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Sakai S, Fujita Y, Juichi H, Nakagawa Y, Miyashita M. Chemical synthesis and functional characterization of LaIT3, an insecticidal two-domain peptide in Liocheles australasiae venom. Toxicon 2024; 238:107564. [PMID: 38113946 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
LaIT3, belonging to the β-KTx family, is an insecticidal peptide in the venom of the Liocheles australasiae scorpion. Peptides in the family consist of two structural domains: an N-terminal domain with an α-helical structure common to antimicrobial peptides and a C-terminal domain with a structure stabilized by three disulfide bonds common to ion-channel blocking peptides. However, the contribution of each domain of LaIT3 to its activity remained unknown. In addition, some peptidic components are known to be enzymatically cleaved in the venom, which generates partial peptides. In our study, we searched for partial peptides of LaIT3 using LC/MS analysis and found peptides generated by cleavage at the central region of LaIT3. We subsequently synthesized full-length LaIT3 and its partial peptides to evaluate their insecticidal activity. The results, showing that only full-length LaIT3 is active, indicate that the insecticidal activity of LaIT3 depends on the presence of both N-terminal and C-terminal domains. Furthermore, LaIT3 did not exhibit the cytolytic activity against insect cells and showed only weak antibacterial activity. These findings suggest that its action is not due to a simple membrane disruption effect but instead due to actions on specific target molecules, including ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichi Sakai
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yuumi Fujita
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hironori Juichi
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Masahiro Miyashita
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
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Titaux-Delgado G, Lopez-Giraldo AE, Carrillo E, Cofas-Vargas LF, Carranza LE, López-Vera E, García-Hernández E, Del Rio-Portilla F. Beta-KTx14.3, a scorpion toxin, blocks the human potassium channel KCNQ1. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2023; 1871:140906. [PMID: 36918120 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2023.140906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Potassium channels play a key role in regulating many physiological processes, thus, alterations in their proper functioning can lead to the development of several diseases. Hence, the search for compounds capable of regulating the activity of these channels constitutes an intense field of investigation. Potassium scorpion toxins are grouped into six subfamilies (α, β, γ, κ, δ, and λ). However, experimental structures and functional analyses of the long chain β-KTx subfamily are lacking. In this study, we recombinantly produced the toxins TcoKIK and beta-KTx14.3 present in the venom of Tityus costatus and Lychas mucronatus scorpions, respectively. The 3D structures of these β-KTx toxins were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance. In both toxins, the N-terminal region is unstructured, while the C-terminal possesses the classic CSα/β motif. TcoKIK did not show any clear activity against frog Shaker and human KCNQ1 potassium channels; however, beta-KTx14.3 was able to block the KCNQ1 channel. The toxin-channel interaction mode was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The results showed that this toxin could form a stable network of polar-to-polar and hydrophobic interactions with KCNQ1, involving key conserved residues in both molecular partners. The discovery and characterization of a toxin capable of inhibiting KCNQ1 pave the way for the future development of novel drugs for the treatment of human diseases caused by the malfunction of this potassium channel. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Scorpion toxins have been shown to rarely block human KCNQ1 channels, which participate in the regulation of cardiac processes. In this study, we obtained recombinant beta-KTx14.3 and TcoKIK toxins and determined their 3D structures by nuclear magnetic resonance. Electrophysiological studies and molecular dynamics models were employed to examine the interactions between these two toxins and the human KCNQ1, which is the major driver channel of cardiac repolarization; beta-KTx14.3 was found to block effectively this channel. Our findings provide insights for the development of novel toxin-based drugs for the treatment of cardiac channelopathies involving KCNQ1-like channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Titaux-Delgado
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Andrea Estefanía Lopez-Giraldo
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Elisa Carrillo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Luis Fernando Cofas-Vargas
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Luis Enrique Carranza
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Estuardo López-Vera
- Laboratorio de Toxinología Marina, Unidad Académica de Ecología y Biodiversidad Acuática, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Enrique García-Hernández
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico.
| | - Federico Del Rio-Portilla
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico.
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Pashmforoosh N, Baradaran M. Peptides with Diverse Functions from Scorpion Venom: A Great Opportunity for the Treatment of a Wide Variety of Diseases. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:84-99. [PMID: 37070616 PMCID: PMC10314758 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran The venom glands are a rich source of biologically important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. Scorpion venoms have been identified as a reservoir for components that might be considered as great candidates for drug development. Pharmacological properties of the venom compounds have been confirmed in the treatment of different disorders. Ion channel blockers and AMPs are the main groups of scorpion venom components. Despite the existence of several studies about scorpion peptides, there are still valuable components to be discovered. Additionally, owing to the improvement of proteomics and transcriptomics, the number of peptide drugs is steadily increasing, which reflects the importance of these medications. This review evaluates available literatures on some important scorpion venom peptides with pharmaceutical activities. Given that the last three years have been dominated by the COVID-19 from the medical/pharmaceutical perspective, scorpion compounds with the potential against the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoumeh Baradaran
- Corresponding Author: Masoumeh Baradaran Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; E-mail:
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Cordeiro FA, Amorim FG, Boldrini-França J, Pinheiro-Júnior EL, Cardoso IA, Zoccal KF, Peigneur S, Faccioli LH, Tytgat J, Arantes EC. Heterologous expression of Ts8, a neurotoxin from Tityus serrulatus venom, evidences its antifungal activity. Toxicon 2022; 218:47-56. [PMID: 36063971 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study we expressed the Ts8, a neurotoxin from Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom, in Pichia pastoris yeast. We evaluated the peptide expression in different conditions, such as pH, temperature, and addition of casamino acids supplement. Analyses of expressed products by mass spectrometry and Edman degradation showed that rTs8 has sites that allow its cleavage by yeast proteases released into the culture medium. The casamino acids addition was favourable for toxin expression, however, was not sufficient to minimize proteolytic degradation. Functional assays with recombinant toxin fragments and native toxins have demonstrated the release of cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β in some peptides tested. In addition, the toxins were shown to inhibit the Pichia pastoris growth in antifungal test and were not toxic to alveolar macrophages cells at the concentrations analyzed The electrophysiological screening, by voltage clamp technique, showed that the rTs8 fragment with the highest molecular weight inhibited the Kv1.3 channel, whereas the N-terminal fragment had no activity on the ion channels tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francielle Almeida Cordeiro
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Gobbi Amorim
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Liège, Bât. B6C Laboratoire de spectrométrie de Masse (L.S.M.), Quartier Agora, Allée du six Août 11, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Johara Boldrini-França
