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Matkivska R, Samborska I, Maievskyi O. Effect of animal venom toxins on the main links of the homeostasis of mammals (Review). Biomed Rep 2024; 20:16. [PMID: 38144889 PMCID: PMC10739175 DOI: 10.3892/br.2023.1704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The human body is affected by environmental factors. The dynamic balance between the organism and its environment results from the influence of natural, anthropogenic and social aspects. The factors of exogenous origin determine development of adaptive changes. The present article summarises the mechanisms of animal venom toxins and homeostasis disruption in the body of mammals. The mechanisms underlying pathological changes are associated with shifts in biochemical reactions. Components of the immune, nervous and endocrine systems are key in the host defense and adaptation processes in response to venom by triggering signalling pathways (PI3kinase pathway, arachidonic acid cascade). Animal venom toxins initiate the development of inflammatory processes, the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators (cytokines), ROS, proteolytic enzymes, activate the migration of leukocytes and macrophages. Keratinocytes and endothelial cells act as protective barriers under the action of animal venom toxins on the body of mammals. In addition, the formation of pores in cell membranes, structural changes in cell ion channels are characteristic of the action of animal venom toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruzhena Matkivska
- Department of Descriptive and Clinical Anatomy, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv 03680, Ukraine
| | - Inha Samborska
- Department of Biological and General Chemistry, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya 21018, Ukraine
| | - Oleksandr Maievskyi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Educational and Scientific Center ‘Institute of Biology and Medicine’ of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv 03127, Ukraine
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2
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Krylov NA, Tabakmakher VM, Yureva DA, Vassilevski AA, Kuzmenkov AI. Kalium 3.0 is a comprehensive depository of natural, artificial, and labeled polypeptides acting on potassium channels. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4776. [PMID: 37682529 PMCID: PMC10578113 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Here, we introduce the third release of Kalium database (http://kaliumdb.org/), a manually curated comprehensive depository that accumulates data on polypeptide ligands of potassium channels. The major goal of this amplitudinous update is to summarize findings for natural polypeptide ligands of K+ channels, as well as data for the artificial derivatives of these substances obtained over the decades of exploration. We manually analyzed more than 700 original manuscripts and systematized the information on mutagenesis, production of radio- and fluorescently labeled derivatives, and the molecular pharmacology of K+ channel ligands. As a result, data on more than 1200 substances were processed and added enriching the database content fivefold. We also included the electrophysiological data obtained on the understudied and neglected K+ channels including the heteromeric and concatenated channels. We associated target channels in Kalium with corresponding entries in the official database of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. Kalium was supplemented with an adaptive Statistics page, where users are able to obtain actual data output. Several other improvements were introduced, such as a color code to distinguish the range of ligand activity concentrations and advanced tools for filtration and sorting. Kalium is a fully open-access database, crosslinked to other databases of interest. It can be utilized as a convenient resource containing ample up-to-date information about polypeptide ligands of K+ channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay A. Krylov
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
| | - Valentin M. Tabakmakher
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
- Institute of Life Sciences and BiomedicineFar Eastern Federal UniversityVladivostokRussia
| | - Daria A. Yureva
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
| | - Alexander A. Vassilevski
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University)MoscowRussia
| | - Alexey I. Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
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3
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Barassé V, Jouvensal L, Boy G, Billet A, Ascoët S, Lefranc B, Leprince J, Dejean A, Lacotte V, Rahioui I, Sivignon C, Gaget K, Ribeiro Lopes M, Calevro F, Da Silva P, Loth K, Paquet F, Treilhou M, Bonnafé E, Touchard A. Discovery of an Insect Neuroactive Helix Ring Peptide from Ant Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:600. [PMID: 37888631 PMCID: PMC10610885 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15100600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ants are among the most abundant terrestrial invertebrate predators on Earth. To overwhelm their prey, they employ several remarkable behavioral, physiological, and biochemical innovations, including an effective paralytic venom. Ant venoms are thus cocktails of toxins finely tuned to disrupt the physiological systems of insect prey. They have received little attention yet hold great promise for the discovery of novel insecticidal molecules. To identify insect-neurotoxins from ant venoms, we screened the paralytic activity on blowflies of nine synthetic peptides previously characterized in the venom of Tetramorium bicarinatum. We selected peptide U11, a 34-amino acid peptide, for further insecticidal, structural, and pharmacological experiments. Insecticidal assays revealed that U11 is one of the most paralytic peptides ever reported from ant venoms against blowflies and is also capable of paralyzing honeybees. An NMR spectroscopy of U11 uncovered a unique scaffold, featuring a compact triangular ring helix structure stabilized by a single disulfide bond. Pharmacological assays using Drosophila S2 cells demonstrated that U11 is not cytotoxic, but suggest that it may modulate potassium conductance, which structural data seem to corroborate and will be confirmed in a future extended pharmacological investigation. The results described in this paper demonstrate that ant venom is a promising reservoir for the discovery of neuroactive insecticidal peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine Barassé
- EA-7417, Institut National Universitaire Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
| | - Laurence Jouvensal
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Propre de Recherche (UPR) 4301, 45071 Orléans, France
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche (UFR) Sciences et Techniques, Université d’Orléans, 45071 Orléans, France
| | - Guillaume Boy
- EA-7417, Institut National Universitaire Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
| | - Arnaud Billet
- EA-7417, Institut National Universitaire Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
| | - Steven Ascoët
- EA-7417, Institut National Universitaire Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
| | - Benjamin Lefranc
- Inserm, Univ Rouen Normandie, NorDiC Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1239, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Inserm, Univ Rouen Normandie, NorDiC Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1239, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Alain Dejean
- Laboratoire Écologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse INP, Université Toulouse 3-Paul Sabatier (UPS), 31062 Toulouse, France
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), AgroParisTech, Centre de Cooperation Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, 97379 Kourou, France
| | - Virginie Lacotte
- Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) de Lyon, Biologie Fonctionnelle, Insectes et Interactions (BF2i), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 203, Université de Lyon, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Isabelle Rahioui
- Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) de Lyon, Biologie Fonctionnelle, Insectes et Interactions (BF2i), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 203, Université de Lyon, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Catherine Sivignon
- Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) de Lyon, Biologie Fonctionnelle, Insectes et Interactions (BF2i), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 203, Université de Lyon, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Karen Gaget
- Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) de Lyon, Biologie Fonctionnelle, Insectes et Interactions (BF2i), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 203, Université de Lyon, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Mélanie Ribeiro Lopes
- Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) de Lyon, Biologie Fonctionnelle, Insectes et Interactions (BF2i), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 203, Université de Lyon, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Federica Calevro
- Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) de Lyon, Biologie Fonctionnelle, Insectes et Interactions (BF2i), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 203, Université de Lyon, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Pedro Da Silva
- Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) de Lyon, Biologie Fonctionnelle, Insectes et Interactions (BF2i), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 203, Université de Lyon, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Karine Loth
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Propre de Recherche (UPR) 4301, 45071 Orléans, France
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche (UFR) Sciences et Techniques, Université d’Orléans, 45071 Orléans, France
| | - Françoise Paquet
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Propre de Recherche (UPR) 4301, 45071 Orléans, France
| | - Michel Treilhou
- EA-7417, Institut National Universitaire Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
| | - Elsa Bonnafé
- EA-7417, Institut National Universitaire Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
| | - Axel Touchard
- EA-7417, Institut National Universitaire Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
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Shakeel K, Olamendi-Portugal T, Naseem MU, Becerril B, Zamudio FZ, Delgado-Prudencio G, Possani LD, Panyi G. Of Seven New K + Channel Inhibitor Peptides of Centruroides bonito, α-KTx 2.24 Has a Picomolar Affinity for Kv1.2. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:506. [PMID: 37624263 PMCID: PMC10467108 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15080506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Seven new peptides denominated CboK1 to CboK7 were isolated from the venom of the Mexican scorpion Centruroides bonito and their primary structures were determined. The molecular weights ranged between 3760.4 Da and 4357.9 Da, containing 32 to 39 amino acid residues with three putative disulfide bridges. The comparison of amino acid sequences with known potassium scorpion toxins (KTx) and phylogenetic analysis revealed that CboK1 (α-KTx 10.5) and CboK2 (α-KTx 10.6) belong to the α-KTx 10.x subfamily, whereas CboK3 (α-KTx 2.22), CboK4 (α-KTx 2.23), CboK6 (α-KTx 2.21), and CboK7 (α-KTx 2.24) bear > 95% amino acid similarity with members of the α-KTx 2.x subfamily, and CboK5 is identical to Ce3 toxin (α-KTx 2.10). Electrophysiological assays demonstrated that except CboK1, all six other peptides blocked the Kv1.2 channel with Kd values in the picomolar range (24-763 pM) and inhibited the Kv1.3 channel with comparatively less potency (Kd values between 20-171 nM). CboK3 and CboK4 inhibited less than 10% and CboK7 inhibited about 42% of Kv1.1 currents at 100 nM concentration. Among all, CboK7 showed out-standing affinity for Kv1.2 (Kd = 24 pM), as well as high selectivity over Kv1.3 (850-fold) and Kv1.1 (~6000-fold). These characteristics of CboK7 may provide a framework for developing tools to treat Kv1.2-related channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashmala Shakeel
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (K.S.); (M.U.N.)
| | - Timoteo Olamendi-Portugal
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (T.O.-P.); (B.B.); (F.Z.Z.); (G.D.-P.)
| | - Muhammad Umair Naseem
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (K.S.); (M.U.N.)
| | - Baltazar Becerril
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (T.O.-P.); (B.B.); (F.Z.Z.); (G.D.-P.)
| | - Fernando Z. Zamudio
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (T.O.-P.); (B.B.); (F.Z.Z.); (G.D.-P.)
| | - Gustavo Delgado-Prudencio
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (T.O.-P.); (B.B.); (F.Z.Z.); (G.D.-P.)
| | - Lourival Domingos Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (T.O.-P.); (B.B.); (F.Z.Z.); (G.D.-P.)
