholinergic compounds against neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Miguel M Lopez
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1008.,Institute of Chemistry, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines, 1101
| | - Jeremey S Aguilar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1008
| | - Jerene Bashia B Fernandez
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1008
| | - Angelic Gayle J Lao
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1008.,Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1015.,The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1015.,Institute of Chemistry, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines, 1101
| | - Mitzi Rain R Estrella
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1008
| | - Mark Kevin P Devanadera
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1008.,Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1015.,The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1015
| | - Cydee Marie V Ramones
- Institute of Chemistry, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines, 1101
| | - Aaron Joseph L Villaraza
- Institute of Chemistry, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines, 1101
| | - Leonardo A Guevarra
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1008.,Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1015
| | - Myla R Santiago-Bautista
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1008.,Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1015.,The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1015
| | - Librado A Santiago
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1008.,Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1015.,The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1015
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Mouchbahani-Constance S, Sharif-Naeini R. Proteomic and Transcriptomic Techniques to Decipher the Molecular Evolution of Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:154. [PMID: 33669432 PMCID: PMC7920473 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nature's library of venoms is a vast and untapped resource that has the potential of becoming the source of a wide variety of new drugs and therapeutics. The discovery of these valuable molecules, hidden in diverse collections of different venoms, requires highly specific genetic and proteomic sequencing techniques. These have been used to sequence a variety of venom glands from species ranging from snakes to scorpions, and some marine species. In addition to identifying toxin sequences, these techniques have paved the way for identifying various novel evolutionary links between species that were previously thought to be unrelated. Furthermore, proteomics-based techniques have allowed researchers to discover how specific toxins have evolved within related species, and in the context of environmental pressures. These techniques allow groups to discover novel proteins, identify mutations of interest, and discover new ways to modify toxins for biomimetic purposes and for the development of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Sharif-Naeini
- Department of Physiology and Cell Information Systems Group, Alan Edwards Center for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada;
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12
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Abd El-Aziz TM, Soares AG, Stockand JD. Advances in venomics: Modern separation techniques and mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2020; 1160:122352. [PMID: 32971366 PMCID: PMC8174749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are complex chemical mixtures of biologically active proteins and non-protein components. Toxins have a wide range of targets and effects to include ion channels and membrane receptors, and platelet aggregation and platelet plug formation. Toxins target these effectors and effects at high affinity and selectivity. From a pharmacological perspective, snake venom compounds are a valuable resource for drug discovery and development. However, a major challenge to drug discovery using snake venoms is isolating and analyzing the bioactive proteins and peptides in these complex mixtures. Getting molecular information from complex mixtures such as snake venoms requires proteomic analyses, generally combined with transcriptomic analyses of venom glands. The present review summarizes current knowledge and highlights important recent advances in venomics with special emphasis on contemporary separation techniques and bioinformatics that have begun to elaborate the complexity of snake venoms. Several analytical techniques such as two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, RP-HPLC, size exclusion chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, MALDI-TOF-MS, and LC-ESI-QTOF-MS have been employed in this regard. The improvement of separation approaches such as multidimensional-HPLC, 2D-electrophoresis coupled to soft-ionization (MALDI and ESI) mass spectrometry has been critical to obtain an accurate picture of the startling complexity of venoms. In the case of bioinformatics, a variety of software tools such as PEAKS also has been used successfully. Such information gleaned from venomics is important to both predicting and resolving the biological activity of the active components of venoms, which in turn is key for the development of new drugs based on these venom components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA; Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt.
| | - Antonio G Soares
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA
| | - James D Stockand
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA
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13
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Simizo A, Kitano ES, Sant'Anna SS, Grego KF, Tanaka-Azevedo AM, Tashima AK. Comparative gender peptidomics of Bothrops atrox venoms: are there differences between them? J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20200055. [PMID: 33088286 PMCID: PMC7546584 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Bothrops atrox is known to be the pit viper responsible for
most snakebites and human fatalities in the Amazon region. It can be found
in a wide geographical area including northern South America, the east of
Andes and the Amazon basin. Possibly, due to its wide distribution and
generalist feeding, intraspecific venom variation was reported by previous
proteomics studies. Sex-based and ontogenetic variations on venom
compositions of Bothrops snakes were also subject of
proteomic and peptidomic analysis. However, the venom peptidome of
B. atrox remains unknown. Methods: We conducted a mass spectrometry-based analysis of the venom peptides of
individual male and female specimens combining bottom-up and top-down
approaches. Results: We identified in B. atrox a total of 105 native peptides in
the mass range of 0.4 to 13.9 kDa. Quantitative analysis showed that
phospholipase A2 and bradykinin potentiating peptides were the
most abundant peptide families in both genders, whereas disintegrin levels
were significantly increased in the venoms of females. Known peptides
processed at non-canonical sites and new peptides as the Ba1a, which
contains the SVMP BATXSVMPII1 catalytic site, were also revealed in this
work. Conclusion: The venom peptidomes of male and female specimens of B.
atrox were analyzed by mass spectrometry-based approaches in
this work. The study points to differences in disintegrin levels in the
venoms of females that may result in distinct pathophysiology of
envenomation. Further research is required to explore the potential
biological implications of this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Simizo
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo S Kitano
- Laboratory of Immunology, Heart Institute, Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sávio S Sant'Anna
- Laboratory of Herpetology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alexandre K Tashima
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Special Laboratory for Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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14
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Walker AA, Robinson SD, Hamilton BF, Undheim EAB, King GF. Deadly Proteomes: A Practical Guide to Proteotranscriptomics of Animal Venoms. Proteomics 2020; 20:e1900324. [PMID: 32820606 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201900324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Animal venoms are renowned for their toxicity, biochemical complexity, and as a source of compounds with potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry. Polypeptides underlie much of the pharmacology of animal venoms, and elucidating these arsenals of polypeptide toxins-known as the venom proteome or venome-is an important step in venom research. Proteomics is used for the identification of venom toxins, determination of their primary structure including post-translational modifications, as well as investigations into the physiology underlying their production and delivery. Advances in proteomics and adjacent technologies has led to a recent upsurge in publications reporting venom proteomes. Improved mass spectrometers, better proteomic workflows, and the integration of next-generation sequencing of venom-gland transcriptomes and venomous animal genomes allow quicker and more accurate profiling of venom proteomes with greatly reduced starting material. Technologies such as imaging mass spectrometry are revealing additional insights into the mechanism, location, and kinetics of venom toxin production. However, these numerous new developments may be overwhelming for researchers designing venom proteome studies. Here, the field of venom proteomics is reviewed and some practical solutions for simplifying mass spectrometry workflows to study animal venoms are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Walker
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Samuel D Robinson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Brett F Hamilton
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, NTNU, Trondheim, 7491, Norway.,Department of Bioscience, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, 0316, Norway
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
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15
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New opportunities and challenges of venom-based and bacteria-derived molecules for anticancer targeted therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 80:356-369. [PMID: 32846203 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Due to advances in detection and treatment of cancer, especially the rise in the targeted therapy, the five-year relative survival rate of all cancers has increased significantly. However, according to the analysis of the survival rate of cancer patients in 2019, the survival rate of most cancers is still less than five years. Therefore, to combat complex cancer and further improve the 5-year survival rate of cancer patients, it is necessary to develop some new anticancer drugs. Because of the adaptive evolution of toxic species for millions of years, the venom sac is a "treasure bank", which has millions of biomolecules with high affinity and stability awaiting further development. Complete utilization of venom-based and bacteria-derived drugs in the market is still staggering because of incomplete understanding regarding their mode of action. In this review, we focused on the currently identified targets for anticancer effects based on venomous and bacterial biomolecules, such as ion channels, membrane non-receptor molecules, integrins, and other related target molecules. This review will serve as the key for exploring the molecular mechanisms behind the anticancer potential of venom-based and bacteria-derived drugs and will also lay the path for the development of anticancer targeted therapy.
