1
|
Pashmforoosh N, Baradaran M. Peptides with Diverse Functions from Scorpion Venom: A Great Opportunity for the Treatment of a Wide Variety of Diseases. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:84-99. [PMID: 37070616 PMCID: PMC10314758 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran The venom glands are a rich source of biologically important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. Scorpion venoms have been identified as a reservoir for components that might be considered as great candidates for drug development. Pharmacological properties of the venom compounds have been confirmed in the treatment of different disorders. Ion channel blockers and AMPs are the main groups of scorpion venom components. Despite the existence of several studies about scorpion peptides, there are still valuable components to be discovered. Additionally, owing to the improvement of proteomics and transcriptomics, the number of peptide drugs is steadily increasing, which reflects the importance of these medications. This review evaluates available literatures on some important scorpion venom peptides with pharmaceutical activities. Given that the last three years have been dominated by the COVID-19 from the medical/pharmaceutical perspective, scorpion compounds with the potential against the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoumeh Baradaran
- Corresponding Author: Masoumeh Baradaran Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Characterization of the First Animal Toxin Acting as an Antagonist on AT1 Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032330. [PMID: 36768653 PMCID: PMC9916866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is one of the main regulatory systems of cardiovascular homeostasis. It is mainly composed of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II receptors AT1 and AT2. ACE and AT1 are targets of choice for the treatment of hypertension, whereas the AT2 receptor is still not exploited due to the lack of knowledge of its physiological properties. Peptide toxins from venoms display multiple biological functions associated with varied chemical and structural properties. If Brazilian viper toxins have been described to inhibit ACE, no animal toxin is known to act on AT1/AT2 receptors. We screened a library of toxins on angiotensin II receptors with a radioligand competition binding assay. Functional characterization of the selected toxin was conducted by measuring second messenger production, G-protein activation and β-arrestin 2 recruitment using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) based biosensors. We identified one original toxin, A-CTX-cMila, which is a 7-residues cyclic peptide from Conus miliaris with no homology sequence with known angiotensin peptides nor identified toxins, displaying a 100-fold selectivity for AT1 over AT2. This toxin shows a competitive antagonism mode of action on AT1, blocking Gαq, Gαi3, GαoA, β-arrestin 2 pathways and ERK1/2 activation. These results describe the first animal toxin active on angiotensin II receptors.
Collapse
|
3
|
Hayashi MAF, Campeiro JD, Yonamine CM. Revisiting the potential of South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus toxins as therapeutic, theranostic and/or biotechnological agents. Toxicon 2021; 206:1-13. [PMID: 34896407 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.12.005] [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: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The potential biotechnological and biomedical applications of the animal venom components are widely recognized. Indeed, many components have been used either as drugs or as templates/prototypes for the development of innovative pharmaceutical drugs, among which many are still used for the treatment of human diseases. A specific South American rattlesnake, named Crotalus durissus terrificus, shows a venom composition relatively simpler compared to any viper or other snake species belonging to the Crotalus genus, although presenting a set of toxins with high potential for the treatment of several still unmet human therapeutic needs, as reviewed in this work. In addition to the main toxin named crotoxin, which is under clinical trials studies for antitumoral therapy and which has also anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities, other toxins from the C. d. terrificus venom are also being studied, aiming for a wide variety of therapeutic applications, including as antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumoral or antiparasitic agent, or as modulator of animal metabolism, fibrin sealant (fibrin glue), gene carrier or theranostic agent. Among these rattlesnake toxins, the most relevant, considering the potential clinical applications, are crotamine, crotalphine and gyroxin. In this narrative revision, we propose to organize and present briefly the updates in the accumulated knowledge on potential therapeutic applications of toxins collectively found exclusively in the venom of this specific South American rattlesnake, with the objective of contributing to increase the chances of success in the discovery of drugs based on toxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirian A F Hayashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), SP, Brazil.
