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de Oliveira ALN, Lacerda MT, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. Viper Venom Phospholipase A2 Database: The Structural and Functional Anatomy of a Primary Toxin in Envenomation. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:71. [PMID: 38393149 PMCID: PMC10893444 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Viper venom phospholipase A2 enzymes (vvPLA2s) and phospholipase A2-like (PLA2-like) proteins are two of the principal toxins in viper venom that are responsible for the severe myotoxic and neurotoxic effects caused by snakebite envenoming, among other pathologies. As snakebite envenoming is the deadliest neglected tropical disease, a complete understanding of these proteins' properties and their mechanisms of action is urgently needed. Therefore, we created a database comprising information on the holo-form, cofactor-bound 3D structure of 217 vvPLA2 and PLA2-like proteins in their physiologic environment, as well as 79 membrane-bound viper species from 24 genera, which we have made available to the scientific community to accelerate the development of new anti-snakebite drugs. In addition, the analysis of the sequenced, 3D structure of the database proteins reveals essential aspects of the anatomy of the proteins, their toxicity mechanisms, and the conserved binding site areas that may anchor universal interspecific inhibitors. Moreover, it pinpoints hypotheses for the molecular origin of the myotoxicity of the PLA2-like proteins. Altogether, this study provides an understanding of the diversity of these toxins and how they are conserved, and it indicates how to develop broad, interspecies, efficient small-molecule inhibitors to target the toxin's many mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pedro A. Fernandes
- Requimte-Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-000 Porto, Portugal; (A.L.N.d.O.); (M.T.L.); (M.J.R.)
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2
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Lomonte B. Lys49 myotoxins, secreted phospholipase A 2-like proteins of viperid venoms: A comprehensive review. Toxicon 2023; 224:107024. [PMID: 36632869 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Muscle necrosis is a potential clinical complication of snakebite envenomings, which in severe cases can lead to functional or physical sequelae such as disability or amputation. Snake venom proteins with the ability to directly damage skeletal muscle fibers are collectively referred to as myotoxins, and include three main types: cytolysins of the "three-finger toxin" protein family expressed in many elapid venoms, the so-called "small" myotoxins found in a number of rattlesnake venoms, and the widespread secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) molecules. Among the latter, protein variants that conserve the sPLA2 structure, but lack such enzymatic activity, have been increasingly found in the venoms of many viperid species. Intriguingly, these sPLA2-like proteins are able to induce muscle necrosis by a mechanism independent of phospholipid hydrolysis. They are commonly referred to as "Lys49 myotoxins" since they most often present, among other substitutions, the replacement of the otherwise invariant residue Asp49 of sPLA2s by Lys. This work comprehensively reviews the historical developments and current knowledge towards deciphering the mechanism of action of Lys49 sPLA2-like myotoxins, and points out main gaps to be filled for a better understanding of these multifaceted snake venom proteins, to hopefully lead to improved treatments for snakebites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501, Costa Rica.
