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Viquez C, Rojas-Gätjens D, Mesén-Porras E, Avendaño R, Sasa M, Lomonte B, Chavarría M. Venom-microbiomics of eight species of Neotropical spiders from the Theraphosidae family. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae113. [PMID: 38692848 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
AIM Tarantulas are one of the largest predatory arthropods in tropical regions. Tarantulas though not lethal to humans, their venomous bite kills small animals and insect upon which they prey. To understand the abiotic and biotic components involved in Neotropical tarantula bites, we conducted a venom-microbiomics study in eight species from Costa Rica. METHODS AND RESULTS We determined that the toxin profiles of tarantula venom are highly diverse using shotgun proteomics; the most frequently encountered toxins were ω-Ap2 toxin, neprilysin-1, and several teraphotoxins. Through culture-independent and culture-dependent methods, we determined the microbiota present in the venom and excreta to evaluate the presence of pathogens that could contribute to primary infections in animals, including humans. The presence of opportunistic pathogens with hemolytic activity was observed, with a prominence of Stenotrophomonas in the venoms. Other bacteria found in venoms and excreta with hemolytic activity included members of the genera Serratia, Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Microbacterium, and Morganella. CONCLUSIONS Our data shed light on the venom- and gut-microbiome associated with Neotropical tarantulas. This information may be useful for treating bites from these arthropods in both humans and farm animals, while also providing insight into the toxins and biodiversity of this little-explored microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Viquez
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, San José 1174-1200, Costa Rica
- Oficina subregional de Alajuela, Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC), Ministerio Ambiente y Energía (MINAE), Alajuela 20101, Costa Rica
| | - Diego Rojas-Gätjens
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, San José 1174-1200, Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigaciones en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Esteve Mesén-Porras
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, San José 1174-1200, Costa Rica
| | - Roberto Avendaño
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, San José 1174-1200, Costa Rica
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
- Museo de Zoología, Centro de Investigación de Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Max Chavarría
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, San José 1174-1200, Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigaciones en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
- Escuela de Química, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
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Xun C, Wang L, Yang H, Xiao Z, Deng M, Xu R, Zhou X, Chen P, Liu Z. Origin and Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles Present in the Spider Venom of Ornithoctonus hainana. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13080579. [PMID: 34437450 PMCID: PMC8402349 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13080579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, are membranous vesicles released from nearly all cellular types. They contain various bioactive molecules, and their molecular composition varies depending on their cellular origin. As research into venomous animals has progressed, EVs have been discovered in the venom of snakes and parasitic wasps. Although vesicle secretion in spider venom glands has been observed, these secretory vesicles’ origin and biological properties are unknown. In this study, the origin of the EVs from Ornithoctonus hainana venom was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Ornithoctonus hainana venom extracellular vesicles (HN-EVs) were isolated and purified by density gradient centrifugation. HN-EVs possess classic membranous vesicles with a size distribution ranging from 50 to 150 nm and express the arthropod EV marker Tsp29Fb. The LC-MS/MS analysis identified a total of 150 proteins, which were divided into three groups according to their potential function: conservative vesicle transport-related proteins, virulence-related proteins, and other proteins of unknown function. Functionally, HN-EVs have hyaluronidase activity and inhibit the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by affecting the cytoskeleton and cell cycle. Overall, this study investigates the biological characteristics of HN-EVs for the first time and sheds new light on the envenomation process of spider venom.
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Schmidtberg H, von Reumont BM, Lemke S, Vilcinskas A, Lüddecke T. Morphological Analysis Reveals a Compartmentalized Duct in the Venom Apparatus of the Wasp Spider ( Argiope bruennichi). Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13040270. [PMID: 33918654 PMCID: PMC8070055 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13040270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiders are one of the most successful groups of venomous animals, but surprisingly few species have been examined in sufficient detail to determine the structure of their venom systems. To learn more about the venom system of the family Araneidae (orb-weavers), we selected the wasp spider (Argiope bruennichi) and examined the general structure and morphology of the venom apparatus by light microscopy. This revealed morphological features broadly similar to those reported in the small number of other spiders subject to similar investigations. However, detailed evaluation of the venom duct revealed the presence of four structurally distinct compartments. We propose that these subunits facilitate the expression and secretion of venom components, as previously reported for similar substructures in pit vipers and cone snails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrike Schmidtberg
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Gießen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (H.S.); (S.L.); (A.V.)
| | - Björn M. von Reumont
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Gießen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (H.S.); (S.L.); (A.V.)
