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Grahl MVC, Andrade BDS, Perin APA, Neves GA, Duarte LDS, Uberti AF, Hohl KS, Follmer C, Carlini CR. Could the Urease of the Gut Bacterium Proteus mirabilis Play a Role in the Altered Gut-Brain Talk Associated with Parkinson's Disease? Microorganisms 2023; 11:2042. [PMID: 37630602 PMCID: PMC10459573 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal dysbiosis seems to play a role in neurodegenerative pathologies. Parkinson's disease (PD) patients have an altered gut microbiota. Moreover, mice treated orally with the gut microbe Proteus mirabilis developed Parkinson's-like symptoms. Here, the possible involvement of P. mirabilis urease (PMU) and its B subunit (PmUreβ) in the pathogenesis of PD was assessed. Purified proteins were given to mice intraperitoneally (20 μg/animal/day) for one week. Behavioral tests were conducted, and brain homogenates of the treated animals were subjected to immunoassays. After treatment with PMU, the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured in Caco2 cells and cellular permeability was assayed in Hek 293. The proteins were incubated in vitro with α-synuclein and examined via transmission electron microscopy. Our results showed that PMU treatment induced depressive-like behavior in mice. No motor deficits were observed. The brain homogenates had an increased content of caspase-9, while the levels of α-synuclein and tyrosine hydroxylase decreased. PMU increased the pro-inflammatory cytokines and altered the cellular permeability in cultured cells. The urease, but not the PmUreβ, altered the morphology of α-synuclein aggregates in vitro, forming fragmented aggregates. We concluded that PMU promotes pro-inflammatory effects in cultured cells. In vivo, PMU induces neuroinflammation and a depressive-like phenotype compatible with the first stages of PD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus V. C. Grahl
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences and Brain Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil; (M.V.C.G.); (A.F.U.)
- School of Health Sciences, University Center Ritter dos Reis, Porto Alegre 90840-440, RS, Brazil
| | - Brenda da Silva Andrade
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21944-590, RJ, Brazil; (B.d.S.A.); (G.A.N.); (L.d.S.D.)
| | - Ana Paula A. Perin
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil;
| | - Gilda A. Neves
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21944-590, RJ, Brazil; (B.d.S.A.); (G.A.N.); (L.d.S.D.)
| | - Laura de Souza Duarte
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21944-590, RJ, Brazil; (B.d.S.A.); (G.A.N.); (L.d.S.D.)
| | - Augusto Frantz Uberti
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences and Brain Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil; (M.V.C.G.); (A.F.U.)
| | - Kelvin Siqueira Hohl
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences—Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil;
| | - Cristian Follmer
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Chemistry, Department of Physical-Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Celia Regina Carlini
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Brain Diseases, Excitotoxity and Neuroprotection (INCT-EN), Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
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Barreto YC, Oliveira RS, Borges BT, Rosa ME, Zanatta AP, de Almeida CGM, Vinadé L, Carlini CR, Belo CAD. The neurotoxic mechanism of Jack Bean Urease in insects involves the interplay between octopaminergic and dopaminergic pathways. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 189:105290. [PMID: 36549826 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the last decades, the entomotoxicity of JBU and its derived peptides became an object of study, due mainly to the ubiquitous interaction of these compounds with different species of insects and their potential as natural insecticides. In this work, we investigated the neurotoxic effects of JBU in Nauphoeta cinerea cockroaches by dissecting pharmacologically the monoaminergic pathways involved. Selective pharmacological modulators for monoaminergic pathways in in vivo and ex vivo experimental models were employed. Thus, the analysis of N. cinerea neurolocomotory behavior demonstrated that JBU (1.5 and 3 μg/g) induces a significant decrease in the exploratory activity. In these assays, pretreatment of animals with phentolamine, SCH23390 or reserpine, interfered significantly with the response of JBU. Using in vivo abductor metathoracic preparations JBU (1.5 μg/g) induced progressive neuromuscular blockade, in 120 min recordings. In this set of experiments, the previous treatment of the animals with phentolamine, SCH23390 or reserpine, completely inhibited JBU-induced neuromuscular blockade. The recordings of spontaneous compound neural action potentials in N. cinerea legs showed that JBU, only in the smallest dose, significantly decreased the number of potentials in 60 min recordings. When the animals were pretreated with phentolamine, SCH23390, or reserpine, but not with mianserin, there was a significant prevention of the JBU-inhibitory responses on the action potentials firing. Meanwhile, the treatment of the animals with mianserin did not affect JBU's inhibitory activity. The data presented in this work strongly suggest that the neurotoxic response of JBU in N. cinerea involves a cross talking between OCTOPAMIN-ergic and DOPAMIN-ergic nerve systems, but not the SEROTONIN-ergic neurotransmission. Further molecular biology studies with expression of insect receptors associated with voltage clamp techniques will help to discriminate the selectivity of JBU over the monoaminergic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Correia Barreto