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3
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Oliveira AL, Viegas MF, da Silva SL, Soares AM, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. The chemistry of snake venom and its medicinal potential. Nat Rev Chem 2022; 6:451-469. [PMID: 37117308 PMCID: PMC9185726 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-022-00393-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The fascination and fear of snakes dates back to time immemorial, with the first scientific treatise on snakebite envenoming, the Brooklyn Medical Papyrus, dating from ancient Egypt. Owing to their lethality, snakes have often been associated with images of perfidy, treachery and death. However, snakes did not always have such negative connotations. The curative capacity of venom has been known since antiquity, also making the snake a symbol of pharmacy and medicine. Today, there is renewed interest in pursuing snake-venom-based therapies. This Review focuses on the chemistry of snake venom and the potential for venom to be exploited for medicinal purposes in the development of drugs. The mixture of toxins that constitute snake venom is examined, focusing on the molecular structure, chemical reactivity and target recognition of the most bioactive toxins, from which bioactive drugs might be developed. The design and working mechanisms of snake-venom-derived drugs are illustrated, and the strategies by which toxins are transformed into therapeutics are analysed. Finally, the challenges in realizing the immense curative potential of snake venom are discussed, and chemical strategies by which a plethora of new drugs could be derived from snake venom are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Matilde F Viegas
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Saulo L da Silva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreimar M Soares
- Biotechnology Laboratory for Proteins and Bioactive Compounds from the Western Amazon, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, National Institute of Epidemiology in the Western Amazon (INCT-EpiAmO), Porto Velho, Brazil.,Sao Lucas Universitary Center (UniSL), Porto Velho, Brazil
| | - Maria J Ramos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Fernandes PA, Passos Ó, Ramos MJ. Necessity is the Mother of Invention: A Remote Molecular Bioinformatics Practical Course in the COVID-19 Era. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION 2022; 99:2147-2153. [PMID: 35529516 PMCID: PMC9063112 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.1c01195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to human beings, related to not only health and way of life but also teaching because of the interruption of the standard training at universities imposed by lockdowns. Concerning the latter, the academic community had to reinvent itself, in many ways, to carry on with prepandemic education. This article focuses on the use of modern technology and software to create a virtual, highly interactive classroom where a remote but still hands-on course on molecular bioinformatics can be taught, motivating the university students and helping them learn the course contents without significant compromises imposed by successive lockdowns. We implemented such a virtual hands-on molecular bioinformatics course in the second semester of the 2020/2021 academic year. Furthermore, we compared the learning outcomes with those for the earlier editions of the same course in the pre-COVID-19 era, in which the more traditional teaching method was used where all teaching was delivered with physically present lecturers. The virtual classroom proposed here allowed the students to develop skills close to, although slightly below, those obtained with physically present learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A. Fernandes
- LAQV/Departamento de Química
e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Óscar Passos
- LAQV/Departamento de Química
e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria J. Ramos
- LAQV/Departamento de Química
e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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5
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Soares BS, Rocha SLG, Bastos VA, Lima DB, Carvalho PC, Gozzo FC, Demeler B, Williams TL, Arnold J, Henrickson A, Jørgensen TJD, Souza TACB, Perales J, Valente RH, Lomonte B, Gomes-Neto F, Neves-Ferreira AGC. Molecular Architecture of the Antiophidic Protein DM64 and its Binding Specificity to Myotoxin II From Bothrops asper Venom. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:787368. [PMID: 35155563 PMCID: PMC8830425 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.787368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
DM64 is a toxin-neutralizing serum glycoprotein isolated from Didelphis aurita, an ophiophagous marsupial naturally resistant to snake envenomation. This 64 kDa antitoxin targets myotoxic phospholipases A2, which account for most local tissue damage of viperid snakebites. We investigated the noncovalent complex formed between native DM64 and myotoxin II, a myotoxic phospholipase-like protein from Bothrops asper venom. Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) and size exclusion chromatography indicated that DM64 is monomeric in solution and binds equimolar amounts of the toxin. Attempts to crystallize native DM64 for X-ray diffraction were unsuccessful. Obtaining recombinant protein to pursue structural studies was also challenging. Classical molecular modeling techniques were impaired by the lack of templates with more than 25% sequence identity with DM64. An integrative structural biology approach was then applied to generate a three-dimensional model of the inhibitor bound to myotoxin II. I-TASSER individually modeled the five immunoglobulin-like domains of DM64. Distance constraints generated by cross-linking mass spectrometry of the complex guided the docking of DM64 domains to the crystal structure of myotoxin II, using Rosetta. AUC, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), molecular modeling, and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the DM64-myotoxin II complex is structured, shows flexibility, and has an anisotropic shape. Inter-protein cross-links and limited hydrolysis analyses shed light on the inhibitor's regions involved with toxin interaction, revealing the critical participation of the first, third, and fifth domains of DM64. Our data showed that the fifth domain of DM64 binds to myotoxin II amino-terminal and beta-wing regions. The third domain of the inhibitor acts in a complementary way to the fifth domain. Their binding to these toxin regions presumably precludes dimerization, thus interfering with toxicity, which is related to the quaternary structure of the toxin. The first domain of DM64 interacts with the functional site of the toxin putatively associated with membrane anchorage. We propose that both mechanisms concur to inhibit myotoxin II toxicity by DM64 binding. The present topological characterization of this toxin-antitoxin complex constitutes an essential step toward the rational design of novel peptide-based antivenom therapies targeting snake venom myotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara S. Soares