| | - Joana D Campeiro
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), SP, Brazil
| | - Camila M Yonamine
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ruiz-Blanco YB, Ávila-Barrientos LP, Hernández-García E, Antunes A, Agüero-Chapin G, García-Hernández E. Engineering protein fragments via evolutionary and protein-protein interaction algorithms: de novo design of peptide inhibitors for F O F 1 -ATP synthase. FEBS Lett 2020; 595:183-194. [PMID: 33151544 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Enzyme subunit interfaces have remarkable potential in drug design as both target and scaffold for their own inhibitors. We show an evolution-driven strategy for the de novo design of peptide inhibitors targeting interfaces of the Escherichia coli FoF1-ATP synthase as a case study. The evolutionary algorithm ROSE was applied to generate diversity-oriented peptide libraries by engineering peptide fragments from ATP synthase interfaces. The resulting peptides were scored with PPI-Detect, a sequence-based predictor of protein-protein interactions. Two selected peptides were confirmed by in vitro inhibition and binding tests. The proposed methodology can be widely applied to design peptides targeting relevant interfaces of enzymatic complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Agostinho Antunes
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Guillermin Agüero-Chapin
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kakumanu R, Kemp-Harper BK, Silva A, Kuruppu S, Isbister GK, Hodgson WC. An in vivo examination of the differences between rapid cardiovascular collapse and prolonged hypotension induced by snake venom. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20231. [PMID: 31882843 PMCID: PMC6934742 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56643-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the cardiovascular effects of venoms from seven medically important species of snakes: Australian Eastern Brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis), Sri Lankan Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii), Javanese Russell’s viper (D. siamensis), Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica), Uracoan rattlesnake (Crotalus vegrandis), Carpet viper (Echis ocellatus) and Puff adder (Bitis arietans), and identified two distinct patterns of effects: i.e. rapid cardiovascular collapse and prolonged hypotension. P. textilis (5 µg/kg, i.v.) and E. ocellatus (50 µg/kg, i.v.) venoms induced rapid (i.e. within 2 min) cardiovascular collapse in anaesthetised rats. P. textilis (20 mg/kg, i.m.) caused collapse within 10 min. D. russelii (100 µg/kg, i.v.) and D. siamensis (100 µg/kg, i.v.) venoms caused ‘prolonged hypotension’, characterised by a persistent decrease in blood pressure with recovery. D. russelii venom (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, i.m.) also caused prolonged hypotension. A priming dose of P. textilis venom (2 µg/kg, i.v.) prevented collapse by E. ocellatus venom (50 µg/kg, i.v.), but had no significant effect on subsequent addition of D. russelii venom (1 mg/kg, i.v). Two priming doses (1 µg/kg, i.v.) of E. ocellatus venom prevented collapse by E. ocellatus venom (50 µg/kg, i.v.). B. gabonica, C. vegrandis and B. arietans (all at 200 µg/kg, i.v.) induced mild transient hypotension. Artificial respiration prevented D. russelii venom induced prolonged hypotension but not rapid cardiovascular collapse from E. ocellatus venom. D. russelii venom (0.001–1 μg/ml) caused concentration-dependent relaxation (EC50 = 82.2 ± 15.3 ng/ml, Rmax = 91 ± 1%) in pre-contracted mesenteric arteries. In contrast, E. ocellatus venom (1 µg/ml) only produced a maximum relaxant effect of 27 ± 14%, suggesting that rapid cardiovascular collapse is unlikely to be due to peripheral vasodilation. The prevention of rapid cardiovascular collapse, by ‘priming’ doses of venom, supports a role for depletable endogenous mediators in this phenomenon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahini Kakumanu
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Barbara K Kemp-Harper
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Anjana Silva
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, 50008, Sri Lanka
| | - Sanjaya Kuruppu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.,Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hasan HF, Radwan RR, Galal SM. Bradykinin‐potentiating factor isolated from
Leiurus quinquestriatus
scorpion venom alleviates cardiomyopathy in irradiated rats
via
remodelling of the RAAS pathway. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2019; 47:263-273. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hesham Farouk Hasan
- Radiation Biology Department National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT) Atomic Energy Authority Cairo Egypt
| | - Rasha R. Radwan
- Drug Radiation Research Department National Center for Radiation Research and Technology Atomic Energy Authority Cairo Egypt
| | - Shereen Mohamed Galal
- Health Radiation Research Department National Center for Radiation Research and Technology Atomic Energy Authority Cairo Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yang X, Wang Y, Wu C, Ling EA. Animal Venom Peptides as a Treasure Trove for New Therapeutics Against Neurodegenerative Disorders. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:4749-4774. [PMID: 30378475 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666181031122438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral ischemic stroke, impose enormous socio-economic burdens on both patients and health-care systems. However, drugs targeting these diseases remain unsatisfactory, and hence there is an urgent need for the development of novel and potent drug candidates. METHODS Animal toxins exhibit rich diversity in both proteins and peptides, which play vital roles in biomedical drug development. As a molecular tool, animal toxin peptides have not only helped clarify many critical physiological processes but also led to the discovery of novel drugs and clinical therapeutics. RESULTS Recently, toxin peptides identified from venomous animals, e.g. exenatide, ziconotide, Hi1a, and PcTx1 from spider venom, have been shown to block specific ion channels, alleviate inflammation, decrease protein aggregates, regulate glutamate and neurotransmitter levels, and increase neuroprotective factors. CONCLUSION Thus, components of venom hold considerable capacity as drug candidates for the alleviation or reduction of neurodegeneration. This review highlights studies evaluating different animal toxins, especially peptides, as promising therapeutic tools for the treatment of different neurodegenerative diseases and disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinwang Yang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicine Resource, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, School of Ethnomedicine and Ethnopharmacy, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Chunyun Wu