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16
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Structural venomics reveals evolution of a complex venom by duplication and diversification of an ancient peptide-encoding gene. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:11399-11408. [PMID: 32398368 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1914536117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiders are one of the most successful venomous animals, with more than 48,000 described species. Most spider venoms are dominated by cysteine-rich peptides with a diverse range of pharmacological activities. Some spider venoms contain thousands of unique peptides, but little is known about the mechanisms used to generate such complex chemical arsenals. We used an integrated transcriptomic, proteomic, and structural biology approach to demonstrate that the lethal Australian funnel-web spider produces 33 superfamilies of venom peptides and proteins. Twenty-six of the 33 superfamilies are disulfide-rich peptides, and we show that 15 of these are knottins that contribute >90% of the venom proteome. NMR analyses revealed that most of these disulfide-rich peptides are structurally related and range in complexity from simple to highly elaborated knottin domains, as well as double-knot toxins, that likely evolved from a single ancestral toxin gene.
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17
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From molecules to macroevolution: Venom as a model system for evolutionary biology across levels of life. Toxicon X 2020; 6:100034. [PMID: 32550589 PMCID: PMC7285901 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2020.100034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological systems are inherently hierarchical. Consequently, any field which aims to understand an aspect of biology holistically requires investigations at each level of the hierarchy of life, and venom research is no exception. This article aims to illustrate the structure of the field in light of a ‘levels of life’ perspective. In doing so, I highlight how traditional fields and approaches fit into this structure as focussing on describing levels or investigating links between levels, and emphasise where implicit assumptions are made due to lack of direct information. Taking a ‘levels of life’ perspective to venom research enables us to understand the complementarity of different research programmes and identify avenues for future research. Moreover, it provides a broader view that, in itself, shows how new questions can be addressed. For instance, understanding how adaptations develop and function from molecular to organismal scales, and what the consequences are of those adaptations at scales from molecular to macroevolutionary, is a general question relevant to a great deal of biology. As a trait which is molecular in nature and has clearer and more direct links between genotype and phenotype than many other traits, venom provides a relatively simple system to address such questions. Furthermore, because venom is also diverse at each level of life, the complexity within the hierarchical structure provides variation that enables powerful analytical approaches to answering questions. As a result, venom provides an excellent model system for understanding big questions in evolutionary biology. Venom is a molecular trait used directly in fitness-relevant ecological interaction. Venom is consequently an ideal model system for evolutionary biology. A ‘levels of life’ perspective is well suited to research in venom biology. This structure of the field provides many advantages to guide future studies. Clinical implications can arise from studies of venom at all levels of life.
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18
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Modahl CM, Brahma RK, Koh CY, Shioi N, Kini RM. Omics Technologies for Profiling Toxin Diversity and Evolution in Snake Venom: Impacts on the Discovery of Therapeutic and Diagnostic Agents. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2019; 8:91-116. [PMID: 31702940 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021419-083626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are primarily composed of proteins and peptides, and these toxins have developed high selectivity to their biological targets. This makes venoms interesting for exploration into protein evolution and structure-function relationships. A single venom protein superfamily can exhibit a variety of pharmacological effects; these variations in activity originate from differences in functional sites, domains, posttranslational modifications, and the formations of toxin complexes. In this review, we discuss examples of how the major venom protein superfamilies have diversified, as well as how newer technologies in the omics fields, such as genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, can be used to characterize both known and unknown toxins.Because toxins are bioactive molecules with a rich diversity of activities, they can be useful as therapeutic and diagnostic agents, and successful examples of toxin applications in these areas are also reviewed. With the current rapid pace of technology, snake venom research and its applications will only continue to expand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra M Modahl
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , ,
| | - Rajeev Kungur Brahma
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , ,
| | - Cho Yeow Koh
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077;
| | - Narumi Shioi
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , , .,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan;
| | - R Manjunatha Kini
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , ,
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19
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Spider Venom: Components, Modes of Action, and Novel Strategies in Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11100611. [PMID: 31652611 PMCID: PMC6832493 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This review gives an overview on the development of research on spider venoms with a focus on structure and function of venom components and techniques of analysis. Major venom component groups are small molecular mass compounds, antimicrobial (also called cytolytic, or cationic) peptides (only in some spider families), cysteine-rich (neurotoxic) peptides, and enzymes and proteins. Cysteine-rich peptides are reviewed with respect to various structural motifs, their targets (ion channels, membrane receptors), nomenclature, and molecular binding. We further describe the latest findings concerning the maturation of antimicrobial, and cysteine-rich peptides that are in most known cases expressed as propeptide-containing precursors. Today, venom research, increasingly employs transcriptomic and mass spectrometric techniques. Pros and cons of venom gland transcriptome analysis with Sanger, 454, and Illumina sequencing are discussed and an overview on so far published transcriptome studies is given. In this respect, we also discuss the only recently described cross contamination arising from multiplexing in Illumina sequencing and its possible impacts on venom studies. High throughput mass spectrometric analysis of venom proteomes (bottom-up, top-down) are reviewed.