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Viviane A. Bastos
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diogo B. Lima
- Department of Chemical Biology, Leibniz Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Paulo C. Carvalho
- Laboratory for Structural and Computational Proteomics, Carlos Chagas Institute, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Fabio C. Gozzo
- Dalton Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Borries Demeler
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States
| | - Tayler L. Williams
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Janelle Arnold
- Department of Environmental Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Amy Henrickson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Thomas J. D. Jørgensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tatiana A. C. B. Souza
- Laboratory for Structural and Computational Proteomics, Carlos Chagas Institute, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Jonas Perales
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Richard H. Valente
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Clodomiro Picado Institute, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Rivera-de-Torre E, Rimbault C, Jenkins TP, Sørensen CV, Damsbo A, Saez NJ, Duhoo Y, Hackney CM, Ellgaard L, Laustsen AH. Strategies for Heterologous Expression, Synthesis, and Purification of Animal Venom Toxins. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:811905. [PMID: 35127675 PMCID: PMC8811309 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.811905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms are complex mixtures containing peptides and proteins known as toxins, which are responsible for the deleterious effect of envenomations. Across the animal Kingdom, toxin diversity is enormous, and the ability to understand the biochemical mechanisms governing toxicity is not only relevant for the development of better envenomation therapies, but also for exploiting toxin bioactivities for therapeutic or biotechnological purposes. Most of toxinology research has relied on obtaining the toxins from crude venoms; however, some toxins are difficult to obtain because the venomous animal is endangered, does not thrive in captivity, produces only a small amount of venom, is difficult to milk, or only produces low amounts of the toxin of interest. Heterologous expression of toxins enables the production of sufficient amounts to unlock the biotechnological potential of these bioactive proteins. Moreover, heterologous expression ensures homogeneity, avoids cross-contamination with other venom components, and circumvents the use of crude venom. Heterologous expression is also not only restricted to natural toxins, but allows for the design of toxins with special properties or can take advantage of the increasing amount of transcriptomics and genomics data, enabling the expression of dormant toxin genes. The main challenge when producing toxins is obtaining properly folded proteins with a correct disulfide pattern that ensures the activity of the toxin of interest. This review presents the strategies that can be used to express toxins in bacteria, yeast, insect cells, or mammalian cells, as well as synthetic approaches that do not involve cells, such as cell-free biosynthesis and peptide synthesis. This is accompanied by an overview of the main advantages and drawbacks of these different systems for producing toxins, as well as a discussion of the biosafety considerations that need to be made when working with highly bioactive proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre, ; Andreas H. Laustsen,
| | - Charlotte Rimbault
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Christoffer V. Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anna Damsbo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Natalie J. Saez
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Yoan Duhoo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Celeste Menuet Hackney
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Ellgaard
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre, ; Andreas H. Laustsen,
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7
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BthTX-II from Bothrops jararacussu venom has variants with different oligomeric assemblies: An example of snake venom phospholipases A 2 versatility. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 191:255-266. [PMID: 34547312 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.09.083] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) are found in almost every venomous snake family. In snakebites, some PLA2s can quickly cause local myonecrosis, which may lead to permanent sequelae if antivenom is administered belatedly. They hydrolyse phospholipids in membranes through a catalytic calcium ions-dependent mechanism. BthTX-II is a basic PLA2 and the second major component in the venom of Bothrops jararacussu. Herein, using the software SEQUENCE SLIDER, which integrates crystallographic, mass spectrometry and genetic data, we characterized the primary, tertiary and quaternary structure of two BthTX-II variants (called a and b), which diverge in 7 residues. Crystallographic structure BthTX-IIa is in a Tense-state with its distorted calcium binding loop buried in the dimer interface, contrarily, the novel BthTX-IIb structure is a monomer in a Relax-state with a fatty acid in the hydrophobic channel. Structural data in solution reveals that both variants are monomeric in neutral physiological conditions and mostly dimeric in an acidic environment, being catalytic active in both situations. Therefore, we propose two myotoxic mechanisms for BthTX-II, a catalytic one associated with the monomeric assembly, whereas the other has a calcium independent activity related to its C-terminal region, adopting a dimeric conformation similar to PLA2-like proteins.
