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Hwang DH, Koh PO, Mohan Prakash RL, Chae J, Kang C, Kim E. Comparative Study of Toxic Effects and Pathophysiology of Envenomations Induced by Carybdea brevipedalia (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) and Nemopilema nomurai (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) Jellyfish Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14120831. [PMID: 36548728 PMCID: PMC9785312 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14120831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Jellyfish stings can result in local tissue damage and systemic pathophysiological sequelae. Despite constant occurrences of jellyfish stings in oceans throughout the world, the toxinological assessment of these jellyfish envenomations has not been adequately reported in quantitative as well as in qualitative measurements. Herein, we have examined and compared the in vivo toxic effects and pathophysiologic alterations using experimental animal models for two representative stinging jellyfish classes, i.e., Cubozoa and Scyphozoa. For this study, mice were administered with venom extracts of either Carybdea brevipedalia (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) or Nemopilema nomurai (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa). From the intraperitoneal (IP) administration study, the median lethal doses leading to the deaths of mice 24 h post-treatment after (LD50) for C. brevipedalia venom (CbV) and N. nomurai venom (NnV) were 0.905 and 4.4697 mg/kg, respectively. The acute toxicity (i.e., lethality) of CbV was much higher with a significantly accelerated time to death value compared with those of NnV. The edematogenic activity induced by CbV was considerably (83.57/25 = 3.343-fold) greater than NnV. For the evaluation of their dermal toxicities, the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissues, and skeletal muscles were evaluated toxinologically/histopathologically following the intradermal administration of the venoms. The minimal hemorrhagic doses (MHD) of the venoms were found to be 55.6 and 83.4 μg/mouse for CbV and NnV, respectively. Furthermore, the CbV injection resulted in extensive alterations of mouse dermal tissues, including severe edema, and hemorrhagic/necrotic lesions, with the minimum necrotizing dose (MND) of 95.42 µg/kg body weight. The skin damaging effects of CbV appeared to be considerably greater, compared with those of NnV (MND = 177.99 µg/kg). The present results indicate that the toxicities and pathophysiologic effects of jellyfish venom extracts may vary from species to species. As predicted from the previous reports on these jellyfish envenomations, the crude venom extracts of C. brevipedalia exhibit much more potent toxicity than that of N. nomurai in the present study. These observations may contribute to our understanding of the toxicities of jellyfish venoms, as well as their mode of toxinological actions, which might be helpful for establishing the therapeutic strategies of jellyfish stings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Hyeon Hwang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Phil-Ok Koh
- Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jinho Chae
- Marine Environmental Research and Information Laboratory, Gunpo 5850, Republic of Korea
| | - Changkeun Kang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Euikyung Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-55-772-2355; Fax: +82-55-772-2349
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LIMITED PROTEOLYSIS OF FIBRINOGEN BY PROTEASE OF Gloydius halys halys SNAKE VENOM. BIOTECHNOLOGIA ACTA 2021. [DOI: 10.15407/biotech14.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim. One of the approaches for studying structure and functions of proteins is their limited proteolysis. Proteolytic fragments of macromolecules can preserve the biological activity and can be used for the study of their structural and functional peculiarities. Thus, the characterization of new proteolytic enzymes and determination of the specificity of their action can be of interest for exploration. In the present work, we focused on the action of protease from the venom of Gloydius halys halys on fibrinogen, the crucial protein of blood coagulation system. Methods. Products of fibrinogen hydrolysis by protease from the venom of G. halys halys were studied by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and western-blot analysis using monoclonal antibodies ІІ-5 Сand 1-5A targeted to 20‒78 and 549‒610 fragments of fibrinogen Aα-chain. Molecular weights of hydrolytic products were determined using MALDI-TOF analysis on Voyager DE PRO (USA). Sequence of hydrolytic products were predicted by «Peptide Mass Calculator» soft ware. Results. SDS-PAGE showed that protease from the venom of Gloydius halys halys initially cleaved Аα-chain of fibrinogen molecule. Western-blot analysis confirmed that this protease specifically cleaves off fragment of C-terminal parts of Аα-chain with apparent molecular weight of 22 kDa. Cleaved fragment was identified by MALDI-TOF analysis as the 21.1 kDa polypeptide. «Peptide Mass Calculator» predicted that such a fragment corresponded to Аα414-610 residue of fibrinogen molecule. Thus, we showed that studied protease cleaved peptide bond AαK413-L414 with the formation of stable partly hydrolyzed fibrinogen desAα414-610. Conclusions. The use of protease from the venom of Gloydius halys halys would allow obtaining the unique partly hydrolyzed fibrinogen des Aα 414‒610 that is suitable for the study of structure and functions of fibrinogen αС-regions.