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20
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Evans ERJ, Northfield TD, Daly NL, Wilson DT. Venom Costs and Optimization in Scorpions. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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21
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Rodrigo AP, Costa PM. The hidden biotechnological potential of marine invertebrates: The Polychaeta case study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 173:270-280. [PMID: 30928858 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Marine biotechnology is under the spotlight, as researchers and industrialists become aware that bioprospecting through the oceans' vast biodiversity can replace the painstaking process of designing synthetic compounds. Millions of years of Natural Selection provided an almost inexhaustible source of marine products that can interfere with specific bioprocesses while being cost-effective, safer and more environmentally friendly. Still, the number of commercial applications of marine compounds, especially from eumetazoans, can seem disappointing. In most part, this results from the challenges of dealing with an immense biodiversity and with poorly known organisms with uncanny physiology. Consequently, shifting the current perspective from descriptive science to actually proposing applications can be a major incentive to industry. With this in mind, the present review focuses on one of the least studied but most representative group of marine animals: the Polychaeta annelids. Occupying nearly every marine habitat, from the deep sea to the intertidal, they can offer a wide array of natural products that are just beginning to be understood, showing properties compatible with anaesthetics, fluorescent probes, and even antibiotics and pesticides, for instance. Altogether, they are a showcase for the ocean's real biotechnological deterrent, albeit our still wispy knowledge on this vast and ancient environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P Rodrigo
- UCIBIO - Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal; MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Departamento de Ciências e Engenharia do Ambiente, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Pedro M Costa
- UCIBIO - Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal.
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22
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Arvidson R, Kaiser M, Lee SS, Urenda JP, Dail C, Mohammed H, Nolan C, Pan S, Stajich JE, Libersat F, Adams ME. Parasitoid Jewel Wasp Mounts Multipronged Neurochemical Attack to Hijack a Host Brain. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:99-114. [PMID: 30293061 PMCID: PMC6317478 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.000908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasitoid emerald jewel wasp Ampulex compressa induces a compliant state of hypokinesia in its host, the American cockroach Periplaneta americana through direct envenomation of the central nervous system (CNS). To elucidate the biochemical strategy underlying venom-induced hypokinesia, we subjected the venom apparatus and milked venom to RNAseq and proteomics analyses to construct a comprehensive "venome," consisting of 264 proteins. Abundant in the venome are enzymes endogenous to the host brain, including M13 family metalloproteases, phospholipases, adenosine deaminase, hyaluronidase, and neuropeptide precursors. The amphipathic, alpha-helical ampulexins are among the most abundant venom components. Also prominent are members of the Toll/NF-κB signaling pathway, including proteases Persephone, Snake, Easter, and the Toll receptor ligand Spätzle. We find evidence that venom components are processed following envenomation. The acidic (pH∼4) venom contains unprocessed neuropeptide tachykinin and corazonin precursors and is conspicuously devoid of the corresponding processed, biologically active peptides. Neutralization of venom leads to appearance of mature tachykinin and corazonin, suggesting that the wasp employs precursors as a prolonged time-release strategy within the host brain post-envenomation. Injection of fully processed tachykinin into host cephalic ganglia elicits short-term hypokinesia. Ion channel modifiers and cytolytic toxins are absent in A. compressa venom, which appears to hijack control of the host brain by introducing a "storm" of its own neurochemicals. Our findings deepen understanding of the chemical warfare underlying host-parasitoid interactions and in particular neuromodulatory mechanisms that enable manipulation of host behavior to suit the nutritional needs of opportunistic parasitoid progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Arvidson
- From the ‡Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521;; ¶Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Maayan Kaiser
- §Department of Life Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Sang Soo Lee
- ¶Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521;; ‖Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Jean-Paul Urenda
- ¶Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Christopher Dail
- ¶Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Haroun Mohammed
- ¶Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Cebrina Nolan
- **Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Songqin Pan
- ‡‡Institute for Integrated Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Jason E Stajich
- §§Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Frederic Libersat
- §Department of Life Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Michael E Adams
- From the ‡Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521;; ¶Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521;; ‖Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, California 92521;; **Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521;; ‡‡Institute for Integrated Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521;; ¶Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521;.
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23
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Whitelaw BL, Cooke IR, Finn J, Zenger K, Strugnell JM. The evolution and origin of tetrodotoxin acquisition in the blue-ringed octopus (genus Hapalochlaena). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 206:114-122. [PMID: 30472480 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin is a potent non-proteinaceous neurotoxin, which is commonly found in the marine environment. Synthesised by bacteria, tetrodotoxin has been isolated from the tissues of several genera including pufferfish, salamanders and octopus. Believed to provide a defensive function, the independent evolution of tetrodotoxin sequestration is poorly understood in most species. Two mechanisms of tetrodotoxin resistance have been identified to date, tetrodotoxin binding proteins in the circulatory system and mutations to voltage gated sodium channels, the binding target of tetrodotoxin with the former potentially succeeding the latter in evolutionary time. This review focuses on the evolution of tetrodotoxin acquisition, in particular how it may have occurred within the blue-ringed octopus genus (Hapalochlaena) and the subsequent impact on venom evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke L Whitelaw
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
| | - Ira R Cooke
- College of Public Health, Medical and Vet Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia; La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3086, Vic. Australia
| | - Julian Finn
- Sciences, Museum Victoria, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia
| | - Kyall Zenger
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - J M Strugnell
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia; Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3086, Vic. Australia
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24
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Elias LG, Silva DB, Silva R, Peng YQ, Yang DR, Lopes NP, Pereira RAS. A comparative venomic fingerprinting approach reveals that galling and non-galling fig wasp species have different venom profiles. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207051. [PMID: 30408087 PMCID: PMC6224076 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The galling habit represents a complex type of interaction between insects and plants, ranging from antagonism to mutualism. The obligate pollination mutualism between Ficus and fig wasps relies strongly on the induction of galls in Ficus flowers, where wasps' offspring develop. Even though gall induction plays an important role in many insect-plant interactions, the mechanisms that trigger gall formation are still not completely known. Using a fingerprinting approach, we show here that venom protein profiles from galling fig wasps differ from the venom profiles of non-galling species, suggesting the secretion plays different roles according to the type of interaction it is involved in. Each studied cleptoparasitic species had a distinct venom profile, suggesting that cleptoparasitism in fig wasps covers a vast diversity of molecular interactions. Fig wasp venoms are mainly composed of peptides. No low molecular weight compounds were detected by UPLC-DAD-MS, suggesting that such compounds (e.g., IAA and cytokinines) are not involved in gall induction. The differences in venom composition observed between galling and non-galling fig wasp species bring new perspectives to the study of gall induction processes and the role of insect secretions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa G. Elias
