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Mabunda IG, Zinyemba NK, Pillay S, Offor BC, Muller B, Piater LA. The geographical distribution of scorpions, implication of venom toxins, envenomation, and potential therapeutics in Southern and Northern Africa. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae118. [PMID: 39100857 PMCID: PMC11298049 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Scorpions are predatory arachnids whose venomous sting primarily affects people in tropical and subtropical regions. Most scorpion stings can only cause localized pain without severe envenomation. Less than one-third of the stings cause systemic envenoming and possibly lead to death. About 350,000 scorpion stings in Northern Africa are recorded yearly, resulting in about 810 deaths. In Eastern/Southern Africa, there are about 79,000 stings recorded yearly, resulting in 245 deaths. Farmers and those living in poverty-stricken areas are among the most vulnerable to getting stung by scorpions. However, compared to adults, children are at greater risk of severe envenomation. Scorpion venom is made up of complex mixtures dominated by peptides and proteins that confer its potency and toxicity. These venom toxins have intra- and interspecies variations associated with the scorpion's habitat, sex, diet, and age. These variations alter the activity of antivenoms used to treat scorpion sting envenomation. Thus, the study of the proteome composition of medically important scorpion venoms needs to be scaled up along their geographical distribution and contributions to envenomation in Southern and Northern Africa. This will help the production of safer, more effective, and broad-spectrum antivenoms within these regions. Here, we review the clinical implications of scorpion sting envenomation in Southern and Northern Africa. We further highlight the compositions of scorpion venoms and tools used in scorpion venomics. We discuss current antivenoms used against scorpion sting envenomation and suggestions for future production of better antivenoms or alternatives. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic properties of scorpion venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isac G Mabunda
- Department of Biochemistry, Corner of Kingsway and University Road, Auckland Park Campus, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Nodji K Zinyemba
- Department of Biochemistry, Corner of Kingsway and University Road, Auckland Park Campus, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Shanelle Pillay
- Department of Biochemistry, Corner of Kingsway and University Road, Auckland Park Campus, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Benedict C Offor
- Department of Biochemistry, Corner of Kingsway and University Road, Auckland Park Campus, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Beric Muller
- South Africa Venom Suppliers cc, 41 Louis, Trichardt 0920, South Africa
| | - Lizelle A Piater
- Department of Biochemistry, Corner of Kingsway and University Road, Auckland Park Campus, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, Gauteng, South Africa
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Wang K, Nguyen T, Gao Y, Guo R, Fan C, Liao H, Li J, Chai J, Xu X, Gong Y, Chen X. Androcin 18-1, a novel scorpion-venom peptide, shows a potent antitumor activity against human U87 cells via inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 170:104137. [PMID: 38759703 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104137] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Scorpion venom is a potent natural source for antitumor drug development due to the multiple action modes of anticancer components. Although the sequence of Androcin 18-1 has been identified from the transcriptome profile of the scorpion venom Androctonus bicolor, its bioactivity remains unclear. In this study, we described the antitumor mechanism whereby Androcin 18-1 inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis by inducing cell membrane disruption, ROS accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in human U87 glioblastoma cells. Moreover, Androcin 18-1 could suppress cell migration via the mechanisms associated with cytoskeleton disorganization and MMPs/TIMPs expression regulation. The discovery of this work highlights the potential application of Androcin 18-1 in drug development for glioblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tienthanh Nguyen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yihan Gao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiyin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaofan Fan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiali Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueqing Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yuxin Gong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China.
