1
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Yao J, Hua X, Huo W, Xiao L, Wang Y, Tang Q, Valdivia CR, Valdivia HH, Dong W, Xiao L. The Effect of Acidic Residues on the Binding between Opicalcin1 and Ryanodine Receptor from the Structure-Functional Analysis. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:104-112. [PMID: 38128916 PMCID: PMC10825818 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Calcin is a group ligand with high affinity and specificity for the ryanodine receptors (RyRs). Little is known about the effect of its acidic residues on the spacial structure as well as the interaction with RyRs. We screened the opicalcin1 acidic mutants and investigated the effect of mutation on activity. The results indicated that all acidic mutants maintained the structural features, but their surface charge distribution underwent significant changes. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations were used to analyze the interaction between opicalcin1 mutants and RyRs, which demonstrated that all opicalcin1 mutants effectively bound to the channel domain of RyR1. This stable binding induced a pronounced asymmetry in the structure of the RyR tetramer, exhibiting a high degree of structural dissimilarity. [3H]Ryanodine binding to RyR1 was enhanced in D2A and D15A, which was similar to opicalcin1, but that effect was suppressed in E12A and E29A and reversed for the DE-4A, thereby inhibiting ryanodine binding. Opicalcin1 and DE-4A also exhibited the ability to form stable docking structures with RyR2. Acidic residues play a crucial role in the structure of calcin and its functional interaction with RyRs that is beneficial for the calcin optimization to develop more active peptide lead compounds for RyR-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinchi Yao
- School
of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian116081, China
- Department
of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical
University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiaoyu Hua
- Department
of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical
University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wenjing Huo
- The
305 Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100017, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department
of Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53188, United States
- Department
of Forensic Toxicological Analysis, West China School of Basic Medical
Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan
University, Chengdu 610017, China
| | - Yongfang Wang
- Department
of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical
University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qinglong Tang
- Central
Medical District of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100120, China
| | - Carmen R. Valdivia
- Department
of Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53188, United States
| | - Héctor H. Valdivia
- Department
of Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53188, United States
| | - Weibing Dong
- School
of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian116081, China
| | - Liang Xiao
- Department
of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical
University), Shanghai 200433, China
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2
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Mallick AM, Tripathi A, Mishra S, Mukherjee A, Dutta C, Chatterjee A, Sinha Roy R. Emerging Approaches for Enabling RNAi Therapeutics. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202200451. [PMID: 35689534 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200451] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a primitive evolutionary mechanism developed to escape incorporation of foreign genetic material. siRNA has been instrumental in achieving the therapeutic potential of RNAi by theoretically silencing any gene of interest in a reversible and sequence-specific manner. Extrinsically administered siRNA generally needs a delivery vehicle to span across different physiological barriers and load into the RISC complex in the cytoplasm in its functional form to show its efficacy. This review discusses the designing principles and examples of different classes of delivery vehicles that have proved to be efficient in RNAi therapeutics. We also briefly discuss the role of RNAi therapeutics in genetic and rare diseases, epigenetic modifications, immunomodulation and combination modality to inch closer in creating a personalized therapy for metastatic cancer. At the end, we present, strategies and look into the opportunities to develop efficient delivery vehicles for RNAi which can be translated into clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argha M Mallick
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, India
| | - Archana Tripathi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, India
| | - Sukumar Mishra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, India
| | - Asmita Mukherjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, India
| | - Chiranjit Dutta
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, India.,Present address:Department of Biological Sciences, NUS Environmental Research Institute (NERI), National University of Singapore (NUS), Block S2 #05-01, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Ananya Chatterjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, India
| | - Rituparna Sinha Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, India.,Centre for Advanced Functional Materials, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, 741246, Mohanpur, India.,Centre for Climate and Environmental Studies, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, 741246, Mohanpur, India
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3
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Rusiecka I, Gągało I, Kocić I. Cell-penetrating peptides improve pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anticancer drugs. Tissue Barriers 2022; 10:1965418. [PMID: 34402743 PMCID: PMC8794253 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1965418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This review concentrates on the research concerning conjugates of anticancer drugs with versatile cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). For a better insight into the relationship between the components of the constructs, it starts with the characteristic of the peptides and considers its following aspects: mechanisms of cellular internalization, interaction with cancer-modified membranes, selectivity against tumor tissue. Also, CPPs with anticancer activity have been distinguished and summarized with their mechanisms of action. With respect to the conjugates, the preclinical studies (in vitro, in vivo) indicated that they possess several merits in comparison to the parent drugs. They concerned not only better cellular internalization but also other improvements in pharmacokinetics (e.g. access to the brain tissue) and pharmacodynamics (e.g. overcoming drug resistance). The anticancer activity of the conjugates was usually superior to that of the unconjugated drug. Certain anticancer CPPs and conjugates entered clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Rusiecka
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Iwona Gągało
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ivan Kocić
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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4
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Montnach J, De Waard S, Nicolas S, Burel S, Osorio N, Zoukimian C, Mantegazza M, Boukaiba R, Béroud R, Partiseti M, Delmas P, Marionneau C, De Waard M. Fluorescent- and tagged-protoxin II peptides: potent markers of the Na v 1.7 channel pain target. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:2632-2650. [PMID: 33742442 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Protoxin II (ProTx II) is a high affinity gating modifier that is thought to selectively block the Nav 1.7 voltage-dependent Na+ channel, a major therapeutic target for the control of pain. We aimed at producing ProTx II analogues entitled with novel functionalities for cell distribution studies and biochemical characterization of its Nav channel targets. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We took advantage of the high affinity properties of the peptide, combined to its slow off rate, to design a number of new tagged analogues useful for imaging and biochemistry purposes. We used high-throughput automated patch-clamp to identify the analogues best matching the native properties of ProTx II and validated them on various Nav -expressing cells in pull-down and cell distribution studies. KEY RESULTS Two of the produced ProTx II analogues, Biot-ProTx II and ATTO488-ProTx II, best emulate the pharmacological properties of unlabelled ProTx II, whereas other analogues remain high affinity blockers of Nav 1.7. The biotinylated version of ProTx II efficiently works for the pull-down of several Nav isoforms tested in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas the fluorescent ATTO488-ProTx II specifically labels the Nav 1.7 channel over other Nav isoforms tested in various experimental conditions. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The properties of these ProTx II analogues as tools for Nav channel purification and cell distribution studies pave the way for a better understanding of ProTx II channel receptors in pain and their pathophysiological implications in sensory neuronal processing. The new fluorescent ProTx II should also be useful in the design of new drug screening strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Montnach
- LabEx "Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics", l'institut du thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV NANTES, Nantes, France
| | - Stephan De Waard
- LabEx "Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics", l'institut du thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV NANTES, Nantes, France
| | - Sébastien Nicolas
- LabEx "Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics", l'institut du thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV NANTES, Nantes, France
| | - Sophie Burel
- LabEx "Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics", l'institut du thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV NANTES, Nantes, France
| | - Nancy Osorio
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, UMR 7291, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | | | - Massimo Mantegazza
- Université Cote d'Azur, CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Rachid Boukaiba
- Sanofi R&D, Integrated Drug Discovery - High Content Biology, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | | | - Michel Partiseti
- Sanofi R&D, Integrated Drug Discovery - High Content Biology, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Patrick Delmas
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, UMR 7291, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Céline Marionneau
- LabEx "Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics", l'institut du thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV NANTES, Nantes, France
| | - Michel De Waard
- LabEx "Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics", l'institut du thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV NANTES, Nantes, France.,Smartox Biotechnology, Saint-Egrève, France
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5
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Rádis-Baptista G. Cell-Penetrating Peptides Derived from Animal Venoms and Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:147. [PMID: 33671927 PMCID: PMC7919042 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) comprise a class of short polypeptides that possess the ability to selectively interact with the cytoplasmic membrane of certain cell types, translocate across plasma membranes and accumulate in the cell cytoplasm, organelles (e.g., the nucleus and mitochondria) and other subcellular compartments. CPPs are either of natural origin or de novo designed and synthesized from segments and patches of larger proteins or designed by algorithms. With such intrinsic properties, along with membrane permeation, translocation and cellular uptake properties, CPPs can intracellularly convey diverse substances and nanomaterials, such as hydrophilic organic compounds and drugs, macromolecules (nucleic acids and proteins), nanoparticles (nanocrystals and polyplexes), metals and radionuclides, which can be covalently attached via CPP N- and C-terminals or through preparation of CPP complexes. A cumulative number of studies on animal toxins, primarily isolated from the venom of arthropods and snakes, have revealed the cell-penetrating activities of venom peptides and toxins, which can be harnessed for application in biomedicine and pharmaceutical biotechnology. In this review, I aimed to collate examples of peptides from animal venoms and toxic secretions that possess the ability to penetrate diverse types of cells. These venom CPPs have been chemically or structurally modified to enhance cell selectivity, bioavailability and a range of target applications. Herein, examples are listed and discussed, including cysteine-stabilized and linear, α-helical peptides, with cationic and amphipathic character, from the venom of insects (e.g., melittin, anoplin, mastoparans), arachnids (latarcin, lycosin, chlorotoxin, maurocalcine/imperatoxin homologs and wasabi receptor toxin), fish (pardaxins), amphibian (bombesin) and snakes (crotamine and cathelicidins).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil
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6
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Venom peptides in cancer therapy: An updated review on cellular and molecular aspects. Pharmacol Res 2020; 164:105327. [PMID: 33276098 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Based on the high incidence and mortality rates of cancer, its therapy remains one of the most vital challenges in the field of medicine. Consequently, enhancing the efficacy of currently applied treatments and finding novel strategies are of great importance for cancer treatment. Venoms are important sources of a variety of bioactive compounds including salts, small molecules, macromolecules, proteins, and peptides that are defined as toxins. They can exhibit different pharmacological effects, and in recent years, their anti-tumor activities have gained significant attention. Several different compounds are responsible for the anti-tumor activity of venoms, and peptides are one of them. In the present review, we discuss the possible anti-tumor activities of venom peptides by highlighting molecular pathways and mechanisms through which these molecules can act effectively. Venom peptides can induce cell death in cancer cells and can substantially enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Also, the venom peptides can mitigate the migration of cancer cells via suppression of angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Notably, nanoparticles have been applied in enhancing the bioavailability of venom peptides and providing targeted delivery, thereby leading to their elevated anti-tumor activity and potential application for cancer therapy.