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Nikitin D, Choi S, Mican J, Toul M, Ryu WS, Damborsky J, Mikulik R, Kim DE. Development and Testing of Thrombolytics in Stroke. J Stroke 2021; 23:12-36. [PMID: 33600700 PMCID: PMC7900387 DOI: 10.5853/jos.2020.03349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in recanalization therapy, mechanical thrombectomy will never be a treatment for every ischemic stroke because access to mechanical thrombectomy is still limited in many countries. Moreover, many ischemic strokes are caused by occlusion of cerebral arteries that cannot be reached by intra-arterial catheters. Reperfusion using thrombolytic agents will therefore remain an important therapy for hyperacute ischemic stroke. However, thrombolytic drugs have shown limited efficacy and notable hemorrhagic complication rates, leaving room for improvement. A comprehensive understanding of basic and clinical research pipelines as well as the current status of thrombolytic therapy will help facilitate the development of new thrombolytics. Compared with alteplase, an ideal thrombolytic agent is expected to provide faster reperfusion in more patients; prevent re-occlusions; have higher fibrin specificity for selective activation of clot-bound plasminogen to decrease bleeding complications; be retained in the blood for a longer time to minimize dosage and allow administration as a single bolus; be more resistant to inhibitors; and be less antigenic for repetitive usage. Here, we review the currently available thrombolytics, strategies for the development of new clot-dissolving substances, and the assessment of thrombolytic efficacies in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri Nikitin
- International Centre for Clinical Research, St. Anne's Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.,Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Seungbum Choi
- Molecular Imaging and Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
| | - Jan Mican
- International Centre for Clinical Research, St. Anne's Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.,Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Neurology, St. Anne's Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Toul
- International Centre for Clinical Research, St. Anne's Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.,Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Wi-Sun Ryu
- Department of Neurology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Jiri Damborsky
- International Centre for Clinical Research, St. Anne's Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.,Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Mikulik
- International Centre for Clinical Research, St. Anne's Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Neurology, St. Anne's Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dong-Eog Kim
- Molecular Imaging and Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea.,Department of Neurology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
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Urra FA, Miranda-Calle AB, Araya-Maturana R. Philodryas (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) Envenomation, a Neglected Issue in Chile. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E697. [PMID: 31795440 PMCID: PMC6950111 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11120697] [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: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenomation is considered a neglected tropical disease, although it also occurs outside the tropics. In this work, we analyzed the literature on Philodryas species in Chile (Philodryaschamissonis, P.simonsii, and P.tachymenoides) from 1834 to 2019, searching for epidemiological, clinical, and molecular aspects of envenomation. Ninety-one percent of the studies found regarded taxonomy, ecology, and natural history, suggesting that snakebites and venom toxins are a neglected issue in Chile. All snakebite cases reported and toxicological studies concerned the species Philodryaschamissonis. Using 185 distributional records from the literature and museum collections for this species, we show for the first time that the reported snakebite cases correlate with human population density, occurring in the Valparaiso and Metropolitan regions in Central Chile. The reduced number of snakebite cases, which were previously considered as having a low incidence in Chile, may be a consequence of under-reported cases, probably due to the inadequate publication or scarce research on this issue. Absence of information about official pharmacological treatment, post-envenoming sequels, clinical management of particular patient groups (e.g., with non-communicable diseases, pregnant women, and the elderly) was also detected. In conclusion, despite having over 185 years of literature on Chilean snakes, knowledge on the envenomation of Philodryas genus remains scarce, seriously affecting adequate medical handling during an ophidic accident. This review highlights the need to develop deep research in this area and urgent improvements to the management of this disease in Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix A. Urra
- Programa de Farmacología Molecular y Clínica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Casilla 7, Santiago 7800003, Chile
- Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago 7800003, Chile;
| | | | - Ramiro Araya-Maturana
- Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago 7800003, Chile;
- Instituto de Química de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Talca, Casilla 747, Talca 3460000, Chile
- Programa de Investigación Asociativa en Cáncer Gástrico, Universidad de Talca, Casilla 747, Talca 3460000, Chile
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Péterfi O, Boda F, Szabó Z, Ferencz E, Bába L. Hypotensive Snake Venom Components-A Mini-Review. Molecules 2019; 24:E2778. [PMID: 31370142 PMCID: PMC6695636 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24152778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is considered a major public health issue due to its high prevalence and subsequent risk of cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Thus, the search for new antihypertensive compounds remains of great interest. Snake venoms provide an abundant source of lead molecules that affect the cardiovascular system, which makes them prominent from a pharmaceutical perspective. Such snake venom components include bradykinin potentiating peptides (proline-rich oligopeptides), natriuretic peptides, phospholipases A2, serine-proteases and vascular endothelial growth factors. Some heparin binding hypotensive factors, three-finger toxins and 5' nucleotidases can also exert blood pressure lowering activity. Great advances have been made during the last decade regarding the understanding of the mechanism of action of these hypotensive proteins. Bradykinin potentiating peptides exert their action primarily by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme and increasing the effect of endogenous bradykinin. Snake venom phospholipases A2 are capable of reducing blood pressure through the production of arachidonic acid, a precursor of cyclooxygenase metabolites (prostaglandins or prostacyclin). Other snake venom proteins mimic the effects of endogenous kallikrein, natriuretic peptides or vascular endothelial growth factors. The aim of this work was to review the current state of knowledge regarding snake venom components with potential antihypertensive activity and their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orsolya Péterfi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Gheorghe Marinescu Street No. 38, 540139 Tirgu Mures, Romania
| | - Francisc Boda
- Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Gheorghe Marinescu Street No. 38, 540139 Tirgu Mures, Romania.
| | - Zoltán Szabó
- Department of Specialty Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Gheorghe Marinescu Street No. 38, 540139 Tirgu Mures, Romania
| | - Elek Ferencz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Gheorghe Marinescu Street No. 38, 540139 Tirgu Mures, Romania
| | - László Bába
- Department of Specialty Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Gheorghe Marinescu Street No. 38, 540139 Tirgu Mures, Romania
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Boldrini-França J, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Arantes EC. Functional and biological insights of rCollinein-1, a recombinant serine protease from Crotalus durissus collilineatus. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2019; 25:e147118. [PMID: 31131001 PMCID: PMC6483414 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-1471-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalent class of snake venom serine proteases (SVSP) in Viperidae venoms is the thrombin-like enzymes, which, similarly to human thrombin, convert fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin monomers. However, thrombin-like serine proteases differ from thrombin by being unable to activate factor XIII, thus leading to the formation of loose clots and fibrinogen consumption. We report the functional and biological characterization of a recombinant thrombin-like serine protease from Crotalus durissus collilineatus, named rCollinein-1. METHODS Heterologous expression of rCollinein-1 was performed in Pichia pastoris system according to a previously standardized protocol, with some modifications. rCollinein-1 was purified from the culture medium by a combination of three chromatographic steps. The recombinant toxin was tested in vitro for its thrombolytic activity and in mice for its edematogenicity, blood incoagulability and effect on plasma proteins. RESULTS When tested for the ability to induce mouse paw edema, rCollinein-1 demonstrated low edematogenic effect, indicating little involvement of this enzyme in the inflammatory processes resulting from ophidian accidents. The rCollinein-1 did not degrade blood clots in vitro, which suggests that this toxin lacks fibrinolytic activity and is not able to directly or indirectly activate the fibrinolytic system. The minimal dose of rCollinein-1 that turns the blood incoagulable in experimental mice is 7.5 mg/kg. The toxin also led to a significant increase in activated partial thromboplastin time at the dose of 1 mg/kg in the animals. Other parameters such as plasma fibrinogen concentration and prothrombin time were not significantly affected by treatment with rCollinein-1 at this dose. The toxin was also able to alter plasma proteins in mouse after 3 h of injection at a dose of 1 mg/kg, leading to a decrease in the intensity of beta zone and an increase in gamma zone in agarose gel electrophoresis. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the recombinant enzyme has no potential as a thrombolytic agent but can be applied in the prevention of thrombus formation in some pathological processes and as molecular tools in studies related to hemostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johara Boldrini-França
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto - FCFRP/USP,
Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Ecosystem Ecology, University of Vila Velha, Av.