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Boltman T, Meyer M, Ekpo O. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches for Glioblastoma and Neuroblastoma Cancers Using Chlorotoxin Nanoparticles. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3388. [PMID: 37444498 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GB) and high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) are known to have poor therapeutic outcomes. As for most cancers, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the current mainstay treatments for GB and NB. However, the known limitations of systemic toxicity, drug resistance, poor targeted delivery, and inability to access the blood-brain barrier (BBB), make these treatments less satisfactory. Other treatment options have been investigated in many studies in the literature, especially nutraceutical and naturopathic products, most of which have also been reported to be poorly effective against these cancer types. This necessitates the development of treatment strategies with the potential to cross the BBB and specifically target cancer cells. Compounds that target the endopeptidase, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), have been reported to offer therapeutic insights for GB and NB since MMP-2 is known to be over-expressed in these cancers and plays significant roles in such physiological processes as angiogenesis, metastasis, and cellular invasion. Chlorotoxin (CTX) is a promising 36-amino acid peptide isolated from the venom of the deathstalker scorpion, Leiurus quinquestriatus, demonstrating high selectivity and binding affinity to a broad-spectrum of cancers, especially GB and NB through specific molecular targets, including MMP-2. The favorable characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs) such as their small sizes, large surface area for active targeting, BBB permeability, etc. make CTX-functionalized NPs (CTX-NPs) promising diagnostic and therapeutic applications for addressing the many challenges associated with these cancers. CTX-NPs may function by improving diffusion through the BBB, enabling increased localization of chemotherapeutic and genotherapeutic drugs to diseased cells specifically, enhancing imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), optical imaging techniques, image-guided surgery, as well as improving the sensitization of radio-resistant cells to radiotherapy treatment. This review discusses the characteristics of GB and NB cancers, related treatment challenges as well as the potential of CTX and its functionalized NP formulations as targeting systems for diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic purposes. It also provides insights into the potential mechanisms through which CTX crosses the BBB to bind cancer cells and provides suggestions for the development and application of novel CTX-based formulations for the diagnosis and treatment of GB and NB in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taahirah Boltman
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
| | - Mervin Meyer
- Department of Science and Innovation/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
| | - Okobi Ekpo
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
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Jlassi A, Mekni-Toujani M, Ferchichi A, Gharsallah C, Malosse C, Chamot-Rooke J, ElAyeb M, Ghram A, Srairi-Abid N, Daoud S. BotCl, the First Chlorotoxin-like Peptide Inhibiting Newcastle Disease Virus: The Emergence of a New Scorpion Venom AMPs Family. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28114355. [PMID: 37298831 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114355] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is one of the most serious contagions affecting domestic poultry and other avian species. It causes high morbidity and mortality, resulting in huge economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Despite vaccination, NDV outbreaks increase the need for alternative prevention and control means. In this study, we have screened fractions of Buthus occitanus tunetanus (Bot) scorpion venom and isolated the first scorpion peptide inhibiting the NDV multiplication. It showed a dose dependent effect on NDV growth in vitro, with an IC50 of 0.69 µM, and a low cytotoxicity on cultured Vero cells (CC50 > 55 µM). Furthermore, tests carried out in specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs demonstrated that the isolated peptide has a protective effect on chicken embryos against NDV, and reduced by 73% the virus titer in allantoic fluid. The N-terminal sequence, as well as the number of cysteine residues of the isolated peptide, showed that it belongs to the scorpion venom Chlorotoxin-like peptides family, which led us to designate it "BotCl". Interestingly, at 10 µg/mL, BotCl showed an inhibiting effect three times higher than its analogue AaCtx, from Androctonus australis (Aa) scorpion venom, on NDV development. Altogether, our results highlight the chlorotoxin-like peptides as a new scorpion venom AMPs family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abir Jlassi
- LR20IPT01 Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Marwa Mekni-Toujani
- LR16IPT03 Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et MicrobiologieVétérinaire, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Asma Ferchichi
- LR20IPT01 Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Charfeddine Gharsallah
- LR16IPT02 Laboratoire de Recherche sur la Transmission, le Contrôle et l'Immunobiologie des Infections, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Christian Malosse
- Mass Spectrometry for Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UAR 2024, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Julia Chamot-Rooke
- Mass Spectrometry for Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UAR 2024, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Mohamed ElAyeb
- LR20IPT01 Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Abdeljelil Ghram
- LR16IPT03 Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et MicrobiologieVétérinaire, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Najet Srairi-Abid
- LR20IPT01 Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Salma Daoud
- LR20IPT01 Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
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5