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7
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Ahmadi S, Knerr JM, Argemi L, Bordon KCF, Pucca MB, Cerni FA, Arantes EC, Çalışkan F, Laustsen AH. Scorpion Venom: Detriments and Benefits. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8050118. [PMID: 32408604 PMCID: PMC7277529 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom may cause severe medical complications and untimely death if injected into the human body. Neurotoxins are the main components of scorpion venom that are known to be responsible for the pathological manifestations of envenoming. Besides neurotoxins, a wide range of other bioactive molecules can be found in scorpion venoms. Advances in separation, characterization, and biotechnological approaches have enabled not only the development of more effective treatments against scorpion envenomings, but have also led to the discovery of several scorpion venom peptides with interesting therapeutic properties. Thus, scorpion venom may not only be a medical threat to human health, but could prove to be a valuable source of bioactive molecules that may serve as leads for the development of new therapies against current and emerging diseases. This review presents both the detrimental and beneficial properties of scorpion venom toxins and discusses the newest advances within the development of novel therapies against scorpion envenoming and the therapeutic perspectives for scorpion toxins in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
| | - Julius M. Knerr
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Lídia Argemi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Karla C. F. Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Roraima 69310-000, Brazil
| | - Felipe A. Cerni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Eliane C. Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Figen Çalışkan
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
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8
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Housley DM, Pinyon JL, von Jonquieres G, Perera CJ, Smout M, Liddell MJ, Jennings EA, Wilson D, Housley GD. Australian Scorpion Hormurus waigiensis Venom Fractions Show Broad Bioactivity Through Modulation of Bio-Impedance and Cytosolic Calcium. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E617. [PMID: 32316246 PMCID: PMC7226344 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are a rich source of bioactive molecules, but characterisation of toxin peptides affecting cytosolic Ca2+, central to cell signalling and cell death, is limited. We undertook a functional screening of the venom of the Australian scorpion Hormurus waigiensis to determine the breadth of Ca2+ mobilisation. A human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cell line stably expressing the genetically encoded Ca2+ reporter GCaMP5G and the rabbit type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) was developed as a biosensor. Size-exclusion Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography separated the venom into 53 fractions, constituting 12 chromatographic peaks. Liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy identified 182 distinct molecules with 3 to 63 components per peak. The molecular weights varied from 258 Da-13.6 kDa, with 53% under 1 kDa. The majority of the venom chromatographic peaks (tested as six venom pools) were found to reversibly modulate cell monolayer bioimpedance, detected using the xCELLigence platform (ACEA Biosciences). Confocal Ca2+ imaging showed 9/14 peak samples, with molecules spanning the molecular size range, increased cytosolic Ca2+ mobilization. H. waigiensis venom Ca2+ activity was correlated with changes in bio-impedance, reflecting multi-modal toxin actions on cell physiology across the venom proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (D.M.H.); (J.L.P.); (G.v.J.); (C.J.P.)
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4575, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;
| | - Jeremy L. Pinyon
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (D.M.H.); (J.L.P.); (G.v.J.); (C.J.P.)
| | - Georg von Jonquieres
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (D.M.H.); (J.L.P.); (G.v.J.); (C.J.P.)
| | - Chamini J. Perera
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (D.M.H.); (J.L.P.); (G.v.J.); (C.J.P.)
| | - Michael Smout
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (M.S.); (D.W.)
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Michael J. Liddell
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, College of Science & Engineering, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;
| | - Ernest A. Jennings
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (M.S.); (D.W.)
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - David Wilson
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (M.S.); (D.W.)
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Gary D. Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (D.M.H.); (J.L.P.); (G.v.J.); (C.J.P.)
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9
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Ojeda PG, Henriques ST, Pan Y, Nicolazzo JA, Craik DJ, Wang CK. Lysine to arginine mutagenesis of chlorotoxin enhances its cellular uptake. Biopolymers 2018; 108. [PMID: 28459137 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chlorotoxin (CTX), a disulfide-rich peptide from the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus, has several promising biopharmaceutical properties, including preferential affinity for certain cancer cells, high serum stability, and cell penetration. These properties underpin its potential for use as a drug design scaffold, especially for the treatment of cancer; indeed, several analogs of CTX have reached clinical trials. Here, we focus on its ability to internalize into cells-a trait associated with a privileged subclass of peptides called cell-penetrating peptides-and whether it can be improved through conservative substitutions. Mutants of CTX were made using solid-phase peptide synthesis and internalization into human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells was monitored by fluorescence and confocal microscopy. CTX_M1 (ie, [K15R/K23R]CTX) and CTX_M2 (ie, [K15R/K23R/Y29W]CTX) mutants showed at least a twofold improvement in uptake compared to CTX. We further showed that these mutants internalize into HeLa cells largely via an energy-dependent mechanism. Importantly, the mutants have high stability, remaining intact in serum for over 24 h; thus, retaining the characteristic stability of their parent peptide. Overall, we have shown that simple conservative substitutions can enhance the cellular uptake of CTX, suggesting that such type of mutations might be useful for improving uptake of other peptide toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola G Ojeda
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.,Centro de Bioinformática y Simulación Molecular (CBSM), Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Yijun Pan
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Joseph A Nicolazzo
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Conan K Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
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10
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CPP-Ts: a new intracellular calcium channel modulator and a promising tool for drug delivery in cancer cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14739. [PMID: 30282983 PMCID: PMC6170434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33133-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion sting envenoming impacts millions of people worldwide, with cardiac effects being one of the main causes of death on victims. Here we describe the first Ca2+ channel toxin present in Tityus serrulatus (Ts) venom, a cell penetrating peptide (CPP) named CPP-Ts. We show that CPP-Ts increases intracellular Ca2+ release through the activation of nuclear InsP3R of cardiomyocytes, thereby causing an increase in the contraction frequency of these cells. Besides proposing a novel subfamily of Ca2+ active toxins, we investigated its potential use as a drug delivery system targeting cancer cell nucleus using CPP-Ts’s nuclear-targeting property. To this end, we prepared a synthetic CPP-Ts sub peptide14–39 lacking pharmacological activity which was directed to the nucleus of specific cancer cell lines. This research identifies a novel subfamily of Ca2+ active toxins and provides new insights into biotechnological applications of animal venoms.