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Eng-Ang Ling
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kakumanu R, Kuruppu S, Rash LD, Isbister GK, Hodgson WC, Kemp-Harper BK. D. russelii Venom Mediates Vasodilatation of Resistance Like Arteries via Activation of K v and K Ca Channels. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E197. [PMID: 30939844 PMCID: PMC6520720 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11040197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) venom causes a range of clinical effects in humans. Hypotension is an uncommon but severe complication of Russell's viper envenoming. The mechanism(s) responsible for this effect are unclear. In this study, we examined the cardiovascular effects of Sri Lankan D. russelii venom in anaesthetised rats and in isolated mesenteric arteries. D. russelii venom (100 μg/kg, i.v.) caused a 45 ± 8% decrease in blood pressure within 10 min of administration in anaesthetised (100 μg/kg ketamine/xylazine 10:1 ratio, i.p.) rats. Venom (1 ng/mL⁻1 μg/mL) caused concentration-dependent relaxation (EC50 = 145.4 ± 63.6 ng/mL, Rmax = 92 ± 2%) in U46619 pre-contracted rat small mesenteric arteries mounted in a myograph. Vasorelaxant potency of venom was unchanged in the presence of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-NAME (100 µM), or removal of the endothelium. In the presence of high K⁺ (30 mM), the vasorelaxant response to venom was abolished. Similarly, blocking voltage-dependent (Kv: 4-aminopryidine; 1000 µM) and Ca2+-activated (KCa: tetraethylammonium (TEA; 1000 µM); SKCa: apamin (0.1 µM); IKCa: TRAM-34 (1 µM); BKCa; iberiotoxin (0.1 µM)) K⁺ channels markedly attenuated venom-induced relaxation. Responses were unchanged in the presence of the ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel blocker glibenclamide (10 µM), or H1 receptor antagonist, mepyramine (0.1 µM). Venom-induced vasorelaxtion was also markedly decreased in the presence of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) antagonist, RN-1734 (10 µM). In conclusion, D. russelii-venom-induced hypotension in rodents may be due to activation of Kv and KCa channels, leading to vasorelaxation predominantly via an endothelium-independent mechanism. Further investigation is required to identify the toxin(s) responsible for this effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahini Kakumanu
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Sanjaya Kuruppu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Lachlan D Rash
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Barbara K Kemp-Harper
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen PC, Huang MN, Chang JF, Liu CC, Chen CK, Hsieh CH. Snake venom proteome and immuno-profiling of the hundred-pace viper, Deinagkistrodon acutus, in Taiwan. Acta Trop 2019; 189:137-144. [PMID: 30268686 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Deinagkistrodon acutus, also known as the hundred-pace viper or Chinese moccasin, is a clinically significant venomous snake in Taiwan. To address the lack of knowledge on the venom proteome of D. acutus, the venom composition was studied by a bottom-up proteomic approach combining reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography, SDS-PAGE, and LC-MS/MS analysis. The immunoreactivity and cross-reactivity of Taiwanese freeze-dried D. acutus antivenom (DA-AV) and hemorrhagic antivenom (FH-AV) were investigated, as well. The proteomic analysis revealed the presence of 29 distinct proteins from D. acutus venom belonging to 8 snake venom protein families. Snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP, 46.86%), C-type lectin (CLEC, 37.59%), phospholipase A2 (PLA2, 7.33%) and snake venom serine protease (SVSP, 6.62%) were the most abundant proteins. In addition to DA-AV, FH-AV also showed a profile of broad immunorecognition toward the venom of D. acutus. Remarkably, both antivenoms specifically reacted with the HPLC fractions containing SVMPs, and the titer was 5-10 times higher than fractions of other components. This information helps us to deeply understand the pathophysiology of D. acutus envenomation and guide us to development of more effective antivenom for clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Po-Chuan Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Nan Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Feng Chang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Divison of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, En-Chu-Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Renal Care Joint Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chun Liu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Kuei Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Hsien Hsieh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dietz JDC, Almeida DAD, Cintra LC, Oliveira BFRD, Magalhães MR, Jesuíno RSA. EVALUATION OF THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF Crotalus durissus terrificus CRUDE VENOM. CIÊNCIA ANIMAL BRASILEIRA 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1809-6891v19e-51322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract Snake venoms are recognized as a promising source of pharmacologically active substances and are potentially useful for the development of new antimicrobial drugs. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of the venom from the rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus against several bacteria. Antibacterial activity was determined by using the plate microdilution method and the activity on the bacterial envelope structure was screened by using the crystal violet assay. The proteins in crude venom were separated by electrophoresis and characterized regarding their proteolytic activity. C. d. terrificus venom exhibited antimicrobial action against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. MIC values were defined for Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (62.5 µg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (125 µg/mL), and Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341 (≤500 µg/mL). For Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032, the decrease in bacterial growth was not detected visually, but was statistically significant. The crystal violet assay demonstrated that the crude venom increased bacterial cell permeability and the secreted protein profile agreed with previous reports. The results suggest that the proteins with lytic activity against bacteria in C. d. terrificus venom deserve further characterization as they may offer reinforcements to the weak therapeutic arsenal used to fight microbial multidrug resistance.