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (K.S.); (M.U.N.)
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5
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Smith HL, Prentis PJ, Bryan SE, Norton RS, Broszczak DA. Acontia, a Specialised Defensive Structure, Has Low Venom Complexity in Calliactis polypus. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:218. [PMID: 36977109 PMCID: PMC10051995 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15030218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Phylum Cnidaria represents a unique group among venomous taxa, with its delivery system organised as individual organelles, known as nematocysts, heterogeneously distributed across morphological structures rather than packaged as a specialised organ. Acontia are packed with large nematocysts that are expelled from sea anemones during aggressive encounters with predatory species and are found in a limited number of species in the superfamily Metridioidea. Little is known about this specialised structure other than the commonly accepted hypothesis of its role in defence and a rudimentary understanding of its toxin content and activity. This study utilised previously published transcriptomic data and new proteomic analyses to expand this knowledge by identifying the venom profile of acontia in Calliactis polypus. Using mass spectrometry, we found limited toxin diversity in the proteome of acontia, with an abundance of a sodium channel toxin type I, and a novel toxin with two ShK-like domains. Additionally, genomic evidence suggests that the proposed novel toxin is ubiquitous across sea anemone lineages. Overall, the venom profile of acontia in Calliactis polypus and the novel toxin identified here provide the basis for future research to define the function of acontial toxins in sea anemones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden L. Smith
- School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Peter J. Prentis
- School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Scott E. Bryan
- School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Raymond S. Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Daniel A. Broszczak
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
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Mateos DL, Yarov-Yarovoy V. Structural modeling of peptide toxin-ion channel interactions using RosettaDock. Proteins 2023. [PMID: 36729043 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated ion channels play essential physiological roles in action potential generation and propagation. Peptidic toxins from animal venoms target ion channels and provide useful scaffolds for the rational design of novel channel modulators with enhanced potency and subtype selectivity. Despite recent progress in obtaining experimental structures of peptide toxin-ion channel complexes, structural determination of peptide toxins bound to ion channels in physiologically important states remains challenging. Here we describe an application of RosettaDock approach to the structural modeling of peptide toxins interactions with ion channels. We tested this approach on 10 structures of peptide toxin-ion channel complexes and demonstrated that it can sample near-native structures in all tested cases. Our approach will be useful for improving the understanding of the molecular mechanism of natural peptide toxin modulation of ion channel gating and for the structural modeling of novel peptide-based ion channel modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Lopez Mateos
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
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7
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Pharmacological Screening of Venoms from Five Brazilian Micrurus Species on Different Ion Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147714. [PMID: 35887062 PMCID: PMC9318628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral snake venoms from the Micrurus genus are a natural library of components with multiple targets, yet are poorly explored. In Brazil, 34 Micrurus species are currently described, and just a few have been investigated for their venom activities. Micrurus venoms are composed mainly of phospholipases A2 and three-finger toxins, which are responsible for neuromuscular blockade—the main envenomation outcome in humans. Beyond these two major toxin families, minor components are also important for the global venom activity, including Kunitz-peptides, serine proteases, 5′ nucleotidases, among others. In the present study, we used the two-microelectrode voltage clamp technique to explore the crude venom activities of five different Micrurus species from the south and southeast of Brazil: M. altirostris, M. corallinus, M. frontalis, M. carvalhoi and M. decoratus. All five venoms induced full inhibition of the muscle-type α1β1δε nAChR with different levels of reversibility. We found M. altirostris and M. frontalis venoms acting as partial inhibitors of the neuronal-type α7 nAChR with an interesting subsequent potentiation after one washout. We discovered that M. altirostris and M. corallinus venoms modulate the α1β2 GABAAR. Interestingly, the screening on KV1.3 showed that all five Micrurus venoms act as inhibitors, being totally reversible after the washout. Since this activity seems to be conserved among different species, we hypothesized that the Micrurus venoms may rely on potassium channel inhibitory activity as an important feature of their envenomation strategy. Finally, tests on NaV1.2 and NaV1.4 showed that these channels do not seem to be targeted by Micrurus venoms. In summary, the venoms tested are multifunctional, each of them acting on at least two different types of targets.
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Ding LJ, Wu XM, Zhang CG, Gao PF, Zhang Y, Yang ZZ, Zhao Y. Toxin diversity revealed by de novo transcriptome assembly for venom gland in two species of spiders (Trichonephila clavata and Sinopoda pengi). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2022; 42:100984. [PMID: 35462116 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2022.100984] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
During long-term predator-prey coevolution, spiders have generated a vast diversity of toxins. Trichonephila clavata is a web-spinning spider whose large, well-constructed webs and venomous arsenal facilitate prey capture. In contrast, Sinopoda pengi is an ambush predator with agile locomotion and strong chelicerae for hunting. In this study, transcriptomic analysis was performed to describe the predicted toxins of S. pengi and T. clavata. A total of 43 and 47 of these unigenes from S. pengi and T. clavata, respectively, were predicted to have toxin activity. Putative neurotoxins were classified to the family level according to cysteine arrangement; 4 and 6 toxin families were produced by S. pengi and T. clavata, respectively. In addition, potential metalloproteases, acetylcholinesterases, serine proteases, hyaluronidases and phospholipases were found by annotation in databases. In summary, molecular templates with potential application value for medical and biological fields were obtained by classifying and characterizing presumed venom components, which established a foundation for further study of venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Ding
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R & D, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; Innovative Team of Dali University for Medicinal Insects & Arachnids Resources Digital Development, Dali 671000, China
| | - Xiu-Mei Wu
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R & D, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; Innovative Team of Dali University for Medicinal Insects & Arachnids Resources Digital Development, Dali 671000, China
| | - Cheng-Gui Zhang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R & D, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; Innovative Team of Dali University for Medicinal Insects & Arachnids Resources Digital Development, Dali 671000, China
| | - Peng-Fei Gao
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R & D, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; Innovative Team of Dali University for Medicinal Insects & Arachnids Resources Digital Development, Dali 671000, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650051, China
| | - Zi-Zhong Yang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R & D, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; Innovative Team of Dali University for Medicinal Insects & Arachnids Resources Digital Development, Dali 671000, China.
| | - Yu Zhao
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R & D, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; Innovative Team of Dali University for Medicinal Insects & Arachnids Resources Digital Development, Dali 671000, China
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Picci G, Marchesan S, Caltagirone C. Ion Channels and Transporters as Therapeutic Agents: From Biomolecules to Supramolecular Medicinal Chemistry. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040885. [PMID: 35453638 PMCID: PMC9032600 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels and transporters typically consist of biomolecules that play key roles in a large variety of physiological and pathological processes. Traditional therapies include many ion-channel blockers, and some activators, although the exact biochemical pathways and mechanisms that regulate ion homeostasis are yet to be fully elucidated. An emerging area of research with great innovative potential in biomedicine pertains the design and development of synthetic ion channels and transporters, which may provide unexplored therapeutic opportunities. However, most studies in this challenging and multidisciplinary area are still at a fundamental level. In this review, we discuss the progress that has been made over the last five years on ion channels and transporters, touching upon biomolecules and synthetic supramolecules that are relevant to biological use. We conclude with the identification of therapeutic opportunities for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Picci
- Chemical and Geological Sciences Department, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Claudia Caltagirone
- Chemical and Geological Sciences Department, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (C.C.)