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | | | - Iara Aimê Cardoso
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Karina Furlani Zoccal
- Center University Barão of Mauá, St. Ramos of Azavedo, N 423, 14090-062, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, O&N II Herestraat 49 - PO Box 922, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucia Helena Faccioli
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, O&N II Herestraat 49 - PO Box 922, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
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5
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Borrego J, Feher A, Jost N, Panyi G, Varga Z, Papp F. Peptide Inhibitors of Kv1.5: An Option for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1303. [PMID: 34959701 PMCID: PMC8704205 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human voltage gated potassium channel Kv1.5 that conducts the IKur current is a key determinant of the atrial action potential. Its mutations have been linked to hereditary forms of atrial fibrillation (AF), and the channel is an attractive target for the management of AF. The development of IKur blockers to treat AF resulted in small molecule Kv1.5 inhibitors. The selectivity of the blocker for the target channel plays an important role in the potential therapeutic application of the drug candidate: the higher the selectivity, the lower the risk of side effects. In this respect, small molecule inhibitors of Kv1.5 are compromised due to their limited selectivity. A wide range of peptide toxins from venomous animals are targeting ion channels, including mammalian channels. These peptides usually have a much larger interacting surface with the ion channel compared to small molecule inhibitors and thus, generally confer higher selectivity to the peptide blockers. We found two peptides in the literature, which inhibited IKur: Ts6 and Osu1. Their affinity and selectivity for Kv1.5 can be improved by rational drug design in which their amino acid sequences could be modified in a targeted way guided by in silico docking experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Borrego
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Adam Feher
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Norbert Jost
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary;
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Research Group for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Zoltan Varga
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Ferenc Papp
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
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Simone Y, van der Meijden A. Armed stem to stinger: a review of the ecological roles of scorpion weapons. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210002. [PMID: 34527038 PMCID: PMC8425188 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpions possess two systems of weapons: the pincers (chelae) and the stinger (telson). These are placed on anatomically and developmentally well separated parts of the body, that is, the oral appendages and at the end of the body axis. The otherwise conserved body plan of scorpions varies most in the shape and relative dimensions of these two weapon systems, both across species and in some cases between the sexes. We review the literature on the ecological function of these two weapon systems in each of three contexts of usage: (i) predation, (ii) defense and (iii) sexual contests. In the latter context, we will also discuss their usage in mating. We first provide a comparative background for each of these contexts of usage by giving examples of other weapon systems from across the animal kingdom. Then, we discuss the pertinent aspects of the anatomy of the weapon systems, particularly those aspects relevant to their functioning in their ecological roles. The literature on the functioning and ecological role of both the chelae and the telson is discussed in detail, again organized by context of usage. Particular emphasis is given on the differences in morphology or usage between species or higher taxonomic groups, or between genders, as such cases are most insightful to understand the roles of each of the two distinct weapon systems of the scorpions and their evolutionary interactions. We aimed to synthesize the literature while minimizing conjecture, but also to point out gaps in the literature and potential future research opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Simone
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Porto, Portugal
| | - Arie van der Meijden
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Porto, Portugal
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Genomic Structure of Two Kv1.3 Channel Blockers from Scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus and Sea Anemone Stichodactyla haddoni and Construction of their Chimeric Peptide as a Novel Blocker. Biochem Genet 2021; 60:504-526. [PMID: 34286408 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-021-10109-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Different toxins acting on Kv1.3 channel have been isolated from animal venom. MeuKTX toxin from Mesobuthus eupeus phillipsi scorpion and shtx-k toxin from Stichodactyla haddoni sea anemone have been identified as two effective Kv1.3 channel blockers. In this work, we characterized the genomic organization of both toxins. MeuKTX gene contains one intron and two exons, similar to the most scorpion toxins. There are a few reports of genomic structure of sea anemone toxins acting on Kv channels. The sequence encoding mature peptide of shtx-k was located in an exon separated by an intron from the coding exon of the propeptide and signal region. In order to make a peptide with more affinity for Kv1.3 channel and greater stability, the shtx-k/ MeuKTX chimeric peptide was designed and constructed using splicing by overlap extension-PCR (SOE-PCR) method. MeuKTX, shtx-k, and shtx-k/MeuKTX were cloned and the expression of the soluble proteins in E. coli was determined. Molecular docking studies indicated more inhibitory effect of shtx-k/MeuKTX on Kv1.3 channel compared to shtx-k and MeuKTX toxins. Key amino acids binding channel from both toxins, also involved in interaction of chimeric peptide with channel. Our results showed that the fusion peptide, shtx-k/MeuKTX could be an effective agent to target Kv1.3 channel.
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8
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Tamura M, Tatsushiro C, Morita EH, Ohki S. Overexpression and purification of a toxic peptide LaIT2 from Japanese scorpion, Liocheles australasiae. Protein Expr Purif 2021; 182:105835. [PMID: 33548456 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2021.105835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In Japan, there are two species of scorpions, Madara scorpion (Isometrus maculatus) and Yaeyama scorpion (Liocheles australasiae), and both of them are living in Yaeyama island. It has been shown that Liocheles australasiae has venom including β-toxin acting on K+-channels (β-KTx) (Juichi et al., 2018) [1]. Interestingly, LaIT2, one of the toxins found in the venom of Liocheles australasiae, displays the virulence for insects but almost not for mammals. Until now, molecular mechanism of the functional specificity of LaIT2 is unknown. To clear this issue, we tried to establish the overexpression system of LaIT2 in Rosetta-gami B (DE3) pLysS, which have trxB/gor mutations to induce the disulfide bond formation. In this study, we have succeeded to overexpress the recombinant LaIT2 (rLaIT2) as a thioredoxin (Trx)-tagged protein, and established the purification protocol with Ni2+-NTA column chromatography, enterokinase digestion, and HPLC. We succeeded to obtain approximately 0.5 mg of rLaIT2 from the E. coli cells cultured in 1 L of M9 culture medium. Intramolecular disulfide bonding pattern of rLaIT2 was identified by endopeptidase fragmentation and mass spectrometry. rLaIT2 showed insecticidal activity and antimicrobial activity, and these are almost identical to those of natural LaIT2. 1H-15N HSQC spectrum of 15N-labeled rLaIT2 indicated that the rLaIT2 has a stable conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiki Tamura
- Graduate School of Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa, 923-1292, Japan
| | - Chiharu Tatsushiro
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Josai University, 1-1Keyakidai, Sakado-shi, Saitama, 350-0295, Japan
| | - Eugene Hayato Morita
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Josai University, 1-1Keyakidai, Sakado-shi, Saitama, 350-0295, Japan
| | - Shinya Ohki
- Graduate School of Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa, 923-1292, Japan.