Comissário José Dantas de Melo, 21, Boa Vista II, 29102-920, Vila Velha, ES,
Brazil
| | | | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto - FCFRP/USP,
Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Proteomic Analysis of Novel Components of Nemopilema nomurai Jellyfish Venom: Deciphering the Mode of Action. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11030153. [PMID: 30857234 PMCID: PMC6468547 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11030153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, proliferation of jellyfish has become a severe matter in many coastal areas around the world. Jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai is one of the most perilous organisms and leads to significant deleterious outcomes such as harm to the fishery, damage the coastal equipment, and moreover, its envenomation can be hazardous to the victims. Till now, the components of Nemopilema nomurai venom (NnV) are unknown owing to scant transcriptomics and genomic data. In the current research, we have explored a proteomic approach to identify NnV components and their interrelation with pathological effects caused by the jellyfish sting. Altogether, 150 proteins were identified, comprising toxins and other distinct proteins that are substantial in nematocyst genesis and nematocyte growth by employing two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI/TOF/MS). The identified toxins are phospholipase A2, phospholipase D Li Sic Tox beta IDI, a serine protease, putative Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor, disintegrin and metalloproteinase, hemolysin, leukotoxin, three finger toxin MALT0044C, allergens, venom prothrombin activator trocarin D, tripeptide Gsp 9.1, and along with other toxin proteins. These toxins are relatively well characterized in the venoms of other poisonous species to induce pathogenesis, hemolysis, inflammation, proteolysis, blood coagulation, cytolysis, hemorrhagic activity, and type 1 hypersensitivity, suggesting that these toxins in NnV can also cause similar deleterious consequences. Our proteomic works indicate that NnV protein profile represents valuable source which leads to better understanding the clinical features of the jellyfish stings. As one of the largest jellyfish in the world, Nemopilema nomurai sting is considered to be harmful to humans due to its potent toxicity. The identification and functional characterization of its venom components have been poorly described and are beyond our knowledge. Here is the first report demonstrating the methodical overview of NnV proteomics research, providing significant information to understand the mechanism of NnV envenomation. Our proteomics findings can provide a platform for novel protein discovery and development of practical ways to deal with jellyfish stings on human beings.
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Neale V, Sotillo J, Seymour JE, Wilson D. The Venom of the Spine-Bellied Sea Snake (Hydrophis curtus): Proteome, Toxin Diversity and Intraspecific Variation. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122695. [PMID: 29231898 PMCID: PMC5751296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The spine-bellied sea snake (Hydrophis curtus) is known to cause human deaths, yet its venom composition has not yet been proteomically characterised. An in-depth proteomic analysis was performed on H. curtus venom from two different seasons, January and June, corresponding to adults and subadults, respectively. Venoms from adult and subadult H. curtus individuals were compared using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) to detect intraspecific variation, and the molecular weight data obtained with ESI-MS were used to assess toxin diversity. RP-HPLC and LC-ESI-MS/MS were used to characterise the venom proteome and estimate the relative abundances of protein families present. The most abundant protein family in January and June venoms is phospholipase A2 (PLA2: January 66.7%; June 54.5%), followed by three-finger toxins (3FTx: January 30.4%; June 40.4%) and a minor component of cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP: January 2.5%; June 5%). Trace amounts of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMP), C-type lectins and housekeeping and regulatory proteins were also found. Although the complexity of the venom is low by number of families present, each family contained a more diverse set of isoforms than previously reported, a finding that may have implications for the development of next-generation sea snake antivenoms. Intraspecific variability was shown to be minor with one obvious exception of a 14,157-Da protein that was present in some January (adult) venoms, but not at all in June (subadult) venoms. There is also a greater abundance of short-chain neurotoxins in June (subadult) venom compared with January (adult) venom. These differences potentially indicate the presence of seasonal, ontogenetic or sexual variation in H. curtus venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Neale
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns 4878, Australia.
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) and Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics (CBMDT), James Cook University, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns 4878, Australia.
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) and Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics (CBMDT), James Cook University, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns 4878, Australia.
| | - Jamie E Seymour
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) and Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics (CBMDT), James Cook University, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns 4878, Australia.
| | - David Wilson
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) and Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics (CBMDT), James Cook University, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns 4878, Australia.
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Yang ZM, Yu H, Liu ZZ, Pei JZ, Yang YE, Yan SX, Zhang C, Zhao WL, Wang ZZ, Wang YM, Tsai IH. Serine protease isoforms in Gloydius intermedius venom: Full sequences, molecular phylogeny and evolutionary implications. J Proteomics 2017; 164:19-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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10
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Aird SD, da Silva NJ, Qiu L, Villar-Briones A, Saddi VA, Pires de Campos Telles M, Grau ML, Mikheyev AS. Coralsnake Venomics: Analyses of Venom Gland Transcriptomes and Proteomes of Six Brazilian Taxa. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E187. [PMID: 28594382 PMCID: PMC5488037 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9060187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Venom gland transcriptomes and proteomes of six Micrurus taxa (M. corallinus, M. lemniscatus carvalhoi, M. lemniscatus lemniscatus, M. paraensis, M. spixii spixii, and M. surinamensis) were investigated, providing the most comprehensive, quantitative data on Micrurus venom composition to date, and more than tripling the number of Micrurus venom protein sequences previously available. The six venomes differ dramatically. All are dominated by 2-6 toxin classes that account for 91-99% of the toxin transcripts. The M. s. spixii venome is compositionally the simplest. In it, three-finger toxins (3FTxs) and phospholipases A₂ (PLA₂s) comprise >99% of the toxin transcripts, which include only four additional toxin families at levels ≥0.1%. Micrurus l. lemniscatus venom is the most complex, with at least 17 toxin families. However, in each venome, multiple structural subclasses of 3FTXs and PLA₂s are present. These almost certainly differ in pharmacology as well. All venoms also contain phospholipase B and vascular endothelial growth factors. Minor components (0.1-2.0%) are found in all venoms except that of M. s. spixii. Other toxin families are present in all six venoms at trace levels (<0.005%). Minor and trace venom components differ in each venom. Numerous novel toxin chemistries include 3FTxs with previously unknown 8- and 10-cysteine arrangements, resulting in new 3D structures and target specificities. 9-cysteine toxins raise the possibility of covalent, homodimeric 3FTxs or heterodimeric toxins with unknown pharmacologies. Probable muscarinic sequences may be reptile-specific homologs that promote hypotension via vascular mAChRs. The first complete sequences are presented for 3FTxs putatively responsible for liberating glutamate from rat brain synaptosomes. Micrurus C-type lectin-like proteins may have 6-9 cysteine residues and may be monomers, or homo- or heterodimers of unknown pharmacology. Novel KSPIs, 3× longer than any seen previously, appear to have arisen in three species by gene duplication and fusion. Four species have transcripts homologous to the nociceptive toxin, (MitTx) α-subunit, but all six species had homologs to the β-subunit. The first non-neurotoxic, non-catalytic elapid phospholipase A₂s are reported. All are probably myonecrotic. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the six taxa diverged 15-35 million years ago and that they split from their last common ancestor with Old World elapines nearly 55 million years ago. Given their early diversification, many cryptic micrurine taxa are anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Aird
- Division of Faculty Affairs, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa-ken 904-0495, Japan.