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus São Gabriel, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Raquel Soares Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus São Gabriel, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruna Trindade Borges
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus São Gabriel, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Rosa
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus São Gabriel, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Zanatta
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus São Gabriel, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Gabriel Moreira de Almeida
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus São Gabriel, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde (PPGMCS), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lúcia Vinadé
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus São Gabriel, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Celia Regina Carlini
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande de Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Cháriston André Dal Belo
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus São Gabriel, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica (PPGBTox), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Departamento Multidisciplinar, Escola Paulista de Política, Economia e Negócios (EPPEN), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Angélica, 100, Jardim das Flores, 06110295, Osasco, SP, Brazil.
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3
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Almeida CGM, Costa-Higuchi K, Piovesan AR, Moro CF, Venturin GT, Greggio S, Costa-Ferro ZS, Salamoni SD, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, de Lima ME, Silva CND, Vinadé L, Rowan EG, DaCosta JC, Dal Belo CA, Carlini CR. Neurotoxic and convulsant effects induced by jack bean ureases on the mammalian nervous system. Toxicology 2021; 454:152737. [PMID: 33631299 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152737] [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: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ureases are microbial virulence factors either because of the enzymatic release of ammonia or due to many other non-enzymatic effects. Here we studied two neurotoxic urease isoforms, Canatoxin (CNTX) and Jack Bean Urease (JBU), produced by the plant Canavalia ensiformis, whose mechanisms of action remain elusive. The neurotoxins provoke convulsions in rodents (LD50 ∼2 mg/kg) and stimulate exocytosis in cell models, affecting intracellular calcium levels. Here, electrophysiological and brain imaging techniques were applied to elucidate their mode of action. While systemic administration of the toxins causes tonic-clonic seizures in rodents, JBU injected into rat hippocampus induced spike-wave discharges similar to absence-like seizures. JBU reduced the amplitude of compound action potential from mouse sciatic nerve in a tetrodotoxin-insensitive manner. Hippocampal slices from CNTX-injected animals or slices treated in vitro with JBU failed to induce long term potentiation upon tetanic stimulation. Rat cortical synaptosomes treated with JBU released L-glutamate. JBU increased the intracellular calcium levels and spontaneous firing rate in rat hippocampus neurons. MicroPET scans of CNTX-injected rats revealed increased [18]Fluoro-deoxyglucose uptake in epileptogenesis-related areas like hippocampus and thalamus. Curiously, CNTX did not affect voltage-gated sodium, calcium or potassium channels currents, neither did it interfere on cholinergic receptors, suggesting an indirect mode of action that could be related to the ureases' membrane-disturbing properties. Understanding the neurotoxic mode of action of C. ensiformis ureases could help to unveil the so far underappreciated relevance of these toxins in diseases caused by urease-producing microorganisms, in which the human central nervous system is affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gabriel Moreira Almeida
- Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Kiyo Costa-Higuchi
- Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Materials Technology and Engineering, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Angela Regina Piovesan
- Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Celular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carlo Frederico Moro
- Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gianina Teribele Venturin
- Preclinical Research Center, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Samuel Greggio
- Preclinical Research Center, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Zaquer Susana Costa-Ferro
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Simone Denise Salamoni
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Laboratory of Toxicology & Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Laboratory of Toxicology & Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maria Elena de Lima
- Institute of Teaching and Research, Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Lúcia Vinadé
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Toxinology (Lanetox), Universidade Federal do Pampa, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Edward G Rowan
- Strathclyde Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jaderson Costa DaCosta
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Cháriston André Dal Belo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Toxinology (Lanetox), Universidade Federal do Pampa, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil.