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Denise B. Silva
- Laboratório de Produtos Naturais e Espectrometria de Massas (LaPNEM), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos (NPPNS), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Silva
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos (NPPNS), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yan-Qiong Peng
- Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, China
| | - Da-Rong Yang
- Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, China
| | - Norberto P. Lopes
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos (NPPNS), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A. S. Pereira
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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25
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Wiezel GA, Shibao PYT, Cologna CT, Morandi Filho R, Ueira-Vieira C, De Pauw E, Quinton L, Arantes EC. In-Depth Venome of the Brazilian Rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus: An Integrative Approach Combining Its Venom Gland Transcriptome and Venom Proteome. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:3941-3958. [PMID: 30270628 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Snake venoms are complex mixtures mainly composed of proteins and small peptides. Crotoxin is one of the most studied components from Crotalus venoms, but many other components are less known due to their low abundance. The venome of Crotalus durissus terrificus, the most lethal Brazilian snake, was investigated by combining its venom gland transcriptome and proteome to create a holistic database of venom compounds unraveling novel toxins. We constructed a cDNA library from C. d. terrificus venom gland using the Illumina platform and investigated its venom proteome through high resolution liquid chromotography-tandem mass spectrometry. After integrating data from both data sets, more than 30 venom components classes were identified by the transcriptomic analysis and 15 of them were detected in the venom proteome. However, few of them (PLA2, SVMP, SVSP, and VEGF) were relatively abundant. Furthermore, only seven expressed transcripts contributed to ∼82% and ∼73% of the abundance in the transcriptome and proteome, respectively. Additionally, novel venom proteins are reported, and we highlight the importance of using different databases to perform the data integration and discuss the structure of the venom components-related transcripts identified. Concluding, this research paves the way for novel investigations and discovery of future pharmacological agents or targets in the antivenom therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele A Wiezel
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto , University of São Paulo , Av. do Café, s/n , 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
| | - Priscila Y T Shibao
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto , University of São Paulo , Av. do Café, s/n , 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
| | - Camila T Cologna
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto , University of São Paulo , Av. do Café, s/n , 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
| | - Romualdo Morandi Filho
- Laboratory of Genetics, Biotechnology Institute , Federal University of Uberlândia , Rua Acre, s/n , 38400-902 Uberlândia , Brazil
| | - Carlos Ueira-Vieira
- Laboratory of Genetics, Biotechnology Institute , Federal University of Uberlândia , Rua Acre, s/n , 38400-902 Uberlândia , Brazil
| | - Edwin De Pauw
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Department of Chemistry , University of Liège , Bat. B6c , 4000 Liège , Belgium
| | - Loïc Quinton
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Department of Chemistry , University of Liège , Bat. B6c , 4000 Liège , Belgium
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto , University of São Paulo , Av. do Café, s/n , 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
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Touchard A, Téné N, Song PCT, Lefranc B, Leprince J, Treilhou M, Bonnafé E. Deciphering the Molecular Diversity of an Ant Venom Peptidome through a Venomics Approach. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:3503-3516. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Axel Touchard
- Equipe BTSB-EA 7417, Université de Toulouse, Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
| | - Nathan Téné
- Equipe BTSB-EA 7417, Université de Toulouse, Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
| | - Philippe Chan Tchi Song
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, Institut de Recherche et d’Innovation Biomédicale (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Benjamin Lefranc
- Inserm U 1239, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, Plate-forme de Recherche en Imagerie Cellulaire Normandie (PRIMACEN), 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Inserm U 1239, Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, Plate-forme de Recherche en Imagerie Cellulaire Normandie (PRIMACEN), 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Michel Treilhou
- Equipe BTSB-EA 7417, Université de Toulouse, Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
| | - Elsa Bonnafé
- Equipe BTSB-EA 7417, Université de Toulouse, Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
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27
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Huo Y, Xv R, Ma H, Zhou J, Xi X, Wu Q, Duan J, Zhou M, Chen T. Identification of <10 KD peptides in the water extraction of Venenum Bufonis from Bufo gargarizans using Nano LC–MS/MS and De novo sequencing. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018; 157:156-164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Wilson D, Daly NL. Venomics: A Mini-Review. High Throughput 2018; 7:E19. [PMID: 30041430 PMCID: PMC6164461 DOI: 10.3390/ht7030019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venomics is the integration of proteomic, genomic and transcriptomic approaches to study venoms. Advances in these approaches have enabled increasingly more comprehensive analyses of venoms to be carried out, overcoming to some extent the limitations imposed by the complexity of the venoms and the small quantities that are often available. Advances in bioinformatics and high-throughput functional assay screening approaches have also had a significant impact on venomics. A combination of all these techniques is critical for enhancing our knowledge on the complexity of venoms and their potential therapeutic and agricultural applications. Here we highlight recent advances in these fields and their impact on venom analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Wilson
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular, Development of Therapeutics, AITHM, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia.
| | - Norelle L Daly
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular, Development of Therapeutics, AITHM, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia.
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Li B, Lyu P, Xi X, Ge L, Mahadevappa R, Shaw C, Kwok HF. Triggering of cancer cell cycle arrest by a novel scorpion venom-derived peptide-Gonearrestide. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:4460-4473. [PMID: 29993185 PMCID: PMC6111814 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a novel scorpion venom-derived peptide named Gonearrestide was identified in an in-house constructed scorpion venom library through a combination of high-throughput NGS transcriptome and MS/MS proteome platform. In total, 238 novel peptides were discovered from two scorpion species; and 22 peptides were selected for further study after a battery of functional prediction analysis. Following a series of bioinformatics analysis alongside with in vitro biological functional screenings, Gonearrestide was found to be a highly potent anticancer peptide which acts on a broad spectrum of human cancer cells while causing few if any observed cytotoxic effects on epithelial cells and erythrocytes. We further investigated the precise anticancer mechanism of Gonearrestide by focusing on its effects on the colorectal cancer cell line, HCT116. NGS RNA sequencing was employed to obtain full gene expression profiles in HCT116 cells, cultured in the presence and absence of Gonearrestide, to dissect signalling pathway differences. Taken together the in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo validation studies, it was proven that Gonearrestide could inhibit the growth of primary colon cancer cells and solid tumours by triggering cell cycle arrest in G1 phase through inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 (CDK4) and up-regulate the expression of cell cycle regulators/inhibitors-cyclin D3, p27, and p21. Furthermore, prediction of signalling pathways and potential binding sites used by Gonearrestide are also presented in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, Macao