Collapse
|
11
|
NO production and potassium channels activation induced by Crotalus durissus cascavella underlie mesenteric artery relaxation. Toxicon 2017; 133:10-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
12
|
Li S, Hong Y, Jin X, Li X, Sun E, Zhang G, Lu L, Nie L. Agkistrodon acutus-purified protein C activator protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells against H 2O 2-induced apoptosis. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2016; 54:3285-3291. [PMID: 27572701 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2016.1224259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Recent studies show that the Agkistrodon acutus (Viperidae) (syn. Deinagkistrodon acutus) protein C activator (PCA) treats acute myocardial infarction and ischaemia-reperfusion animal models effectively, while the underlying mechanism remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To study the effect of PCA on the injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by H2O2 and the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Primary cultured HUVECs were pretreated with PCA (20, 40 and 80 μg/mL) for 1 h, then HUVEC apoptosis was induced by 300 μmol/mL H2O2. Apoptosis was analyzed by AnnexinV-FITC/PI, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was tested by flow cytometry. Colorimetric methods were used to detect the levels of NO and IL-1. In addition, real-time PCR and western blot analyses were used to detect the expression of eNOS and phospho-p38/MAPK. RESULTS Morphological changes were induced by H2O2 in HUVECs. The cell survival rate was increased by 43.9, 64.0 and 80.6% in each PCA pretreated group (20, 40 and 80 μg/mL) compared to the model group. In each PCA pretreated group, oxidative stress level was also decreased to 54.7, 42.7 and 25.1%. Moreover, the level of IL-1 was decreased to 83.3, 62.2 and 30.7%. The level of NO was increased by 155.9, 232.4 and 317.6%. Apoptosis rate was decreased to 59.0, 47.7 and 32.7%. Phospho-p38 expression was downregulated, but eNOS expression was upregulated. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The results suggest that PCA can effectively protect the endothelial cells from injury induced by H2O2, which may be associated with antioxidation, upregulation of eNOS and downregulation of p38-MAPK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu Li
- a Life Science College, Anhui Normal University , Wuhu , China
- b Department of Pathophysiology , Wannan Medical College , Wuhu , China
| | - Yun Hong
- c Department of Ultrasonography , Yijishan Hospital , Wuhu , China
| | - Xin Jin
- d Department of Basic Medicine , Wannan Medical College , Wuhu , China
| | - Xianwei Li
- d Department of Basic Medicine , Wannan Medical College , Wuhu , China
| | - Entao Sun
- d Department of Basic Medicine , Wannan Medical College , Wuhu , China
| | - Genbao Zhang
- b Department of Pathophysiology , Wannan Medical College , Wuhu , China
| | - Linming Lu
- d Department of Basic Medicine , Wannan Medical College , Wuhu , China
| | - Liuwang Nie
- a Life Science College, Anhui Normal University , Wuhu , China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tan CH, Tan KY, Tan NH. Revisiting Notechis scutatus venom: on shotgun proteomics and neutralization by the “bivalent” Sea Snake Antivenom. J Proteomics 2016; 144:33-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
|
14
|
Chan YS, Cheung RCF, Xia L, Wong JH, Ng TB, Chan WY. Snake venom toxins: toxicity and medicinal applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:6165-6181. [PMID: 27245678 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7610-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are complex mixtures of small molecules and peptides/proteins, and most of them display certain kinds of bioactivities. They include neurotoxic, cytotoxic, cardiotoxic, myotoxic, and many different enzymatic activities. Snake envenomation is a significant health issue as millions of snakebites are reported annually. A large number of people are injured and die due to snake venom poisoning. However, several fatal snake venom toxins have found potential uses as diagnostic tools, therapeutic agent, or drug leads. In this review, different non-enzymatically active snake venom toxins which have potential therapeutic properties such as antitumor, antimicrobial, anticoagulating, and analgesic activities will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yau Sang Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease for Allergy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Ave 3688, 518060, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Randy Chi Fai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lixin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease for Allergy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Ave 3688, 518060, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jack Ho Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Wai Yee Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Homology modeling, vasorelaxant and bradykinin-potentiating activities of a novel hypotensin found in the scorpion venom from Tityus stigmurus. Toxicon 2015; 101:11-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
16
|