- Ecology and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa-ken 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Nelson Jorge da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 74605-140, Brazil.
| | - Lijun Qiu
- Ecology and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa-ken 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Alejandro Villar-Briones
- Research Support Division, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa-ken 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Vera Aparecida Saddi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 74605-140, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Oncogenética e Radiobiologia da Associação de Combate ao Câncer em Goiás, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua 239 no. 52-Setor Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás 74065-070, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Pires de Campos Telles
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 74605-140, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Genética & Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil.
| | - Miguel L Grau
- Ecology and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa-ken 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Alexander S Mikheyev
- Ecology and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa-ken 904-0495, Japan.
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11
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Pla D, Sanz L, Whiteley G, Wagstaff SC, Harrison RA, Casewell NR, Calvete JJ. What killed Karl Patterson Schmidt? Combined venom gland transcriptomic, venomic and antivenomic analysis of the South African green tree snake (the boomslang), Dispholidus typus. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:814-823. [PMID: 28130154 PMCID: PMC5335903 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2017.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Non-front-fanged colubroid snakes comprise about two-thirds of extant ophidian species. The medical significance of the majority of these snakes is unknown, but at least five species have caused life-threatening or fatal human envenomings. However, the venoms of only a small number of species have been explored. Methods A combined venomic and venom gland transcriptomic approach was employed to characterise of venom of Dispholidus typus (boomslang), the snake that caused the tragic death of Professor Karl Patterson Schmidt. The ability of CroFab™ antivenom to immunocapture boomslang venom proteins was investigated using antivenomics. Results Transcriptomic-assisted proteomic analysis identified venom proteins belonging to seven protein families: three-finger toxin (3FTx); phospholipase A2 (PLA2); cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP); snake venom (SV) serine proteinase (SP); C-type lectin-like (CTL); SV metalloproteinases (SVMPs); and disintegrin-like/cysteine-rich (DC) proteolytic fragments. CroFab™ antivenom efficiently immunodepleted some boomslang SVMPs. Conclusions The present work is the first to address the overall proteomic profile of D. typus venom. This study allowed us to correlate the toxin composition with the toxic activities of the venom. The antivenomic analysis suggested that the antivenom available at the time of the unfortunate accident could have exhibited at least some immunoreactivity against the boomslang SVMPs responsible for the disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome that caused K.P. Schmidt's fatal outcome. General significance This study may stimulate further research on other non-front-fanged colubroid snake venoms capable of causing life-threatening envenomings to humans, which in turn should contribute to prevent fatal human accidents, such as that unfortunately suffered by K.P. Schmidt. The venom proteome of Dispholidus typus (boomslang) is reported. Transcriptomic-assisted proteomic analysis identified venom proteins belonging to seven protein families. Boomslang venom proteome is dominated (75%) by snake venom PIII-metalloproteinases (PIII-SVMPs). CroFab™ antivenom efficiently immunodepleted some boomslang PIII-SVMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davinia Pla
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Libia Sanz
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gareth Whiteley
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Simon C Wagstaff
- Bioinformatics Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Robert A Harrison
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, Spain.
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12
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Bio-prospecting of cuttle fish waste and cow dung for the production of fibrinolytic enzyme from Bacillus cereus IND5 in solid state fermentation. 3 Biotech 2016; 6:231. [PMID: 28330303 PMCID: PMC5234527 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-016-0553-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The process parameters governing the production of fibrinolytic enzyme
in solid state fermentation employing Bacillus
cereus IND5 and using cuttle fish waste and cow dung substrate were
optimized. The pH value of the medium, moisture content, sucrose, casein and
magnesium sulfate were considered for two-level full factorial design and pH, casein
and magnesium sulfate were identified as the important factors for fibrinolytic
enzyme production. Central composite design was applied to investigate the
interactive effect among variables (pH, casein and magnesium sulfate) and response
surface plots were created to find the pinnacle of process response. The optimized
levels of factors were pH 7.8, 1.1% casein and 0.1% magnesium sulfate. Enzyme
production was increased 2.5-fold after statistical approach. The enzyme was
purified up to a specific activity of 364.5 U/g proteins and its molecular weight
was 47 kDa. It was stable at pH 8.0 and was highly active at 50 °C. The mixture of
cuttle fish waste and cow dung could find great application as solid substrate for
the production of fibrinolytic enzyme.