| | - Peng Lyu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, Macao
| | - Xinping Xi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, Macao.,School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Lilin Ge
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, Macao.,School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Qixia District, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Chris Shaw
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, Macao
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Sánchez MN, Teibler GP, López CA, Mackessy SP, Peichoto ME. Assessment of the potential toxicological hazard of the Green Parrot Snake (Leptophis ahaetulla marginatus): Characterization of its venom and venom-delivery system. Toxicon 2018; 148:202-212. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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dos Santos-Pinto JRA, Perez-Riverol A, Lasa AM, Palma MS. Diversity of peptidic and proteinaceous toxins from social Hymenoptera venoms. Toxicon 2018; 148:172-196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Cologna CT, Rodrigues RS, Santos J, de Pauw E, Arantes EC, Quinton L. Peptidomic investigation of Neoponera villosa venom by high-resolution mass spectrometry: seasonal and nesting habitat variations. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2018; 24:6. [PMID: 29467797 PMCID: PMC5816382 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-018-0141-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Advancements in proteomics, including the technological improvement in instrumentation, have turned mass spectrometry into an indispensable tool in the study of venoms and toxins. In addition, the advance of nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry allows, due to its high sensitivity, the study of venoms from species previously left aside, such as ants. Ant venoms are a complex mixture of compounds used for defense, predation or communication purposes. The venom from Neoponera ants, a genus restricted to Neotropical regions, is known to have cytolytic, hemolytic, antimicrobial and insecticidal activities. Moreover, venoms from several Neoponera species have been compared and differences in their toxicity related to nesting habitat variation were reported. Therefore, the present study aimed to perform a deep peptidomic analysis of Neoponera villosa venom and a comparison of seasonal and nesting habitat variations using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Methods Specimens of N. villosa ants were captured in Panga Natural Reserve (Uberlândia, MG, Brazil) from arboreal and ground-dwelling nests during summer and winter time. The venom glands were dissected, pooled and disrupted by ultra-sonic waves. The venom collected from different habitats (arboreal and ground-dwelling) and different seasons (summer and winter) was injected into a nanoACQUITY ULPC hyphened to a Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometer. The raw data were analyzed using PEAKS 7. Results The results showed a molecular diversity of more than 500 peptides among these venoms, mostly in the mass range of 800–4000 Da. Mutations and post-translational modifications were described and differences among the venoms were observed. Part of the peptides matched with ponericins, a well-known antimicrobial peptide family. In addition, smaller fragments related to ponericins were also identified, suggesting that this class of antimicrobial peptide might undergo enzymatic cleavages. Conclusion There are substantial differences among the venom of N. villosa ants collected in different seasons and from different nest habitats. The venom composition is affected by climate changes that influence prey availability and predator presence. Clearly, nano-LC-MS boosted the knowledge about ant venom, a rich source of unexplored and promising bioactive compounds. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40409-018-0141-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Takeno Cologna
- 1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil.,2Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, MolSys, Department of Chemistry, Liège Université, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Jean Santos
- 3Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG Brazil
| | - Edwin de Pauw
- 2Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, MolSys, Department of Chemistry, Liège Université, Liège, Belgium
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- 1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil
| | - Loïc Quinton
- 2Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, MolSys, Department of Chemistry, Liège Université, Liège, Belgium
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Starobova H, S. W. A. H, Lewis RJ, Vetter I. Transcriptomics in pain research: insights from new and old technologies. Mol Omics 2018; 14:389-404. [DOI: 10.1039/c8mo00181b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Physiological and pathological pain involves a complex interplay of multiple cell types and signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Starobova
- Centre for Pain Research
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience
- University of Queensland
- St Lucia
- Australia
| | - Himaya S. W. A.
- Centre for Pain Research
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience
- University of Queensland
- St Lucia
- Australia
| | - R. J. Lewis
- Centre for Pain Research
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience
- University of Queensland
- St Lucia
- Australia
| | - I. Vetter
- Centre for Pain Research
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience
- University of Queensland
- St Lucia
- Australia
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Abstract
Peptidomics is the comprehensive characterization of peptides from biological sources mainly by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry allows the detection of a multitude of single peptides in complex mixtures. The term first appeared in full papers in the year 2001, after over 100 years of peptide research with a main focus on one or a few specific peptides. Within the last 15 years, this new field has grown to over 1200 publications. Mass spectrometry techniques, in combination with other analytical methods, were developed for the fast and comprehensive analysis of peptides in proteomics and specifically adjusted to implement peptidomics technologies. Although peptidomics is closely linked to proteomics, there are fundamental differences with conventional bottom-up proteomics. The development of peptidomics is described, including the most important implementations for its technological basis. Different strategies are covered which are applied to several important applications, such as neuropeptidomics and discovery of bioactive peptides or biomarkers. This overview includes links to all other chapters in the book as well as recent developments of separation, mass spectrometric, and data processing technologies. Additionally, some new applications in food and plant peptidomics as well as immunopeptidomics are introduced.
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Johnson SR, Rikli HG, Schmidt JO, Evans MS. A reexamination of poneratoxin from the venom of the bullet ant Paraponera clavata. Peptides 2017; 98:51-62. [PMID: 27266841 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Revised: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In 1991, Piek et al. [45] described a voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) modifier from "bullet ant" (Paraponera clavata) venom they called poneratoxin (PoTx). Using UV chromatography and Edman degradation they showed two "identical peptides" of 25 residues. We reinvestigated PoTx using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-TMS). De novo sequencing showed the two peptides were actually structurally different peptides: the originally described PoTx and a glycyl pro-peptide (glycyl-PoTx) that lacks C-terminus amidation. We examined P. clavata venom from different geographical locations and discovered two additional PoTx analogs: an A23E substitution analog and a D22N; A23V substitutions analog. We tested PoTx and these three natural analogs on the mammalian sensory voltage-gated sodium channel, Nav1.7, using whole cell voltage-clamp. PoTx and each analog induced slowly activating currents in response to small depolarizing steps and sustained currents due to blockade of channel inactivation, similar to that described previously in skeletal muscle [19]. Glycyl-PoTx had the same potency and efficacy as PoTx. A23E PoTx, with a decrease in both C-terminal net positive charge and hydrophobicity, had an eight-fold reduction in potency compared to PoTx. In contrast, the D22N; A23V PoTx, with an increase in both C-terminal net positive charge and hydrophobicity, had a nearly five-fold increase in potency compared to PoTx. We found that changes in PoTx C-terminus caused a significant change in PoTx potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Johnson
- Department of Biology, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL, United States; Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL, United States; Carbon Dynamics Institute, LLC, Sherman, IL, United States.