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Recombinant C-Terminal Domains from Scorpine-like Peptides Inhibit the Plasmodium berghei Ookinete Development In Vitro. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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10
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Sampaio de Oliveira KB, Leite ML, Rodrigues GR, Duque HM, da Costa RA, Cunha VA, de Loiola Costa LS, da Cunha NB, Franco OL, Dias SC. Strategies for recombinant production of antimicrobial peptides with pharmacological potential. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2020; 13:367-390. [PMID: 32357080 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1764347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The need to develop new drugs for the control of pathogenic microorganisms has redoubled efforts to prospect for antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from natural sources and to characterize its structure and function. These molecules present a broad spectrum of action against different microorganisms and frequently present promiscuous action, with anticancer and immunomodulatory activities. Furthermore, AMPs can be used as biopharmaceuticals in the treatment of hospital-acquired infections and other serious diseases with relevant social and economic impacts.Areas covered: The low yield and the therefore difficult extraction and purification process in AMPs are problems that limit their industrial application and scientific research. Thus, optimized heterologous expression systems were developed to significantly boost AMP yields, allow high efficiency in purification and structural optimization for the increase of therapeutic activity.Expert opinion: This review provides an update on recent developments in the recombinant production of ribosomal and non-ribosomal synthesis of AMPs and on strategies to increase the expression of genes encoding AMPs at the transcriptional and translational levels and regulation of the post-translational modifications. Moreover, there are detailed reports of AMPs that have already reached marketable status or are in the pipeline under advanced stages of preclinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Botelho Sampaio de Oliveira
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília , Brasília, Brazil
| | - Michel Lopes Leite
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília , Brasília, Brazil
| | - Gisele Regina Rodrigues
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília , Brasília, Brazil
| | - Harry Morales Duque
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília , Brasília, Brazil
| | - Rosiane Andrade da Costa
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília , Brasília, Brazil
| | - Victor Albuquerque Cunha
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília , Brasília, Brazil
| | - Lorena Sousa de Loiola Costa
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília , Brasília, Brazil
| | - Nicolau Brito da Cunha
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília , Brasília, Brazil
| | - Octavio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília , Brasília, Brazil.,Universidade de Brasília, Pós-graduação em Patologia Molecular, Campus Darcy Ribeiro , Brasília, Brazil.,S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco , Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Simoni Campos Dias
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília , Brasília, Brazil.,Universidade de Brasília, Pós-graduação em Biologia Animal, Campus Darcy Ribeiro , Brasília, Brazil
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Sabiá Júnior EF, Menezes LFS, de Araújo IFS, Schwartz EF. Natural Occurrence in Venomous Arthropods of Antimicrobial Peptides Active against Protozoan Parasites. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E563. [PMID: 31557900 PMCID: PMC6832604 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthropoda is a phylum of invertebrates that has undergone remarkable evolutionary radiation, with a wide range of venomous animals. Arthropod venom is a complex mixture of molecules and a source of new compounds, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Most AMPs affect membrane integrity and produce lethal pores in microorganisms, including protozoan pathogens, whereas others act on internal targets or by modulation of the host immune system. Protozoan parasites cause some serious life-threatening diseases among millions of people worldwide, mostly affecting the poorest in developing tropical regions. Humans can be infected with protozoan parasites belonging to the genera Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Plasmodium, and Toxoplasma, responsible for Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, malaria, and toxoplasmosis. There is not yet any cure or vaccine for these illnesses, and the current antiprotozoal chemotherapeutic compounds are inefficient and toxic and have been in clinical use for decades, which increases drug resistance. In this review, we will present an overview of AMPs, the diverse modes of action of AMPs on protozoan targets, and the prospection of novel AMPs isolated from venomous arthropods with the potential to become novel clinical agents to treat protozoan-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Ferreira Sabiá Júnior
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Luis Felipe Santos Menezes
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Israel Flor Silva de Araújo
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
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Rojas-Azofeifa D, Sasa M, Lomonte B, Diego-García E, Ortiz N, Bonilla F, Murillo R, Tytgat J, Díaz C. Biochemical characterization of the venom of Central American scorpion Didymocentrus krausi Francke, 1978 (Diplocentridae) and its toxic effects in vivo and in vitro. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2019; 217:54-67. [PMID: 30517877 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2018.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Venoms of medically important scorpions from Buthidae family have been intensively studied, in contrast to non-buthid venoms, for which knowledge is scarce. In this work, we characterized the venom of a Diplocentridae species, Didymocentrus krausi, a small fossorial scorpion that inhabits the Tropical Dry Forest of Central America. D. krausi venom soluble fraction contains proteases with enzymatic activity on gelatin and casein. Mass spectrometry and venomic analysis confirmed the presence of elastase-like, cathepsin-O-like proteases and a neprilysin-like metalloproteinase. We did not detect phospholipase A2, C or D, nor hyaluronidase activity in the venom. By homology-based venom gland transcriptomic analysis, NDBPs, a β-KTx-like peptide, and other putative toxin transcripts were found, which, together with a p-benzoquinone compound present in the venom, could potentially explain its direct hemolytic and cytotoxic effects in several mammalian cell lines. Cytotoxicity of D. krausi venom was higher than the effect of venoms from two buthid scorpion species distributed in Costa Rica, Centruroides edwardsii and Tityus pachyurus. Even though D. krausi venom was not lethal to mice or crickets, when injected in mouse gastrocnemius muscle at high doses it induced pathological effects at 24 h, which include myonecrosis, weak hemorrhage, and inflammatory infiltration. We observed an apparent thrombotic effect in the skin blood vessels, but no in vitro fibrinogenolytic activity was detected. In crickets, D. krausi venom induced toxicity and paralysis in short periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rojas-Azofeifa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Elia Diego-García
- Cátedras CONACYT-El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Natalia Ortiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Fabián Bonilla
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Renato Murillo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Productos Naturales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cecilia Díaz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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Juichi H, Ando R, Ishido T, Miyashita M, Nakagawa Y, Miyagawa H. Chemical synthesis of a two-domain scorpion toxin LaIT2 and its single-domain analogs to elucidate structural factors important for insecticidal and antimicrobial activities. J Pept Sci 2018; 24:e3133. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Juichi
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Ryo Ando
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Takafumi Ishido
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Masahiro Miyashita
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nakagawa
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Hisashi Miyagawa
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
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K V1.2 channel-specific blocker from Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom: Structural basis of selectivity. Neuropharmacology 2018; 143:228-238. [PMID: 30248306 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom is an unmatched source of selective high-affinity ligands of potassium channels. There is a high demand for such compounds to identify and manipulate the activity of particular channel isoforms. The objective of this study was to obtain and characterize a specific ligand of voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.2. As a result, we report the remarkable selectivity of the peptide MeKTx11-1 (α-KTx 1.16) from Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom to this channel isoform. MeKTx11-1 is a high-affinity blocker of KV1.2 (IC50 ∼0.2 nM), while its activity against KV1.1, KV1.3, and KV1.6 is 10 000, 330 and 45 000 fold lower, respectively, as measured using the voltage-clamp technique on mammalian channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Two substitutions, G9V and P37S, convert MeKTx11-1 to its natural analog MeKTx11-3 (α-KTx 1.17) having 15 times lower activity and reduced selectivity to KV1.2. We produced MeKTx11-1 and MeKTx11-3 as well as their mutants MeKTx11-1(G9V) and MeKTx11-1(P37S) recombinantly and demonstrated that point mutations provide an intermediate effect on selectivity. Key structural elements that explain MeKTx11-1 specificity were identified by molecular modeling of the toxin-channel complexes. Confirming our molecular modeling predictions, site-directed transfer of these elements from the pore region of KV1.2 to KV1.3 resulted in the enhanced sensitivity of mutant KV1.3 channels to MeKTx11-1. We conclude that MeKTx11-1 may be used as a selective tool in neurobiology.