Wang YM, Tsai IH, Chen JM, Cheng AC, Khoo KH. Correlation between the glycan variations and defibrinogenating activities of acutobin and its recombinant glycoforms. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100354. [PMID: 24945257 PMCID: PMC4063753 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acutobin isolated from Deinagkistrodon acutus venom has been used to prevent or treat stroke in patients. This defibrinogenating serine protease is a 39 kDa glycoprotein containing terminal disialyl-capped N-glycans. After sialidase treatment, the enzyme showed similar catalytic activities toward chromogenic substrate, and cleaved the Aα chain of fibrinogen as efficiently as the native acutobin did. However, the level of fibrinogen degradation products in mice after i.p.-injection of desialylated-acutobin was significantly lower than the level after acutobin injection, suggesting that the disialyl moieties may improve or prolong the half-life of acutobin. Two recombinant enzymes with identical protein structures and similar amidolytic activities to those of native acutobin were expressed from HEK293T and SW1353 cells and designated as HKATB and SWATB, respectively. Mass spectrometric profiling showed that their glycans differed from those of acutobin. In contrast to acutobin, HKATB cleaved not only the Aα chain but also the Bβ and γ chains of human fibrinogens, while SWATB showed a reduced α-fibrinogenase activity. Non-denaturing deglycosylation of these proteases by peptide N-glycosidase F significantly reduced their fibrinogenolytic activities and thermal stabilities. The in vivo defibrinogenating effect of HKATB was inferior to that of acutobin in mice. Taken together, our results suggest that the conjugated glycans of acutobin are involved in its interaction with fibrinogen, and that the selection of cells optimally expressing efficient glycoforms and further glycosylation engineering are desirable before a recombinant product can replace the native enzyme for clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ming Wang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Inn-Ho Tsai
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| | - Jin-Mei Chen
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - An-Chun Cheng
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kay-Hooi Khoo
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Munawar A, Trusch M, Georgieva D, Hildebrand D, Kwiatkowski M, Behnken H, Harder S, Arni R, Spencer P, Schlüter H, Betzel C. Elapid snake venom analyses show the specificity of the peptide composition at the level of genera Naja and Notechis. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:850-68. [PMID: 24590383 PMCID: PMC3968365 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6030850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Elapid snake venom is a highly valuable, but till now mainly unexplored, source of pharmacologically important peptides. We analyzed the peptide fractions with molecular masses up to 10 kDa of two elapid snake venoms—that of the African cobra, N. m. mossambica (genus Naja), and the Peninsula tiger snake, N. scutatus, from Kangaroo Island (genus Notechis). A combination of chromatographic methods was used to isolate the peptides, which were characterized by combining complimentary mass spectrometric techniques. Comparative analysis of the peptide compositions of two venoms showed specificity at the genus level. Three-finger (3-F) cytotoxins, bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs) and a bradykinin inhibitor were isolated from the Naja venom. 3-F neurotoxins, Kunitz/basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI)-type inhibitors and a natriuretic peptide were identified in the N. venom. The inhibiting activity of the peptides was confirmed in vitro with a selected array of proteases. Cytotoxin 1 (P01467) from the Naja venom might be involved in the disturbance of cellular processes by inhibiting the cell 20S-proteasome. A high degree of similarity between BPPs from elapid and viperid snake venoms was observed, suggesting that these molecules play a key role in snake venoms and also indicating that these peptides were recruited into the snake venom prior to the evolutionary divergence of the snakes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Munawar
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, c/o DESY, Notkestreet 85, Building 22a, Hamburg 22603, Germany.
| | - Maria Trusch
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, Hamburg 20146, Germany.
| | - Dessislava Georgieva
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, c/o DESY, Notkestreet 85, Building 22a, Hamburg 22603, Germany.
| | - Diana Hildebrand
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany.
| | - Marcel Kwiatkowski
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany.
| | - Henning Behnken
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, Hamburg 20146, Germany.
| | - Sönke Harder
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany.
| | - Raghuvir Arni
- Department of Physics, IBILCE/UNESP, Rua Cristóvão Colombo 2265, São José do Rio Preto CEP 15054-000, SP Brazil.
| | - Patrick Spencer
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, Avenue Lineu Prestes 2242, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Hartmut Schlüter
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany.