| | - Hillary G Rikli
- Department of Biology, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL, United States; Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL, United States
| | | | - M Steven Evans
- Department of Neurology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
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36
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Santos PP, Games PD, Azevedo DO, Barros E, de Oliveira LL, de Oliveira Ramos HJ, Baracat-Pereira MC, Serrão JE. Proteomic analysis of the venom of the predatory ant Pachycondyla striata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 96:e21424. [PMID: 29024043 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The ants use their venom for predation, defense, and communication. The venom of these insects is rich in peptides and proteins, and compared with other animal venoms, ant venoms remain poorly explored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protein content of the venom in the Ponerinae ant Pachycondyla striata. Venom samples were collected by manual gland reservoir dissection, and samples were submitted to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and separation by ion-exchange and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography followed by mass spectrometry using tanden matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization with time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization-quadrupole with time-of-flight (ESI-Q/TOF) mass spectrometry for obtaining amino acid sequence. Spectra obtained were searched against the NCBInr and SwissProt database. Additional analysis was performed using PEAKS Studio 7.0 (Sequencing de novo). The venom of P. striata has a complex mixture of proteins from which 43 were identified. Within the identified proteins are classical venom proteins (phospholipase A, hyaluronidase, and aminopeptidase N), allergenic proteins (different venom allergens), and bioactive peptides (U10-ctenitoxin Pn1a). Venom allergens are among the most expressed proteins, suggesting that P. striata venom has high allergenic potential. This study discusses the possible functions of the proteins identified in the venom of P. striata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pollyanna Pereira Santos
- Coordenação de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Bacabal, Maranhão, Brazil
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Patricia Dias Games
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Edvaldo Barros
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - José Eduardo Serrão
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Ma R, Mahadevappa R, Kwok HF. Venom-based peptide therapy: insights into anti-cancer mechanism. Oncotarget 2017; 8:100908-100930. [PMID: 29246030 PMCID: PMC5725072 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The 5-year relative survival rate of all types of cancer has increased significantly over the past three decades partly due to the targeted therapy. However, still there are many targeted therapy drugs could play a role only in a portion of cancer patients with specific molecular alternation. It is necessary to continue to develop new biological agents which could be used alone and/or in combination with current FDA approved drugs to treat complex cancer diseases. Venom-based drugs have been used for hundreds of years in human history. Nevertheless, the venom-origin of the anti-cancer drug do rarely appear in the pharmaceutical market; and this is due to the fact that the mechanism of action for a large number of the venom drug such as venom-based peptide is not clearly understood. In this review, we focus on discussing some identified venom-based peptides and their anti-cancer mechanisms including the blockade of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis (hallmarks of cancer) to fulfill the gap which is hindering their use in cancer therapy. Furthermore, it also highlights the importance of immunotherapy based on venom peptide. Overall, this review provides readers for further understanding the mechanism of venom peptide and elaborates on the need to explore peptide-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
| | - Ravikiran Mahadevappa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
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Robinson SD, Undheim EAB, Ueberheide B, King GF. Venom peptides as therapeutics: advances, challenges and the future of venom-peptide discovery. Expert Rev Proteomics 2017; 14:931-939. [DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2017.1377613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D. Robinson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | | | | | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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39
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Gazerani
- Department of Health Science & Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7A2-A2–208, Aalborg East 9220, Denmark
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40
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Mobli M, Undheim EAB, Rash LD. Modulation of Ion Channels by Cysteine-Rich Peptides: From Sequence to Structure. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2017; 79:199-223. [PMID: 28528669 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Venom peptides are natural ligands of ion channels and have been used extensively in pharmacological characterization of various ion channels and receptors. In this chapter, we survey all known venom peptide ion-channel modulators. Our survey reveals that the majority of venom peptides characterized to date target voltage-gated sodium or potassium channels. We further find that the majority of these peptides are found in scorpion and spider venoms. We discuss the influence of the pharmacological tools available in biasing discovery and the classical "toxin-to-sequence" approach to venom peptide biodiscovery. The impact of high-throughput sequencing on the existing discovery framework is likely to be significant and we propose here an alternative "sequence-to-toxin" approach to peptide screening, relying more on recently developed high-throughput methods. Methods for production and characterization of disulfide rich toxins in a high-throughput setting are then described, focusing on bacterial protein expression and solution state structural characterization by NMR spectroscopy. Finally, the role of X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM are highlighted by discussing the currently known channel-peptide complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Mobli
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
| | | | - Lachlan D Rash
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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41
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Turchetto J, Sequeira AF, Ramond L, Peysson F, Brás JLA, Saez NJ, Duhoo Y, Blémont M, Guerreiro CIPD, Quinton L, De Pauw E, Gilles N, Darbon H, Fontes CMGA, Vincentelli R. High-throughput expression of animal venom toxins in Escherichia coli to generate a large library of oxidized disulphide-reticulated peptides for drug discovery. Microb Cell Fact 2017; 16:6. [PMID: 28095880 PMCID: PMC5242012 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-016-0617-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal venoms are complex molecular cocktails containing a wide range of biologically active disulphide-reticulated peptides that target, with high selectivity and efficacy, a variety of membrane receptors. Disulphide-reticulated peptides have evolved to display improved specificity, low immunogenicity and to show much higher resistance to degradation than linear peptides. These properties make venom peptides attractive candidates for drug development. However, recombinant expression of reticulated peptides containing disulphide bonds is challenging, especially when associated with the production of large libraries of bioactive molecules for drug screening. To date, as an alternative to artificial synthetic chemical libraries, no comprehensive recombinant libraries of natural venom peptides are accessible for high-throughput screening to identify novel therapeutics. RESULTS In the accompanying paper an efficient system for the expression and purification of oxidized disulphide-reticulated venom peptides in Escherichia coli is described. Here we report the development of a high-throughput automated platform, that could be adapted to the production of other families, to generate the largest ever library of recombinant venom peptides. The peptides were produced in the periplasm of E. coli using redox-active DsbC as a fusion tag, thus allowing the efficient formation of correctly folded disulphide bridges. TEV protease was used to remove fusion tags and recover the animal venom peptides in the native state. Globally, within nine months, out of a total of 4992 synthetic genes encoding a representative diversity of venom peptides, a library containing 2736 recombinant disulphide-reticulated peptides was generated. The data revealed that the animal venom peptides produced in the bacterial host were natively folded and, thus, are putatively biologically active. CONCLUSIONS Overall this study reveals that high-throughput expression of animal venom peptides in E. coli can generate large libraries of recombinant disulphide-reticulated peptides of remarkable interest for drug discovery programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Turchetto
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7257, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Aix-Marseille Université, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), Marseille, France
| | - Ana Filipa Sequeira
- CIISA-Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- NZYtech Genes & Enzymes, Campus do Lumiar, Estrada do paço do Lumiar, 1649-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Laurie Ramond
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7257, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Aix-Marseille Université, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), Marseille, France
| | - Fanny Peysson
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7257, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Aix-Marseille Université, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), Marseille, France
| | - Joana L. A. Brás
- NZYtech Genes & Enzymes, Campus do Lumiar, Estrada do paço do Lumiar, 1649-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Natalie J. Saez
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7257, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Aix-Marseille Université, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), Marseille, France
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072 Australia
| | - Yoan Duhoo
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7257, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Aix-Marseille Université, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), Marseille, France