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10
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sVmKTx, a transcriptome analysis-based synthetic peptide analogue of Vm24, inhibits Kv1.3 channels of human T cells with improved selectivity. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 199:115023. [PMID: 35358481 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Kv1.3 K+ channels play a central role in the regulation of T cell activation and Ca2+ signaling under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Peptide toxins targeting Kv1.3 have a significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of autoimmune diseases; thus, the discovery of new toxins is highly motivated. Based on the transcriptome analysis of the venom gland of V. mexicanus smithi a novel synthetic peptide, sVmKTx was generated, containing 36 amino acid residues. sVmKTx shows high sequence similarity to Vm24, a previously characterized peptide from the same species, but contains a Glu at position 32 as opposed to Lys32 in Vm24. Vm24 inhibits Kv1.3 with high affinity (Kd = 2.9 pM). However, it has limited selectivity (~1,500-fold) for Kv1.3 over hKv1.2, hKCa3.1, and mKv1.1. sVmKTx displays reduced Kv1.3 affinity (Kd = 770 pM) but increased selectivity for Kv1.3 over hKv1.2 (~9,000-fold) as compared to Vm24, other channels tested in the panel (hKCa3.1, hKv1.1, hKv1.4, hKv1.5, rKv2.1, hKv11.1, hKCa1.1, hNav1.5) were practically insensitive to the toxin at 2.5 μM. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that introduction of a Glu instead of Lys at position 32 led to a decreased structural fluctuation of the N-terminal segment of sVmKTx, which may explain its increased selectivity for Kv1.3. sVmKTx at 100 nM concentration decreased the expression level of the Ca2+ -dependent T cell activation marker, CD40 ligand. The high affinity block of Kv1.3 and increased selectivity over the natural peptide makes sVmKTx a potential candidate for Kv1.3 blockade-mediated treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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11
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Diochot S. Pain-related toxins in scorpion and spider venoms: a face to face with ion channels. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210026. [PMID: 34925480 PMCID: PMC8667759 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a common symptom induced during envenomation by spiders and scorpions.
Toxins isolated from their venom have become essential tools for studying the
functioning and physiopathological role of ion channels, as they modulate their
activity. In particular, toxins that induce pain relief effects can serve as a
molecular basis for the development of future analgesics in humans. This review
provides a summary of the different scorpion and spider toxins that directly
interact with pain-related ion channels, with inhibitory or stimulatory effects.
Some of these toxins were shown to affect pain modalities in different animal
models providing information on the role played by these channels in the pain
process. The close interaction of certain gating-modifier toxins with membrane
phospholipids close to ion channels is examined along with molecular approaches
to improve selectivity, affinity or bioavailability in vivo for
therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Diochot
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7275 et Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), 06560 Valbonne, France. Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Université Côte d'Azur Valbonne France
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12
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Wang J, Guo H, Xu D, Yu C, Xv R, Wu Q, Di L, Cheng H, Duan J, Zhou J, Marcon E, Ma H. Cell affinity screening combined with nanoLC-MS/MS based peptidomics for identifying cancer cell binding peptides from Bufo Bufo gargarizans. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 206:114354. [PMID: 34509663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Animal venoms contain many peptides with high specificity and selectivity against their protein targets, a characteristic which makes venoms an invaluable source of potential drugs. High-sensitivity mass spectrometry (MS)- based peptidomic platform has evolved as a predominant method for natural peptide drug discovery due to its strength for direct and rapid identification of peptides and peptide-associated post-translational modifications (PTMs). In this study, we used cell-affinity assays combined with nanoLC-MS/MS based peptidomics to identify cancer cell binding peptides (CBPs) from Bufo Bufo gargarizans. We identified 76 potential cell binding peptides and 237 non-affinity peptides in venom extracts from Asiatic toads, and some were verified with MS-parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) mode. These peptides were further analyzed and internalized within human cells and some demonstrated anti-tumor properties in vitro. These specific peptides might be used as templates for peptide-based drug design or optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Wang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hongbo Guo
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dihui Xu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chengli Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substances of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ruoxian Xv
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qinan Wu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Liuqing Di
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Haibo Cheng
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jinao Duan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Edyta Marcon
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Hongyue Ma
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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13
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Sanches K, Wai DCC, Norton RS. Conformational dynamics in peptide toxins: Implications for receptor interactions and molecular design. Toxicon 2021; 201:127-140. [PMID: 34454969 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Peptide toxins are potent and often exquisitely selective probes of the structure and function of ion channels and receptors, and are therefore of significant interest to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries as both pharmacological tools and therapeutic leads. The three-dimensional structures of peptide toxins are essential as a basis for understanding their structure-activity relationships and their binding to target receptors, as well as in guiding the design of analogues with modified potency and/or selectivity for key targets. NMR spectroscopy has played a key role in elucidating the structures of peptide toxins and probing their structure-function relationships. In this article, we highlight the additional important contribution of NMR to characterising the dynamics of peptide toxins. We also compare the information available from NMR measurements with that afforded by molecular dynamics simulations. We describe several examples of the importance of dynamics measurements over a range of timescales for understanding the structure-function relationships of peptide toxins and their receptor engagement. Peptide toxins that inhibit the voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 with pM affinities display different degrees of conformational flexibility, even though they contain multiple disulfide bonds, and this flexibility can affect the relative orientation of residues that have been shown to be critical for channel binding. Information on the dynamic properties of peptide toxins is important in the design of analogues or mimetics where receptor-bound structures are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Sanches
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
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14
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The Kv1.3 K + channel in the immune system and its "precision pharmacology" using peptide toxins. Biol Futur 2021; 72:75-83. [PMID: 34554500 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-021-00071-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the Kv1.3 voltage-gated K+ channel in human T cells in 1984, ion channels are considered crucial elements of the signal transduction machinery in the immune system. Our knowledge about Kv1.3 and its inhibitors is outstanding, motivated by their potential application in autoimmune diseases mediated by Kv1.3 overexpressing effector memory T cells (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis). High affinity Kv1.3 inhibitors are either small organic molecules (e.g., Pap-1) or peptides isolated from venomous animals. To date, the highest affinity Kv1.3 inhibitors with the best Kv1.3 selectivity are the engineered analogues of the sea anemone peptide ShK (e.g., ShK-186), the engineered scorpion toxin HsTx1[R14A] and the natural scorpion toxin Vm24. These peptides inhibit Kv1.3 in picomolar concentrations and are several thousand-fold selective for Kv1.3 over other biologically critical ion channels. Despite the significant progress in the field of Kv1.3 molecular pharmacology several progressive questions remain to be elucidated and discussed here. These include the conjugation of the peptides to carriers to increase the residency time of the peptides in the circulation (e.g., PEGylation and engineering the peptides into antibodies), use of rational drug design to create novel peptide inhibitors and understanding the potential off-target effects of Kv1.3 inhibition.
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15
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Szabo I, Zoratti M, Biasutto L. Targeting mitochondrial ion channels for cancer therapy. Redox Biol 2021; 42:101846. [PMID: 33419703 PMCID: PMC8113036 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological targeting of mitochondrial ion channels is emerging as a promising approach to eliminate cancer cells; as most of these channels are differentially expressed and/or regulated in cancer cells in comparison to healthy ones, this strategy may selectively eliminate the former. Perturbation of ion fluxes across the outer and inner membranes is linked to alterations of redox state, membrane potential and bioenergetic efficiency. This leads to indirect modulation of oxidative phosphorylation, which is/may be fundamental for both cancer and cancer stem cell survival. Furthermore, given the crucial contribution of mitochondria to intrinsic apoptosis, modulation of their ion channels leading to cytochrome c release may be of great advantage in case of resistance to drugs triggering apoptotic events upstream of the mitochondrial phase. In the present review, we give an overview of the known mitochondrial ion channels and of their modulators capable of killing cancer cells. In addition, we discuss state-of-the-art strategies using mitochondriotropic drugs or peptide-based approaches allowing a more efficient and selective targeting of mitochondrial ion channel-linked events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildiko Szabo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Italy; CNR Institute of Neurosciences, Padova, Italy.