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Majc B, Novak M, Lah TT, Križaj I. Bioactive peptides from venoms against glioma progression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:965882. [PMID: 36119523 PMCID: PMC9476555 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.965882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms are complex mixtures of different molecules and ions. Among them, bioactive peptides have been found to affect cancer hallmarks, such as cell proliferation, cell invasion, cell migration, and can also modulate the immune response of normal and cancer-bearing organisms. In this article, we review the mechanisms of action on these cancer cell features, focusing on bioactive peptides being developed as potential therapeutics for one of the most aggressive and deadly brain tumors, glioblastoma (GB). Novel therapeutic approaches applying bioactive peptides may contribute to multiple targeting of GB and particularly of GB stem cells. Bioactive peptides selectively target cancer cells without harming normal cells. Various molecular targets related to the effects of bioactive peptides on GB have been proposed, including ion channels, integrins, membrane phospholipids and even immunomodulatory treatment of GB. In addition to therapy, some bioactive peptides, such as disintegrins, can also be used for diagnostics or are used as labels for cytotoxic drugs to specifically target cancer cells. Given the limitations described in the last section, successful application in cancer therapy is rather low, as only 3.4% of such peptides have been included in clinical trials and have passed successfully phases I to III. Combined approaches of added bioactive peptides to standard cancer therapies need to be explored using advanced GB in vitro models such as organoids. On the other hand, new methods are also being developed to improve translation from research to practice and provide new hope for GB patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernarda Majc
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Bernarda Majc, ; Igor Križaj,
| | - Metka Novak
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara T. Lah
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Križaj
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Bernarda Majc, ; Igor Križaj,
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6
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Recombinantly expressed MeICT, a new toxin from Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion, inhibits glioma cell proliferation and downregulates Annexin A2 and FOXM1 genes. Biotechnol Lett 2022; 44:703-712. [PMID: 35524923 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-022-03254-x] [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: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Gliomas are highly invasive and lethal malignancy that do not respond to current therapeutic approaches. Novel therapeutic agents are required to target molecular mechanisms involved in glioma progression. MeICT is a new short-chain toxin isolated from Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom. This toxin contained 34 amino acid residues and belongs to chloride channels toxins. In this study, the coding sequence of MeICT was cloned into the pET32Rh vector and a high yield of soluble recombinant MeICT was expressed and purified. Recombinant MeICT-His significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of glioma cells at low concentration. In vivo studies showed that MeICT was not toxic when administrated to mice at high doses. We also determined the effect of MeICT on the mRNA expression of MMP-2, Annexin A2 and FOXM-2 that are key molecules in the progression and invasion of glioma. Expression of Annexin A2 and FOXM1 mRNA was significantly down-regulated following treatment with MeICT. However, no significant decrease in the expression of MMP-2 gene was identified. In this study a short toxin with four disulfide bonds was successfully produced and its anti-cancer effects was detected. Our findings suggest that recombinant MeICT can be considered as a new potent agent for glioma targeting.
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Moslah W, Aissaoui-Zid D, Aboudou S, Abdelkafi-Koubaa Z, Potier-Cartereau M, Lemettre A, ELBini-Dhouib I, Marrakchi N, Gigmes D, Vandier C, Luis J, Mabrouk K, Srairi-Abid N. Strengthening Anti-Glioblastoma Effect by Multi-Branched Dendrimers Design of a Scorpion Venom Tetrapeptide. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030806. [PMID: 35164071 PMCID: PMC8838298 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and invasive form of central nervous system tumors due to the complexity of the intracellular mechanisms and molecular alterations involved in its progression. Unfortunately, current therapies are unable to stop its neoplastic development. In this context, we previously identified and characterized AaTs-1, a tetrapeptide (IWKS) from Androctonus autralis scorpion venom, which displayed an anti-proliferative effect against U87 cells with an IC50 value of 0.57 mM. This peptide affects the MAPK pathway, enhancing the expression of p53 and altering the cytosolic calcium concentration balance, likely via FPRL-1 receptor modulation. In this work, we designed and synthesized new dendrimers multi-branched molecules based on the sequence of AaTs-1 and showed that the di-branched (AaTs-1-2B), tetra-branched (AaTs-1-4B) and octo-branched (AaTs-1-8B) dendrimers displayed 10- to 25-fold higher effects on the proliferation of U87 cells than AaTs-1. We also found that the effects of the newly designed molecules are mediated by the enhancement of the ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylated forms and by the increase in p53 expression. Unlike AaTs-1, AaTs-1-8B and especially AaTs-1-4B affected the migration of the U87 cells. Thus, the multi-branched peptide synthesis strategy allowed us to make molecules more active than the linear peptide against the proliferation of U87 glioblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wassim Moslah
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
- Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051-CNRS, Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, 27 bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France;
- Correspondence: (W.M.); (N.S.-A.)