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11
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Robinson K, Easton CJ, Dulhunty AF, Casarotto MG. Exploiting Peptidomimetics to Synthesize Compounds That Activate Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channels. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:1957-1971. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Robinson
- Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra Australia
| | | | - Angela F. Dulhunty
- John Curtin School of Medical Research Australian National University Canberra Australia
| | - Marco G. Casarotto
- John Curtin School of Medical Research Australian National University Canberra Australia
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12
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Mambelli-Lisboa NC, Sciani JM, Brandão Prieto da Silva AR, Kerkis I. Co-Localization of Crotamine with Internal Membranes and Accentuated Accumulation in Tumor Cells. Molecules 2018; 23:E968. [PMID: 29693555 PMCID: PMC6017820 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23040968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Crotamine is a highly cationic; cysteine rich, cross-linked, low molecular mass cell penetrating peptide (CPP) from the venom of the South American rattlesnake. Potential application of crotamine in biomedicine may require its large-scale purification. To overcome difficulties related with the purification of natural crotamine (nCrot) we aimed in the present study to synthesize and characterize a crotamine analog (sCrot) as well investigate its CPP activity. Mass spectrometry analysis demonstrates that sCrot and nCrot have equal molecular mass and biological function—the capacity to induce spastic paralysis in the hind limbs in mice. sCrot CPP activity was evaluated in a wide range of tumor and non-tumor cell tests performed at different time points. We demonstrate that sCrot-Cy3 showed distinct co-localization patterns with intracellular membranes inside the tumor and non-tumor cells. Time-lapse microscopy and quantification of sCrot-Cy3 fluorescence signalss in living tumor versus non-tumor cells revealed a significant statistical difference in the fluorescence intensity observed in tumor cells. These data suggest a possible use of sCrot as a molecular probe for tumor cells, as well as, for the selective delivery of anticancer molecules into these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Caroline Mambelli-Lisboa
- Laboratory of Genetics, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
- CENTD-Center of Excellence in New Target Discovery, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Mozer Sciani
- CENTD-Center of Excellence in New Target Discovery, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Alvaro Rossan Brandão Prieto da Silva
- Laboratory of Genetics, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
- CENTD-Center of Excellence in New Target Discovery, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Irina Kerkis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
- CENTD-Center of Excellence in New Target Discovery, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
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13
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Ramos-Franco J, Fill M. Approaching ryanodine receptor therapeutics from the calcin angle. J Gen Physiol 2018; 147:369-73. [PMID: 27114611 PMCID: PMC4845691 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201611599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Josefina Ramos-Franco
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Michael Fill
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
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14
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Grafskaia EN, Polina NF, Babenko VV, Kharlampieva DD, Bobrovsky PA, Manuvera VA, Farafonova TE, Anikanov NA, Lazarev VN. Discovery of novel antimicrobial peptides: A transcriptomic study of the sea anemone Cnidopus japonicus. J Bioinform Comput Biol 2018; 16:1840006. [PMID: 29361893 DOI: 10.1142/s0219720018400061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
As essential conservative component of the innate immune systems of living organisms, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) could complement pharmaceuticals that increasingly fail to combat various pathogens exhibiting increased resistance to microbial antibiotics. Among the properties of AMPs that suggest their potential as therapeutic agents, diverse peptides in the venoms of various predators demonstrate antimicrobial activity and kill a wide range of microorganisms. To identify potent AMPs, the study reported here involved a transcriptomic profiling of the tentacle secretion of the sea anemone Cnidopus japonicus. An in silico search algorithm designed to discover toxin-like proteins containing AMPs was developed based on the evaluation of the properties and structural peculiarities of amino acid sequences. The algorithm revealed new proteins of the anemone containing antimicrobial candidate sequences, and 10 AMPs verified using high-throughput proteomics were synthesized. The antimicrobial activity of the candidate molecules was experimentally estimated against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Ultimately, three peptides exhibited antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains, which suggests that the method can be applied to reveal new AMPs in the venoms of other predators as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina N Grafskaia
- * Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskii per. 9, Dolgoprudny, Moscow 141700, Russia.,† Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 1a, Malaya Pirogovskaya Street, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Nadezhda F Polina
- † Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 1a, Malaya Pirogovskaya Street, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Vladislav V Babenko
- † Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 1a, Malaya Pirogovskaya Street, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Daria D Kharlampieva
- † Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 1a, Malaya Pirogovskaya Street, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Pavel A Bobrovsky
- † Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 1a, Malaya Pirogovskaya Street, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Valentin A Manuvera
- * Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskii per. 9, Dolgoprudny, Moscow 141700, Russia.,† Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 1a, Malaya Pirogovskaya Street, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Tatyana E Farafonova
- ‡ Department of Proteomic Research and Mass Spectrometry, Laboratory of Systems Biology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 10, Pogodinskaya Street, Moscow 119121, Russia
| | - Nikolay A Anikanov
- † Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 1a, Malaya Pirogovskaya Street, Moscow 119435, Russia.,§ Department of Peptide and Protein Technologies Laboratory of Proteomics, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic, Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10, Miklukho-Maklaya Street, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Vassili N Lazarev
- * Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskii per. 9, Dolgoprudny, Moscow 141700, Russia.,† Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 1a, Malaya Pirogovskaya Street, Moscow 119435, Russia
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15
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Mammalian display screening of diverse cystine-dense peptides for difficult to drug targets. Nat Commun 2017; 8:2244. [PMID: 29269835 PMCID: PMC5740061 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02098-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein:protein interactions are among the most difficult to treat molecular mechanisms of disease pathology. Cystine-dense peptides have the potential to disrupt such interactions, and are used in drug-like roles by every clade of life, but their study has been hampered by a reputation for being difficult to produce, owing to their complex disulfide connectivity. Here we describe a platform for identifying target-binding cystine-dense peptides using mammalian surface display, capable of interrogating high quality and diverse scaffold libraries with verifiable folding and stability. We demonstrate the platform’s capabilities by identifying a cystine-dense peptide capable of inhibiting the YAP:TEAD interaction at the heart of the oncogenic Hippo pathway, and possessing the potency and stability necessary for consideration as a drug development candidate. This platform provides the opportunity to screen cystine-dense peptides with drug-like qualities against targets that are implicated for the treatment of diseases, but are poorly suited for conventional approaches. Pathologies related to protein:protein interaction are hard to treat but cystine-dense peptides have the potential to disrupt such interactions. Here the authors develop a high-diversity mammalian cell screen for cystine-dense peptides with drug potential and use it to identify a YAP:TEAD inhibitor.
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16
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Xiao L, Gurrola GB, Zhang J, Valdivia CR, SanMartin M, Zamudio FZ, Zhang L, Possani LD, Valdivia HH. Structure-function relationships of peptides forming the calcin family of ryanodine receptor ligands. J Gen Physiol 2017; 147:375-94. [PMID: 27114612 PMCID: PMC4845687 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201511499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcins are a novel family of scorpion peptides that bind with high affinity to ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and increase their activity by inducing subconductance states. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the structure-function relationships of the eight calcins known to date, based on their primary sequence, three-dimensional modeling, and functional effects on skeletal RyRs (RyR1). Primary sequence alignment and evolutionary analysis show high similarity among all calcins (≥78.8% identity). Other common characteristics include an inhibitor cysteine knot (ICK) motif stabilized by three pairs of disulfide bridges and a dipole moment (DM) formed by positively charged residues clustering on one side of the molecule and neutral and negatively charged residues segregating on the opposite side. [(3)H]Ryanodine binding assays, used as an index of the open probability of RyRs, reveal that all eight calcins activate RyR1 dose-dependently with Kd values spanning approximately three orders of magnitude and in the following rank order: opicalcin1 > opicalcin2 > vejocalcin > hemicalcin > imperacalcin > hadrucalcin > maurocalcin >> urocalcin. All calcins significantly augment the bell-shaped [Ca(2+)]-[(3)H]ryanodine binding curve with variable effects on the affinity constants for Ca(2+) activation and inactivation. In single channel recordings, calcins induce the appearance of a subconductance state in RyR1 that has a unique fractional value (∼20% to ∼60% of the full conductance state) but bears no relationship to binding affinity, DM, or capacity to stimulate Ca(2+) release. Except for urocalcin, all calcins at 100 nM concentration stimulate Ca(2+) release and deplete Ca(2+) load from skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum. The natural variation within the calcin family of peptides offers a diversified set of high-affinity ligands with the capacity to modulate RyRs with high dynamic range and potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xiao
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China Center for Arrhythmia Research, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Georgina B Gurrola
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62271, México Center for Arrhythmia Research, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Jing Zhang
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Carmen R Valdivia
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Mario SanMartin
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Fernando Z Zamudio
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62271, México Center for Arrhythmia Research, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Liming Zhang
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62271, México
| | - Héctor H Valdivia
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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17
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Kerkis I, de Brandão Prieto da Silva AR, Pompeia C, Tytgat J, de Sá Junior PL. Toxin bioportides: exploring toxin biological activity and multifunctionality. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:647-661. [PMID: 27554773 PMCID: PMC11107510 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2343-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxins have been shown to have many biological functions and to constitute a rich source of drugs and biotechnological tools. We focus on toxins that not only have a specific activity, but also contain residues responsible for transmembrane penetration, which can be considered bioportides-a class of cell-penetrating peptides that are also intrinsically bioactive. Bioportides are potential tools in pharmacology and biotechnology as they help deliver substances and nanoparticles to intracellular targets. Bioportides characterized so far are peptides derived from human proteins, such as cytochrome c (CYCS), calcitonin receptor (camptide), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (nosangiotide). However, toxins are usually disregarded as potential bioportides. In this review, we discuss the inclusion of some toxins and molecules derived thereof as a new class of bioportides based on structure activity relationship, minimization, and biological activity studies. The comparative analysis of the amino acid residue composition of toxin-derived bioportides and their short molecular variants is an innovative analytical strategy which allows us to understand natural toxin multifunctionality in vivo and plan novel pharmacological and biotechnological products. Furthermore, we discuss how many bioportide toxins have a rigid structure with amphiphilic properties important for both cell penetration and bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kerkis
- Laboratório de Genética, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil.