| | | | - Lucia Biasutto
- CNR Institute of Neurosciences, Padova, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
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16
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Tabakmakher VM, Kuzmenkov AI, Gigolaev AM, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Peigneur S, Efremov RG, Tytgat J, Vassilevski AA. Artificial Peptide Ligand of Potassium
Channel KV1.1 with High Selectivity. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093021020186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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17
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Deng Z, Zeng Q, Tang J, Zhang B, Chai J, Andersen JF, Chen X, Xu X. Anti-inflammatory effects of FS48, the first potassium channel inhibitor from the salivary glands of the flea Xenopsylla cheopis. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100670. [PMID: 33864815 PMCID: PMC8131326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated potassium (Kv) 1.3 channel plays a crucial role in the immune responsiveness of T-lymphocytes and macrophages, presenting a potential target for treatment of immune- and inflammation related-diseases. FS48, a protein from the rodent flea Xenopsylla cheopis, shares the three disulfide bond feature of scorpion toxins. However, its three-dimensional structure and biological function are still unclear. In the present study, the structure of FS48 was evaluated by circular dichroism and homology modeling. We also described its in vitro ion channel activity using patch clamp recording and investigated its anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced Raw 264.7 macrophage cells and carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. FS48 was found to adopt a common αββ structure and contain an atypical dyad motif. It dose-dependently exhibited the Kv1.3 channel in Raw 264.7 and HEK 293T cells, and its ability to block the channel pore was demonstrated by the kinetics of activation and competition binding with tetraethylammonium. FS48 also downregulated the secretion of proinflammatory molecules NO, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 by Raw 264.7 cells in a manner dependent on Kv1.3 channel blockage and the subsequent inactivation of the MAPK/NF-κB pathways. Finally, we observed that FS48 inhibited the paw edema formation, tissue myeloperoxidase activity, and inflammatory cell infiltrations in carrageenan-treated mice. We therefore conclude that FS48 identified from the flea saliva is a novel potassium channel inhibitor displaying anti-inflammatory activity. This discovery will promote understanding of the bloodsucking mechanism of the flea and provide a new template molecule for the design of Kv1.3 channel blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhui Deng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingye Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Tang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - John F Andersen
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID, National Intitutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xueqing Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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18
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Saikia C, Dym O, Altman-Gueta H, Gordon D, Reuveny E, Karbat I. A Molecular Lid Mechanism of K + Channel Blocker Action Revealed by a Cone Peptide. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166957. [PMID: 33771569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Many venomous organisms carry in their arsenal short polypeptides that block K+ channels in a highly selective manner. These toxins may compete with the permeating ions directly via a "plug" mechanism or indirectly via a "pore-collapse" mechanism. An alternative "lid" mechanism was proposed but remained poorly defined. Here we study the Drosophila Shaker channel block by Conkunitzin-S1 and Conkunitzin-C3, two highly similar toxins derived from cone venom. Despite their similarity, the two peptides exhibited differences in their binding poses and biophysical assays, implying discrete action modes. We show that while Conkunitzin-S1 binds tightly to the channel turret and acts via a "pore-collapse" mechanism, Conkunitzin-C3 does not contact this region. Instead, Conk-C3 uses a non-conserved Arg to divert the permeant ions and trap them in off-axis cryptic sites above the SF, a mechanism we term a "molecular-lid". Our study provides an atomic description of the "lid" K+ blocking mode and offers valuable insights for the design of therapeutics based on venom peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandamita Saikia
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Orly Dym
- Structural Proteomic Unit, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Hagit Altman-Gueta
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Ecology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Dalia Gordon
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Eitan Reuveny
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
| | - Izhar Karbat
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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19
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Qin C, Wan X, Li S, Yang F, Yang L, Zuo Z, Cao Z, Chen Z, Wu Y. Different pharmacological properties between scorpion toxin BmKcug2 and its degraded analogs highlight the diversity of K + channel blockers from thermally processed scorpions. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 178:143-153. [PMID: 33636268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.02.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Novel degraded potassium channel-modulatory peptides were recently found in thermally processed scorpions, but their pharmacological properties remain unclear. Here, we identified a full-length scorpion toxin (i.e., BmKcug2) and its four truncated analogs (i.e., BmKcug2-P1, BmKcug2-P2, BmKcug2-P3 and BmKcug2-P4) with three conserved disulfide bonds in processed scorpion medicinal material by mass spectrometry. The pharmacological experiments revealed that the recombinant BmKcug2 and BmKcug2-P1 could selectively inhibit the human Kv1.2 and human Kv1.3 potassium channels, while the other three analogs showed a much weaker inhibitory effect on potassium channels. BmKcug2 inhibited hKv1.2 and hKv1.3 channels, with IC50 values of 45.6 ± 5.8 nM and 215.2 ± 39.7 nM, respectively, and BmKcug2-P1 inhibited hKv1.2 and hKv1.3, with IC50 values of 89.9 ± 9.6 nM and 1142.4 ± 64.5 nM, respectively. The chromatographic analysis and pharmacological properties of BmKcug2 and BmKcug2-P1 boiled in water for different times further strongly supported their good thermal stability. Structural and functional dissection indicated that one amino acid, i.e., Tyr36, determined the differential affinities of BmKcug2 and four BmKcug2 analogs. Altogether, this research investigated the different pharmacological properties of BmKcug2 and its truncated analogs, and the findings highlighted the diversity of K+ channel blockers from various scorpion species through thermal processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhu Qin
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiuping Wan
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Songryong Li
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Department of Biotechnology, Institute for Life Science, Kim Hyong Jik University of Education, Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
| | - Fan Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Liuting Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zheng Zuo
- Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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20
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BmK NSPK, a Potent Potassium Channel Inhibitor from Scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch, Promotes Neurite Outgrowth via NGF/TrkA Signaling Pathway. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13010033. [PMID: 33466524 PMCID: PMC7824859 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion toxins represent a variety of tools to explore molecular mechanisms and cellular signaling pathways of many biological functions. These toxins are also promising lead compounds for developing treatments for many neurological diseases. In the current study, we purified a new scorpion toxin designated as BmK NSPK (Buthus martensii Karsch neurite-stimulating peptide targeting Kv channels) from the BmK venom. The primary structure was determined using Edman degradation. BmK NSPK directly inhibited outward K+ current without affecting sodium channel activities, depolarized membrane, and increased spontaneous calcium oscillation in spinal cord neurons (SCNs) at low nanomolar concentrations. BmK NSPK produced a nonmonotonic increase on the neurite extension that peaked at ~10 nM. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that BmK NSPK increased the release of nerve growth factor (NGF). The tyrosine kinases A (TrkA) receptor inhibitor, GW 441756, eliminated the BmK NSPK-induced neurite outgrowth. BmK NSPK also increased phosphorylation levels of protein kinase B (Akt) that is the downstream regulator of TrkA receptors. These data demonstrate that BmK NSPK is a new voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel inhibitor that augments neurite extension via NGF/TrkA signaling pathway. Kv channels may represent molecular targets to modulate SCN development and regeneration and to develop the treatments for spinal cord injury.
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21
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New Insectotoxin from Tibellus Oblongus Spider Venom Presents Novel Adaptation of ICK Fold. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13010029. [PMID: 33406803 PMCID: PMC7824768 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Tibellus oblongus spider is an active predator that does not spin webs and remains poorly investigated in terms of venom composition. Here, we present a new toxin, named Tbo-IT2, predicted by cDNA analysis of venom glands transcriptome. The presence of Tbo-IT2 in the venom was confirmed by proteomic analyses using the LC-MS and MS/MS techniques. The distinctive features of Tbo-IT2 are the low similarity of primary structure with known animal toxins and the unusual motif of 10 cysteine residues distribution. Recombinant Tbo-IT2 (rTbo-IT2), produced in E. coli using the thioredoxin fusion protein strategy, was structurally and functionally studied. rTbo-IT2 showed insecticidal activity on larvae of the housefly Musca domestica (LD100 200 μg/g) and no activity on the panel of expressed neuronal receptors and ion channels. The spatial structure of the peptide was determined in a water solution by NMR spectroscopy. The Tbo-IT2 structure is a new example of evolutionary adaptation of a well-known inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) fold to 5 disulfide bonds configuration, which determines additional conformational stability and gives opportunities for insectotoxicity and probably some other interesting features.