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13
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Optimization of production, biochemical characterization and in vitro evaluation of the therapeutic potential of fibrinolytic enzymes from a new Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Macromol Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s13233-016-4089-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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14
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Sun Z, Liu P, Cheng G, Zhang B, Dong W, Su X, Huang Y, Cui Z, Kong Y. A fibrinolytic protease AfeE from Streptomyces sp. CC5, with potent thrombolytic activity in a mouse model. Int J Biol Macromol 2015; 85:346-54. [PMID: 26721382 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.12.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Fibrinolytic proteases have potential applications in cardiovascular disease therapy. A novel fibrinolytic protease, AfeE, with strong thrombolytic activity was purified from Streptomyces sp. CC5. AfeE displayed maximum activity at 40°C in the pH range of 7.0-12.0. It was strongly inhibited by serine protease inhibitor phenylmethanesulfonylfluoride, soybean trypsin inhibitor, tosyl-l-lysine chloromethyl ketone and tosyl-l-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone. The activity of the enzyme was partially inhibited by Cu(2+), Co(2+) and Zn(2+). AfeE exhibited higher substrate specificity for fibrin than fibrinogen, which has rarely been reported in fibrinolytic enzymes. AfeE also showed high thrombolytic activity in a carrageenan-induced mouse tail thrombosis model. AfeE prolonged prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and thrombin time in rat blood. A bleeding time assay revealed that AfeE did not prolong bleeding time in mice at a dose of 1mg/kg. No acute cytotoxicity was observed for AfeE at 320μg/well in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The afeE gene was cloned from the genome of Streptomyces sp. CC5. Full-length AFE-CC5E contained 434 amino acids and was processed into a mature form consisting 284 amino acids by posttranslational modification, as revealed by high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis. These results indicate that AfeE is a prospective candidate for antithrombotic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Pingping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangyan Cheng
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Biying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiliang Dong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingli Su
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongli Cui
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology of Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yi Kong
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Urra FA, Pulgar R, Gutiérrez R, Hodar C, Cambiazo V, Labra A. Identification and molecular characterization of five putative toxins from the venom gland of the snake Philodryas chamissonis (Serpentes: Dipsadidae). Toxicon 2015; 108:19-31. [PMID: 26410112 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Philodryas chamissonis is a rear-fanged snake endemic to Chile. Its bite produces mild to moderate symptoms with proteolytic and anti-coagulant effects. Presently, the composition of the venom, as well as, the biochemical and structural characteristics of its toxins, remains unknown. In this study, we cloned and reported the first full-length sequences of five toxin-encoding genes from the venom gland of this species: Type III snake venom metalloprotease (SVMP), snake venom serine protease (SVSP), Cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP), α and β subunits of C-type lectin-like protein (CLP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (NP). These genes are highly expressed in the venom gland and their sequences exhibited a putative signal peptide, suggesting that these are components of the venom. These putative toxins had different evolutionary relationships with those reported for some front-fanged snakes, being SVMP, SVSP and CRISP of P. chamissonis closely related to the toxins present in Elapidae species, while NP was more related to those of Viperidae species. In addition, analyses suggest that the α and β subunits of CLP of P. chamissonis might have a α-subunit scaffold in common with Viperidae species, whose highly variable C-terminal region might have allowed the diversification in α and β subunits. Our results provide the first molecular description of the toxins possibly implicated in the envenomation of prey and humans by the bite of P. chamissonis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix A Urra
- Laboratorio de Neuroetología, Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 70005, Correo 7, Santiago, Chile; Laboratorio de Cáncer y Bioenergética, Programa de Farmacología Molecular y Clínica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 70005, Correo 7, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Rodrigo Pulgar
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Expresión Génica, INTA, Universidad de Chile and Fondap Center for Genome Regulation (CGR), El Líbano 5524, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Expresión Génica, INTA, Universidad de Chile and Fondap Center for Genome Regulation (CGR), El Líbano 5524, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian Hodar
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Expresión Génica, INTA, Universidad de Chile and Fondap Center for Genome Regulation (CGR), El Líbano 5524, Santiago, Chile
| | - Verónica Cambiazo
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Expresión Génica, INTA, Universidad de Chile and Fondap Center for Genome Regulation (CGR), El Líbano 5524, Santiago, Chile
| | - Antonieta Labra
- Laboratorio de Neuroetología, Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 70005, Correo 7, Santiago, Chile; Department of Biosciences, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, PB1066 Blinder, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
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16
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Engineering of Harobin for enhanced fibrinolytic activity obtained by random and site-directed mutagenesis. Protein Expr Purif 2015; 129:162-172. [PMID: 26363113 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We have previously published a report on the cloning and characterization of Harobin, a fibrinolytic serine protease. However, the broad application of this fibrinolytic enzyme is limited by its low expression level that was achieved in Pichia pastoris. To counteract this shortcoming, random and site-directed mutagenesis have been combined in order to improve functional expression and activity of Harobin. By screening 400 clones from random mutant libraries for enhanced fibrinolytic activity, two mutants were obtained: N111R, R230G. By performing site-directed mutagenesis, a Harobin double mutant, N111R/R230G, was constructed and can be functionally expressed at higher level than the wild type enzyme. In addition, it possessed much higher fibrinolytic and amidolytic activity than the wild type enzyme and other single mutants. The N111R/R230G expressed in basal salts medium was purified by a three step purification procedure. At pH of 6.0-9.0, and the temperature range of 40-90 °C, N111R/R230G was more active and more heat resistant. The fibrinolytic activities of Harobin mutants were completely inhibited by PMSF and SBTI, but not by EDTA, EGTA, DTT, indicating that Harobin is a serine protease. N111R/R230G showed much better anti-thrombosis effect than wild type Harobin and single mutants, and could significantly increase bleeding and clotting time. Intravenous injection of N111R/R230G in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) led to a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (p < 0.01), while heart rate (HR) was not affected. The in vitro and in vivo results of the present study revealed that Harobin double mutant N111R/R230G is an appropriate candidate for biotechnological applications due to its high expression level and high activity in area of thrombosis and hypertension.