| | | | - Celine Pompeia
- Laboratório de Genética, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Louvain, Belgium
| | - Paulo L de Sá Junior
- Laboratório de Genética, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil.
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18
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Housley DM, Housley GD, Liddell MJ, Jennings EA. Scorpion toxin peptide action at the ion channel subunit level. Neuropharmacology 2016; 127:46-78. [PMID: 27729239 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This review categorizes functionally validated actions of defined scorpion toxin (SCTX) neuropeptides across ion channel subclasses, highlighting key trends in this rapidly evolving field. Scorpion envenomation is a common event in many tropical and subtropical countries, with neuropharmacological actions, particularly autonomic nervous system modulation, causing significant mortality. The primary active agents within scorpion venoms are a diverse group of small neuropeptides that elicit specific potent actions across a wide range of ion channel classes. The identification and functional characterisation of these SCTX peptides has tremendous potential for development of novel pharmaceuticals that advance knowledge of ion channels and establish lead compounds for treatment of excitable tissue disorders. This review delineates the unique specificities of 320 individual SCTX peptides that collectively act on 41 ion channel subclasses. Thus the SCTX research field has significant translational implications for pathophysiology spanning neurotransmission, neurohumoral signalling, sensori-motor systems and excitation-contraction coupling. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Housley
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Gary D Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael J Liddell
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science and College of Science & Engineering, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Ernest A Jennings
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, James Cook University, Queensland 4878, Australia; Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, QLD, Australia
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19
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In cellulo phosphorylation induces pharmacological reprogramming of maurocalcin, a cell-penetrating venom peptide. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E2460-8. [PMID: 27071086 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1517342113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The venom peptide maurocalcin (MCa) is atypical among toxins because of its ability to rapidly translocate into cells and potently activate the intracellular calcium channel type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1). Therefore, MCa is potentially subjected to posttranslational modifications within recipient cells. Here, we report that MCa Thr(26) belongs to a consensus PKA phosphorylation site and can be phosphorylated by PKA both in vitro and after cell penetration in cellulo. Unexpectedly, phosphorylation converts MCa from positive to negative RyR1 allosteric modulator. Thr(26) phosphorylation leads to charge neutralization of Arg(24), a residue crucial for MCa agonist activity. The functional effect of Thr(26) phosphorylation is partially mimicked by aspartyl mutation. This represents the first case, to our knowledge, of both ex situ posttranslational modification and pharmacological reprogramming of a small natural cystine-rich peptide by target cells. So far, phosphorylated MCa is the first specific negative allosteric modulator of RyR1, to our knowledge, and represents a lead compound for further development of phosphatase-resistant analogs.
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20
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Perret P, Ahmadi M, Riou L, Bacot S, Pecher J, Poillot C, Broisat A, Ghezzi C, De Waard M. Biodistribution, Stability, and Blood Distribution of the Cell Penetrating Peptide Maurocalcine in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:27730-40. [PMID: 26610471 PMCID: PMC4661912 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161126054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Maurocalcine (MCa) is the first natural cell penetrating peptide to be discovered in animal venom. In addition to the fact that it represents a potent vector for the cell penetration of structurally diverse therapeutic compounds, MCa also displays several distinguishing features that make it a potential peptide of choice for clinical and biotechnological applications. The aim of the present study was to gain new information about the properties of MCa in vivo in order to delineate the future potential applications of this vector. For this purpose, two analogues of this peptide with (Tyr-MCa) and without (Lin-Tyr-MCa) disulfide bridges were synthesized, radiolabeled with 125I, and their in vitro stabilities were first evaluated in mouse blood. The results indicated that 125I-Tyr-MCa was stable in vitro and that the disulfide bridges conferred a competitive advantage for the stability of peptide. Following in vivo injection in mice, 125I-Tyr-MCa targeted peripheral organs with interesting quantitative differences and the main route of peptide elimination was renal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Perret
- Grenoble Alpes University, 38041 Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France.
- Radiopharmaceutiques Biocliniques, INSERM, UMR S1039, 38700 La Tronche, France.
| | - Mitra Ahmadi
- Grenoble Alpes University, 38041 Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France.
- Radiopharmaceutiques Biocliniques, INSERM, UMR S1039, 38700 La Tronche, France.
| | - Laurent Riou
- Grenoble Alpes University, 38041 Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France.
- Radiopharmaceutiques Biocliniques, INSERM, UMR S1039, 38700 La Tronche, France.
| | - Sandrine Bacot
- Grenoble Alpes University, 38041 Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France.
- Radiopharmaceutiques Biocliniques, INSERM, UMR S1039, 38700 La Tronche, France.
| | - Julien Pecher
- Smartox Biotechnologies, Bâtiment Nanobio, 570 rue de la Chimie, 38400 Saint Martin d'Hères, France.
| | - Cathy Poillot
- Grenoble Alpes University, 38041 Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France.
- Science and Therapeutics, LabEx Ion Channels, Grenoble Institute of Neuroscience, INSERM, U836, 38700 La Tronche, France.
| | - Alexis Broisat
- Grenoble Alpes University, 38041 Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France.
- Radiopharmaceutiques Biocliniques, INSERM, UMR S1039, 38700 La Tronche, France.
| | - Catherine Ghezzi
- Grenoble Alpes University, 38041 Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France.
- Radiopharmaceutiques Biocliniques, INSERM, UMR S1039, 38700 La Tronche, France.
| | - Michel De Waard
- Grenoble Alpes University, 38041 Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France.
- Smartox Biotechnologies, Bâtiment Nanobio, 570 rue de la Chimie, 38400 Saint Martin d'Hères, France.
- Science and Therapeutics, LabEx Ion Channels, Grenoble Institute of Neuroscience, INSERM, U836, 38700 La Tronche, France.