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Zhang S, Gao B, Wang X, Zhu S. Loop Replacement Enhances the Ancestral Antibacterial Function of a Bifunctional Scorpion Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10060227. [PMID: 29867003 PMCID: PMC6024585 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10060227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
On the basis of the evolutionary relationship between scorpion toxins targeting K+ channels (KTxs) and antibacterial defensins (Zhu S., Peigneur S., Gao B., Umetsu Y., Ohki S., Tytgat J. Experimental conversion of a defensin into a neurotoxin: Implications for origin of toxic function. Mol. Biol. Evol. 2014, 31, 546–559), we performed protein engineering experiments to modify a bifunctional KTx (i.e., weak inhibitory activities on both K+ channels and bacteria) via substituting its carboxyl loop with the structurally equivalent loop of contemporary defensins. As expected, the engineered peptide (named MeuTXKα3-KFGGI) remarkably improved the antibacterial activity, particularly on some Gram-positive bacteria, including several antibiotic-resistant opportunistic pathogens. Compared with the unmodified toxin, its antibacterial spectrum also enlarged. Our work provides a new method to enhance the antibacterial activity of bifunctional scorpion venom peptides, which might be useful in engineering other proteins with an ancestral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangfei Zhang
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Bin Gao
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Xueli Wang
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
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Amorim FG, Cordeiro FA, Pinheiro-Júnior EL, Boldrini-França J, Arantes EC. Microbial production of toxins from the scorpion venom: properties and applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:6319-6331. [PMID: 29858954 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9122-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom are composed mainly of bioactive proteins and peptides that may serve as lead compounds for the design of biotechnological tools and therapeutic drugs. However, exploring the therapeutic potential of scorpion venom components is mainly impaired by the low yield of purified toxins from milked venom. Therefore, production of toxin-derived peptides and proteins by heterologous expression is the strategy of choice for research groups and pharmaceutical industry to overcome this limitation. Recombinant expression in microorganisms is often the first choice, since bacteria and yeast systems combine high level of recombinant protein expression, fast cell growth and multiplication and simple media requirement. Herein, we present a comprehensive revision, which describes the scorpion venom components that were produced in their recombinant forms using microbial systems. In addition, we highlight the pros and cons of performing the heterologous expression of these compounds, regarding the particularities of each microorganism and how these processes can affect the application of these venom components. The most used microbial system in the heterologous expression of scorpion venom components is Escherichia coli (85%), and among all the recombinant venom components produced, 69% were neurotoxins. This review may light up future researchers in the choice of the best expression system to produce scorpion venom components of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Gobbi Amorim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
| | - Francielle Almeida Cordeiro
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Ernesto Lopes Pinheiro-Júnior
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Johara Boldrini-França
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
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Meucin-49, a multifunctional scorpion venom peptide with bactericidal synergy with neurotoxins. Amino Acids 2018; 50:1025-1043. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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18
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Deng Y, Gu J, Yan Z, Wang M, Ma C, Zhang J, Jiang G, Ge M, Xu S, Xu Z, Xiao L. De novo transcriptomic analysis of the venomous glands from the scorpion Heterometrus spinifer revealed unique and extremely high diversity of the venom peptides. Toxicon 2018; 143:1-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.12.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Gao B, Zhu S. Mesobuthus Venom-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides Possess Intrinsic Multifunctionality and Differential Potential as Drugs. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:320. [PMID: 29599756 PMCID: PMC5863496 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms are a mixture of peptides and proteins that serve two basic biological functions: predation and defense against both predators and microbes. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a common component extensively present in various scorpion venoms (herein abbreviated as svAMPs). However, their roles in predation and defense against predators and potential as drugs are poorly understood. Here, we report five new venom peptides with antimicrobial activity from two Mesobuthus scorpion species. These α-helical linear peptides displayed highly bactericidal activity toward all the Gram-positive bacteria used here but differential activity against Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. In addition to the antibiotic activity, these AMPs displayed lethality to houseflies and hemotoxin-like toxicity on mice by causing hemolysis, tissue damage and inducing inflammatory pain. Unlike AMPs from other origins, these venom-derived AMPs seem to be unsuitable as anti-infective drugs due to their high hemolysis and low serum stability. However, MeuTXKβ1, a known two-domain Mesobuthus AMP, is an exception since it exhibits high activity toward antibiotic resistant Staphylococci clinical isolates with low hemolysis and high serum stability. The findings that the classical AMPs play predatory and defensive roles indicate that the multifunctionality of scorpion venom components is an intrinsic feature likely evolved by natural selection from microbes, prey and predators of scorpions. This definitely provides an excellent system in which one can study how a protein adaptively evolves novel functions in a new environment. Meantimes, new strategies are needed to remove the toxicity of svAMPs on eukaryotic cells when they are used as leads for anti-infective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Gao
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Zhang S, Gao B, Zhu S. Independent Origins of Scorpion Toxins Affecting Potassium and Sodium Channels. EVOLUTION OF VENOMOUS ANIMALS AND THEIR TOXINS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-6458-3_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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21