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17
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Amel KS, Fatima LD. Purification and Characterization of a New Serine Protease (VLCII) Isolated fromVipera lebetinaVenom: Its Role in Hemostasis. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2015; 29:388-97. [DOI: 10.1002/jbt.21709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kadi-Saci Amel
- USTHB, Faculty of Biological Sciences; Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology; BP32 El-Alia Bab Ezzouar Algiers Algeria
| | - Laraba-Djebari Fatima
- USTHB, Faculty of Biological Sciences; Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology; BP32 El-Alia Bab Ezzouar Algiers Algeria
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18
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Van Cao N, Thien Tao N, Moore A, Montoya A, Redsted Rasmussen A, Broad K, Voris HK, Takacs Z. Sea snake harvest in the gulf of Thailand. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2014; 28:1677-1687. [PMID: 25388500 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Conservation of sea snakes is virtually nonexistent in Asia, and its role in human-snake interactions in terms of catch, trade, and snakebites as an occupational hazard is mostly unexplored. We collected data on sea snake landings from the Gulf of Thailand, a hotspot for sea snake harvest by squid fishers operating out of the ports of Song Doc and Khanh Hoi, Ca Mau Province, Vietnam. The data were collected during documentation of the steps of the trading process and through interviewers with participants in the trade. Squid vessels return to ports once per lunar synodic cycle and fishers sell snakes to merchants who sort, package, and ship the snakes to various destinations in Vietnam and China for human consumption and as a source of traditional remedies. Annually, 82 t, roughly equal to 225,500 individuals, of live sea snakes are brought to ports. To our knowledge, this rate of harvest constitutes one of the largest venomous snake and marine reptile harvest activities in the world today. Lapemis curtus and Hydrophis cyanocinctus constituted about 85% of the snake biomass, and Acalyptophis peronii, Aipysurus eydouxii, Hydrophis atriceps, H. belcheri, H. lamberti, and H. ornatus made up the remainder. Our results establish a quantitative baseline for characteristics of catch, trade, and uses of sea snakes. Other key observations include the timing of the trade to the lunar cycle, a decline of sea snakes harvested over the study period (approximately 30% decline in mass over 4 years), and the treatment of sea snake bites with rhinoceros horn. Emerging markets in Southeast Asia drive the harvest of venomous sea snakes in the Gulf of Thailand and sea snake bites present a potentially lethal occupational hazard. We call for implementation of monitoring programs to further address the conservation implications of this large-scale marine reptile exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Van Cao
- Institute of Oceanography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
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19
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Choi JH, Sapkota K, Kim S, Kim SJ. Starase: A bi-functional fibrinolytic protease from hepatic caeca of Asterina pectinifera displays antithrombotic potential. Biochimie 2014; 105:45-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2014.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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20
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Choi JH, Sapkota K, Kim MK, Kim S, Kim SJ. Undariase, a direct-acting fibrin(ogen)olytic enzyme from Undaria pinnatifida, inhibits thrombosis in vivo and exhibits in vitro thrombolytic properties. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2014; 173:1985-2004. [PMID: 24938821 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-014-0981-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A direct-acting fibrinolytic serine protease named undariase possessing anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties was purified from Undaria pinnatifida. Undariase showed a molecular weight of 50 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and mass spectrometry. It displayed a strong fibrin zymogram lysis band corresponding to the same molecular mass. The N-terminal sequence of undariase, LTATTCEELAAAPTD, does not match with any known fibrinolytic enzyme. The enzyme was stable and active at high temperatures (35-70 °C). The fibrinolytic activity of undariase was strongly inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and 4-(amidinophenyl) methanesulfonyl fluoride (APMSF). The K m and V max values for substrate S-2251 were determined as 6.15 mM and 90.91 mM/min/ml, respectively. Undariase resulted in clot lysis by directly cleaving α and β chains of fibrin. Similarly, it preferentially acted on the Aα chain of fibrinogen followed by cleavage of the Bβ chain. It significantly prolonged the PFA-100 closure times of citrated whole human blood. In addition, undariase delayed the coagulation time and increased activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT). Undariase exerted a significant protective effect against collagen plus epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboembolism in mice. It prevented carrageenan-induced thrombus formation in the tail of mice. It also resulted in prolongation of APTT ex vivo. In conclusion, these results suggested a therapeutic potential of undariase for thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hui Choi
- Department of Life Science & BK21-Plus Research Team for Bioactive Control Technology, Chosun University, 375 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-759, Republic of Korea
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Chernyshenko V, Platonova T, Makogonenko Y, Rebriev A, Mikhalovska L, Chernyshenko T, Komisarenko S. Fibrin(ogen)olytic and platelet modulating activity of a novel protease from the Echis multisquamatis snake venom. Biochimie 2014; 105:76-83. [PMID: 25046629 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2014.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The variety of enzymes including serine proteases that possess fibrin(ogen)olytic and platelet modulating activity have been discovered in different snake venoms. In our work the fibrin(ogen)olytic and platelet modulating activity of a new protease from Echis multisquamatis snake venom was studied. It was shown that purified enzyme cleaved the ВβR42-A43 bond of fibrinogen during first contact with the substrate following much slower hydrolysis of C-terminus of fibrinogen Aα-chain. Protease hydrolysed fibrin clot too, but at much slower rate and cleaved both C-terminus of Aα-chain and ВβR42-A43 bond of Bβ-chain simultaneously. Preincubation of fibrinogen with protease dramatically elongated thrombin clotting time and the clot formed from a mixture of native fibrinogen and fibrinogen desВβ(1-42)2 digested by plasmin much faster than a native fibrin clot. The protease did not activate platelets nor cause changes in their shape and granularity, but it reduced platelets aggregation induced by ADP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andriy Rebriev
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry NAS of Ukraine, Ukraine
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22
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Zheng Y, Ye FP, Wang J, Liao GY, Zhang Y, Fan QS, Lee WH. Purification, characterization and gene cloning of Da-36, a novel serine protease from Deinagkistrodon acutus venom. Toxicon 2013; 67:1-11. [PMID: 23462378 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Revised: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A serine protease termed Da-36 was isolated from crude venom of Deinagkistrodon acutus. The enzyme was a single chain protein with an apparent molecular weight of 36,000 on SDS-PAGE with an isoelectric point of 6.59. Da-36 could clot human plasma by cleaving the Aα, Bβ and γ chains of fibrinogen and also exhibited arginine esterase activity. The proteolytic activity of Da-36 toward TAME was strongly inhibited by PMSF and moderately affected by benzamidine and aprotinin, indicating that it was a serine protease. Meanwhile, Da-36 showed stability with wide temperature (20-50 °C) and pH value ranges (pH 6-10). Divalent metal ions of Ca(2+), Mg(2+), and Mn(2+) had no effects but Zn(2+) and Cu(2+) inhibited the arginine esterase activity of Da-36. Total DNA was extracted directly from the lyophilized crude venom and the gene (5.5 kbp) coding for Da-36 had been successfully cloned. Sequence analysis revealed that the Da-36 gene contained five exons and four introns. The mature Da-36 was encoded by four separate exons. The deduced mature amino acid sequence of Da-36 was in good agreement with the determined N-terminal sequence of the purified protein and shared high homology with other serine proteases isolated from different snake venoms. Blast search using amino acid sequence of Da-36 against public database revealed that Da-36 showed a maximal identity of 90% with both Dav-X (Swiss-Prot: Q9I8W9.1) and thrombin-like protein 1 (GenBank: AAW56608.1) from the same snake species, indicating that Da-36 is a novel serine protease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zheng
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
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23
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Comparative analysis of proteases in the injected and dissected venom of cone snail species. Toxicon 2013; 65:59-67. [PMID: 23339854 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The venom of cone snails has been the subject of intense studies because it contains small neuroactive peptides of therapeutic value. However, much less is known about their larger proteins counterparts and their role in prey envenomation. Here, we analyzed the proteolytic enzymes in the injected venom of Conus purpurascens and Conus ermineus (piscivorous), and the dissected venom of C. purpurascens, Conus marmoreus (molluscivorous) and Conus virgo (vermivorous). Zymograms show that all venom samples displayed proteolytic activity on gelatin. However, the electrophoresis patterns and sizes of the proteases varied considerably among these four species. The protease distribution also varied dramatically between the injected and dissected venom of C. purpurascens. Protease inhibitors demonstrated that serine and metalloproteases are responsible for the gelatinolytic activity. We found fibrinogenolytic activity in the injected venom of C. ermineus suggesting that this venom might have effects on the hemostatic system of the prey. Remarkable differences in protein and protease expression were found in different sections of the venom duct, indicating that these components are related to the storage granules and that they participate in venom biosynthesis. Consequently, different conoproteases play major roles in venom processing and prey envenomation.