| | - Christian Betzel
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, c/o DESY, Notkestreet 85, Building 22a, Hamburg 22603, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Horta CC, Rezende BA, Oliveira-Mendes BBR, Carmo AO, Capettini LSA, Silva JF, Gomes MT, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Bravo CES, Lemos VS, Kalapothakis E. ADP is a vasodilator component from Lasiodora sp. mygalomorph spider venom. Toxicon 2013; 72:102-12. [PMID: 23792453 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Revised: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Members of the spider genus Lasiodora are widely distributed in Brazil, where they are commonly known as caranguejeiras. Lasiodora spider venom is slightly harmful to humans. The bite of this spider causes local pain, edema and erythema. However, Lasiodora sp. spider venom may be a source of important pharmacological tools. Our research group has described previously that Lasiodora sp. venom produces bradycardia in the isolated rat heart. In the present work, we sought to evaluate the vascular effect of Lasiodora sp. venom and to isolate the vasoactive compounds from the venom. The results showed that Lasiodora spider venom induced a concentration-dependent vasodilation in rat aortic rings, which was dependent on the presence of a functional endothelium and abolished by the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME. Western blot experiments revealed that the venom also increased endothelial NOS function by increasing phosphorylation of the Ser¹¹⁷⁷ residue. Assay-directed fractionation isolated a vasoactive fraction from Lasiodora sp. venom. Mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) assays identified a mixture of two compounds: adenosine diphosphate (ADP, approximately 90%) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP, approximately 10%). The vasodilator effects of Lasiodora sp. whole venom, as well as ADP, were significantly inhibited by suramin, which is a purinergic P2-receptor antagonist. Therefore, the results of the present work indicate that ADP is a main vasodilator component of Lasiodora sp. spider venom.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C C Horta
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hmed B, Serria HT, Mounir ZK. Scorpion peptides: potential use for new drug development. J Toxicol 2013; 2013:958797. [PMID: 23843786 PMCID: PMC3697785 DOI: 10.1155/2013/958797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2013] [Revised: 05/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several peptides contained in scorpion fluids showed diverse array of biological activities with high specificities to their targeted sites. Many investigations outlined their potent effects against microbes and showed their potential to modulate various biological mechanisms that are involved in immune, nervous, cardiovascular, and neoplastic diseases. Because of their important structural and functional diversity, it is projected that scorpion-derived peptides could be used to develop new specific drugs. This review summarizes relevant findings improving their use as valuable tools for new drugs development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- BenNasr Hmed
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medicine Faculty of Sfax, Street of Majida Boulila, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Hammami Turky Serria
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medicine Faculty of Sfax, Street of Majida Boulila, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Zeghal Khaled Mounir
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medicine Faculty of Sfax, Street of Majida Boulila, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
TA-2, a thrombin-like enzyme from the Chinese white-lipped green pitviper (Trimeresurus albolabris): isolation, biochemical and biological characterization. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis 2013; 23:445-53. [PMID: 22610139 DOI: 10.1097/mbc.0b013e32835496b2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Through three chromatographic steps, a new thrombin-like enzyme (TLE), named TA-2, from the venom of the Chinese white-lipped green pitviper (Trimeresurus albolabris) has been isolated and purified to homogeneity. TA-2 was a single-chain glycoprotein with about 6% sugar, pI 3.9 and a molecular weight of 38.8 kD. Its N-terminal sequence (VVGGDECNIN) showed high sequence conformity with many other TLEs. In vitro, it coagulated bovine fibrinogen (108.6 NIH units/mg) and cleaved the Aα and Bβ chains of bovine fibrinogen-releasing fibrinopeptide A and B, but did not degrade bovine fibrin; displayed high stability at different temperature, pH, and presence of several divalent cations and inhibitors; also exhibited strong activity towards casein (192.3 units/mg) and high esterase activity upon Nα-p-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester (11 units/mg); and behaved as a promoter to platelet aggregation induced by ADP or collagen. In vivo, TA-2 caused dose-dependent prolongation of bleeding time in mice, but had no hemorrhagic and edema-inducing activities even at high concentrations.
Collapse
|
21
|
Profiling the resting venom gland of the scorpion Tityus stigmurus through a transcriptomic survey. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:362. [PMID: 22853446 PMCID: PMC3444934 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The scorpion Tityus stigmurus is widely distributed in Northeastern Brazil and known to cause severe human envenoming, inducing pain, hyposthesia, edema, erythema, paresthesia, headaches and vomiting. The present study uses a transcriptomic approach to characterize the gene expression profile from the non-stimulated venom gland of Tityus stigmurus scorpion. RESULTS A cDNA library was constructed and 540 clones were sequenced and grouped into 153 clusters, with one or more ESTs (expressed sequence tags). Forty-one percent of ESTs belong to recognized toxin-coding sequences, with transcripts encoding antimicrobial toxins (AMP-like) being the most abundant, followed by alfa KTx- like, beta KTx-like, beta NaTx-like and alfa NaTx-like. Our analysis indicated that 34% of the transcripts encode "other possible venom molecules", which correspond to anionic peptides, hypothetical secreted peptides, metalloproteinases, cystein-rich peptides and lectins. Fifteen percent of ESTs are similar to cellular transcripts. Sequences without good matches corresponded to 11%. CONCLUSIONS This investigation provides the first global view of gene expression of the venom gland from Tityus stigmurus under resting conditions. This approach enables characterization of a large number of venom gland component molecules, which belong either to known or non yet described types of venom peptides and proteins from the Buthidae family.