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Zhong J, Zeng XC, Zeng X, Nie Y, Zhang L, Wu S, Bao A. Transcriptomic analysis of the venom glands from the scorpion Hadogenes troglodytes revealed unique and extremely high diversity of the venom peptides. J Proteomics 2016; 150:40-62. [PMID: 27519694 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hadogenes is a genus of large African scorpions with 18 described species. However, little is known about the venom peptide composition of any species from Hadogenes so far. Here, we fully explored the composition of venom gland peptides from Hadogenes troglodytes using transcriptomic approach. We discovered 121 novel peptides from the scorpion, including 20 new-type peptides cross-linked with one, two, three, four or seven disulfide bridges, respectively, 11 novel K+-channel toxin-like peptides, 2 novel ryanodine receptors-specific toxin-like peptides, a unique peptide containing the cysteine knots of spider toxins, 15 novel La1-like toxins, 3 novel TIL domain-containing peptides, 5 novel peptides with atypical cysteine patterns, 19 novel antimicrobial peptides, 6 novel cysteine-free peptides and 39 new-type cysteine-free peptides. Among them, the new-type peptides are largely dominant; this highlights the unique diversity of the venom gland peptides from H. troglodytes. Some of the new peptides would serve as new molecular probes for the investigations of cellular ion channels and other receptors, or offer new templates for the development of therapeutic drugs for the treatment of ion channel-associated diseases, and infections caused by antibiotics-resistant pathogens. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE In this study, we fully explored the composition of venom gland peptides from the scorpion Hadogenes troglodytes using transcriptomic approach. We discovered a total of 121 novel peptides from the venom glands of the scorpion, of which new-type peptides are largely dominant. These data highlight the unique diversity of the venom gland peptides from the scorpion H. troglodytes, gain insights into new mechanisms for the scorpion to subdue its prey and predators, and enlarge the protein database of scorpion venom glands. The discovery of a lot of novel peptides provides new templates for the development of therapeutic drugs, and offers new molecular materials for the basic researches of various cellular receptors, and for the evolutionary investigations of scorpion toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhong
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Xian-Chun Zeng
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China.
| | - Xin Zeng
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Yao Nie
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Shifen Wu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Aorigele Bao
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
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Flores-Solis D, Toledano Y, Rodríguez-Lima O, Cano-Sánchez P, Ramírez-Cordero BE, Landa A, Rodríguez de la Vega RC, del Rio-Portilla F. Solution structure and antiparasitic activity of scorpine-like peptides fromHoffmannihadrurus gertschi. FEBS Lett 2016; 590:2286-96. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Flores-Solis
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas; Instituto de Química; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU; Ciudad de México México
| | - Yanis Toledano
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas; Instituto de Química; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU; Ciudad de México México
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Nuclear; Facultad de Química; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU; Ciudad de México México
| | - Oscar Rodríguez-Lima
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Facultad de Medicina; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU; Ciudad de México México
| | - Patricia Cano-Sánchez
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas; Instituto de Química; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU; Ciudad de México México
| | - Belen Ernestina Ramírez-Cordero
- División de Neurociencias; Departamento de Neuropatología Molecular; Instituto de Fisiología Celular; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU; Ciudad de México México
| | - Abraham Landa
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Facultad de Medicina; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU; Ciudad de México México
| | | | - Federico del Rio-Portilla
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas; Instituto de Química; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU; Ciudad de México México
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Potassium channel blockers from the venom of the Brazilian scorpion Tityus serrulatus (). Toxicon 2016; 119:253-65. [PMID: 27349167 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Potassium (K(+)) channels are trans-membrane proteins, which play a key role in cellular excitability and signal transduction pathways. Scorpion toxins blocking the ion-conducting pore from the external side have been invaluable probes to elucidate the structural, functional, and physio-pathological characteristics of these ion channels. This review will focus on the interaction between K(+) channels and their peptide blockers isolated from the venom of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus, which is considered as the most dangerous scorpion in Brazil, in particular in Minas-Gerais State, where many casualties are described each year. The primary mechanisms of action of these K(+) blockers will be discussed in correlation with their structure, very often non-canonical compared to those of other well known K(+) channels blockers purified from other scorpion venoms. Also, special attention will be brought to the most recent data obtained by proteomic and transcriptomic analyses on Tityus serrulatus venoms and venom glands.
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Kuzmenkov AI, Grishin EV, Vassilevski AA. Diversity of Potassium Channel Ligands: Focus on Scorpion Toxins. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2016; 80:1764-99. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006297915130118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Wang X, Gao B, Zhu S. A single-point mutation enhances dual functionality of a scorpion toxin. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2016; 179:72-8. [PMID: 26358403 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom represents a tremendous, hitherto partially explored peptide library that has been proven to be useful not only for understanding ion channels but also for drug design. MeuTXKα3 is a functionally unknown scorpion toxin-like peptide. Here we describe new transcripts of this gene arising from alternative polyadenylation and its biological function as well as a mutant with a single-point substitution at site 30. Native-like MeuTXKα3 and its mutant were produced in Escherichia coli and their toxic function against Drosophila Shaker K(+) channel and its mammalian counterparts (rKv1.1-rKv1.3) were assayed by two-electrode voltage clamp technique. The results show that MeuTXKα3 is a weak toxin with a wide-spectrum of activity on both Drosophila and mammalian K(+) channels. The substitution of a proline at site 30 by an asparagine, an evolutionarily conserved functional residue in the scorpion α-KTx family, led to an increased activity on rKv1.2 and rKv1.3 but a decreased activity on the Shaker channel without changing the potency on rKv1.1, suggesting a key role of this site in species selectivity of scorpion toxins. MeuTXKα3 was also active on a variety of bacteria with lethal concentrations ranging from 4.66 to 52.01μM and the mutant even had stronger activity on some of these bacterial species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a bi-functional short-chain peptide in the lesser Asian scorpion venom. Further extensive mutations of MeuTXKα3 at site 30 could help improve its K(+) channel-blocking and antibacterial functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueli Wang
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects & Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Bin Gao
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects & Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects & Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, 100101 Beijing, China.