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Antifibrinolytic role of a bee venom serine protease inhibitor that acts as a plasmin inhibitor. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32269. [PMID: 22359676 PMCID: PMC3281132 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom is a rich source of pharmacologically active substances. In this study, we identified a bumblebee (Bombus ignitus) venom Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor (Bi-KTI) that acts as a plasmin inhibitor. Bi-KTI showed no detectable inhibitory effect on factor Xa, thrombin, or tissue plasminogen activator. In contrast, Bi-KTI strongly inhibited plasmin, indicating that it acts as an antifibrinolytic agent; however, this inhibitory ability was two-fold weaker than that of aprotinin. The fibrin(ogen)olytic activities of B. ignitus venom serine protease (Bi-VSP) and plasmin in the presence of Bi-KTI indicate that Bi-KTI targets plasmin more specifically than Bi-VSP. These findings demonstrate a novel mechanism by which bumblebee venom affects the hemostatic system through the antifibrinolytic activity of Bi-KTI and through Bi-VSP-mediated fibrin(ogen)olytic activities, raising interest in Bi-KTI and Bi-VSP as potential clinical agents.
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Uesugi Y, Usuki H, Arima J, Iwabuchi M, Hatanaka T. Molecular dissection of Streptomyces trypsin on substrate recognition. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2011; 1814:1295-304. [PMID: 21767670 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2011.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Revised: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We recently identified residue 71 of two homologous serine proteases from Streptomyces omiyaensis (SOT) and Streptomyces griseus (SGT) as a crucial residue for differences in their topological specificities, i.e. recognition of a distinct three-dimensional structure. To study the role of this key residue in substrate recognition, we used surface plasmon resonance analysis to evaluate the affinities of inactive mutants, in which residues 71 of SOT and SGT were substituted respectively with Leu and Tyr, toward different types of collagens. We identified another amino acid residue involved in the interaction with collagens from analyses of inactive chimeras between SOT and SGT using an in vivo DNA shuffling system. Results showed that residue 72 contributes to collagen binding. By substituting Leu71 and Gln72 with Tyr and Arg, respectively, SGT mutant showed a change in topological specificity and high hydrolytic activity toward type IV collagen comparable to SOT. We demonstrated that the neighboring residues 71 and 72 in the N-terminal β-barrel domain of the enzyme synergistically play an important role in substrate recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Uesugi
- Research Institute for Biological Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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Qiu Y, Choo YM, Yoon HJ, Jia J, Cui Z, Wang D, Kim DH, Sohn HD, Jin BR. Fibrin(ogen)olytic activity of bumblebee venom serine protease. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2011; 255:207-13. [PMID: 21763709 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2011.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 06/22/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bee venom is a rich source of pharmacologically active components; it has been used as an immunotherapy to treat bee venom hypersensitivity, and venom therapy has been applied as an alternative medicine. Here, we present evidence that the serine protease found in bumblebee venom exhibits fibrin(ogen)olytic activity. Compared to honeybee venom, bumblebee venom contains a higher content of serine protease, which is one of its major components. Venom serine proteases from bumblebees did not cross-react with antibodies against the honeybee venom serine protease. We provide functional evidence indicating that bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) venom serine protease (Bt-VSP) acts as a fibrin(ogen)olytic enzyme. Bt-VSP activates prothrombin and directly degrades fibrinogen into fibrin degradation products. However, Bt-VSP is not a plasminogen activator, and its fibrinolytic activity is less than that of plasmin. Taken together, our results define roles for Bt-VSP as a prothrombin activator, a thrombin-like protease, and a plasmin-like protease. These findings offer significant insight into the allergic reaction sequence that is initiated by bee venom serine protease and its potential usefulness as a clinical agent in the field of hemostasis and thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Qiu
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, Republic of Korea
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Sajevic T, Leonardi A, Križaj I. Haemostatically active proteins in snake venoms. Toxicon 2011; 57:627-45. [PMID: 21277886 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Revised: 01/06/2011] [Accepted: 01/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Snake venom proteins that affect the haemostatic system can cause (a) lowering of blood coagulability, (b) damage to blood vessels, resulting in bleeding, (c) secondary effects of bleeding, e.g. hypovolaemic shock and organ damage, and (d) thrombosis. These proteins may, or may not, be enzymes. We review the data on the most relevant haemostatically active proteinases, phospholipases A₂, L-amino acid oxidases and 5'-nucleotidases from snake venoms. We also survey the non-enzymatic effectors of haemostasis from snake venoms--disintegrins, C-type lectins and three-finger toxins. Medical applications have already been found for some of these snake venom proteins. We describe those that have already been approved as drugs to treat haemostatic disorders or are being used to diagnose such health problems. No clinical applications, however, currently exist for the majority of snake venom proteins acting on haemostasis. We conclude with the most promising potential uses in this respect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Sajevic
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Uesugi Y, Usuki H, Iwabuchi M, Hatanaka T. Highly potent fibrinolytic serine protease from Streptomyces. Enzyme Microb Technol 2011; 48:7-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2010.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2010] [Revised: 07/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Uesugi Y, Kawata H, Jo JI, Saito Y, Tabata Y. An ultrasound-responsive nano delivery system of tissue-type plasminogen activator for thrombolytic therapy. J Control Release 2010; 147:269-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2010.07.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2010] [Revised: 07/21/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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30
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Choo YM, Lee KS, Yoon HJ, Kim BY, Sohn MR, Roh JY, Je YH, Kim NJ, Kim I, Woo SD, Sohn HD, Jin BR. Dual function of a bee venom serine protease: prophenoloxidase-activating factor in arthropods and fibrin(ogen)olytic enzyme in mammals. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10393. [PMID: 20454652 PMCID: PMC2862700 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2010] [Accepted: 04/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom contains a variety of peptides and enzymes, including serine proteases. While the presence of serine proteases in bee venom has been demonstrated, the role of these proteins in bee venom has not been elucidated. Furthermore, there is currently no information available regarding the melanization response or the fibrin(ogen)olytic activity of bee venom serine protease, and the molecular mechanism of its action remains unknown. Here we show that bee venom serine protease (Bi-VSP) is a multifunctional enzyme. In insects, Bi-VSP acts as an arthropod prophenoloxidase (proPO)-activating factor (PPAF), thereby triggering the phenoloxidase (PO) cascade. Bi-VSP injected through the stinger induces a lethal melanization response in target insects by modulating the innate immune response. In mammals, Bi-VSP acts similarly to snake venom serine protease, which exhibits fibrin(ogen)olytic activity. Bi-VSP activates prothrombin and directly degrades fibrinogen into fibrin degradation products, defining roles for Bi-VSP as a prothrombin activator, a thrombin-like protease, and a plasmin-like protease. These findings provide a novel view of the mechanism of bee venom in which the bee venom serine protease kills target insects via a melanization strategy and exhibits fibrin(ogen)olytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Moo Choo