| | - Celia Regina Carlini
- Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Scholl of Medicine, Pontificía Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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4
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Grahl MVC, Lopes FC, Martinelli AHS, Carlini CR, Fruttero LL. Structure-Function Insights of Jaburetox and Soyuretox: Novel Intrinsically Disordered Polypeptides Derived from Plant Ureases. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25225338. [PMID: 33207637 PMCID: PMC7696265 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) do not have a stable 3D structure but still have important biological activities. Jaburetox is a recombinant peptide derived from the jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) urease and presents entomotoxic and antimicrobial actions. The structure of Jaburetox was elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance which reveals it is an IDP with small amounts of secondary structure. Different approaches have demonstrated that Jaburetox acquires certain folding upon interaction with lipid membranes, a characteristic commonly found in other IDPs and usually important for their biological functions. Soyuretox, a recombinant peptide derived from the soybean (Glycine max) ubiquitous urease and homologous to Jaburetox, was also characterized for its biological activities and structural properties. Soyuretox is also an IDP, presenting more secondary structure in comparison with Jaburetox and similar entomotoxic and fungitoxic effects. Moreover, Soyuretox was found to be nontoxic to zebra fish, while Jaburetox was innocuous to mice and rats. This profile of toxicity affecting detrimental species without damaging mammals or the environment qualified them to be used in biotechnological applications. Both peptides were employed to develop transgenic crops and these plants were active against insects and nematodes, unveiling their immense potentiality for field applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus V. Coste Grahl
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre CEP 90610-000, Brazil;
| | - Fernanda Cortez Lopes
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, Porto Alegre CEP 91501-970, RS, Brazil;
| | - Anne H. Souza Martinelli
- Department of Biophysics & Deparment of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Biosciences Institute (IB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil;
| | - Celia R. Carlini
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre CEP 90610-000, Brazil;
- Brain Institute and School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil
- Correspondence: (C.R.C.); (L.L.F.); Tel.: +55-51-3320-3485 (C.R.C.); +54-351-535-3850 (L.L.F.)
| | - Leonardo L. Fruttero
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba CP 5000, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba CP 5000, Argentina
- Correspondence: (C.R.C.); (L.L.F.); Tel.: +55-51-3320-3485 (C.R.C.); +54-351-535-3850 (L.L.F.)
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5
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Kappaun K, Martinelli AHS, Broll V, Zambelli B, Lopes FC, Ligabue-Braun R, Fruttero LL, Moyetta NR, Bonan CD, Carlini CR, Ciurli S. Soyuretox, an Intrinsically Disordered Polypeptide Derived from Soybean (Glycine Max) Ubiquitous Urease with Potential Use as a Biopesticide. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5401. [PMID: 31671552 PMCID: PMC6862595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ureases from different biological sources display non-ureolytic properties that contribute to plant defense, in addition to their classical enzymatic urea hydrolysis. Antifungal and entomotoxic effects were demonstrated for Jaburetox, an intrinsically disordered polypeptide derived from jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) urease. Here we describe the properties of Soyuretox, a polypeptide derived from soybean (Glycine max) ubiquitous urease. Soyuretox was fungitoxic to Candida albicans, leading to the production of reactive oxygen species. Soyuretox further induced aggregation of Rhodnius prolixus hemocytes, indicating an interference on the insect immune response. No relevant toxicity of Soyuretox to zebrafish larvae was observed. These data suggest the presence of antifungal and entomotoxic portions of the amino acid sequences encompassing both Soyuretox and Jaburetox, despite their small sequence identity. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic data revealed that Soyuretox, in analogy with Jaburetox, possesses an intrinsic and largely disordered nature. Some folding is observed upon interaction of Soyuretox with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles, taken here as models for membranes. This observation suggests the possibility for this protein to modify its secondary structure upon interaction with the cells of the affected organisms, leading to alterations of membrane integrity. Altogether, Soyuretox can be considered a promising biopesticide for use in plant protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Kappaun
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
| | - Anne H S Martinelli
- Department of Biophysics and Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Valquiria Broll
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Barbara Zambelli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Fernanda C Lopes
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo L Fruttero
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina.