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8
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Puzari U, Fernandes PA, Mukherjee AK. Advances in the Therapeutic Application of Small-Molecule Inhibitors and Repurposed Drugs against Snakebite. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13938-13979. [PMID: 34565143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization has declared snakebite as a neglected tropical disease. Antivenom administration is the sole therapy against venomous snakebite; however, several limitations of this therapy reinforce the dire need for an alternative and/or additional treatment against envenomation. Inhibitors against snake venoms have been explored from natural resources and are synthesized in the laboratory; however, repurposing of small-molecule therapeutics (SMTs) against the principal toxins of snake venoms to inhibit their lethality and/or obnoxious effect of envenomation has been garnering greater attention owing to their established pharmacokinetic properties, low-risk attributes, cost-effectiveness, ease of administration, and storage stability. Nevertheless, SMTs are yet to be approved and commercialized for snakebite treatment. Therefore, we have systematically reviewed and critically analyzed the scenario of small synthetic inhibitors and repurposed drugs against snake envenomation from 2005 to date and proposed novel approaches and commercialization strategies for the development of efficacious therapies against snake envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upasana Puzari
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784028, Assam, India
| | - Pedro Alexandrino Fernandes
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua Do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784028, Assam, India.,Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati-781035, Assam, India
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Henao Castañeda I, Pereañez JA, Preciado LM, Jios J. Sulfur Compounds as Inhibitors of Enzymatic Activity of a Snake Venom Phospholipase A 2: Benzyl 4-nitrobenzenecarbodithioate as a Case of Study. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 25:molecules25061373. [PMID: 32197309 PMCID: PMC7144397 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061373] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Snakebite is a neglected disease with a high impact in tropical and subtropical countries. Therapy based on antivenom has limited efficacy in local tissue damage caused by venoms. Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are enzymes that abundantly occur in snake venoms and induce several systemic and local effects. Furthermore, sulfur compounds such as thioesters have an inhibitory capacity against a snake venom PLA2. Hence, the objective of this work was to obtain a carbodithioate from a thioester with known activity against PLA2 and test its ability to inhibit the same enzyme. Benzyl 4-nitrobenzenecarbodithioate (I) was synthesized, purified, and characterized using as precursor 4-nitrothiobenzoic acid S-benzyl ester (II). Compound I showed inhibition of the enzymatic activity a PLA2 isolated from the venom of the Colombian rattlesnake Crotalus durissus cumanensis with an IC50 of 55.58 μM. This result is comparable with the reported inhibition obtained for II. Computational calculations were performed to support the study, and molecular docking results suggested that compounds I and II interact with the active site residues of the enzyme, impeding the normal catalysis cycle and attachment of the substrate to the active site of the PLA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Henao Castañeda
- Grupo de Investigación en Productos Naturales Marinos, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52–21, 050010 Medellín, Colombia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +57-4-2195476
| | - Jaime Andrés Pereañez
- Programa de Ofidismo/Escorpionismo, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52–21, 050010 Medellín, Colombia.; (J.A.P.); (L.M.P.)