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
| | - Kwang Sik Lee
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
| | - Hyung Joo Yoon
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Suwon, Korea
| | - Bo Yeon Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
| | - Mi Ri Sohn
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
| | - Jong Yul Roh
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeon Ho Je
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam Jung Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Suwon, Korea
| | - Iksoo Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Soo Dong Woo
- Department of Plant Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Hung Dae Sohn
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
| | - Byung Rae Jin
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
- * E-mail:
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Uesugi Y, Usuki H, Iwabuchi M, Hatanaka T. The role of Tyr71 in Streptomyces trypsin on the recognition mechanism of structural protein substrates. FEBS J 2009; 276:5634-46. [PMID: 19725878 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2009.07256.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Studies of substrate recognition by serine proteases have focused on specificities at the primary S1-Sn sites, but topological specificities (i.e. recognition at distinct three-dimensional structural motifs) have not been established. This is the first report to identify the key amino acid residue conferring topological specificity. A serine protease from Streptomyces omiyaensis (SOT), which is a trypsin-like enzyme, was chosen as a model enzyme to clarify the recognition mechanism of structural protein substrates in serine proteases. We have found previously that the topological specificities of SOT and S. griseus trypsin (SGT) for high molecular mass substrates differ greatly, even though the enzymes have similar primary structures. In this study, we constructed chimeras between SOT and SGT using an in vivo DNA shuffling system and several mutants to identify the key residues involved in topological specificities. By comparing the substrate specificities of chimeras and mutants, we found that residue 71 of SOT, which is separate from the catalytic triad, contributes to the topological specificity. Using site-directed mutagenesis, residue 71 of SOT was also found to be crucial for catalytic efficiency and enzyme conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Uesugi
- Research Institute for Biological Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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Jiang X, Xu J, Yang Q. Soluble expression, purification, and characterization of Gloydius shedaoensis venom gloshedobin in Escherichia coli by using fusion partners. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2009; 85:635-42. [PMID: 19639313 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-009-2141-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2009] [Revised: 07/05/2009] [Accepted: 07/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Gloshedobin, a thrombin-like enzyme from the venom of Gloydius shedaoensis, is usually produced as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli cell. In this work, gloshedobin was separately fused with three fusion partners NusA, GST, and TrxA at its N terminus and then was expressed as fusion proteins in E. coli. The results showed that the NusA was the most efficient fusion partner to improve the solubility of recombinant gloshedobin. The purified NusA-fused gloshedobin with an overall yield of 64.6% was resolved as one band in the SDS-PAGE gel with molecular mass of about 90 kDa. Both fibrinogen clotting and fibrinogenolytic activities were found for the recombinant product. The purified NusA-fused gloshedobin exhibited amidolytic activity of 506 U/mg under optimal conditions of pH of 8.0 and 40 degrees C. The inhibition study of NusA-fused gloshedobin by various inhibitors showed that serine protease inhibitors, phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride, and N-tosyl-L: -phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone, strongly inhibited its admidolytic activity, whereas ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as well as heparin and hirudin did not, suggesting that NusA-fused gloshedobin exhibited the same characteristics as the native form of gloshedobin. The strategy of this work may contribute to improve the soluble expression level of other thrombin-like enzymes from snake venom in E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuping Jiang
- Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, China
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Paes Leme AF, Prezoto BC, Yamashiro ET, Bertholim L, Tashima AK, Klitzke CF, Camargo ACM, Serrano SMT. Bothrops protease A, a unique highly glycosylated serine proteinase, is a potent, specific fibrinogenolytic agent. J Thromb Haemost 2008; 6:1363-72. [PMID: 18433459 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2008.02995.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hemostatic system is the major target of snake venom serine proteinases (SVSPs) that act on substrates of the coagulation, fibrinolytic and kallikrein-kinin systems. Bothrops protease A (BPA), the most glycosylated SVSP, is a non-coagulant, thermostable enzyme. A cDNA encoding BPA showed that the protein has a calculated molecular mass of 25 409 Da, implying that approximately 62% of its molecular mass as assessed by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (67 kDa) is due to carbohydrate moieties. RESULTS Here we show that BPA is a potent fibrinogenolytic agent in vitro, as it readily degraded human and rat fibrinogen at a very low enzyme concentration. Partially N-deglycosylated BPA (p-N-d-BPA) generated similar fibrinogen products, but with enhanced fibrinogenolytic activity. In vivo, injection of 0.75 nmoles of BPA in rats completely avoided thrombus formation induced by stasis in the vena cava, or by endothelium injury in the jugular vein. Moreover, it decreased the fibrinogen plasma level and prolonged the recalcification time. Cleavage of fibrinogen in human and rat plasma was observed with native BPA and p-N-d-BPA by electrophoresis followed by western blot using an anti-fibrinogen antibody. BPA did not cause unspecific degradation of plasma proteins and did not cleave isolated albumin, vitronectin and fibronectin at the same concentration used with fibrinogen. Serine proteinase inhibitors failed to inhibit BPA, probably due to steric hindrance caused by its huge carbohydrate moieties. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this investigation underscores a new, thermostable, specific defibrinogenating agent that may have an application in the prevention of thrombus formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Paes Leme
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, CAT-CEPID, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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Gardiner EE, Andrews RK. The cut of the clot(h): snake venom fibrinogenases as therapeutic agents. J Thromb Haemost 2008; 6:1360-2. [PMID: 18564218 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2008.03057.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E E Gardiner
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Alfred Medical Research & Education Precinct, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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