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21
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Structural parameters modulating the cellular uptake of disulfide-rich cyclic cell-penetrating peptides: MCoTI-II and SFTI-1. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 88:10-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.06.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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22
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Wallbrecher R, Depré L, Verdurmen WPR, Bovée-Geurts PH, van Duinkerken RH, Zekveld MJ, Timmerman P, Brock R. Exploration of the Design Principles of a Cell-Penetrating Bicylic Peptide Scaffold. Bioconjug Chem 2014; 25:955-64. [DOI: 10.1021/bc500107f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rike Wallbrecher
- Department
of Biochemistry (286), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Luc Depré
- Department
of Biochemistry (286), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter P. R. Verdurmen
- Department
of Biochemistry (286), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Petra H. Bovée-Geurts
- Department
of Biochemistry (286), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mariët J. Zekveld
- Pepscan Therapeutics, Zuidersluisweg
2, 8243 RC Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Timmerman
- Pepscan Therapeutics, Zuidersluisweg
2, 8243 RC Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Roland Brock
- Department
of Biochemistry (286), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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23
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Quantitative evaluation of the cell penetrating properties of an iodinated Tyr-L-maurocalcine analog. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2014; 1843:2356-64. [PMID: 24667409 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2014.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
L-Maurocalcine (L-MCa) is the first reported animal cell-penetrating toxin. Characterizing its cell penetration properties is crucial considering its potential as a vector for the intracellular delivery of drugs. Radiolabeling is a sensitive and quantitative method to follow the cell accumulation of a molecule of interest. An L-MCa analog containing an additional N-terminal tyrosine residue (Tyr-L-MCa) was synthesized, shown to fold and oxidize properly, and successfully radioiodinated to (125)I-Tyr-L-MCa. Using various microscopy techniques, the average volume of the rat line F98 glioma cells was evaluated at 8.9 to 18.9×10(-7)μl. (125)I-Tyr-L-MCa accumulates within cells with a dose-dependency similar to the one previously published using 5,6-carboxyfluorescein-L-MCa. According to subcellular fractionation of F98 cells, plasma membranes keep less than 3% of the peptide, regardless of the extracellular concentration, while the nucleus accumulates over 75% and the cytosol around 20% of the radioactive material. Taking into account both nuclear and cytosolic fractions, cells accumulate intracellular concentrations of the peptide that are equal to the extracellular concentrations. Estimation of (125)I-Tyr-L-MCa cell entry kinetics indicate a first rapid phase with a 5min time constant for the plasma membrane followed by slower processes for the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Once inside cells, the labeled material no longer escapes from the intracellular environment since 90% of the radioactivity remains 24h after washout. Dead cells were found to have a lower uptake than live ones. The quantitative information gained herein will be useful for better framing the use of L-MCa in biotechnological applications. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Calcium Signaling in Health and Disease. Guest Editors: Geert Bultynck, Jacques Haiech, Claus W. Heizmann, Joachim Krebs, and Marc Moreau.
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24
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Abdel-Rahman MA, Quintero-Hernandez V, Possani LD. Venom proteomic and venomous glands transcriptomic analysis of the Egyptian scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus (Arachnida: Scorpionidae). Toxicon 2013; 74:193-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.08.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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25
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He Y, Zhao R, Di Z, Li Z, Xu X, Hong W, Wu Y, Zhao H, Li W, Cao Z. Molecular diversity of Chaerilidae venom peptides reveals the dynamic evolution of scorpion venom components from Buthidae to non-Buthidae. J Proteomics 2013; 89:1-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2013.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Hmed B, Serria HT, Mounir ZK. Scorpion peptides: potential use for new drug development. J Toxicol 2013; 2013:958797. [PMID: 23843786 PMCID: PMC3697785 DOI: 10.1155/2013/958797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2013] [Revised: 05/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several peptides contained in scorpion fluids showed diverse array of biological activities with high specificities to their targeted sites. Many investigations outlined their potent effects against microbes and showed their potential to modulate various biological mechanisms that are involved in immune, nervous, cardiovascular, and neoplastic diseases. Because of their important structural and functional diversity, it is projected that scorpion-derived peptides could be used to develop new specific drugs. This review summarizes relevant findings improving their use as valuable tools for new drugs development.
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Affiliation(s)
- BenNasr Hmed
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medicine Faculty of Sfax, Street of Majida Boulila, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Hammami Turky Serria
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medicine Faculty of Sfax, Street of Majida Boulila, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Zeghal Khaled Mounir
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medicine Faculty of Sfax, Street of Majida Boulila, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
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Cell penetration properties of a highly efficient mini maurocalcine Peptide. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2013; 6:320-39. [PMID: 24276021 PMCID: PMC3816693 DOI: 10.3390/ph6030320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2013] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maurocalcine is a highly potent cell-penetrating peptide isolated from the Tunisian scorpion Maurus palmatus. Many cell-penetrating peptide analogues have been derived from the full-length maurocalcine by internal cysteine substitutions and sequence truncation. Herein we have further characterized the cell-penetrating properties of one such peptide, MCaUF1-9, whose sequence matches that of the hydrophobic face of maurocalcine. This peptide shows very favorable cell-penetration efficacy compared to Tat, penetratin or polyarginine. The peptide appears so specialized in cell penetration that it seems hard to improve by site directed mutagenesis. A comparative analysis of the efficacies of similar peptides isolated from other toxin members of the same family leads to the identification of hadrucalcin’s hydrophobic face as an even better CPP. Protonation of the histidine residue at position 6 renders the cell penetration of MCaUF1-9 pH-sensitive. Greater cell penetration at acidic pH suggests that MCaUF1-9 can be used to specifically target cancer cells in vivo where tumor masses grow in more acidic environments.
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Schwartz EF, Mourão CBF, Moreira KG, Camargos TS, Mortari MR. Arthropod venoms: A vast arsenal of insecticidal neuropeptides. Biopolymers 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.22100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Poillot C, Bichraoui H, Tisseyre C, Bahemberae E, Andreotti N, Sabatier JM, Ronjat M, De Waard M. Small efficient cell-penetrating peptides derived from scorpion toxin maurocalcine. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:17331-17342. [PMID: 22433862 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.360628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Maurocalcine is the first demonstrated example of an animal toxin peptide with efficient cell penetration properties. Although it is a highly competitive cell-penetrating peptide (CPP), its relatively large size of 33 amino acids and the presence of three internal disulfide bridges may hamper its development for in vitro and in vivo applications. Here, we demonstrate that several efficient CPPs can be derived from maurocalcine by replacing Cys residues by isosteric 2-aminobutyric acid residues and sequence truncation down to peptides of up to 9 residues in length. A surprising finding is that all of the truncated maurocalcine analogues possessed cell penetration properties, indicating that the maurocalcine is a highly specialized CPP. Careful examination of the cell penetration properties of the truncated analogues indicates that several maurocalcine-derived peptides should be of great interest for cell delivery applications where peptide size matters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Poillot
- INSERM U836, Grenoble Neuroscience Institute, Site Santé La Tronche, Chemin Fortuné Ferrini, BP 170, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Université Joseph Fourier, 38041 Grenoble, France
| | - Hicham Bichraoui
- INSERM U836, Grenoble Neuroscience Institute, Site Santé La Tronche, Chemin Fortuné Ferrini, BP 170, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Université Joseph Fourier, 38041 Grenoble, France
| | - Céline Tisseyre
- INSERM U836, Grenoble Neuroscience Institute, Site Santé La Tronche, Chemin Fortuné Ferrini, BP 170, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Université Joseph Fourier, 38041 Grenoble, France
| | - Eloi Bahemberae
- INSERM U836, Grenoble Neuroscience Institute, Site Santé La Tronche, Chemin Fortuné Ferrini, BP 170, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Université Joseph Fourier, 38041 Grenoble, France
| | | | | | - Michel Ronjat
- INSERM U836, Grenoble Neuroscience Institute, Site Santé La Tronche, Chemin Fortuné Ferrini, BP 170, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Université Joseph Fourier, 38041 Grenoble, France
| | - Michel De Waard
- INSERM U836, Grenoble Neuroscience Institute, Site Santé La Tronche, Chemin Fortuné Ferrini, BP 170, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Université Joseph Fourier, 38041 Grenoble, France; Smartox Biotechnologies, Biopolis, 5 Avenue du Grand Sablon, 38700 La Tronche, France.