| | - Lina María Preciado
- Programa de Ofidismo/Escorpionismo, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52–21, 050010 Medellín, Colombia.; (J.A.P.); (L.M.P.)
| | - Jorge Jios
- Laboratorio UPL (Unidad PLAPIMU-LASEISIC), Campus Tecnológico Gonnet (CIC-BA), Cno. Centenario e/505 y 508, 1897 Gonnet, Argentina;
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 47 esq. 115, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
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10
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Luzuriaga-Quichimbo CX, Blanco-Salas J, Muñoz-Centeno LM, Peláez R, Cerón-Martínez CE, Ruiz-Téllez T. In Silico Molecular Studies of Antiophidic Properties of the Amazonian Tree Cordia nodosa Lam. Molecules 2019; 24:E4160. [PMID: 31744153 PMCID: PMC6891429 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24224160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We carried out surveys on the use of Cordia nodosa Lam. in the jungles of Bobonaza (Ecuador). We documented this knowledge to prevent its loss under the Framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol. We conducted bibliographic research and identified quercetrin as a significant bioactive molecule. We studied its in silico biological activity. The selected methodology was virtual docking experiments with the proteins responsible for the venomous action of snakes. The molecular structures of quercetrin and 21 selected toxins underwent corresponding tests with SwissDock and Chimera software. The results point to support its antiophidic use. They show reasonable geometries and a binding free energy of -7 to -10.03 kcal/mol. The most favorable values were obtained for the venom of the Asian snake Naja atra (5Z2G, -10.03 kcal/mol). Good results were also obtained from the venom of the Latin American Bothrops pirajai (3CYL, -9.71 kcal/mol) and that of Ecuadorian Bothrops asper snakes (5TFV, -9.47 kcal/mol) and Bothrops atrox (5TS5, -9.49 kcal/mol). In the 5Z2G and 5TS5 L-amino acid oxidases, quercetrin binds in a pocket adjacent to the FAD cofactor, while in the myotoxic homologues of PLA2, 3CYL and 5TFV, it joins in the hydrophobic channel formed when oligomerizing, in the first one similar to α-tocopherol. This study presents a case demonstration of the potential of bioinformatic tools in the validation process of ethnobotanical phytopharmaceuticals and how in silico methods are becoming increasingly useful for sustainable drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José Blanco-Salas
- Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
| | | | - Rafael Peláez
- Departament of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Organic Chemistry, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain;
| | | | - Trinidad Ruiz-Téllez
- Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
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11
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Huancahuire-Vega S, Hollanda LM, Gomes-Heleno M, Newball-Noriega EE, Marangoni S. ACP-TX-I and ACP-TX-II, Two Novel Phospholipases A 2 Isolated from Trans-Pecos Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster Venom: Biochemical and Functional Characterization. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11110661. [PMID: 31739403 PMCID: PMC6891687 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11110661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This work reports the purification and biochemical and functional characterization of ACP-TX-I and ACP-TX-II, two phospholipases A2 (PLA2) from Agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster venom. Both PLA2s were highly purified by a single chromatographic step on a C18 reverse phase HPLC column. Various peptide sequences from these two toxins showed similarity to those of other PLA2 toxins from viperid snake venoms. ACP-TX-I belongs to the catalytically inactive K49 PLA2 class, while ACP-TX-II is a D49 PLA2, and is enzymatically active. ACP-TX-I PLA2 is monomeric, which results in markedly diminished myotoxic and inflammatory activities when compared with dimeric K49 PLA2s, confirming the hypothesis that dimeric structure contributes heavily to the profound myotoxicity of the most active viperid K49 PLA2s. ACP-TX-II exhibits the main pharmacological actions reported for this protein family, including in vivo local myotoxicity, edema-forming activity, and in vitro cytotoxicity. ACP-TX-I PLA2 is cytotoxic to A549 lung carcinoma cells, indicating that cytotoxicity to these tumor cells does not require enzymatic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salomón Huancahuire-Vega
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina Humana, Universidad Peruana Unión (UPeU), Lima 15, Peru;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +51-9-9757-4011
| | - Luciana M. Hollanda
- Instituto de Tecnologia e Pesquisa, Universidade Tiradentes (UNIT), Aracaju 49032-490, SE, Brazil;
| | - Mauricio Gomes-Heleno
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil; (M.G.-H.); (S.M.)