| | - Natalia R Moyetta
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina.
| | - Carla D Bonan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Celia R Carlini
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
- Brain Institute-InsCer, Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
| | - Stefano Ciurli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
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Lee HJ, Park JU, Guo RH, Kang BY, Park IK, Kim YR. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Canavalia gladiata in Macrophage Cells and DSS-Induced Colitis Mouse Model. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2019; 47:1571-1588. [PMID: 31645121 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x19500800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Canavalia gladiata, known as sword bean, has been used as a Chinese traditional medicine for anti-inflammatory effects. However, the action mechanisms of sword bean have not yet been clearly defined. In the present study, the whole parts of a ripened sword bean (RSB) and the green sword bean (GSB) containing bean pod were extracted with ethanol by reflux extraction. The two crude extracts (RSBE and GSBE) from RSB and GSB were validated by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis of gallic acid as a reference chemical. The anti-inflammatory effects of two sword bean extracts were extensively investigated using LPS-stimulated macrophage cells. First, RSBE and GSBE significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), prostaglandinE2 (PGE2), and nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. RSBE and GSBE showed no cytotoxicity to RAW264.7 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophage cells. In addition, the overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells was significantly decreased by RSBE and GSBE. Western blotting and immunostaining analysis showed that RSBE and GSBE inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB subunits, which correlated with the inhibitory effects on inhibitor kappa B (IκB) degradation. In dextran sulfated sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice model, RSBE restored body weight, colon length, and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). In addition, RSBE significantly suppressed the expression of COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa-Jeong Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Drug Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, BK21 PLUS Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists at Chonnam National University, Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Up Park
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Drug Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Rui Hong Guo
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Drug Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Bok Yun Kang
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Drug Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Kyu Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, BK21 PLUS Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists at Chonnam National University, Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ran Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Drug Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
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Kappaun K, Piovesan AR, Carlini CR, Ligabue-Braun R. Ureases: Historical aspects, catalytic, and non-catalytic properties - A review. J Adv Res 2018; 13:3-17. [PMID: 30094078 PMCID: PMC6077230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Urease (urea amidohydrolase, EC 3.5.1.5) is a nickel-containing enzyme produced by plants, fungi, and bacteria that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and carbamate. Urease is of historical importance in Biochemistry as it was the first enzyme ever to be crystallized (1926). Finding nickel in urease's active site (1975) was the first indication of a biological role for this metal. In this review, historical and structural features, kinetics aspects, activation of the metallocenter and inhibitors of the urea hydrolyzing activity of ureases are discussed. The review also deals with the non-enzymatic biological properties, whose discovery 40 years ago started a new chapter in the study of ureases. Well recognized as virulence factors due to the production of ammonia and alkalinization in diseases by urease-positive microorganisms, ureases have pro-inflammatory, endocytosis-inducing and neurotoxic activities that do not require ureolysis. Particularly relevant in plants, ureases exert insecticidal and fungitoxic effects. Data on the jack bean urease and on jaburetox, a recombinant urease-derived peptide, have indicated that interactions with cell membrane lipids may be the basis of the non-enzymatic biological properties of ureases. Altogether, with this review we wanted to invite the readers to take a second look at ureases, very versatile proteins that happen also to catalyze the breakdown of urea into ammonia and carbamate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Kappaun
- Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Prédio 63, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90610-000, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Angela Regina Piovesan
- Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Prédio 63, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90610-000, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Celia Regina Carlini
- Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Prédio 63, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90610-000, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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8
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Carrazoni T, Nguyen C, Maciel LF, Delgado-Cañedo A, Stewart BA, Lange AB, Dal Belo CA, Carlini CR, Orchard I. Jack bean urease modulates neurotransmitter release at insect neuromuscular junctions. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 146:63-70. [PMID: 29626993 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plants have developed a vast range of mechanisms to compete with phytophagous insects, including entomotoxic proteins such as ureases. The legume Canavalia ensiformis produces several urease isoforms, of which the more abundant is called Jack Bean Urease (JBU). Previews work has demonstrated the potential insecticidal effects of JBU, by mechanisms so far not entirely elucidated. In this work, we investigated the mechanisms involved in the JBU-induced activity upon neurotransmitter release on insect neuromuscular junctions. METHODS Electrophysiological recordings of nerve and muscle action potentials, and calcium imaging bioassays were employed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION JBU (0.28 mg/animal/day) in Locusta migratoria 2nd instar through feeding and injection did not induce lethality, although it did result in a reduction of 20% in the weight gain at the end of 168 h (n = 9, p ≤ 0.05). JBU (0.014 and 0.14 mg) injected direct into the locust hind leg induced a dose and time-dependent decrease in the amplitude of muscle action potentials, with a maximum decrease of 70% in the amplitude at the highest dose (n = 5, p ≤ 0.05). At the same doses JBU did not alter the amplitude of action potentials evoked from motor neurons. Using Drosophila 3rd instar larvae neuromuscular preparations, JBU (10-7 M) increased the occurrence of miniature Excitatory Junctional Potentials (mEJPs) in the presence of 1 mM CaCl2 (n = 5, p ≤ 0.05). In low calcium (0.4 mM) assays, JBU (10-7 M) was not able to modulate the occurrence of the events. In Ca2+-free conditions, with EGTA or CoCl2, JBU induced a significant decrease in the occurrence of mEPJs (n = 5, p ≤ 0.05). Injected into the 3rd abdominal ganglion of Nauphoeta cinerea cockroaches, JBU (1 μM) induced a significant increase in Ca2+ influx (n = 7, p ≤ 0.01), similar to that seen for high KCl (35 mM) condition. Taken together the results confirm a direct action of JBU upon insect neuromuscular junctions and possibly central synapses, probably by disrupting the calcium machinery in the pre-synaptic region of the neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Carrazoni
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Biology, Mississauga, ON, Canada; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande de Sul, Brain Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Christine Nguyen
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Biology, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Lucas F Maciel
- Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus São Gabriel, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Bryan A Stewart
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Biology, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Angela B Lange
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Biology, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | | | - Celia R Carlini
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande de Sul, Brain Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Ian Orchard
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Biology, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
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9
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Scopel-Guerra A, Olivera-Severo D, Staniscuaski F, Uberti AF, Callai-Silva N, Jaeger N, Porto BN, Carlini CR. The Impact of Helicobacter pylori Urease upon Platelets and Consequent Contributions to Inflammation. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2447. [PMID: 29312166 PMCID: PMC5733092 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric infection by Helicobacter pylori is considered a risk factor for gastric and duodenal cancer, and extragastric diseases. Previous data have shown that, in a non-enzymatic way, H. pylori urease (HPU) activates neutrophils to produce ROS and also induces platelet aggregation, requiring ADP secretion modulated by the 12-lipoxygenase pathway, a signaling cascade also triggered by the physiological agonist collagen. Here we investigated further the effects on platelets of recombinant versions of the holoenzyme HPU, and of its two subunits (HpUreA and HpUreB). Although HpUreA had no aggregating activity on platelets, it partially inhibited collagen-induced aggregation. HpUreB induced platelet aggregation in the nanomolar range, and also interfered dose-dependently on both collagen- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation. HPU-induced platelet aggregation was inhibited by antibodies against glycoprotein VI (GPVI), the main collagen receptor in platelets. Flow cytometry analysis revealed exposure of P-selectin in HPU-activated platelets. Anti-glycoprotein IIbIIIa (GPIIbIIIa) antibodies increased the binding of FITC-labeled HPU to activated platelets, whereas anti-GPVI did not. Evaluation of post-transcriptional events in HPU-activated platelets revealed modifications in the pre-mRNA processing of pro-inflammatory proteins, with increased levels of mRNAs encoding IL-1β and CD14. We concluded that HPU activates platelets probably through its HpUreB subunit. Activation of platelets by HPU turns these cells into a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Altogether, our data suggest that H. pylori urease, besides allowing bacterial survival within the gastric mucosa, may have an important, and so far overlooked, role in gastric inflammation mediated by urease-activated neutrophils and platelets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriele Scopel-Guerra