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22
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Krishnarjuna B, Sunanda P, Villegas-Moreno J, Csoti A, A V Morales R, Wai DCC, Panyi G, Prentis P, Norton RS. A disulfide-stabilised helical hairpin fold in acrorhagin I: An emerging structural motif in peptide toxins. J Struct Biol 2020; 213:107692. [PMID: 33387653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2020.107692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Acrorhagin I (U-AITX-Aeq5a) is a disulfide-rich peptide identified in the aggressive organs (acrorhagi) of the sea anemone Actinia equina. Previous studies (Toxicon 2005, 46:768-74) found that the peptide is toxic in crabs, although the structural and functional properties of acrorhagin I have not been reported. In this work, an Escherichia coli (BL21 strain) expression system was established for the preparation of 13C,15N-labelled acrorhagin I, and the solution structure was determined using NMR spectroscopy. Structurally, acrorhagin I is similar to B-IV toxin from the marine worm Cerebratulus lacteus (PDB id 1VIB), with a well-defined helical hairpin structure stabilised by four intramolecular disulfide bonds. The recombinant peptide was tested in patch-clamp electrophysiology assays against voltage-gated potassium and sodium channels, and in bacterial and fungal growth inhibitory assays and haemolytic assays. Acrorhagin I was not active against any of the ion channels tested and showed no activity in functional assays, indicating that this peptide may possess a different biological function. Metal ion interaction studies using NMR spectroscopy showed that acrorhagin I bound zinc and nickel, suggesting that its function might be modulated by metal ions or that it may be involved in regulating metal ion levels and their transport. The similarity between the structure of acrorhagin I and that of B-IV toxin from a marine worm suggests that this fold may prove to be a recurring motif in disulfide-rich peptides from marine organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bankala Krishnarjuna
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Punnepalli Sunanda
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Jessica Villegas-Moreno
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Centro de Investigaciones Químicas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Agota Csoti
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; MTA-DE-NAP B Ion Channel Structure-Function Research Group, RCMM, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Rodrigo A V Morales
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; MTA-DE-NAP B Ion Channel Structure-Function Research Group, RCMM, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Peter Prentis
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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Kunitz-Type Peptides from the Sea Anemone Heteractis crispa Demonstrate Potassium Channel Blocking and Anti-Inflammatory Activities. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8110473. [PMID: 33158163 PMCID: PMC7694175 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Kunitz/BPTI peptide family includes unique representatives demonstrating various biological activities. Electrophysiological screening of peptides HCRG1 and HCRG2 from the sea anemone Heteractis crispa on six Kv1.x channel isoforms and insect Shaker IR channel expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes revealed their potassium channels blocking activity. HCRG1 and HCRG2 appear to be the first Kunitz-type peptides from sea anemones blocking Kv1.3 with IC50 of 40.7 and 29.7 nM, respectively. In addition, peptides mainly vary in binding affinity to the Kv1.2 channels. It was established that the single substitution, Ser5Leu, in the TRPV1 channel antagonist, HCRG21, induces weak blocking activity of Kv1.1, Kv1.2, and Kv1.3. Apparently, for the affinity and selectivity of Kunitz-fold toxins to Kv1.x isoforms, the number and distribution along their molecules of charged, hydrophobic, and polar uncharged residues, as well as the nature of the channel residue at position 379 (Tyr, Val or His) are important. Testing the compounds in a model of acute local inflammation induced by the introduction of carrageenan administration into mice paws revealed that HCRG1 at doses of 0.1–1 mg/kg reduced the volume of developing edema during 24 h, similar to the effect of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin, at a dose of 5 mg/kg. ELISA analysis of the animals blood showed that the peptide reduced the synthesis of TNF-α, a pro-inflammatory mediator playing a leading role in the development of edema in this model.
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24
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Proteomic Investigations of Two Pakistani Naja Snake Venoms Species Unravel the Venom Complexity, Posttranslational Modifications, and Presence of Extracellular Vesicles. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12110669. [PMID: 33105837 PMCID: PMC7690644 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12110669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Latest advancement of omics technologies allows in-depth characterization of venom compositions. In the present work we present a proteomic study of two snake venoms of the genus Naja i.e., Naja naja (black cobra) and Naja oxiana (brown cobra) of Pakistani origin. The present study has shown that these snake venoms consist of a highly diversified proteome. Furthermore, the data also revealed variation among closely related species. High throughput mass spectrometric analysis of the venom proteome allowed to identify for the N. naja venom 34 protein families and for the N. oxiana 24 protein families. The comparative evaluation of the two venoms showed that N. naja consists of a more complex venom proteome than N. oxiana venom. Analysis also showed N-terminal acetylation (N-ace) of a few proteins in both venoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study revealing this posttranslational modification in snake venom. N-ace can shed light on the mechanism of regulation of venom proteins inside the venom gland. Furthermore, our data showed the presence of other body proteins, e.g., ankyrin repeats, leucine repeats, zinc finger, cobra serum albumin, transferrin, insulin, deoxyribonuclease-2-alpha, and other regulatory proteins in these venoms. Interestingly, our data identified Ras-GTpase type of proteins, which indicate the presence of extracellular vesicles in the venom. The data can support the production of distinct and specific anti-venoms and also allow a better understanding of the envenomation and mechanism of distribution of toxins. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD018726.
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25
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Droctové L, Lancien M, Tran VL, Susset M, Jego B, Theodoro F, Kessler P, Mourier G, Robin P, Diarra SS, Palea S, Flahault A, Chorfa A, Corbani M, Llorens-Cortes C, Mouillac B, Mendre C, Pruvost A, Servent D, Truillet C, Gilles N. A snake toxin as a theranostic agent for the type 2 vasopressin receptor. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:11580-11594. [PMID: 33052234 PMCID: PMC7545998 DOI: 10.7150/thno.47485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: MQ1, a snake toxin which targets with high nanomolar affinity and absolute selectivity for the type 2 vasopressin receptor (V2R), is a drug candidate for renal diseases and a molecular probe for imaging cells or organs expressing V2R. Methods: MQ1's pharmacological properties were characterized and applied to a rat model of hyponatremia. Its PK/PD parameters were determined as well as its therapeutic index. Fluorescently and radioactively labeled MQ1 were chemically synthesized and associated with moderate loss of affinity. MQ1's dynamic biodistribution was monitored by positron emission tomography. Confocal imaging was used to observe the labeling of three cancer cell lines. Results: The inverse agonist property of MQ1 very efficiently prevented dDAVP-induced hyponatremia in rats with low nanomolar/kg doses and with a very large therapeutic index. PK (plasma MQ1 concentrations) and PD (diuresis) exhibited a parallel biphasic decrease. The dynamic biodistribution showed that MQ1 targets the kidneys and then exhibits a blood and kidney biphasic decrease. Whatever the approach used, we found a T1/2α between 0.9 and 3.8 h and a T1/2β between 25 and 46 h and demonstrated that the kidneys were able to retain MQ1. Finally, the presence of functional V2R expressed at the membrane of cancer cells was, for the first time, demonstrated with a specific fluorescent ligand. Conclusion: As the most selective V2 binder, MQ1 is a new promising drug for aquaresis-related diseases and a molecular probe to visualize in vitro and in vivo V2R expressed physiologically or under pathological conditions.
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Prolonged Plasma Exposure of the Kv1.3-Inhibitory Peptide HsTX1[R14A] by Subcutaneous Administration of a Poly(Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) (PLGA) Microsphere Formulation. J Pharm Sci 2020; 110:1182-1188. [PMID: 33065128 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2020.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microsphere formulations on in vitro release and in vivo plasma exposure of HsTX1[R14A], a potent inhibitor of the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3, with potential to treat autoimmune conditions. Microspheres containing HsTX1[R14A] were prepared using different PLGA materials, including Resomer® RG502H, RG503H and PURASORB® PDLG 5004 (Purac). After assessing encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release, plasma concentrations of HsTX1[R14A] were quantified by LCMS/MS following subcutaneous administration of HsTX1[R14A]-loaded RG503H microspheres (15 mg/kg) or HsTX1[R14A] solution (4 mg/kg) to Sprague-Dawley rats. Microspheres prepared with Purac exhibited the greatest encapsulation efficiency (45.5 ± 2.4% (mean ± SD)) and RG502H the lowest (22.0 ± 6.4%). Release of HsTX1[R14A] was fastest in vitro for RG502H microspheres (maximum release at 31 days) and slowest for Purac (82 days). With a relatively rapid burst release of 20.0 ± 0.4% and a controlled release profile of up to 41 days, HsTX1[R14A]-loaded RG503H microspheres were selected for subcutaneous administration, resulting in detectable plasma concentrations for 11 days relative to 8 h following subcutaneous administration of HsTX1[R14A] solution. Therefore, subcutaneous administration of RG503H PLGA microspheres is a promising approach to be exploited for delivery of this immune modulator.