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Nascimento FD, Sancey L, Pereira A, Rome C, Oliveira V, Oliveira EB, Nader HB, Yamane T, Kerkis I, Tersariol ILS, Coll JL, Hayashi MAF. The Natural Cell-Penetrating Peptide Crotamine Targets Tumor Tissue in Vivo and Triggers a Lethal Calcium-Dependent Pathway in Cultured Cells. Mol Pharm 2011; 9:211-21. [DOI: 10.1021/mp2000605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio D. Nascimento
- Grupo de Estudos em Odontologia, Universidade Bandeirante de São Paulo (UNIBAN), São Paulo, SP,
Brazil
| | - Lucie Sancey
- INSERM U823, Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France
- University Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Claire Rome
- INSERM U823, Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France
- University Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
| | - Vitor Oliveira
- Departamento
de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo B. Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica
e Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Helena B. Nader
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo,
Brazil
| | - Tetsuo Yamane
- Laboratório
de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia da Amazônia (CBA), Manaus, AM,
Brazil
| | - Irina Kerkis
- Laboratório
de Genética, Instituto Butantan,
São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Ivarne L. S. Tersariol
- Centro Interdisciplinar
de Investigação Bioquímica (CIIB), Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, Mogi das Cruzes, SP,
Brazil
| | - Jean-Luc Coll
- INSERM U823, Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France
- University Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
| | - Mirian A. F. Hayashi
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP),
São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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31
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Lee JH, Song HS, Lee SG, Park TH, Kim BG. Screening of cell-penetrating peptides using mRNA display. Biotechnol J 2011; 7:387-96. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201100220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Revised: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Smith JJ, Hill JM, Little MJ, Nicholson GM, King GF, Alewood PF. Unique scorpion toxin with a putative ancestral fold provides insight into evolution of the inhibitor cystine knot motif. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:10478-83. [PMID: 21670253 PMCID: PMC3127888 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1103501108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The three-disulfide inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) motif is a fold common to venom peptides from spiders, scorpions, and aquatic cone snails. Over a decade ago it was proposed that the ICK motif is an elaboration of an ancestral two-disulfide fold coined the disulfide-directed β-hairpin (DDH). Here we report the isolation, characterization, and structure of a novel toxin [U(1)-liotoxin-Lw1a (U(1)-LITX-Lw1a)] from the venom of the scorpion Liocheles waigiensis that is the first example of a native peptide that adopts the DDH fold. U(1)-LITX-Lw1a not only represents the discovery of a missing link in venom protein evolution, it is the first member of a fourth structural fold to be adopted by scorpion-venom peptides. Additionally, we show that U(1)-LITX-Lw1a has potent insecticidal activity across a broad range of insect pest species, thereby providing a unique structural scaffold for bioinsecticide development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justine M. Hill
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia; and
| | - Michelle J. Little
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Graham M. Nicholson
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney NSW 2007, Australia
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Johansson HJ, Andaloussi SEL, Langel U. Mimicry of protein function with cell-penetrating peptides. Methods Mol Biol 2011; 683:233-247. [PMID: 21053134 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-919-2_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Proteins are essential components of cellular processes inside cells, and their interactions between each other and with genes are important for the normal physiological functioning of cells as well as for disease states. Modulating protein interactions by different means can potentially control these interactions and restore normal function to diseased cells. The ways to do so are multiple, and such efforts often begin with knowledge of potential target proteins in order to devise mediators that retain the function of the original protein, i.e., mimic the protein functions. An alternative strategy is to utilize protein mimics to inhibit target proteins rather than restoring the activity of a protein. The vast majority of protein -mimics exploited to date have been designed to inhibit the activity of oncogenes or activate tumor suppressors for the purpose of tumor therapy. These protein mimics are usually based on small organic compounds or peptides, derived from interaction surfaces of the proteins, and in some cases, full proteins have been exploited. Although peptides and proteins are naturally highly specific and efficient inside cells, they suffer from low bioavailability resulting from their inability to enter cells. One strategy increasingly employed to facilitate the internalization of peptides and proteins has been to chemically conjugate them to cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) or to recombinantly express protein-CPP fusion constructs.This chapter provides an overview of some of the aspects of perturbing and mimicking protein interactions using peptides and proteins and CPP as transport vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik J Johansson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Biomics Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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34
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Poillot C, Dridi K, Bichraoui H, Pêcher J, Alphonse S, Douzi B, Ronjat M, Darbon H, De Waard M. D-Maurocalcine, a pharmacologically inert efficient cell-penetrating peptide analogue. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:34168-80. [PMID: 20610396 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.104919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Maurocalcine has been the first demonstrated animal toxin acting as a cell-penetrating peptide. Although it possesses competitive advantages, its use as a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) requires that analogues be developed that lack its characteristic pharmacological activity on ryanodine-sensitive calcium channels without affecting its cell-penetrating and vector efficiencies. Here, we present the synthesis, three-dimensional (1)H NMR structure, and activity of D-maurocalcine. We demonstrate that it possesses all of the desired features for an excellent CPP: preserved structure, lack of pharmacological action, conserved vector properties, and absence of cell toxicity. This is the first report of a folded/oxidized animal toxin in its D-diastereomer conformation for use as a CPP. The protease resistance of this new peptide analogue, combined with its efficient cell penetration at concentrations devoid of cell toxicity, suggests that D-maurocalcine should be an excellent vector for in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Poillot
- Grenoble Institute of Neuroscience, INSERM U836, Site Santé de la Tronche, Bâtiment Edmond J Safra, Chemin Fortuné Ferrini, BP170, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
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35
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Gurrola GB, Capes EM, Zamudio FZ, Possani LD, Valdivia HH. Imperatoxin A, a Cell-Penetrating Peptide from Scorpion Venom, as a Probe of Ca-Release Channels/Ryanodine Receptors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2010; 3:1093-1107. [PMID: 20668646 PMCID: PMC2910439 DOI: 10.3390/ph3041093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are rich in ion channel-modifying peptides, which have proven to be invaluable probes of ion channel structure-function relationship. We previously isolated imperatoxin A (IpTxa), a 3.7 kDa peptide activator of Ca2+-release channels/ryanodine receptors (RyRs) [1,2,3] and founding member of the calcin family of scorpion peptides. IpTxa folds into a compact, mostly hydrophobic molecule with a cluster of positively-charged, basic residues polarized on one side of the molecule that possibly interacts with the phospholipids of cell membranes. To investigate whether IpTxa permeates external cellular membranes and targets RyRs in vivo, we perfused IpTxa on intact cardiomyocytes while recording field-stimulated intracellular Ca2+ transients. To further investigate the cell-penetrating capabilities of the toxin, we prepared thiolated, fluorescent derivatives of IpTxa. Biological activity and spectroscopic properties indicate that these derivatives retain high affinity for RyRs and are only 5- to 10-fold less active than native IpTxa. Our results demonstrate that IpTxa is capable of crossing cell membranes to alter the release of Ca2+in vivo, and has the capacity to carry a large, membrane-impermeable cargo across the plasma membrane, a finding with exciting implications for novel drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina B. Gurrola
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62271,Mexico; E-Mails: (G.B.G.); (L.D.P.); (F.Z.Z.)
| | - E. Michelle Capes
- Department of Physiology, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, WI 53706, USA; E-Mail: (E.M.C.)
| | - Fernando Z. Zamudio
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62271,Mexico; E-Mails: (G.B.G.); (L.D.P.); (F.Z.Z.)
| | - Lourival D. Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62271,Mexico; E-Mails: (G.B.G.); (L.D.P.); (F.Z.Z.)
| | - Héctor H. Valdivia
- Department of Physiology, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, WI 53706, USA; E-Mail: (E.M.C.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-608-265-5960; Fax: +1-608-265-7821
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36
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Abdel-Rahman MA, Omran MAA, Abdel-Nabi IM, Nassier OA, Schemerhorn BJ. Neurotoxic and cytotoxic effects of venom from different populations of the Egyptian Scorpio maurus palmatus. Toxicon 2009; 55:298-306. [PMID: 19682484 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2009.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2009] [Revised: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 08/05/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurotoxic and cytotoxic effects of venoms from Scorpio maurus palmatus taken from different populations were assessed for geographic based variability in toxicity, and to evaluate their insecticidal potency. Scorpions were collected from four regions. Three locations were mutually isolated pockets in the arid area of Southern Sinai. The fourth sample was collected from a population inhabiting the semi-arid environment of Western Mediterranean Coastal Desert. The neurotoxic (paralytic) effect of the venom from each population was assayed by its ability to induce permanent disability in adult cockroaches within 3h. Venom was applied using microinjection techniques through an intersegmental membrane. Probit analysis was used to calculate the Paralytic Effective Dose (PED(50), ng/100mg). Levels of glutathione, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content and nitric oxide, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and cholinesterase, were measured to assess the cytotoxicity of the venom. The results show that the injected venom from each population induced obvious spasticity, followed by flaccid paralysis. All the tested biochemical parameters, except glutathione content, revealed significant differences in toxicity in venom taken from the different scorpion populations. We conclude that (i) the venom of this scorpion has significant neurotoxic and cytotoxic effects on insect cells, (ii) its efficacy, as assessed by the PED(50) unit, exhibited variation across its geographic range, and (iii) components in the venom may have the potential for being developed into effective and environmentally friendly bioinsecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt.