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.M.v.R.); (T.L.)
| | - Sarah Lemke
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Gießen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (H.S.); (S.L.); (A.V.)
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Gießen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (H.S.); (S.L.); (A.V.)
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Tim Lüddecke
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Gießen, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.M.v.R.); (T.L.)
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Hernández Duran L, Wilson DT, Briffa M, Rymer TL. Beyond spider personality: The relationships between behavioral, physiological, and environmental factors. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:2974-2989. [PMID: 33841759 PMCID: PMC8019048 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiders are useful models for testing different hypotheses and methodologies relating to animal personality and behavioral syndromes because they show a range of behavioral types and unique physiological traits (e.g., silk and venom) that are not observed in many other animals. These characteristics allow for a unique understanding of how physiology, behavioral plasticity, and personality interact across different contexts to affect spider's individual fitness and survival. However, the relative effect of extrinsic factors on physiological traits (silk, venom, and neurohormones) that play an important role in spider survival, and which may impact personality, has received less attention. The goal of this review is to explore how the environment, experience, ontogeny, and physiology interact to affect spider personality types across different contexts. We highlight physiological traits, such as neurohormones, and unique spider biochemical weapons, namely silks and venoms, to explore how the use of these traits might, or might not, be constrained or limited by particular behavioral types. We argue that, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the flexibility and persistence of specific behavioral types in spiders, it is necessary to incorporate these underlying mechanisms into a synthesized whole, alongside other extrinsic and intrinsic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Hernández Duran
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityCairnsQldAustralia
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability SciencesJames Cook UniversityCairnsQldAustralia
| | - David Thomas Wilson
- Centre for Molecular TherapeuticsAustralian Institute for Tropical Health and MedicineJames Cook UniversityCairnsQldAustralia
| | - Mark Briffa
- School of Biological and Marine SciencesPlymouth UniversityPlymouthUK
| | - Tasmin Lee Rymer
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityCairnsQldAustralia
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability SciencesJames Cook UniversityCairnsQldAustralia
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Abstract
Tarantulas and hermit crabs are commonly kept pets and are underappreciated in veterinary medicine. Safe handling, biology and husbandry, diagnostic techniques, anesthesia, fluid therapy, disorders, and euthanasia are covered in this article. Current research is applied to these topics to keep practitioners abreast with the best medicine for these creatures.
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Estrada-Gomez S, Muñoz LJV, Lanchero P, Latorre CS. Partial Characterization of Venom from the Colombian Spider Phoneutria Boliviensis (Aranae:Ctenidae). Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:2872-87. [PMID: 26264023 PMCID: PMC4549730 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7082872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We report on the first studies on the characterization of venom from Phoneutria boliviensis (Aranae:Ctenidae) (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897), done with Colombian species. After the electrostimulation extraction process, the venom showed physicochemical properties corresponding to a colorless and water-soluble liquid with a density of 0.86 mg/mL and 87% aqueous content. P. boliviensis venom and RP-HPLC fractions showed hemolytic activity and hydrolyzed the synthetic substrate 4-nitro-3-octanoyloxy-benzoic acid, indicating the presence of phospholipases A2 enzymes. The electrophoretic profile showed an important protein content with molecular masses below 14 kDa, and differences between male and female protein content were also revealed. The RP-HPLC venom profile exposes differences between males and female content consistent with the electrophoretic profile. Five fractions collected from the RP-HPLC displayed significant larvicidal activity. Mass analysis indicates the presence of peptides ranging from 1047.71 to 3278.07 Da. Two peptides, Ctenitoxin-Pb48 and Ctenitoxin-Pb53, were partially identified using HPLC-nESI-MS/MS, which showed a high homology with other Ctenitoxins (family Tx3) from Phoneutria nigriventer, Phoneutria keyserlingi and Phoneutria reidyi affecting voltage-gated calcium receptors (Cav 1, 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3) and NMDA-glutamate receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Estrada-Gomez
- Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín 050010, Colombia.