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Trancriptomic approach reveals the molecular diversity of Hottentotta conspersus (Buthidae) venom. Toxicon 2015; 99:73-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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27
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Luna-Ramírez K, Quintero-Hernández V, Juárez-González VR, Possani LD. Whole Transcriptome of the Venom Gland from Urodacus yaschenkoi Scorpion. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127883. [PMID: 26020943 PMCID: PMC4447460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Australian scorpion venoms have been poorly studied, probably because they do not pose an evident threat to humans. In addition, the continent has other medically important venomous animals capable of causing serious health problems. Urodacus yaschenkoi belongs to the most widely distributed family of Australian scorpions (Urodacidae) and it is found all over the continent, making it a useful model system for studying venom composition and evolution. This communication reports the whole set of mRNA transcripts produced by the venom gland. U. yaschenkoi venom is as complex as its overseas counterparts. These transcripts certainly code for several components similar to known scorpion venom components, such as: alpha-KTxs, beta-KTxs, calcins, protease inhibitors, antimicrobial peptides, sodium-channel toxins, toxin-like peptides, allergens, La1-like, hyaluronidases, ribosomal proteins, proteasome components and proteins related to cellular processes. A comparison with the venom gland transcriptome of Centruroides noxius (Buthidae) showed that these two scorpions have similar components related to biological processes, although important differences occur among the venom toxins. In contrast, a comparison with sequences reported for Urodacus manicatus revealed that these two Urodacidae species possess the same subfamily of scorpion toxins. A comparison with sequences of an U. yaschenkoi cDNA library previously reported by our group showed that both techniques are reliable for the description of the venom components, but the whole transcriptome generated with Next Generation Sequencing platform provides sequences of all transcripts expressed. Several of which were identified in the proteome, but many more transcripts were identified including uncommon transcripts. The information reported here constitutes a reference for non-Buthidae scorpion venoms, providing a comprehensive view of genes that are involved in venom production. Further, this work identifies new putative bioactive compounds that could be used to seed research into new pharmacological compounds and increase our understanding of the function of different ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Luna-Ramírez
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Verónica Quintero-Hernández
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Víctor Rivelino Juárez-González
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Lourival D. Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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Kuzmenkov AI, Vassilevski AA, Kudryashova KS, Nekrasova OV, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, Feofanov AV, Kirpichnikov MP, Grishin EV. Variability of Potassium Channel Blockers in Mesobuthus eupeus Scorpion Venom with Focus on Kv1.1: AN INTEGRATED TRANSCRIPTOMIC AND PROTEOMIC STUDY. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:12195-209. [PMID: 25792741 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.637611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The lesser Asian scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus (Buthidae) is one of the most widely spread and dispersed species of the Mesobuthus genus, and its venom is actively studied. Nevertheless, a considerable amount of active compounds is still under-investigated due to the high complexity of this venom. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of putative potassium channel toxins (KTxs) from the cDNA library of M. eupeus venom glands, and we compare the deduced KTx structures with peptides purified from the venom. For the transcriptome analysis, we used conventional tools as well as a search for structural motifs characteristic of scorpion venom components in the form of regular expressions. We found 59 candidate KTxs distributed in 30 subfamilies and presenting the cysteine-stabilized α/β and inhibitor cystine knot types of fold. M. eupeus venom was then separated to individual components by multistage chromatography. A facile fluorescent system based on the expression of the KcsA-Kv1.1 hybrid channels in Escherichia coli and utilization of a labeled scorpion toxin was elaborated and applied to follow Kv1.1 pore binding activity during venom separation. As a result, eight high affinity Kv1.1 channel blockers were identified, including five novel peptides, which extend the panel of potential pharmacologically important Kv1 ligands. Activity of the new peptides against rat Kv1.1 channel was confirmed (IC50 in the range of 1-780 nm) by the two-electrode voltage clamp technique using a standard Xenopus oocyte system. Our integrated approach is of general utility and efficiency to mine natural venoms for KTxs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey I Kuzmenkov
- From the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- From the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia,
| | - Kseniya S Kudryashova
- From the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia, the Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia, and
| | - Oksana V Nekrasova
- From the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Steve Peigneur
- the Laboratory of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Jan Tytgat
- the Laboratory of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Alexey V Feofanov
- From the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia, the Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia, and
| | - Mikhail P Kirpichnikov
- From the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia, the Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia, and
| | - Eugene V Grishin
- From the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
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Diego-García E, Caliskan F, Tytgat J. The Mediterranean scorpion Mesobuthus gibbosus (Scorpiones, Buthidae): transcriptome analysis and organization of the genome encoding chlorotoxin-like peptides. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:295. [PMID: 24746279 PMCID: PMC4234519 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcrof toxin genes of scorpion species have been published. Up to this moment, no information on the gene characterization of M. gibbosus is available. Results This study provides the first insight into gene expression in venom glands from M. gibbosus scorpion. A cDNA library was generated from the venom glands and subsequently analyzed (301 clones). Sequences from 177 high-quality ESTs were grouped as 48 Mgib sequences, of those 48 sequences, 40 (29 “singletons” and 11 “contigs”) correspond with one or more ESTs. We identified putative precursor sequences and were grouped them in different categories (39 unique transcripts, one with alternative reading frames), resulting in the identification of 12 new toxin-like and 5 antimicrobial precursors (transcripts). The analysis of the gene families revealed several new components categorized among various toxin families with effect on ion channels. Sequence analysis of a new KTx precursor provides evidence to validate a new KTx subfamily (α-KTx 27.x). A second part of this work involves the genomic organization of three Meg-chlorotoxin-like genes (ClTxs). Genomic DNA sequence reveals close similarities (presence of one same-phase intron) with the sole genomic organization of chlorotoxins ever reported (from M. martensii). Conclusions Transcriptome analysis is a powerful strategy that provides complete information of the gene expression and molecular diversity of the venom glands (telson). In this work, we generated the first catalogue of the gene expression and genomic organization of toxins from M. gibbosus. Our result represents a relevant contribution to the knowledge of toxin transcripts and complementary information related with other cell function proteins and venom peptide transcripts. The genomic organization of the chlorotoxin genes may help to understand the diversity of this gene family.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg O& N2,PO Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Landoulsi Z, Miceli F, Palmese A, Amoresano A, Marino G, El Ayeb M, Taglialatela M, Benkhalifa R. Subtype-selective activation of K(v)7 channels by AaTXKβ₂₋₆₄, a novel toxin variant from the Androctonus australis scorpion venom. Mol Pharmacol 2013; 84:763-73. [PMID: 24019223 DOI: 10.1124/mol.113.088971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