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27
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Shen B, Cao Z, Wu Y, Yi W, Zhu Z, Lv Z, Zhu C, Yu Y. Purlisin, a toxin‐like defensin derived from clinical pathogenic fungus
Purpureocillium lilacinum
with both antimicrobial and potassium channel inhibitory activities. FASEB J 2020; 34:15093-15107. [PMID: 32918769 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000029rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bingzheng Shen
- Department of Pharmacy Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Wei Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Zhanyong Zhu
- Department of Plastic Surgery Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Zhihua Lv
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Chengliang Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
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28
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Tajti G, Wai DCC, Panyi G, Norton RS. The voltage-gated potassium channel K V1.3 as a therapeutic target for venom-derived peptides. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114146. [PMID: 32653588 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 is a well-established therapeutic target for a range of autoimmune diseases, in addition to being the site of action of many venom-derived peptides. Numerous studies have documented the efficacy of venom peptides that target KV1.3, in particular from sea anemones and scorpions, in animal models of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. Moreover, an analogue of the sea anemone peptide ShK (known as dalazatide) has successfully completed Phase 1 clinical trials in mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. In this article we consider other potential therapeutic applications of inhibitors of KV1.3, including in inflammatory bowel disease and neuroinflammatory conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, as well as fibrotic diseases. We also summarise strategies for facilitating the entry of peptides to the central nervous system, given that this will be a pre-requisite for the treatment of most neuroinflammatory diseases. Venom-derived peptides that have been reported recently to target KV1.3 are also described. The increasing number of autoimmune and other conditions in which KV1.3 is upregulated and is therefore a potential therapeutic target, combined with the fact that many venom-derived peptides are potent inhibitors of KV1.3, suggests that venoms are likely to continue to serve as a rich source of new pharmacological tools and therapeutic leads targeting this channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabor Tajti
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
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29
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Gigolaev AM, Kuzmenkov AI, Peigneur S, Tabakmakher VM, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Chugunov AO, Efremov RG, Tytgat J, Vassilevski AA. Tuning Scorpion Toxin Selectivity: Switching From K V1.1 to K V1.3. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1010. [PMID: 32733247 PMCID: PMC7358528 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium channels (KVs) perform vital physiological functions and are targets in different disorders ranging from ataxia and arrhythmia to autoimmune diseases. An important issue is the search for and production of selective ligands of these channels. Peptide toxins found in scorpion venom named KTx excel in both potency and selectivity with respect to some potassium channel isoforms, which may present only minute differences in their structure. Despite several decades of research the molecular determinants of KTx selectivity are still poorly understood. Here we analyze MeKTx13-3 (Kalium ID: α-KTx 3.19) from the lesser Asian scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus, a high-affinity KV1.1 blocker (IC50 ~2 nM); it also affects KV1.2 (IC50 ~100 nM), 1.3 (~10 nM) and 1.6 (~60 nM). By constructing computer models of its complex with KV1.1-1.3 channels we identify specific contacts between the toxin and the three isoforms. We then perform mutagenesis to disturb the identified contacts with KV1.1 and 1.2 and produce recombinant MeKTx13-3_AAAR, which differs by four amino acid residues from the parent toxin. As predicted by the modeling, this derivative shows decreased activity on KV1.1 (IC50 ~550 nM) and 1.2 (~200 nM). It also has diminished activity on KV1.6 (~1500 nM) but preserves KV1.3 affinity as measured using the voltage-clamp technique on mammalian channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In effect, we convert a selective KV1.1 ligand into a new specific KV1.3 ligand. MeKTx13-3 and its derivatives are attractive tools to study the structure-function relationship in potassium channel blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei M Gigolaev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey I Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Valentin M Tabakmakher
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | | | - Anton O Chugunov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Applied Mathematics, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Roman G Efremov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Applied Mathematics, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
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30
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Furtado AA, Daniele-Silva A, Silva-Júnior AAD, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Biology, venom composition, and scorpionism induced by brazilian scorpion Tityus stigmurus (Thorell, 1876) (Scorpiones: Buthidae): A mini-review. Toxicon 2020; 185:36-45. [PMID: 32585220 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Scorpionism is a serious public health problem in various regions of the world. In Brazil, a high number of accidents by scorpions have been reported. From 2014 to 2018, about 547,000 cases were recorded, resulting in 466 deaths. The scorpion Tityus stigmurus is the predominant species in the northeast of Brazil, being responsible for most scorpionism cases in this region. With the aid of the transcriptomic approach of the venom gland of this species, components as neurotoxins, antimicrobials, metal chelating peptides and hypotensins, have been identified and characterized in silico, showing different biologic activity in vitro. In addition, the neuronal, pancreatic, renal, and enzymatic effects have been demonstrated for the crude T. stigmurus venom. Therefore, the T. stigmurus scorpion venom constitutes a rich arsenal of bioactive molecules with high potential for therapeutic and biotechnological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allanny Alves Furtado
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Daniele-Silva
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
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31
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Structural basis of the potency and selectivity of Urotoxin, a potent Kv1 blocker from scorpion venom. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 174:113782. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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32
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Boldrini-França J, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Peigneur S, Pucca MB, Cerni FA, Borges RJ, Costa TR, Carone SEI, Fontes MRDM, Sampaio SV, Arantes EC, Tytgat J. Beyond hemostasis: a snake venom serine protease with potassium channel blocking and potential antitumor activities. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4476. [PMID: 32161292 PMCID: PMC7066243 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61258-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venom serine proteases (SVSPs) are complex and multifunctional enzymes, acting primarily on hemostasis. In this work, we report the hitherto unknown inhibitory effect of a SVSP, named collinein-1, isolated from the venom of Crotalus durissus collilineatus, on a cancer-relevant voltage-gated potassium channel (hEAG1). Among 12 voltage-gated ion channels tested, collinein-1 selectively inhibited hEAG1 currents, with a mechanism independent of its enzymatic activity. Corroboratively, we demonstrated that collinein-1 reduced the viability of human breast cancer cell line MCF7 (high expression of hEAG1), but does not affect the liver carcinoma and the non-tumorigenic epithelial breast cell lines (HepG2 and MCF10A, respectively), which present low expression of hEAG1. In order to obtain both functional and structural validation of this unexpected discovery, where an unusually large ligand acts as an inhibitor of an ion channel, a recombinant and catalytically inactive mutant of collinein-1 (His43Arg) was produced and found to preserve its capability to inhibit hEAG1. A molecular docking model was proposed in which Arg79 of the SVSP 99-loop interacts directly with the potassium selectivity filter of the hEAG1 channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johara Boldrini-França
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,University of Vila Velha, Av. Comissário José Dantas de Melo, 21, Boa Vista II, 29102-920, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil
| | - Ernesto Lopes Pinheiro-Junior
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, O&N II Herestraat 49, PO 922, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, O&N II Herestraat 49, PO 922, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manuela Berto Pucca
- Medical School of Roraima, Federal University of Roraima, Av. Capitão Ene Garcez, 2413, Bairro Aeroporto, 69310-970, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - Felipe Augusto Cerni
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Junqueira Borges
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Prof. Dr. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, 250, 18618-689, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Tássia Rafaella Costa
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Sante Emmanuel Imai Carone
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Roberto de Mattos Fontes
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Prof. Dr. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, 250, 18618-689, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Suely Vilela Sampaio
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, O&N II Herestraat 49, PO 922, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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33
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Bajaj S, Ong ST, Chandy KG. Contributions of natural products to ion channel pharmacology. Nat Prod Rep 2020; 37:703-716. [PMID: 32065187 DOI: 10.1039/c9np00056a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Covering: Up to 2020Ion channels are a vast super-family of membrane proteins that play critical physiological roles in excitable and non-excitable cells. Their biomedical importance makes them valuable and attractive drug targets for neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases, and for cancer therapy and immune modulation. Current therapeutics target only a minor subset of ion channels, leaving a large unexploited space within the ion channel field. Natural products harnessed from the almost unlimited and diverse universe of compounds within the bioenvironment have been used to modulate channels for decades. In this review we highlight the impact made by natural products on ion channel pharmacology, specifically on K+, NaV and CaV channels, and use case studies to describe the development of ion channel-modulating drugs from natural sources for the treatment of pain, heart disease and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Bajaj
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Experimental Medicine Building, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore.
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34
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Wang X, Li G, Guo J, Zhang Z, Zhang S, Zhu Y, Cheng J, Yu L, Ji Y, Tao J. Kv1.3 Channel as a Key Therapeutic Target for Neuroinflammatory Diseases: State of the Art and Beyond. Front Neurosci 2020; 13:1393. [PMID: 31992966 PMCID: PMC6971160 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
It remains a challenge for the effective treatment of neuroinflammatory disease, including multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The voltage-gated potassium Kv1.3 channel is of interest, which is considered as a novel therapeutic target for treating neuroinflammatory disorders due to its crucial role in subsets of T lymphocytes as well as microglial cells. Toxic animals, such as sea anemones, scorpions, spiders, snakes, and cone snails, can produce a variety of toxins that act on the Kv1.3 channel. The Stichodactyla helianthus K+ channel blocking toxin (ShK) from the sea anemone S. helianthus is proved as a classical blocker of Kv1.3. One of the synthetic analogs ShK-186, being developed as a therapeutic for autoimmune diseases, has successfully completed first-in-man Phase 1 trials. In addition to addressing the recent progress on the studies underlying the pharmacological characterizations of ShK on MS, the review will also explore the possibility for clinical treatment of ShK-like Kv1.3 blocking polypeptides on other neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoyi Li
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingkang Guo
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiping Zhang
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuzhang Zhang
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yudan Zhu
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiwei Cheng
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonghua Ji
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China,Xinhua Translational Institute for Cancer Pain, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Tao
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Putuo Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Li S, Sunchen S, He D, Qin C, Zuo Z, Shen B, Cao Z, Hong W, Miao L. ImKTx96, a peptide blocker of the Kv1.2 ion channel from the venom of the scorpion Isometrus maculates. Peptides 2020; 123:170172. [PMID: 31626826 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.170172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains diverse bioactive peptides that can recognize and interact with membrane proteins such as ion channels. These natural toxins are believed to be useful tools for exploring the structure and function of ion channels. In this study, we characterized a K+-channel toxin gene, ImKTx96, from the venom gland cDNA library of the scorpion Isometrus maculates. The peptide deduced from the ImKTx96 precursor nucleotide sequence contains a signal peptide of 27 amino acid residues and a mature peptide of 29 residues with three disulfide bridges. Multiple sequence alignment indicated that ImKTx96 is similar with the scorpion toxins that typically target K+-channels. The recombined ImKTx96 peptide (rImKTx96) was expressed in the Escherichia coli system, and purified by GST-affinity chromatography and RP-HPLC. Results from whole-cell patch-clamp experiments revealed that rImKTx96 can inhibit the current of the Kv1.2 ion channel expressed in HEK293 cells. The 3D structure of ImKTx96 was constructed by molecular modeling, and the complex formed by ImKTx96 interacting with the Kv1.2 ion channel was obtained by molecular docking. Based on its structural features and pharmacological functions, ImKTx96 was identified as one member of K+-channel scorpion toxin α-KTx10 group and may be useful as a molecular probe for investigating the structure and function of the Kv1.2 ion channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sipian Li
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Shuwen Sunchen
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Dangui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Chenhu Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Zheng Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Bingzheng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China; Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research, Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Wei Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China.
| | - Lixia Miao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China.