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Ma Y, Zhao R, He Y, Li S, Liu J, Wu Y, Cao Z, Li W. Transcriptome analysis of the venom gland of the scorpion Scorpiops jendeki: implication for the evolution of the scorpion venom arsenal. BMC Genomics 2009; 10:290. [PMID: 19570192 PMCID: PMC2713264 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-10-290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2009] [Accepted: 07/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The family Euscorpiidae, which covers Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, is one of the most widely distributed scorpion groups. However, no studies have been conducted on the venom of a Euscorpiidae species yet. In this work, we performed a transcriptomic approach for characterizing the venom components from a Euscorpiidae scorpion, Scorpiops jendeki. RESULTS There are ten known types of venom peptides and proteins obtained from Scorpiops jendeki. Great diversity is observed in primary sequences of most highly expressed types. The most highly expressed types are cytolytic peptides and serine proteases. Neurotoxins specific for sodium channels, which are major groups of venom components from Buthidae scorpions, are not detected in this study. In addition to those known types of venom peptides and proteins, we also obtain nine atypical types of venom molecules which haven't been observed in any other scorpion species studied to date. CONCLUSION This work provides the first set of cDNAs from Scorpiops jendeki, and one of the few transcriptomic analyses from a scorpion. This allows the characterization of a large number of venom molecules, belonging to either known or atypical types of scorpion venom peptides and proteins. Besides, our work could provide some clues to the evolution of the scorpion venom arsenal by comparison with venom data from other scorpion lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.
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Jayagopal A, Su YR, Blakemore JL, Linton MF, Fazio S, Haselton FR. Quantum dot mediated imaging of atherosclerosis. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2009; 20:165102. [PMID: 19420562 PMCID: PMC2718756 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/20/16/165102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The progression of atherosclerosis is associated with leukocyte infiltration within lesions. We describe a technique for the ex vivo imaging of cellular recruitment in atherogenesis which utilizes quantum dots (QD) to color-code different cell types within lesion areas. Spectrally distinct QD were coated with the cell-penetrating peptide maurocalcine to fluorescently-label immunomagnetically isolated monocyte/macrophages and T lymphocytes. QD-maurocalcine bioconjugates labeled both cell types with a high efficiency, preserved cell viability, and did not perturb native leukocyte function in cytokine release and endothelial adhesion assays. QD-labeled monocyte/macrophages and T lymphocytes were reinfused in an ApoE(-/-) mouse model of atherosclerosis and age-matched controls and tracked for up to four weeks to investigate the incorporation of cells within aortic lesion areas, as determined by oil red O (ORO) and immunofluorescence ex vivo staining. QD-labeled cells were visible in atherosclerotic plaques within two days of injection, and the two cell types colocalized within areas of subsequent ORO staining. Our method for tracking leukocytes in lesions enables high signal-to-noise ratio imaging of multiple cell types and biomarkers simultaneously within the same specimen. It also has great utility in studies aimed at investigating the role of distinct circulating leukocyte subsets in plaque development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwath Jayagopal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Yan Ru Su
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - John L Blakemore
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - MacRae F Linton
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Sergio Fazio
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Frederick R Haselton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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Schwartz EF, Capes EM, Diego-García E, Zamudio FZ, Fuentes O, Possani LD, Valdivia HH. Characterization of hadrucalcin, a peptide from Hadrurus gertschi scorpion venom with pharmacological activity on ryanodine receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 157:392-403. [PMID: 19389159 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00147.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Members of the calcin family, presently including imperatoxin A, maurocalcin, opicalcins and hemicalcin, are basic, 33-mer peptide activators of ryanodine receptors (RyRs), the calcium channels of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) that provide the majority of calcium for muscle contraction. Here we describe hadrucalcin, a novel member of this family. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Hadrucalcin was isolated from the venom of Hadrurus gertschi. Amino acid sequence and mass were determined by Edman degradation and mass spectrometry respectively. A cDNA library was constructed to generate clones for DNA sequence determination. Biological activity of native toxin was confirmed with [(3)H]ryanodine binding, by using SR vesicles from cardiac and skeletal muscle, and with single skeletal (RyR1) and cardiac (RyR2) channels reconstituted in lipid bilayers. Hadrucalcin was applied to intact ventricular myocytes to investigate effects on calcium transients. The secondary structure of hadrucalcin was computer-modelled by using atomic coordinates from maurocalcin, a structurally similar peptide. KEY RESULTS Hadrucalcin is distinguished from previously described congeners by two additional amino acids in its primary sequence and the lack of prominent amphipathicity. Hadrucalcin activated RyRs with high affinity (EC(50)= 37 nmol.L(-1)), induced a long-lasting subconductance state on RyR1 and RyR2, and rapidly (lag time approximately 2 s) penetrated ventricular cardiomyocytes, eliciting discharge of internal calcium stores and spontaneous contractions. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Hadrucalcin is a cell-permeant, powerful activator of RyRs, which has translational potential for targeted delivery of drugs to RyR as novel therapeutic intervention in arrhythmogenic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth F Schwartz
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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40
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Aroui S, Ram N, Appaix F, Ronjat M, Kenani A, Pirollet F, De Waard M. Maurocalcine as a non toxic drug carrier overcomes doxorubicin resistance in the cancer cell line MDA-MB 231. Pharm Res 2008; 26:836-45. [PMID: 19083085 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-008-9782-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2008] [Accepted: 11/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to overcome tumour cell resistance that generally develops after administration of commonly used anti-cancer drugs, such as doxorubicin. METHODS Recently, cell penetrating peptides have been used for their ability to deliver non-permeant compounds into cells. One such cell penetrating peptide, maurocalcine, has been isolated from the venom of a Tunisian scorpion. Herein, we report the effects of doxorubicin covalently coupled to an analogue of maurocalcine on drug-sensitive or drug-resistant cell lines MCF7 and MDA-MB 231. RESULTS We demonstrated the in vitro anti-tumoral efficacy of the doxorubicin maurocalcine conjugate. On a doxorubicin-sensitive cancer cell line, the maurocalcine-conjugated form appears slightly less efficient than doxorubicin itself. On the contrary, on a doxorubicin-resistant cancer cell line, doxorubicin coupling allows to overcome the drug resistance. This strategy can be generalized to other cell penetrating peptides since Tat and penetratin show similar effects. CONCLUSION We conclude that coupling anti-tumoral drugs to cell penetrating peptides represent a valuable strategy to overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Aroui
- INSERM, U836, Calcium Channels, Functions and Pathologies, BP 170, Grenoble Cedex 9, 38042, France
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41
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Rádis-Baptista G, de la Torre BG, Andreu D. A Novel Cell-Penetrating Peptide Sequence Derived by Structural Minimization of a Snake Toxin Exhibits Preferential Nucleolar Localization. J Med Chem 2008; 51:7041-4. [DOI: 10.1021/jm8009475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr Aiguader, 80, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain, and Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Cidade Universitária, 50732-970 Recife-PE, Brazil
| | - Beatriz G. de la Torre
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr Aiguader, 80, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain, and Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Cidade Universitária, 50732-970 Recife-PE, Brazil
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr Aiguader, 80, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain, and Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Cidade Universitária, 50732-970 Recife-PE, Brazil
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Ram N, Weiss N, Texier-Nogues I, Aroui S, Andreotti N, Pirollet F, Ronjat M, Sabatier JM, Darbon H, Jacquemond V, De Waard M. Design of a disulfide-less, pharmacologically inert, and chemically competent analog of maurocalcine for the efficient transport of impermeant compounds into cells. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:27048-56. [PMID: 18621738 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m804727200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Maurocalcine is a 33-mer peptide initially isolated from the venom of a Tunisian scorpion. It has proved itself valuable as a pharmacological activator of the ryanodine receptor and has helped the understanding of the molecular basis underlying excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscles. Because of its positively charged nature, it is also an innovative vector for the cell penetration of various compounds. We report a novel maurocalcine analog with improved properties: (i) the complete loss of pharmacological activity, (ii) preservation of the potent ability to carry cargo molecules into cells, and (iii) coupling chemistries not affected by the presence of internal cysteine residues of maurocalcine. We did this by replacing the six internal cysteine residues of maurocalcine by isosteric 2-aminobutyric acid residues and by adding an additional N-terminal biotinylated lysine (for a proof of concept analog) or an N-terminal cysteine residue (for a chemically competent coupling analogue). Additional replacement of a glutamate residue by alanyl at position 12 further improves the potency of these analogues. Coupling to several cargo molecules or nanoparticles are presented to illustrate the cell penetration potency and usefulness of these pharmacologically inactive analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Ram