| | - Dorra Aissaoui-Zid
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
| | - Soioulata Aboudou
- Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (ICR), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, 13397 Marseille, France; (S.A.); (D.G.); (K.M.)
| | - Zaineb Abdelkafi-Koubaa
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
| | - Marie Potier-Cartereau
- N2C UMR 1069, INSERM, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France; (M.P.-C.); (A.L.); (C.V.)
| | - Aude Lemettre
- N2C UMR 1069, INSERM, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France; (M.P.-C.); (A.L.); (C.V.)
| | - Ines ELBini-Dhouib
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
| | - Naziha Marrakchi
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
| | - Didier Gigmes
- Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (ICR), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, 13397 Marseille, France; (S.A.); (D.G.); (K.M.)
| | - Christophe Vandier
- N2C UMR 1069, INSERM, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France; (M.P.-C.); (A.L.); (C.V.)
| | - José Luis
- Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051-CNRS, Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, 27 bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Kamel Mabrouk
- Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (ICR), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, 13397 Marseille, France; (S.A.); (D.G.); (K.M.)
| | - Najet Srairi-Abid
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
- Correspondence: (W.M.); (N.S.-A.)
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AaTs-1: A Tetrapeptide from Androctonus australis Scorpion Venom, Inhibiting U87 Glioblastoma Cells Proliferation by p53 and FPRL-1 Up-Regulations. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247610. [PMID: 34946686 PMCID: PMC8704564 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is an aggressive cancer, against which medical professionals are still quite helpless, due to its resistance to current treatments. Scorpion toxins have been proposed as a promising alternative for the development of effective targeted glioblastoma therapy and diagnostic. However, the exploitation of the long peptides could present disadvantages. In this work, we identified and synthetized AaTs-1, the first tetrapeptide from Androctonus australis scorpion venom (Aa), which exhibited an antiproliferative effect specifically against human glioblastoma cells. Both the native and synthetic AaTs-1 were endowed with the same inhibiting effect on the proliferation of U87 cells with an IC50 of 0.56 mM. Interestingly, AaTs-1 was about two times more active than the anti-glioblastoma conventional chemotherapeutic drug, temozolomide (TMZ), and enhanced its efficacy on U87 cells. AaTs-1 showed a significant similarity with the synthetic peptide WKYMVm, an agonist of a G-coupled formyl-peptide receptor, FPRL-1, known to be involved in the proliferation of glioma cells. Interestingly, the tetrapeptide triggered the dephosphorylation of ERK, p38, and JNK kinases. It also enhanced the expression of p53 and FPRL-1, likely leading to the inhibition of the store operated calcium entry. Overall, our work uncovered AaTs-1 as a first natural potential FPRL-1 antagonist, which could be proposed as a promising target to develop new generation of innovative molecules used alone or in combination with TMZ to improve glioblastoma treatment response. Its chemical synthesis in non-limiting quantity represents a valuable advantage to design and develop low-cost active analogues to treat glioblastoma cancer.