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Elnahriry KA, Wai DC, Krishnarjuna B, Badawy NN, Chittoor B, MacRaild CA, Williams-Noonan BJ, Surm JM, Chalmers DK, Zhang AH, Peigneur S, Mobli M, Tytgat J, Prentis P, Norton RS. Structural and functional characterisation of a novel peptide from the Australian sea anemone Actinia tenebrosa. Toxicon 2019; 168:104-112. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Sintsova O, Gladkikh I, Kalinovskii A, Zelepuga E, Monastyrnaya M, Kim N, Shevchenko L, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, Kozlovskaya E, Leychenko E. Magnificamide, a β-Defensin-Like Peptide from the Mucus of the Sea Anemone Heteractis magnifica, Is a Strong Inhibitor of Mammalian α-Amylases. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17100542. [PMID: 31546678 PMCID: PMC6835510 DOI: 10.3390/md17100542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea anemones’ venom is rich in peptides acting on different biological targets, mainly on cytoplasmic membranes and ion channels. These animals are also a source of pancreatic α-amylase inhibitors, which have the ability to control the glucose level in the blood and can be used for the treatment of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recently we have isolated and characterized magnificamide (44 aa, 4770 Da), the major α-amylase inhibitor of the sea anemone Heteractis magnifica mucus, which shares 84% sequence identity with helianthamide from Stichodactyla helianthus. Herein, we report some features in the action of a recombinant analog of magnificamide. The recombinant peptide inhibits porcine pancreatic and human saliva α-amylases with Ki’s equal to 0.17 ± 0.06 nM and 7.7 ± 1.5 nM, respectively, and does not show antimicrobial or channel modulating activities. We have concluded that the main function of magnificamide is the inhibition of α-amylases; therefore, its functionally active recombinant analog is a promising agent for further studies as a potential drug candidate for the treatment of the type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Sintsova
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia.
| | - Irina Gladkikh
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia.
| | - Aleksandr Kalinovskii
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia.
- School of Natural Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, 8, Sukhanova St, Vladivostok 690090, Russia.
| | - Elena Zelepuga
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia.
| | - Margarita Monastyrnaya
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia.
| | - Natalia Kim
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia.
| | - Lyudmila Shevchenko
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia.
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, Leuven B-3000, Belgium.
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, Leuven B-3000, Belgium.
| | - Emma Kozlovskaya
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia.
| | - Elena Leychenko
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia.
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Tabakmakher VM, Krylov NA, Kuzmenkov AI, Efremov RG, Vassilevski AA. Kalium 2.0, a comprehensive database of polypeptide ligands of potassium channels. Sci Data 2019; 6:73. [PMID: 31133708 PMCID: PMC6536513 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-019-0074-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels are the most diverse group of ion channels in humans. They take vital parts in numerous physiological processes and their malfunction gives rise to a range of pathologies. In addition to small molecules, there is a wide selection of several hundred polypeptide ligands binding to potassium channels, the majority of which have been isolated from animal venoms. Until recently, only scorpion toxins received focused attention being systematically assembled in the manually curated Kalium database, but there is a diversity of well-characterized potassium channel ligands originating from other sources. To address this issue, here we present the updated and improved Kalium 2.0 that covers virtually all known polypeptide ligands of potassium channels and reviews all available pharmacological data. In addition to an expansion, we have introduced several new features to the database including posttranslational modification annotation, indication of ligand mode of action, BLAST search, and possibility of data export.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin M Tabakmakher
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, 690950, Russia
| | - Nikolay A Krylov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
- National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, 101000, Russia
| | - Alexey I Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Roman G Efremov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
- National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, 101000, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Moscow Oblast, 141700, Russia
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Moscow Oblast, 141700, Russia.
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Wulff H, Christophersen P, Colussi P, Chandy KG, Yarov-Yarovoy V. Antibodies and venom peptides: new modalities for ion channels. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:339-357. [PMID: 30728472 PMCID: PMC6499689 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels play fundamental roles in both excitable and non-excitable tissues and therefore constitute attractive drug targets for myriad neurological, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases as well as for cancer and immunomodulation. However, achieving selectivity for specific ion channel subtypes with small-molecule drugs has been challenging, and there currently is a growing trend to target ion channels with biologics. One approach is to improve the pharmacokinetics of existing or novel venom-derived peptides. In parallel, after initial studies with polyclonal antibodies demonstrated the technical feasibility of inhibiting channel function with antibodies, multiple preclinical programmes are now using the full spectrum of available technologies to generate conventional monoclonal and engineered antibodies or nanobodies against extracellular loops of ion channels. After a summary of the current state of ion channel drug discovery, this Review discusses recent developments using the purinergic receptor channel P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2X7), the voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 and the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 as examples of targeting ion channels with biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | | | | | - K George Chandy
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Infection and Immunity Theme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology & Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Oliveira IS, Ferreira IG, Alexandre-Silva GM, Cerni FA, Cremonez CM, Arantes EC, Zottich U, Pucca MB. Scorpion toxins targeting Kv1.3 channels: insights into immunosuppression. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2019; 25:e148118. [PMID: 31131004 PMCID: PMC6483409 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-1481-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are natural sources of molecules that have, in addition to their
toxic function, potential therapeutic applications. In this source the
neurotoxins can be found especially those that act on potassium channels.