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Deiber Olivera-Severo
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biology, Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões, São Luiz Gonzaga, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Staniscuaski
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Augusto F Uberti
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Institute of Biology, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Natália Callai-Silva
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Natália Jaeger
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bárbara N Porto
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Celia R Carlini
- Brain Institute (BRAINS-InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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10
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Broll V, Martinelli AHS, Lopes FC, Fruttero LL, Zambelli B, Salladini E, Dobrovolska O, Ciurli S, Carlini CR. Structural analysis of the interaction between Jaburetox, an intrinsically disordered protein, and membrane models. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2017; 159:849-860. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.08.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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11
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Moyetta NR, Broll V, Perin APA, Uberti AF, Coste Grahl MV, Staniscuaski F, Carlini CR, Fruttero LL. Jaburetox-induced toxic effects on the hemocytes of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 200:17-26. [PMID: 28602911 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Jaburetox is a recombinant peptide derived from a Canavalia ensiformis urease that presents toxic effects upon several species of insects, phytopathogenic fungi and yeasts of medical importance. So far, no toxicity of Jaburetox to mammals has been shown. Previous reports have identified biochemical targets of this toxic peptide in insect models, although its mechanism of action is not completely understood. In this work, we aimed to characterize the effects of Jaburetox in hemolymphatic insect cells. For this purpose, the model insect and Chagas' disease vector Rhodnius prolixus was used. In vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that Jaburetox interacts with a subset of hemocytes and it can be found in various subcellular compartments. In insects injected with Jaburetox there was an increase in the gene expression of the enzymes UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase (UAP), chitin synthase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Nevertheless, the expression of NOS protein, the enzyme activities of UAP and acid phosphatase (a possible link between UAP and NOS) as well as the phosphorylation state of proteins remained unchanged upon the in vivo Jaburetox treatment. Nitric oxide (NO) imaging using fluorescent probes showed that Jaburetox augmented NO production in the hemocyte aggregates when compared to controls. Even though Jaburetox activated the hemocytes, as demonstrated by wheat germ agglutinin binding assays, the peptide did not lead to an increase of their phagocytic behavior. Taken together, these findings contribute to our understanding of toxic effects of Jaburetox, a peptide with biotechnological applications and a prospective tool for rational insect control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia R Moyetta
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Valquiria Broll
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Ana Paula A Perin
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Augusto F Uberti
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus V Coste Grahl
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Staniscuaski
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Celia R Carlini
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo L Fruttero
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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12
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Abstract