- Programa de Ofidismo/Escorpionismo, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín 050010, Colombia.
| | | | - Paula Lanchero
- Programa de Ofidismo/Escorpionismo, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín 050010, Colombia.
| | - Cesar Segura Latorre
- Unidad de espectrometría de masas, Sede de Investigación Universitaria, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín 050010, Colombia.
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Estrada-Gomez S, Vargas Muñoz LJ, Quintana Castillo JC. Extraction and partial characterization of venom from the Colombian spider Pamphobeteus aff. nigricolor (Aranae:Theraphosidae). Toxicon 2013; 76:301-9. [PMID: 24140923 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 10/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
We report the first studies of characterization and extraction of the Pamphobeteus aff. nigricolor (Pocock, 1901) (Aranae:Theraphosidae) venom done in Colombia using the electro-stimulation technique previous anesthesia with isofluorane. After each extraction process, a low viscosity, colorless venom was obtained. This venom showed a 1.01 mg/μl density and a pH of 5. The humidity percentage did not show a significance difference between males and females (P > 0.05) with a general media of 77.49 ± 1.74%. In all cases the venom yielded was variable between males and females, with a media of 22.45 ± 5.17 mg (wet weight) and 4.58 ± 0.94 mg (dry weigh), obtaining larger amounts in females, 28.34 ± 7.49 mg and 5.69 ± 1.36 (wet and dry weight respectively). Venom showed a hemolytic activity dependent of enzymatic active phospholipase and neither coagulant nor proteolytic activities were observed. Electrophoretic profile showed a main protein content with a molecular mass below 14 kDa. RP-HPLC venom profile revealed a difference among male and female venom's content where 17 and 21 main fractions were obtained respectively. Three peptides, Theraphotoxin-Pn1a, Theraphotoxin-Pn1b and Theraphotoxin-Pn2a, were identified using HPLC-nESI-MS/MS. These peptides showed a high identity with other peptides found on Theraphosides which are proved to affect voltage-gated calcium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Estrada-Gomez
- Facultad de Química Farmacéutica, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia; Programa de Ofidismo/Escorpionismo, Facultad de Química Farmacéutica, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia.
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Rocha-E-Silva TAA, Rostelato-Ferreira S, Leite GB, da Silva PI, Hyslop S, Rodrigues-Simioni L. VdTX-1, a reversible nicotinic receptor antagonist isolated from venom of the spider Vitalius dubius (Theraphosidae). Toxicon 2013; 70:135-41. [PMID: 23668938 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Revised: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Theraphosid spider venoms can block neurotransmission in vertebrate nerve-muscle preparations in vitro, but few of the components involved have been characterized. In this work, we describe the neuromuscular activity of venom from the Brazilian theraphosid Vitalius dubius and report the purification and pharmacological characterization of VdTX-1, a 728 Da toxin that blocks nicotinic receptors. Neuromuscular activity was assayed in chick biventer cervicis preparations and muscle responses to exogenous ACh and KCl were determined before and after incubation with venom or toxin. Changes in membrane resting potential were studied in mouse diaphragm muscle. The toxin was purified by a combination of filtration through Amicon® filters, cation exchange HPLC and RP-HPLC; toxin purity and mass were confirmed by mass spectrometry. Venom caused progressive neuromuscular blockade and muscle contracture; the blockade but not the contracture was reversible by washing. Venom attenuated contractures to exogenous ACh and KCl. Filtration yielded low (LM, <5 kDa) and high (HM, >5 kDa) fractions, with the latter reproducing the contracture seen in venom but with a slight and progressive twitch blockade. The LM fraction caused reversible blockade and attenuated contractures to ACh, but had no effect on contractures to KCl. VdTX-1 (728 Da) purified from the LM fraction was photosensitive and reduced the E(max) to ACh in biventer cervicis muscle without affecting the EC₅₀; VdTX-1 also abolished carbachol-induced depolarizations. V. dubius venom contains at least two components that affect vertebrate neurotransmission. One component, VdTX-1, blocks nicotinic receptors non-competitively to produce reversible blockade without muscle contracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomaz A A Rocha-E-Silva
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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