Potassium channels are responsible for maintaining the membrane potential in the
excitable cells, especially the voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv),
including Kv1.3 channels. These channels (Kv1.3) are expressed by various types
of tissues and cells, being part of several physiological processes. However,
the major studies of Kv1.3 are performed on T cells due its importance on
autoimmune diseases. Scorpion toxins capable of acting on potassium channels
(KTx), mainly on Kv1.3 channels, have gained a prominent role for their possible
ability to control inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Some of these toxins have
already left bench trials and are being evaluated in clinical trials, presenting
great therapeutic potential. Thus, scorpion toxins are important natural
molecules that should not be overlooked in the treatment of autoimmune and other
diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora S Oliveira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabela G Ferreira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe A Cerni
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Caroline M Cremonez
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Umberto Zottich
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
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Scheidler CM, Kick LM, Schneider S. Ribosomal Peptides and Small Proteins on the Rise. Chembiochem 2019; 20:1479-1486. [PMID: 30648812 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Genetically encoded and ribosomally synthesised peptides and small proteins act as important regulators in fundamental cellular processes, including gene expression, development, signalling and metabolism. Moreover, they also play a crucial role in eukaryotic and prokaryotic defence against microorganisms. Extremely diverse in size and structure, they are often subject to extensive post-translational modification. Recent technological advances are now allowing the analysis of the whole cellular transcriptome and proteome, revealing the presence of hundreds of long-overlooked alternative and short open reading frames (short ORFs, or sORFs) in mRNA and supposedly noncoding RNAs. However, in many instances the biological roles of their translational products remain to be elucidated. Here we provide an overview on the intriguing structural and functional diversity of ribosomally synthesised peptides and newly discovered peptides and small proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Scheidler
- Center for Integrated Protein Science at the Department of Chemistry, Chair of Biochemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Leonhard M Kick
- Center for Integrated Protein Science at the Department of Chemistry, Chair of Biochemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Sabine Schneider
- Center for Integrated Protein Science at the Department of Chemistry, Chair of Biochemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
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Zhang F, Wu Y, Zou X, Tang Q, Zhao F, Cao Z. BmK AEP, an Anti-Epileptic Peptide Distinctly Affects the Gating of Brain Subtypes of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030729. [PMID: 30744067 PMCID: PMC6387193 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BmK AEP, a scorpion peptide purified form the venom of Buthus martensii Karsch, has been reported to display anti-epileptic activity. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are responsible for the rising phase of action potentials (APs) in neurons and, therefore, controlling neuronal excitability. To elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms responsible for its anti-epileptic activity, we examined the influence of BmK AEP on AP firing in cortical neurons and how BmK AEP influences brain subtypes of VGSCs (Nav1.1–1.3 and Nav1.6). BmK AEP concentration-dependently suppresses neuronal excitability (AP firing) in primary cultured cortical neurons. Consistent with its inhibitory effect on AP generation, BmK AEP inhibits Na+ peak current in cortical neurons with an IC50 value of 2.12 µM by shifting the half-maximal voltage of activation of VGSC to hyperpolarized direction by ~7.83 mV without affecting the steady-state inactivation. Similar to its action on Na+ currents in cortical neurons, BmK AEP concentration-dependently suppresses the Na+ currents of Nav1.1, Nav1.3, and Nav1.6, which were heterologously expressed in HEK-293 cells, with IC50 values of 3.20, 1.46, and 0.39 µM with maximum inhibition of 82%, 56%, and 93%, respectively. BmK AEP shifts the voltage-dependent activation in the hyperpolarized direction by ~15.60 mV, ~9.97 mV, and ~6.73 mV in Nav1.1, Nav1.3, and Nav1.6, respectively, with minimal effect on steady-state inactivation. In contrast, BmK AEP minimally suppresses Nav1.2 currents (~15%) but delays the inactivation of the channel with an IC50 value of 1.69 µM. Considered together, these data demonstrate that BmK AEP is a relatively selective Nav1.6 gating modifier which distinctly affects the gating of brain subtypes of VGSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Ying Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Xiaohan Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Qinglian Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Fang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Zhengyu Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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Saez NJ, Herzig V. Versatile spider venom peptides and their medical and agricultural applications. Toxicon 2018; 158:109-126. [PMID: 30543821 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.11.298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spiders have been evolving complex and diverse repertoires of peptides in their venoms with vast pharmacological activities for more than 300 million years. Spiders use their venoms for prey capture and defense, hence they contain peptides that target both prey (mainly arthropods) and predators (other arthropods or vertebrates). This includes peptides that potently and selectively modulate a range of targets such as ion channels, receptors and signaling pathways involved in physiological processes. The contribution of these targets in particular disease pathophysiologies makes spider venoms a valuable source of peptides with potential therapeutic use. In addition, peptides with insecticidal activities, used for prey capture, can be exploited for the development of novel bioinsecticides for agricultural use. Although we have already reviewed potential applications of spider venom peptides as therapeutics (in 2010) and as bioinsecticides (in 2012), a considerable number of research articles on both topics have been published since, warranting an updated review. Here we explore the most recent research on the use of spider venom peptides for both medical and agricultural applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J Saez
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Munawar A, Ali SA, Akrem A, Betzel C. Snake Venom Peptides: Tools of Biodiscovery. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10110474. [PMID: 30441876 PMCID: PMC6266942 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Nature endowed snakes with a lethal secretion known as venom, which has been fine-tuned over millions of years of evolution. Snakes utilize venom to subdue their prey and to survive in their natural habitat. Venom is known to be a very poisonous mixture, consisting of a variety of molecules, such as carbohydrates, nucleosides, amino acids, lipids, proteins and peptides. Proteins and peptides are the major constituents of the dry weight of snake venoms and are of main interest for scientific investigations as well as for various pharmacological applications. Snake venoms contain enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins and peptides, which are grouped into different families based on their structure and function. Members of a single family display significant similarities in their primary, secondary and tertiary structures, but in many cases have distinct pharmacological functions and different bioactivities. The functional specificity of peptides belonging to the same family can be attributed to subtle variations in their amino acid sequences. Currently, complementary tools and techniques are utilized to isolate and characterize the peptides, and study their potential applications as molecular probes, and possible templates for drug discovery and design investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Munawar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan.
| | - Syed Abid Ali
- H.E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Ahmed Akrem
- Botany Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan.
| | - Christian Betzel
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, 22607 Hamburg, Germany.
- Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, DESY, Build. 22a, Notkestr. 85, 22603 Hamburg, Germany.
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K V1.2 channel-specific blocker from Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom: Structural basis of selectivity. Neuropharmacology 2018; 143:228-238. [PMID: 30248306 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom is an unmatched source of selective high-affinity ligands of potassium channels. There is a high demand for such compounds to identify and manipulate the activity of particular channel isoforms. The objective of this study was to obtain and characterize a specific ligand of voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.2. As a result, we report the remarkable selectivity of the peptide MeKTx11-1 (α-KTx 1.16) from Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom to this channel isoform. MeKTx11-1 is a high-affinity blocker of KV1.2 (IC50 ∼0.2 nM), while its activity against KV1.1, KV1.3, and KV1.6 is 10 000, 330 and 45 000 fold lower, respectively, as measured using the voltage-clamp technique on mammalian channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Two substitutions, G9V and P37S, convert MeKTx11-1 to its natural analog MeKTx11-3 (α-KTx 1.17) having 15 times lower activity and reduced selectivity to KV1.2. We produced MeKTx11-1 and MeKTx11-3 as well as their mutants MeKTx11-1(G9V) and MeKTx11-1(P37S) recombinantly and demonstrated that point mutations provide an intermediate effect on selectivity. Key structural elements that explain MeKTx11-1 specificity were identified by molecular modeling of the toxin-channel complexes. Confirming our molecular modeling predictions, site-directed transfer of these elements from the pore region of KV1.2 to KV1.3 resulted in the enhanced sensitivity of mutant KV1.3 channels to MeKTx11-1. We conclude that MeKTx11-1 may be used as a selective tool in neurobiology.
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46
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Structural diversity of arthropod venom toxins. Toxicon 2018; 152:46-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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47
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Cnidarian peptide neurotoxins: a new source of various ion channel modulators or blockers against central nervous systems disease. Drug Discov Today 2018; 24:189-197. [PMID: 30165198 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cnidaria provide the largest source of bioactive peptides for new drug development. The venoms contain enzymes, potent pore-forming toxins and neurotoxins. The neurotoxins can immobilize predators rapidly when discharged via modifying sodium-channel-gating or blocking the potassium channel during the repolarization stage. Most cnidarian neurotoxins remain conserved under the strong influence of negative selection. Neuroactive peptides targeting the central nervous system through affinity with ion channels could provide insight leading to drug treatment of neurological diseases, which arise from ion channel dysfunctions. Although marine resources offer thousands of possible peptides, only one peptide derived from Cnidaria: ShK-186, also named dalazatide, has reached the pharmaceutical market. This review focuses on neuroprotective agents derived from cnidarian neurotoxic peptides.
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Synthesis, folding, structure and activity of a predicted peptide from the sea anemone Oulactis sp. with an ShKT fold. Toxicon 2018; 150:50-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Toxins as tools: Fingerprinting neuronal pharmacology. Neurosci Lett 2018; 679:4-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Islam SMA, Kearney CM, Baker EJ. Assigning biological function using hidden signatures in cystine-stabilized peptide sequences. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9049. [PMID: 29899538 PMCID: PMC5998126 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystine-stabilized peptides have great utility as they naturally block ion channels, inhibit acetylcholine receptors, or inactivate microbes. However, only a tiny fraction of these peptides has been characterized. Exploration for novel peptides most efficiently starts with the identification of candidates from genome sequence data. Unfortunately, though cystine-stabilized peptides have shared structures, they have low DNA sequence similarity, restricting the utility of BLAST and even more powerful sequence alignment-based annotation algorithms, such as PSI-BLAST and HMMER. In contrast, a supervised machine learning approach may improve discovery and function assignment of these peptides. To this end, we employed our previously described m-NGSG algorithm, which utilizes hidden signatures embedded in peptide primary sequences that define and categorize structural or functional classes of peptides. From the generalized m-NGSG framework, we derived five specific models that categorize cystine-stabilized peptide sequences into specific functional classes. When compared with PSI-BLAST, HMMER and existing function-specific models, our novel approach (named CSPred) consistently demonstrates superior performance in discovery and function-assignment. We also report an interactive version of CSPred, available through download ( https://bitbucket.org/sm_islam/cystine-stabilized-proteins/src ) or web interface (watson.ecs.baylor.edu/cspred), for the discovery of cystine-stabilized peptides of specific function from genomic datasets and for genome annotation. We fully describe, in the Availability section following the Discussion, the quick and simple usage of the CsPred website to automatically deliver function assignments for batch submissions of peptide sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Ashiqul Islam
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, 76798, USA
| | - Christopher Michel Kearney
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, 76798, USA.,Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, 76798, USA
| | - Erich J Baker
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, 76798, USA. .,Department of Computer Science, Baylor University, Waco, 76798, USA.
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