| | - Marilyne Blémont
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7257, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Aix-Marseille Université, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), Marseille, France
| | | | - Loic Quinton
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, B6c University of Liège, MolSys-Quartier Agora, Allée du six Aout 11, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Edwin De Pauw
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, B6c University of Liège, MolSys-Quartier Agora, Allée du six Aout 11, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Gilles
- CEA/DRF/iBiTecS, Service d’Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Hervé Darbon
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7257, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Aix-Marseille Université, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), Marseille, France
| | - Carlos M. G. A. Fontes
- CIISA-Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- NZYtech Genes & Enzymes, Campus do Lumiar, Estrada do paço do Lumiar, 1649-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Renaud Vincentelli
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7257, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Aix-Marseille Université, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), Marseille, France
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An in-depth snake venom proteopeptidome characterization: Benchmarking Bothrops jararaca. J Proteomics 2017; 151:214-231. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2016.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Gorson J, Holford M. Small Packages, Big Returns: Uncovering the Venom Diversity of Small Invertebrate Conoidean Snails. Integr Comp Biol 2016; 56:962-972. [PMID: 27371389 PMCID: PMC6058754 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icw063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venomous organisms used in research were historically chosen based on size and availability. This opportunity-driven strategy created a species bias in which snakes, scorpions, and spiders became the primary subjects of venom research. Increasing technological advancements have enabled interdisciplinary studies using genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to expand venom investigation to animals that produce small amounts of venom or lack traditional venom producing organs. One group of non-traditional venomous organisms that have benefitted from the rise of -omic technologies is the Conoideans. The Conoidean superfamily of venomous marine snails includes, the Terebridae, Turridae (s.l), and Conidae. Conoidea venom is used for both predation and defense, and therefore under strong selection pressures. The need for conoidean venom peptides to be potent and specific to their molecular targets has made them important tools for investigating cellular physiology and bioactive compounds that are beneficial to improving human health. A convincing case for the potential of Conoidean venom is made with the first commercially available conoidean venom peptide drug Ziconotide (Prialt®), an analgesic derived from Conus magus venom that is used to treat chronic pain in HIV and cancer patients. Investigation of conoidean venom using -omics technology provides significant insights into predator-driven diversification in biodiversity and identifies novel compounds for manipulating cellular communication, especially as it pertains to disease and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Gorson
- *Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, The City University of New York, Belfer Research Building, NY, 10021 USA
- Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry, The Graduate City, The City University of New York, NY, 10016 USA
- Invertebrate Zoology, Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, NY, 10024 USA
| | - M Holford
- *Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, The City University of New York, Belfer Research Building, NY, 10021 USA
- Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry, The Graduate City, The City University of New York, NY, 10016 USA
- Invertebrate Zoology, Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, NY, 10024 USA
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Aili SR, Touchard A, Koh JMS, Dejean A, Orivel J, Padula MP, Escoubas P, Nicholson GM. Comparisons of Protein and Peptide Complexity in Poneroid and Formicoid Ant Venoms. J Proteome Res 2016; 15:3039-54. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.6b00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Samira R. Aili
- Neurotoxin
Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Axel Touchard
- CNRS, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, 97379 Kourou Cedex, France
| | - Jennifer M. S. Koh
- Neurotoxin
Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Alain Dejean
- CNRS, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, 97379 Kourou Cedex, France
- Laboratoire Écologie
Fonctionnelle et Environnement, CNRS, UMR 5245, Ecolab, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Jérôme Orivel
- CNRS, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, 97379 Kourou Cedex, France
| | - Matthew P. Padula
- Proteomics
Core Facility, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Pierre Escoubas
- VenomeTech, 473 Route des Dolines - Villa 3, Valbonne 06560, France
| | - Graham M. Nicholson
- Neurotoxin
Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
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Verdes A, Anand P, Gorson J, Jannetti S, Kelly P, Leffler A, Simpson D, Ramrattan G, Holford M. From Mollusks to Medicine: A Venomics Approach for the Discovery and Characterization of Therapeutics from Terebridae Peptide Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:117. [PMID: 27104567 PMCID: PMC4848642 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8040117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms comprise a diversity of peptide toxins that manipulate molecular targets such as ion channels and receptors, making venom peptides attractive candidates for the development of therapeutics to benefit human health. However, identifying bioactive venom peptides remains a significant challenge. In this review we describe our particular venomics strategy for the discovery, characterization, and optimization of Terebridae venom peptides, teretoxins. Our strategy reflects the scientific path from mollusks to medicine in an integrative sequential approach with the following steps: (1) delimitation of venomous Terebridae lineages through taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses; (2) identification and classification of putative teretoxins through omics methodologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics; (3) chemical and recombinant synthesis of promising peptide toxins; (4) structural characterization through experimental and computational methods; (5) determination of teretoxin bioactivity and molecular function through biological assays and computational modeling; (6) optimization of peptide toxin affinity and selectivity to molecular target; and (7) development of strategies for effective delivery of venom peptide therapeutics. While our research focuses on terebrids, the venomics approach outlined here can be applied to the discovery and characterization of peptide toxins from any venomous taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Verdes
- Hunter College, The City University of New York, Belfer Research Building, 413 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA.
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA.
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024, USA.
| | - Prachi Anand
- Hunter College, The City University of New York, Belfer Research Building, 413 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA.
| | - Juliette Gorson
- Hunter College, The City University of New York, Belfer Research Building, 413 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA.
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA.
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024, USA.
| | - Stephen Jannetti
- Hunter College, The City University of New York, Belfer Research Building, 413 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA.
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Patrick Kelly
- Hunter College, The City University of New York, Belfer Research Building, 413 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA.
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Abba Leffler
- Hunter College, The City University of New York, Belfer Research Building, 413 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA.
- Sackler Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, New York University School of Medicine 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Danny Simpson
- Hunter College, The City University of New York, Belfer Research Building, 413 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA.
- Tandon School of Engineering, New York University 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA.
| | - Girish Ramrattan
- Hunter College, The City University of New York, Belfer Research Building, 413 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA.
| | - Mandë Holford
- Hunter College, The City University of New York, Belfer Research Building, 413 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA.
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA.
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024, USA.
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46
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Jellyfish Bioactive Compounds: Methods for Wet-Lab Work. Mar Drugs 2016; 14:md14040075. [PMID: 27077869 PMCID: PMC4849079 DOI: 10.3390/md14040075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of bioactive compounds from marine animals has provided, over time, an endless source of interesting molecules. Jellyfish are commonly targets of study due to their toxic proteins. However, there is a gap in reviewing successful wet-lab methods employed in these animals, which compromises the fast progress in the detection of related biomolecules. Here, we provide a compilation of the most effective wet-lab methodologies for jellyfish venom extraction prior to proteomic analysis-separation, identification and toxicity assays. This includes SDS-PAGE, 2DE, gel chromatography, HPLC, DEAE, LC-MS, MALDI, Western blot, hemolytic assay, antimicrobial assay and protease activity assay. For a more comprehensive approach, jellyfish toxicity studies should further consider transcriptome sequencing. We reviewed such methodologies and other genomic techniques used prior to the deep sequencing of transcripts, including RNA extraction, construction of cDNA libraries and RACE. Overall, we provide an overview of the most promising methods and their successful implementation for optimizing time and effort when studying jellyfish.