Collapse
|
22
|
Chaisakul J, Isbister GK, Konstantakopoulos N, Tare M, Parkington HC, Hodgson WC. In vivo and in vitro cardiovascular effects of Papuan taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) venom: Exploring "sudden collapse". Toxicol Lett 2012; 213:243-8. [PMID: 22771951 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2012.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
'Sudden collapse' following envenoming by some Australasian elapids is a poorly understood cause of mortality. We have previously shown that Oxyuranus scutellatus venom causes cardiovascular collapse in anaesthetized rats. Prior administration of a sub lethal dose of venom attenuated the response to subsequent administration of higher (lethal) venom doses. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanisms mediating this 'protective effect'. Papuan taipan venom (5μg/kg, i.v.) produced a small transient hypotension in anaesthetized rats, while 10μg/kg resulted in a 73±12% decrease in arterial pressure. Venom (20μg/kg or 50μg/kg) produced cardiovascular collapse in all animals tested (n=12). Cardiovascular collapse by 50μg/kg venom was prevented by prior administration of 'priming' doses of venom (5, 10 and 20μg/kg). Also, prior administration of indomethacin (30mg/kg, i.v.) or heparin (300units/kg, i.v.) prevented sudden collapse induced by venom (20μg/kg). Venom was without effect in isolated hearts indicating that a direct cardiac effect was unlikely to be responsible for 'sudden collapse'. Venom induced endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation in pre-contracted rat mesenteric artery rings which was inhibited by indomethacin, IbTx and Rp-8-CPT-cAMPs. This relaxation was markedly reduced upon second exposure. Our results indicate that cardiovascular collapse induced by O. scutellatus venom may be due to a combination of release of dilator autacoids and to direct relaxation of vascular smooth muscle involving the cAMP/protein kinase A cascade. Further work will involve identification of the venom component(s) responsible for this action and may provide insight into the management of envenomed patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janeyuth Chaisakul
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rádis-Baptista G, de la Torre BG, Andreu D. Insights into the Uptake Mechanism of NrTP, A Cell-Penetrating Peptide Preferentially Targeting the Nucleolus of Tumour Cells. Chem Biol Drug Des 2012; 79:907-15. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0285.2012.01377.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
24
|
Valeriano-Zapana JA, Segovia-Cruz FS, Rojas-Hualpa JM, Martins-de-Souza D, Ponce-Soto LA, Marangoni S. Functional and structural characterization of a new serine protease with thrombin-like activity TLBan from Bothrops andianus (Andean Lancehead) snake venom. Toxicon 2012; 59:231-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Revised: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 11/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
|
25
|
András CD, Albert C, Salamon S, Gálicza J, András R, András E. Conus magus vs. Irukandji syndrome: A computational approach of a possible new therapy. Brain Res Bull 2011; 86:195-202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2011] [Revised: 07/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
26
|
Munawar A, Trusch M, Georgieva D, Spencer P, Frochaux V, Harder S, Arni RK, Duhalov D, Genov N, Schlüter H, Betzel C. Venom peptide analysis of Vipera ammodytes meridionalis (Viperinae) and Bothrops jararacussu (Crotalinae) demonstrates subfamily-specificity of the peptidome in the family Viperidae. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2011; 7:3298-307. [PMID: 21959992 DOI: 10.1039/c1mb05309d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Snake venom peptidomes are valuable sources of pharmacologically active compounds. We analyzed the peptidic fractions (peptides with molecular masses < 10,000 Da) of venoms of Vipera ammodytes meridionalis (Viperinae), the most toxic snake in Europe, and Bothrops jararacussu (Crotalinae), an extremely poisonous snake of South America. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), direct infusion electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and matrix-assisted desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) were applied to characterize the peptides of both snake venoms. 32 bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs) were identified in the Crotalinae venom and their sequences determined. 3 metalloproteinase inhibitors, 10 BPPs and a Kunitz-type inhibitor were observed in the Viperinae venom peptidome. Variability in the C-terminus of homologous BPPs was observed, which can influence the pharmacological effects. The data obtained so far show a subfamily specificity of the venom peptidome in the Viperidae family: BPPs are the major peptide component of the Crotalinae venom peptidome lacking Kunitz-type inhibitors (with one exception) while the Viperinae venom, in addition to BPPs, can contain peptides of the bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor family. We found indications for a post-translational phosphorylation of serine residues in Bothrops jararacussu venom BPP (S[combining low line]QGLPPGPPIP), which could be a regulatory mechanism in their interactions with ACE, and might influence the hypotensive effect. Homology between venom BPPs from Viperidae snakes and venom natriuretic peptide precursors from Elapidae snakes suggests a structural similarity between the respective peptides from the peptidomes of both snake families. The results demonstrate that the venoms of both snakes are rich sources of peptides influencing important physiological systems such as blood pressure regulation and hemostasis. The data can be used for pharmacological and medical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Munawar