K(v)7.4 channel subunits are expressed in central auditory pathways and in inner ear sensory hair cells and skeletal and smooth muscle cells. Openers of K(v)7.4 channels have been suggested to improve hearing loss, systemic or pulmonary arterial hypertension, urinary incontinence, gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric diseases, and skeletal muscle disorders. Scorpion venoms are a large source of peptides active on K⁺ channels. Therefore, we have optimized a combined purification/screening procedure to identify specific modulator(s) of K(v)7.4 channels from the venom of the North African scorpion Androctonus australis (Aa). We report the isolation and functional characterization of AaTXKβ₂₋₆₄, a novel variant of AaTXKβ₁₋₆₄, in a high-performance liquid chromatography fraction from Aa venom (named P8), which acts as the first peptide activator of K(v)7.4 channels. In particular, in both Xenopus oocytes and mammalian Chinese hamster ovary cells, AaTXKβ₂₋₆₄, but not AaTXKβ₁₋₆₄, hyperpolarized the threshold voltage of current activation and increased the maximal currents of heterologously expressed K(v)7.4 channels. AaTXKβ₂₋₆₄ also activated K(v)7.3, K(v)7.2/3, and K(v)7.5/3 channels, whereas homomeric K(v)1.1, K(v)7.1, and K(v)7.2 channels were unaffected. We anticipate that these results may prove useful in unraveling the novel biologic roles of AaTXKβ₂₋₆₄-sensitive K(v)7 channels and developing novel pharmacologic tools that allow subtype-selective targeting of K(v)7 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zied Landoulsi
- Laboratoire des Venins et Molécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis-El Manar, Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia (Z.L., M.E.A., R.B.); Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy (F.M., M.T.); Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy (A.P., A.A., G.M.); Department of Medicine and Health Science, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy (M.T.); and Unidad de Biofísica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Leioa, Spain (M.T.)
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31
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Schwartz EF, Bartok A, Schwartz CA, Papp F, Gómez-Lagunas F, Panyi G, Possani LD. OcyKTx2, a new K⁺-channel toxin characterized from the venom of the scorpion Opisthacanthus cayaporum. Peptides 2013; 46:40-6. [PMID: 23684923 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Opisthacanthus cayaporum belongs to the Liochelidae family, and the scorpions from this genus occur in southern Africa, Central America and South America and, therefore, can be considered a true Gondwana heritage. In this communication, the isolation, primary structure characterization, and K⁺-channel blocking activity of new peptide from this scorpion venom are reported. OcyKTx2 is a 34 amino acid long peptide with four disulfide bridges and molecular mass of 3807 Da. Electrophysiological assays conducted with pure OcyKTx2 showed that this toxin reversibly blocks Shaker B K⁺-channels with a Kd of 82 nM, and presents an even better affinity toward hKv1.3, blocking it with a Kd of ∼18 nM. OcyKTx2 shares high sequence identity with peptides belonging to subfamily 6 of α-KTxs that clustered very closely in the phylogenetic tree included here. Sequence comparison, chain length and number of disulfide bridges analysis classify OcyKTx2 into subfamily 6 of the α-KTx scorpion toxins (systematic name, α-KTx6.17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth F Schwartz
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, 70910-900 DF, Brazil.
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Sánchez-Vásquez L, Silva-Sanchez J, Jiménez-Vargas JM, Rodríguez-Romero A, Muñoz-Garay C, Rodríguez MC, Gurrola GB, Possani LD. Enhanced antimicrobial activity of novel synthetic peptides derived from vejovine and hadrurin. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2013; 1830:3427-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2012] [Revised: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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33
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Xu J, Zhang X, Guo Z, Yan J, Yu L, Li X, Xue X, Liang X. Orthogonal separation and identification of long-chain peptides from scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch venom by using two-dimensional mixed-mode reversed phase-reversed phase chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Analyst 2013; 138:1835-43. [DOI: 10.1039/c2an36704a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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34
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Bergeron ZL, Bingham JP. Scorpion toxins specific for potassium (K+) channels: a historical overview of peptide bioengineering. Toxins (Basel) 2012. [PMID: 23202307 PMCID: PMC3509699 DOI: 10.3390/toxins4111082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion toxins have been central to the investigation and understanding of the physiological role of potassium (K+) channels and their expansive function in membrane biophysics. As highly specific probes, toxins have revealed a great deal about channel structure and the correlation between mutations, altered regulation and a number of human pathologies. Radio- and fluorescently-labeled toxin isoforms have contributed to localization studies of channel subtypes in expressing cells, and have been further used in competitive displacement assays for the identification of additional novel ligands for use in research and medicine. Chimeric toxins have been designed from multiple peptide scaffolds to probe channel isoform specificity, while advanced epitope chimerization has aided in the development of novel molecular therapeutics. Peptide backbone cyclization has been utilized to enhance therapeutic efficiency by augmenting serum stability and toxin half-life in vivo as a number of K+-channel isoforms have been identified with essential roles in disease states ranging from HIV, T-cell mediated autoimmune disease and hypertension to various cardiac arrhythmias and Malaria. Bioengineered scorpion toxins have been monumental to the evolution of channel science, and are now serving as templates for the development of invaluable experimental molecular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary L Bergeron
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
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35
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Kuhn-Nentwig L, Fedorova IM, Lüscher BP, Kopp LS, Trachsel C, Schaller J, Vu XL, Seebeck T, Streitberger K, Nentwig W, Sigel E, Magazanik LG. A venom-derived neurotoxin, CsTx-1, from the spider Cupiennius salei exhibits cytolytic activities. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:25640-9. [PMID: 22613721 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.339051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