| | - Edda E. Newball-Noriega
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina Humana, Universidad Peruana Unión (UPeU), Lima 15, Peru;
| | - Sergio Marangoni
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil; (M.G.-H.); (S.M.)
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Synthetic Inhibitors of Snake Venom Enzymes: Thioesters Derived from 2-Sulfenyl Ethylacetate. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2019; 12:ph12020080. [PMID: 31126073 PMCID: PMC6630910 DOI: 10.3390/ph12020080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenomings are a global public health issue. The therapy based on the administration of animal-derived antivenoms has limited efficacy against the venom-induced local tissue damage, which often leads to permanent disability. Therefore, there is a need to find inhibitors against toxins responsible for local damage. This work aimed to synthesize thioesters derived from 2-sulfenyl ethylacetate and to evaluate the inhibitory effects on two snake venom toxins. Ethyl 2-((4-chlorobenzoyl)thio)acetate (I), Ethyl 2-((3-nitrobenzoyl)thio)acetate (II) and Ethyl 2-((4-nitrobenzoyl)thio)acetate (III) were synthesized and spectroscopically characterized. Computational calculations were performed to support the study. The inhibitory capacity of compounds (I–III) was evaluated on a phospholipase A2 (Cdcum6) isolated from the venom of the Colombian rattlesnake Crotalus durissus cumanensis and the P-I type metalloproteinase Batx-I isolated from Bothrops atrox. I–III inhibited PLA2 with IC50 values of 193.2, 305.4 and 132.7 µM, respectively. Otherwise, compounds II and III inhibited the proteolytic activity of Batx-I with IC50 of 2774 and 1879 µM. Molecular docking studies show that inhibition of PLA2 may be due to interactions of the studied compounds with amino acids in the catalytic site and the cofactor Ca2+. Probably, a blockage of the hydrophobic channel and some amino acids of the interfacial binding surface of PLA2 may occur.
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13
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Neutralizing properties of LY315920 toward snake venom group I and II myotoxic phospholipases A2. Toxicon 2019; 157:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.11.292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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14
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Vindas J, Carrera Y, Lomonte B, Gutiérrez JM, Calvete JJ, Sanz L, Fernández J. A novel pentameric phospholipase A2 myotoxin (PophPLA2) from the venom of the pit viper Porthidium ophryomegas. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 118:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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15
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Unresolved issues in the understanding of the pathogenesis of local tissue damage induced by snake venoms. Toxicon 2018; 148:123-131. [PMID: 29698755 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming by viperid species, and by some elapids, is characterized by a complex pattern of tissue damage at the anatomical site of venom injection. In severe cases, tissue destruction may be so extensive as to lead to permanent sequelae, with serious pathophysiological, social and psychological consequences. Significant advances have been performed in the study of venom-induced tissue damage, including identification and characterization of the toxins involved, insights into the mechanisms of action of venoms and toxins, and study of tissue responses to venom-induced injury. Nevertheless, much remains to be known and understood on the pathogenesis of these alterations. This review focuses on some of the pending issues in the topic of snake venom-induced local tissue damage. The traditional 'reductionist' approach, which has predominated in the study of snake venoms and their actions, needs to be complemented by more integrative and holistic perspectives aimed at capturing the complexity of these pathological alterations. Future advances in the study of these topics will certainly pave the way for innovative therapeutic interventions, with the goal of reducing the impact of this aspect of snakebite envenoming.