Urease from Canavalia ensiformis seeds was the first enzyme ever to be crystallized, in 1926. These proteins, found in plants, bacteria and fungi, present different biological properties including catalytic hydrolysis of urea, and also enzyme-independent activities, such as induction of exocytosis, pro-inflammatory effects, neurotoxicity, antifungal and insecticidal properties. Urease is toxic to insects and fungi per se but part of this toxicity relies on an internal peptide (~11 kDa), which is released upon digestion of the protein by insect enzymes. A recombinant form of this peptide, called jaburetox (JBTX), was constructed using jbureII gene as a template. The peptide exhibits liposome disruption properties, and insecticidal and fungicidal activities. Here we review the known biological properties activities of JBTX, and comment on new ones not yet fully characterized. JBTX was able to cause mortality of Aedes aegypti larvae in a feeding assay whereas in a dose as low as of 0.1 μg it provoked death of Triatoma infestans bugs. JBTX (10−5–10−6 M) inhibits the growth of E. coli, P. aeruginosa and B. cereus after 24 h incubation. Multilamellar liposomes interacting with JBTX undergo reorganization of the membrane’s lipids as detected by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies. Encapsulating JBTX into lipid nanoparticles led to an increase of the peptide’s antifungal activity. Transgenic tobacco and sugarcane plants expressing the insecticidal peptide JBTX, showed increased resistance to attack of the insect pests Spodoptera frugiperda, Diatraea saccharalis and Telchin licus licus. Many questions remain unanswered; however, so far, JBTX has shown to be a versatile peptide that can be used against various insect and fungus species, and in new bacterial control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlete Beatriz Becker-Ritt
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology Applied to Health, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS Brazil
| | - Camila Saretta Portugal
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology Applied to Health, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS Brazil
| | - Célia Regina Carlini
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS Brazil
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13
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Fruttero LL, Moyetta NR, Krug MS, Broll V, Grahl MVC, Real-Guerra R, Stanisçuaski F, Carlini CR. Jaburetox affects gene expression and enzyme activities in Rhodnius prolixus, a Chagas' disease vector. Acta Trop 2017; 168:54-63. [PMID: 28108369 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Jaburetox, a recombinant peptide of ∼11kDa derived from one of the Canavalia ensiformis (Jack Bean) urease isoforms, is toxic and lethal to insects belonging to different orders when administered orally or via injection. Previous findings indicated that Jaburetox acts on insects in a complex fashion, inhibiting diuresis and the transmembrane potential of Malpighian tubules, interfering with muscle contractility and affecting the immune system. In vitro, Jaburetox forms ionic channels and alters permeability of artificial lipid membranes. Moreover, recent data suggested that the central nervous system (CNS) is a target organ for ureases and Jaburetox. In this work, we employed biochemical, molecular and cellular approaches to explore the mode of action of Jaburetox using Rhodnius prolixus, one of the main Chagas' disease vectors, as experimental model. In vitro incubations with fluorescently labeled Jaburetox indicated a high affinity of the peptide for the CNS but not for salivary glands (SG). The in vitro treatment of CNS or SG homogenates with Jaburetox partially inhibited the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), thus disrupting nitrinergic signaling. This inhibitory effect was also observed in vivo (by feeding) for CNS but not for SG, implying differential modulation of NOS in these organs. The inhibition of NOS activity did not correlate to a decrease in expression of its mRNA, as assessed by qPCR. UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase (UAP), a key enzyme in chitin synthesis and glycosylation pathways and a known target of Jaburetox in insect CNS, was also affected in SG, with activation of the enzyme seen after both in vivo or in vitro treatments with the peptide. Unexpectedly, incubation of Jaburetox with a recombinant R. prolixus UAP had no effect on its activity, implying that the enzyme's modulation by the peptide requires the participation of other factor(s) present in CNS or SG homogenates. Feeding Jaburetox to R. prolixus decreased the mRNA levels of UAP and chitin synthase, indicating a complex regulation exerted by the peptide on these enzymes. No changes were observed upon Jaburetox treatment in vivo and in vitro on the activity of the enzyme acid phosphatase, a possible link between UAP and NOS. Here we have demonstrated for the first time that the Jaburetox induces changes in gene expression and that SG are another target for the toxic action of the peptide. Taken together, these findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of action of Jaburetox as well as to the knowledge on basic aspects of the biochemistry and neurophysiology of insects, and might help in the development of optimized strategies for insect control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo L Fruttero
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Natalia R Moyetta
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Monique Siebra Krug
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Valquiria Broll
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Matheus V Coste Grahl
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Real-Guerra
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Stanisçuaski
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Celia R Carlini
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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