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47
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Touchard A, Aili SR, Fox EGP, Escoubas P, Orivel J, Nicholson GM, Dejean A. The Biochemical Toxin Arsenal from Ant Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:E30. [PMID: 26805882 PMCID: PMC4728552 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ants (Formicidae) represent a taxonomically diverse group of hymenopterans with over 13,000 extant species, the majority of which inject or spray secretions from a venom gland. The evolutionary success of ants is mostly due to their unique eusociality that has permitted them to develop complex collaborative strategies, partly involving their venom secretions, to defend their nest against predators, microbial pathogens, ant competitors, and to hunt prey. Activities of ant venom include paralytic, cytolytic, haemolytic, allergenic, pro-inflammatory, insecticidal, antimicrobial, and pain-producing pharmacologic activities, while non-toxic functions include roles in chemical communication involving trail and sex pheromones, deterrents, and aggregators. While these diverse activities in ant venoms have until now been largely understudied due to the small venom yield from ants, modern analytical and venomic techniques are beginning to reveal the diversity of toxin structure and function. As such, ant venoms are distinct from other venomous animals, not only rich in linear, dimeric and disulfide-bonded peptides and bioactive proteins, but also other volatile and non-volatile compounds such as alkaloids and hydrocarbons. The present review details the unique structures and pharmacologies of known ant venom proteinaceous and alkaloidal toxins and their potential as a source of novel bioinsecticides and therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Touchard
- CNRS, UMR Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (AgroParisTech, CIRAD, CNRS, INRA, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, Kourou Cedex 97379, France.
- BTSB (Biochimie et Toxicologie des Substances Bioactives) Université de Champollion, Place de Verdun, Albi 81012, France.
| | - Samira R Aili
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | | | - Pierre Escoubas
- VenomeTech, 473 Route des Dolines-Villa 3, Valbonne 06560, France.
| | - Jérôme Orivel
- CNRS, UMR Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (AgroParisTech, CIRAD, CNRS, INRA, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, Kourou Cedex 97379, France.
| | - Graham M Nicholson
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Alain Dejean
- CNRS, UMR Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (AgroParisTech, CIRAD, CNRS, INRA, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, Kourou Cedex 97379, France.
- Laboratoire Écologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, 118 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse 31062, France.
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48
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van Oosten LN, Pieterse M, Pinkse MWH, Verhaert PDEM. Screening Method for the Discovery of Potential Bioactive Cysteine-Containing Peptides Using 3D Mass Mapping. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2015; 26:2039-2050. [PMID: 26552389 PMCID: PMC4654750 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-015-1282-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Animal venoms and toxins are a valuable source of bioactive peptides with pharmacologic relevance as potential drug leads. A large subset of biologically active peptides discovered up till now contain disulfide bridges that enhance stability and activity. To discover new members of this class of peptides, we developed a workflow screening specifically for those peptides that contain inter- and intra-molecular disulfide bonds by means of three-dimensional (3D) mass mapping. Two intrinsic properties of the sulfur atom, (1) its relatively large negative mass defect, and (2) its isotopic composition, allow for differentiation between cysteine-containing peptides and peptides lacking sulfur. High sulfur content in a peptide decreases the normalized nominal mass defect (NMD) and increases the normalized isotopic shift (NIS). Hence in a 3D plot of mass, NIS, and NMD, peptides with sulfur appear in this plot with a distinct spatial localization compared with peptides that lack sulfur. In this study we investigated the skin secretion of two frog species; Odorrana schmackeri and Bombina variegata. Peptides from the crude skin secretions were separated by nanoflow LC, and of all eluting peptides high resolution zoom scans were acquired in order to accurately determine both monoisotopic mass and average mass. Both the NMD and the NIS were calculated from the experimental data using an in-house developed MATLAB script. Candidate peptides exhibiting a low NMD and high NIS values were selected for targeted de novo sequencing, and this resulted in the identification of several novel inter- and intra-molecular disulfide bond containing peptides. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luuk N van Oosten
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, 2628 BC, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Mervin Pieterse
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, 2628 BC, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn W H Pinkse
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, 2628 BC, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Peter D E M Verhaert
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, 2628 BC, Delft, The Netherlands.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Antwerp University, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
- CEBMMS (Center of Excellence in Biological and Medical Mass Spectrometry), Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 221 85, Lund, Sweden.
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49
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Wiezel GA, dos Santos PK, Cordeiro FA, Bordon KCF, Selistre-de-Araújo HS, Ueberheide B, Arantes EC. Identification of hyaluronidase and phospholipase B in Lachesis muta rhombeata venom. Toxicon 2015; 107:359-68. [PMID: 26335358 PMCID: PMC6166653 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Hyaluronidases contribute to local and systemic damages after envenoming, since they act as spreading factors cleaving the hyaluronan presents in the connective tissues of the victim, facilitating the diffusion of venom components. Although hyaluronidases are ubiquitous in snake venoms, they still have not been detected in transcriptomic analysis of the Lachesis venom gland and neither in the proteome of its venom performed previously. This work purified a hyaluronidase from Lachesis muta rhombeata venom whose molecular mass was estimated by SDS-PAGE to be 60 kDa. The hyaluronidase was more active at pH 6 and 37 °C when salt concentration was kept constant and more active in the presence of 0.15 M monovalent ions when the pH was kept at 6. Venom was fractionated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC). Edman sequencing after RPLC failed to detect hyaluronidase, but identified a new serine proteinase isoform. The hyaluronidase was identified by mass spectrometry analysis of the protein bands in SDS-PAGE. Additionally, phospholipase B was identified for the first time in Lachesis genus venom. The discovery of new bioactive molecules might contribute to the design of novel drugs and biotechnology products as well as to development of more effective treatments against the envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele A Wiezel
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Patty K dos Santos
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luís, km 235, 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Francielle A Cordeiro
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Karla C F Bordon
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Heloisa S Selistre-de-Araújo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luís, km 235, 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Beatrix Ueberheide
- Proteomics Resource Center, Langone Medical Center, New York University, 430 East 29th St., 8th Floor, 10016, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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50
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Moore SWM, Bhat VK, Flatt PR, Gault VA, McClean S. Isolation and Characterisation of Insulin-Releasing Compounds from Pseudechis australis and Pseudechis butleri Venom. Int J Pept Res Ther 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-015-9499-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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