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Gowda R, Rajaiah R, Angaswamy N, Krishna S, Bannikuppe Sannanayak V. Biochemical and pharmacological characterization of Trimersurus malabaricus snake venom. J Cell Biochem 2018. [PMID: 29528146 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Trimeresurus malabaricus is a venomous pit viper species endemic to southwestern part of India. In earlier reports, we have shown that envenomation by T. malabaricus venom leading to strong local tissue damage but the mechanism of action is not clearly revealed. Local tissue damage affected by T. malabaricus venom is of great importance since the poison has serious systemic effects including death in the case of multiple attacks. The present study details the major manifestations of T. malabaricus venom and the induction of local tissue damage, which suggests that most toxins are present in the form of hydrolytic enzymes. Hydrolytic activity of the enzymes was measured and the data indicated that protease and phospholipase A2 activity was high which is responsible for local tissue damage. Furthermore, the role of hydrolytic enzymes in the induction of pathological events such as hemorrhage, edema, myotoxicity, and blood coagulation examination were assessed through animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghavendra Gowda
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Rajesh Rajaiah
- Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Nataraj Angaswamy
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Sharath Krishna
- Department of Natural Sciences, Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio
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17
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Charoenpitakchai M, Wiwatwarayos K, Jaisupa N, Rusmili MRA, Mangmool S, Hodgson WC, Ruangpratheep C, Chanhome L, Chaisakul J. Non-neurotoxic activity of Malayan krait ( Bungarus candidus) venom from Thailand. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2018; 24:9. [PMID: 29556251 PMCID: PMC5845229 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-018-0146-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Envenoming by kraits (genus Bungarus) is a medically significant issue in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) venom is known to contain highly potent neurotoxins. In recent years, there have been reports on the non-neurotoxic activities of krait venom that include myotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. However, research on such non-neurotoxicity activities of Malayan krait venom is extremely limited. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the myotoxic, cytotoxic and nephrotoxic activities of B. candidus venoms from northeastern (BC-NE) and southern (BC-S) Thailand in experimentally envenomed rats. Methods Rats were administered Malayan krait (BC-NE or BC-S) venom (50 μg/kg, i.m.) or 0.9% NaCl solution (50 μL, i.m.) into the right hind limb. The animals were sacrificed 3, 6 and 24 h after venom administration. The right gastrocnemius muscle and both kidneys were collected for histopathological analysis. Blood samples were also taken for determination of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. The human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK-293) was used in a cell proliferation assay to determine cytotoxic activity. Results Administration of BC-NE or BC-S venom (50 μg/kg, i.m.) caused time-dependent myotoxicity, characterized by an elevation of CK and LDH levels. Histopathological examination of skeletal muscle displayed marked muscle necrosis and myofiber disintegration 24 h following venom administration. Both Malayan krait venoms also induced extensive renal tubular injury with glomerular and interstitial congestion in rats. BC-NE and BC-S venoms (100–0.2 μg/mL) caused concentration-dependent cytotoxicity on the HEK-293 cell line. However, BC-NE venom (IC50 = 8 ± 1 μg/mL; at 24 h incubation; n = 4) was found to be significantly more cytotoxic than BC-S venom (IC50 = 15 ± 2 μg/mL; at 24 h incubation; n = 4). In addition, the PLA2 activity of BC-NE venom was significantly higher than that of BC-S venom. Conclusions This study found that Malayan krait venoms from both populations possess myotoxic, cytotoxic and nephrotoxic activities. These findings may aid in clinical diagnosis and treatment of envenomed patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kulachet Wiwatwarayos
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Army Institute of Pathology, Royal Thai Army Medical Department, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Nattapon Jaisupa
- 3Department of Pharmacology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Muhamad Rusdi Ahmad Rusmili
- 4Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan Campus, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur Malaysia
| | - Supachoke Mangmool
- 5Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- 6Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Chetana Ruangpratheep
- 1Department of Pathology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Lawan Chanhome
- 7Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Janeyuth Chaisakul
- 3Department of Pharmacology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
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