- Research Group 3 Calcium Channels, Functions, and Pathologies, Unité Inserm 836, Grenoble Institute of Neuroscience, Université Joseph Fourier, Site Santé, BP 170, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 09, France
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Ram N, Aroui S, Jaumain E, Bichraoui H, Mabrouk K, Ronjat M, Lortat-Jacob H, De Waard M. Direct peptide interaction with surface glycosaminoglycans contributes to the cell penetration of maurocalcine. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:24274-84. [PMID: 18603532 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m709971200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Maurocalcine (MCa), initially identified from a Tunisian scorpion venom, defines a new member of the family of cell penetrating peptides by its ability to efficiently cross the plasma membrane. The initiating mechanistic step required for the cell translocation of a cell penetrating peptide implicates its binding onto cell surface components such as membrane lipids and/or heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Here we characterized the interaction of wild-type MCa and MCa K20A, a mutant analogue with reduced cell-penetration efficiency, with heparin (HP) and heparan sulfates (HS) through surface plasma resonance. HP and HS bind both to MCa, indicating that heparan sulfate proteoglycans may represent an important entry route of the peptide. This is confirmed by the fact that (i) both compounds bind with reduced affinity to MCa K20A and (ii) the cell penetration of wild-type or mutant MCa coupled to fluorescent streptavidin is reduced by about 50% in mutant Chinese hamster ovary cell lines lacking either all glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) or just HS. Incubating MCa with soluble HS, HP, or chondroitin sulfates also inhibits the cell penetration of MCa-streptavidin complexes. Analyses of the cell distributions of MCa/streptavidin in several Chinese hamster ovary cell lines show that the distribution of the complex coincides with the endosomal marker Lyso-Tracker red and is not affected by the absence of GAGs. The distribution of MCa/streptavidin is not coincident with that of transferrin receptors nor affected by a dominant-negative dynamin 2 K44A mutant, an inhibitor of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. However, entry of the complex is greatly diminished by amiloride, indicating the importance of macropinocytosis in MCa/streptavidin entry. It is concluded that (i) interaction of MCa with GAGs quantitatively improves the cell penetration of MCa, and (ii) GAG-dependent and -independent MCa penetration rely similarly on the macropinocytosis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Ram
- INSERM U836, Grenoble Institute of Neurosciences, Research Group 3, Calcium Channels, Functions, and Pathologies Laboratory, Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble Cedex 9, France
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44
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Stewart KM, Horton KL, Kelley SO. Cell-penetrating peptides as delivery vehicles for biology and medicine. Org Biomol Chem 2008; 6:2242-55. [DOI: 10.1039/b719950c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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45
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Henriques ST, Melo MN, Castanho MARB. How to address CPP and AMP translocation? Methods to detect and quantify peptide internalization in vitro and in vivo (Review). Mol Membr Biol 2007; 24:173-84. [PMID: 17520474 DOI: 10.1080/09687860601102476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Membrane translocation is a crucial issue when addressing the activity of both cell-penetrating and antimicrobial peptides. Translocation is responsible for the therapeutic potential of cell-penetrating peptides as drug carriers and can dictate the killing mechanisms, selectivity and efficiency of antimicrobial peptides. It is essential to evaluate if the internalization of cell-penetrating peptides is mediated by endocytosis and if it is able to internalize attached cargoes. The mode of action of an antimicrobial peptide cannot be fully understood if it is not known whether the peptide acts exclusively at the membrane level or also at the cytoplasm. Therefore, experimental methods to evaluate and quantify translocation processes are of first importance. In this work, over 20 methods described in the literature for the assessment of peptide translocation in vivo and in vitro, with and without attached macromolecular cargoes, are discussed and their applicability, advantages and disadvantages reviewed. In addition, a classification of these methods is proposed, based on common approaches to detect translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Troeira Henriques
- Centro de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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46
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Mabrouk K, Ram N, Boisseau S, Strappazzon F, Rehaim A, Sadoul R, Darbon H, Ronjat M, De Waard M. Critical amino acid residues of maurocalcine involved in pharmacology, lipid interaction and cell penetration. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2007; 1768:2528-40. [PMID: 17888395 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2007.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2006] [Revised: 06/05/2007] [Accepted: 06/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Maurocalcine (MCa) is a 33-amino acid residue peptide that was initially identified in the Tunisian scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus. This peptide triggers interest for three main reasons. First, it helps unravelling the mechanistic basis of Ca(2+) mobilization from the sarcoplasmic reticulum because of its sequence homology with a calcium channel domain involved in excitation-contraction coupling. Second, it shows potent pharmacological properties because of its ability to activate the ryanodine receptor. Finally, it is of technological value because of its ability to carry cell-impermeable compounds across the plasma membrane. Herein, we characterized the molecular determinants that underlie the pharmacological and cell-penetrating properties of maurocalcine. We identify several key amino acid residues of the peptide that will help the design of cell-penetrating analogues devoid of pharmacological activity and cell toxicity. Close examination of the determinants underlying cell penetration of maurocalcine reveals that basic amino acid residues are required for an interaction with negatively charged lipids of the plasma membrane. Maurocalcine analogues that penetrate better have also stronger interaction with negatively charged lipids. Conversely, less effective analogues present a diminished ability to interact with these lipids. These findings will also help the design of still more potent cell penetrating analogues of maurocalcine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamel Mabrouk
- Laboratoire Chimie Biologie et Radicaux Libre, Universite Aix-Marseille, Avenue Escadrille Normandie Niemen, 13397 Marseille, France
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Dulhunty AF, Beard NA, Pouliquin P, Casarotto MG. Agonists and antagonists of the cardiac ryanodine receptor: Potential therapeutic agents? Pharmacol Ther 2007; 113:247-63. [PMID: 17055586 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2006.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2006] [Accepted: 08/16/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This review addresses the potential use of the intracellular ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca(2+) release channel as a therapeutic target in heart disease. Heart disease encompasses a wide range of conditions with the major contributors to mortality and morbidity being ischaemic heart disease and heart failure (HF). In addition there are many rare, but devastating conditions, some of which are either genetically linked to the RyR and its regulatory proteins or involve drug-induced modification of the proteins. The defects in Ca(2+) signalling vary with the nature of the heart disease and the stage in its progress and therefore specific corrections require different modifications of Ca(2+) signalling. Compounds that activate the RyR are potential inotropic agents to increase the Ca(2+) transient and strength of contraction. Compounds that reduce RyR activity are potentially useful in conditions where excess RyR activity initiates arrhythmias, or depletes the Ca(2+) store, as in end stage HF. It has recently been discovered that the cardio-protective action of the drug JTV519 can be attributed partly to its ability to stabilise the interaction between the RyR and the 12.6 kDa binding protein for the commonly used immunosuppressive drug FK506 (FKBP12.6, known as tacrolimus). This has established the credibility of the RyR as a therapeutic target. We explore the possibility that mutations causing the rare RyR-linked arrhythmias will open the door to identification of novel RyR-based therapeutic agents. The use of regulatory binding sites within the RyR complex or on its associated proteins as templates for drug design is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela F Dulhunty
- Division of Molecular Bioscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, P.O. Box 334, ACT, 2601, Australia
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48
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Henriques S, Melo M, Castanho M. Cell-penetrating peptides and antimicrobial peptides: how different are they? Biochem J 2006; 399:1-7. [PMID: 16956326 PMCID: PMC1570158 DOI: 10.1042/bj20061100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 318] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Some cationic peptides, referred to as CPPs (cell-penetrating peptides), have the ability to translocate across biological membranes in a non-disruptive way and to overcome the impermeable nature of the cell membrane. They have been successfully used for drug delivery into mammalian cells; however, there is no consensus about the mechanism of cellular uptake. Both endocytic and non-endocytic pathways are supported by experimental evidence. The observation that some AMPs (antimicrobial peptides) can enter host cells without damaging their cytoplasmic membrane, as well as kill pathogenic agents, has also attracted attention. The capacity to translocate across the cell membrane has been reported for some of these AMPs. Like CPPs, AMPs are short and cationic sequences with a high affinity for membranes. Similarities between CPPs and AMPs prompted us to question if these two classes of peptides really belong to unrelated families. In this Review, a critical comparison of the mechanisms that underlie cellular uptake is undertaken. A reflection and a new perspective about CPPs and AMPs are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Troeira Henriques
- Centro de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Ed. C8, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Manuel Nuno Melo
- Centro de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Ed. C8, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel A. R. B. Castanho
- Centro de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Ed. C8, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
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