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, Notkestr 85, Build 22a, 22603 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bekheet SHM, Awadalla EA, Salman MM, Hassan MK. Bradykinin potentiating factor isolated from Buthus occitanus venom has a protective effect against cadmium-induced rat liver and kidney damage. Tissue Cell 2011; 43:337-43. [PMID: 21862094 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Bradykinin and its related peptides are widely distributed in venomous animals, including scorpion. A peptide fraction isolated from the venom of the Egyptian scorpion Buthus occitanus was proved to have a bradykinin-potentiating activity. The aim of the present study was conducted to investigate whether the treatment with bradykinin potentiating factor (BPF) offers more beneficial effects in reversing cadmium-induced oxidative stress in rat liver and kidney. Adult male rats, equally divided into control and two treated groups, 10 animals in each group. group (I) was orally given (1 ml) saline and served as a control group; group (II) of rats was given cadmium chloride (4 mg/kg) alone, once daily an oral dose for 7 successive days; group (III) of rats was given ip injection (1 ml) BPF, once daily a dose for 7 successive days prior to CdCl(2) treatment and on the next 7 successive days with the same dose of cadmium as group II. Both organs were subjected to histopathological analysis with the light microscope. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), asparate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum were measured as indicators of the liver function. As parameters of the kidney function, creatinine, uric acid and urea concentrations in serum were determined. Also, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined in both tissues. Cd exposure caused a significant decrease or inhibition in the activities of GSH, SOD, and CAT, with significant increase in the level of MDA, in versus to control groups in both liver and kidney. Also, when Cd was treated in co-administration with BPF induced increase or stimulation in the activity of GSH, SOD, and CAT, with significant decrease in the level of MDA when compared to Cd group in both organs. Histopathological changes of liver and kidney were also in accordance with the biochemical findings. Our data showed that Cd treatment induced histopathological alteration in the liver, severe hydropic degeneration in centrolobular zones. Inflammatory cells infiltration around the congested central vein and an obvious injury in some renal tubules. Bradykinin potentiating factor (BPF) administration prevented the histopathological alterations which observed in Cd-groups and both liver and kidney had essentially normal appearance in histopathological examination. In conclusion, BPF markedly ameliorated cadmium-induced liver and kidney tissue damage as evidenced by histological and biochemical examinations and acts as a potent scavenger of free radicals to protect the liver and kidney against the deleterious effect of acute cadmium intoxication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Souad H M Bekheet
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Aswan, South Valley University, Egypt.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Marcussi S, Santos PRS, Menaldo DL, Silveira LB, Santos-Filho NA, Mazzi MV, da Silva SL, Stábeli RG, Antunes LMG, Soares AM. Evaluation of the genotoxicity of Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom and its isolated toxins on human lymphocytes. Mutat Res 2011; 724:59-63. [PMID: 21723956 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2011.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Revised: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, experiments were carried out to evaluate the mutagenic potential and genotoxic effects of Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom and its isolated toxins on human lymphocytes, using the micronucleus and comet assays. Significant damage to DNA was observed for crotoxin and crotapotin (CA). Basic phospholipase A(2) (CB) and crotamine did not present any mutagenic potential when evaluated by the micronucleus test. C. d. terrificus crude venom was able to induce the formation of micronuclei, similarly to the mutagenic drug used as a positive control. In the comet assay, all the toxins tested (crotamine, crotoxin, CB and CA) and C. d. terrificus venom presented genotoxic activity. Studies on the cytogenetic toxicology of animal venoms and their isolated proteins are still very scarce in the literature, which emphasizes the importance of the present work for the identification and characterization of potential therapeutic agents, as well as for the better understanding of the mechanisms of action of toxins on the human body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Marcussi
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, FCFRP-USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
DeSimone CV, Zarayskiy VV, Bondarenko VE, Morales MJ. Heteropoda toxin 2 interaction with Kv4.3 and Kv4.1 reveals differences in gating modification. Mol Pharmacol 2011; 80:345-55. [PMID: 21540294 DOI: 10.1124/mol.111.072405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Kv4 (Shal) potassium channels are responsible for the transient outward K(+) currents in mammalian hearts and central nervous systems. Heteropoda toxin 2 (HpTx2) is an inhibitor cysteine knot peptide toxin specific for Kv4 channels that inhibits gating of Kv4.3 in the voltage-dependent manner typical for this type of toxin. HpTx2 interacts with four independent binding sites containing two conserved hydrophobic amino acids in the S3b transmembrane segments of Kv4.3 and the closely related Kv4.1. Despite these similarities, HpTx2 interaction with Kv4.1 is considerably less voltage-dependent, has smaller shifts in the voltage-dependences of conductance and steady-state inactivation, and a 3-fold higher K(d) value. Swapping four nonconserved amino acids in S3b between the two channels exchanges the phenotypic response to HpTx2. To understand these differences in gating modification, we constructed Markov models of Kv4.3 and Kv4.1 activation gating in the presence of HpTx2. Both models feature a series of voltage-dependent steps leading to a final voltage-independent transition to the open state and closely replicate the experimental data. Interaction with HpTx2 increases the energy barrier for channel opening by slowing activation and accelerating deactivation. The greater degree of voltage-dependence in Kv4.3 occurs because it is the voltage-dependent transitions that are most affected by HpTx2; in contrast, it is the voltage-independent step in Kv4.1 that is most affected by the presence of toxin. These data demonstrate the basis for subtype-specificity of HpTx2 and point the way to a general model of gating modifier toxin interaction with voltage-gated ion channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher V DeSimone
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 124 Sherman Hall, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Structural characterization of N-linked oligosaccharides of Defibrase from Agikistrodon acutus by sequential exoglycosidase digestion and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Toxicon 2010; 55:421-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2009.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2009] [Revised: 09/01/2009] [Accepted: 09/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
31
|
|