CsTx-1, the main neurotoxic acting peptide in the venom of the spider Cupiennius salei, is composed of 74 amino acid residues, exhibits an inhibitory cysteine knot motif, and is further characterized by its highly cationic charged C terminus. Venom gland cDNA library analysis predicted a prepropeptide structure for CsTx-1 precursor. In the presence of trifluoroethanol, CsTx-1 and the long C-terminal part alone (CT1-long; Gly-45-Lys-74) exhibit an α-helical structure, as determined by CD measurements. CsTx-1 and CT1-long are insecticidal toward Drosophila flies and destroys Escherichia coli SBS 363 cells. CsTx-1 causes a stable and irreversible depolarization of insect larvae muscle cells and frog neuromuscular preparations, which seem to be receptor-independent. Furthermore, this membranolytic activity could be measured for Xenopus oocytes, in which CsTx-1 and CT1-long increase ion permeability non-specifically. These results support our assumption that the membranolytic activities of CsTx-1 are caused by its C-terminal tail, CT1-long. Together, CsTx-1 exhibits two different functions; as a neurotoxin it inhibits L-type Ca(2+) channels, and as a membranolytic peptide it destroys a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell membranes. Such a dualism is discussed as an important new mechanism for the evolution of spider venomous peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Kuhn-Nentwig
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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Extreme diversity of scorpion venom peptides and proteins revealed by transcriptomic analysis: Implication for proteome evolution of scorpion venom arsenal. J Proteomics 2012; 75:1563-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2011.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2011] [Revised: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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37
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Zeng XC, Wang S, Nie Y, Zhang L, Luo X. Characterization of BmKbpp, a multifunctional peptide from the Chinese scorpion Mesobuthus martensii Karsch: gaining insight into a new mechanism for the functional diversification of scorpion venom peptides. Peptides 2012; 33:44-51. [PMID: 22115565 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2010] [Revised: 11/09/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BmKbpp is a novel cationic and α-helical peptide from the Chinese scorpion Mesobuthus martensii Karsch, of which function or biological activity has not been characterized so far. Here we showed that BmKbpp possesses strong antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with a MIC range from 2.3 μM to 68.2 μM for the majority of tested bacteria. BmKbpp also inhibits the growth of tested fungi with an IC50 range from 0.2 μM to 3.1 μM. Because BmKbpp potently inhibits the growth of some antibiotics-resistant pathogens, and shows very weak hemolytic activity, it has considerable potentials for therapeutic applications. Moreover, we found that BmKbpp markedly inhibits the superoxide production in granulocytes or HL-60 cells at the concentrations of submicromolar level; this suggests that BmKbpp can act as a signaling molecule involving innate immune regulation at low concentrations. The C-terminal region of BmKbpp (BmKbpp-C) shows 72% similarity to the peptide K-12, a bradykinin-potentiating peptide. We found that both BmKbpp and BmKbpp-C possess bradykinin-potentiating activity, and the activity of BmKbpp-C is stronger than that of BmKbpp. PCR amplification for the genomic gene of BmBpp showed that it is not a continuous sequence in the genome; it suggests that BmKbpp could come from a recombination event in transcript level. Taken together, our data suggest that multi-functionalization of a single peptide, which is probably mediated by trans-splicing, could be a new mechanism for the functional diversification of scorpion venom peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Chun Zeng
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
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Gao B, Peigneur S, Dalziel J, Tytgat J, Zhu S. Molecular divergence of two orthologous scorpion toxins affecting potassium channels. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2011; 159:313-21. [PMID: 21466856 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2011.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-KTxs are a diverse group of scorpion short-chain peptide toxins that affect animal potassium channels. We report the biochemical purification, gene cloning, and functional characterization of a new α-KTx named MeuTx3B, from venom of the scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus. MeuTx3B is an orthologue of BmTx3B/Martentoxin (α-KTx16 subfamily) from Mesobuthus martensii that differs by three amino acid substitutions. We found that despite their orthologous relationship, MeuTx3B and BmTx3B exhibit different post-transcriptional processing patterns due to nucleotide mutations in their untranslated regions (UTRs). Our results show that MeuTx3B also differs functionally from BmTx3B in that it lacks inhibitory activity on large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BK), implicating the amino acids of difference in conferring the inhibitory activity of BmTx3B. Furthermore, we show that MeuTx3B (2μM) partially inhibits human voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3. By using codon-substitution models, we detected signals of positive selection that could drive adaptive evolution of MeuTx3B and related toxins in the functional region associated with pharmacological diversification of toxins in the α-KTx 1 and 16 subfamilies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Gao
- Group of Animal Innate Immunity, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects & Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Gao B, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, Zhu S. A potent potassium channel blocker from Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom. Biochimie 2010; 92:1847-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2010.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2010] [Revised: 07/24/2010] [Accepted: 08/06/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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40
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Zhu S, Peigneur S, Gao B, Luo L, Jin D, Zhao Y, Tytgat J. Molecular diversity and functional evolution of scorpion potassium channel toxins. Mol Cell Proteomics 2010; 10:M110.002832. [PMID: 20889474 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m110.002832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion toxins affecting K(+) channels (KTxs) represent important pharmacological tools and potential drug candidates. Here, we report molecular characterization of seven new KTxs in the scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus by cDNA cloning combined with biochemical approaches. Comparative modeling supports that all these KTxs share a conserved cysteine-stabilized α-helix/β-sheet structural motif despite the differences in protein sequence and size. We investigated functional diversification of two orthologous α-KTxs (MeuTXKα1 from M. eupeus and BmP01 from Mesobuthus martensii) by comparing their K(+) channel-blocking activities. Pharmacologically, MeuTXKα1 selectively blocked Kv1.3 channel with nanomolar affinity (IC(50), 2.36 ± 0.9 nM), whereas only 35% of Kv1.1 currents were inhibited at 3 μM concentration, showing more than 1271-fold selectivity for Kv1.3 over Kv1.1. This peptide displayed a weak effect on Drosophila Shaker channel and no activity on Kv1.2, Kv1.4, Kv1.5, Kv1.6, and human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) K(+) channels. Although BmB01 and MeuTXKα1 have a similar channel spectrum, their affinity and selectivity for these channels largely varies. In comparison with MeuTXKα1, BmP01 only exhibits a submicromolar affinity (IC(50), 133.72 ± 10.98 nM) for Kv1.3, showing 57-fold less activity than MeuTXKα1. Moreover, it lacks the ability to distinguish between Kv1.1 and Kv1.3. We also found that MeuTXKα1 inhibited the proliferation of activated T cells induced by phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin at micromolar concentrations. Our results demonstrate that accelerated evolution drives affinity variations of orthologous α-KTxs on Kv channels and indicate that MeuTXKα1 is a promising candidate to develop an immune modulation agent for human autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunyi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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