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Scorpion Toxins and Ion Channels: Potential Applications in Cancer Therapy. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12050326. [PMID: 32429050 PMCID: PMC7290751 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12050326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis, a genetically directed process of cell death, has been studied for many years, and the biochemical mechanisms that surround it are well known and described. There are at least three pathways by which apoptosis occurs, and each pathway depends on extra or intracellular processes for activation. Apoptosis is a vital process, but disturbances in proliferation and cell death rates can lead to the development of diseases like cancer. Several compounds, isolated from scorpion venoms, exhibit inhibitory effects on different cancer cells. Indeed, some of these compounds can differentiate between healthy and cancer cells within the same tissue. During the carcinogenic process, morphological, biochemical, and biological changes occur that enable these compounds to modulate cancer but not healthy cells. This review highlights cancer cell features that enable modulation by scorpion neurotoxins. The properties of the isolated scorpion neurotoxins in cancer cells and the potential uses of these compounds as alternative treatments for cancer are discussed.
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Anti-tumoral effect of scorpion peptides: Emerging new cellular targets and signaling pathways. Cell Calcium 2019; 80:160-174. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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11
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Novel long-chain neurotoxins from Bungarus candidus distinguish the two binding sites in muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Biochem J 2019; 476:1285-1302. [PMID: 30944155 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20180909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
αδ-Bungarotoxins, a novel group of long-chain α-neurotoxins, manifest different affinity to two agonist/competitive antagonist binding sites of muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), being more active at the interface of α-δ subunits. Three isoforms (αδ-BgTx-1-3) were identified in Malayan Krait (Bungarus candidus) from Thailand by genomic DNA analysis; two of them (αδ-BgTx-1 and 2) were isolated from its venom. The toxins comprise 73 amino acid residues and 5 disulfide bridges, being homologous to α-bungarotoxin (α-BgTx), a classical blocker of muscle-type and neuronal α7, α8, and α9α10 nAChRs. The toxicity of αδ-BgTx-1 (LD50 = 0.17-0.28 µg/g mouse, i.p. injection) is essentially as high as that of α-BgTx. In the chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation, αδ-BgTx-1 completely abolished acetylcholine response, but in contrast with the block by α-BgTx, acetylcholine response was fully reversible by washing. αδ-BgTxs, similar to α-BgTx, bind with high affinity to α7 and muscle-type nAChRs. However, the major difference of αδ-BgTxs from α-BgTx and other naturally occurring α-neurotoxins is that αδ-BgTxs discriminate the two binding sites in the Torpedo californica and mouse muscle nAChRs showing up to two orders of magnitude higher affinity for the α-δ site as compared with α-ε or α-γ binding site interfaces. Molecular modeling and analysis of the literature provided possible explanations for these differences in binding mode; one of the probable reasons being the lower content of positively charged residues in αδ-BgTxs. Thus, αδ-BgTxs are new tools for studies on nAChRs.
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12
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Shi W, He P, Zeng XC, Wu W, Chen X. Inhibitory Effect of an Acidic Peptide on the Activity of an Antimicrobial Peptide from the Scorpion Mesobuthus martensii Karsch. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23123314. [PMID: 30558111 PMCID: PMC6321396 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly acidic peptides with no disulfide bridges are widely present in the scorpion venoms; however, none of them has been functionally characterized so far. Here, we cloned the full-length cDNA of a short-chain highly acidic peptide (referred to as HAP-1) from a cDNA library made from the venom glands of the Chinese scorpion Mesobuthus martensii Karsch. HAP-1 contains 19 amino acid residues with a predicted IP value of 4.25. Acidic amino residues account for 33.3% of the total residues in the molecule of HAP-1. HAP-1 shows 76⁻98% identities to some scorpion venom peptides that have not yet been functionally characterized. Secondary structure prediction showed that HAP-1 contains a beta-sheet region (residues 9⁻17), and two coiled coil regions (residues 1⁻8 and 18⁻19) located at the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of the peptide, respectively. Antimicrobial assay showed that HAP-1 does not have any effect on the growth of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus AB94004. However, it potently inhibits the antimicrobial activity of a 13-mer peptide from M. martensii Karsch against Staphylococcus aureus AB94004. This finding is the first characterization of the function of such highly acidic peptides from scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanxia Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Pengchen He
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Xian-Chun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Weiwei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Xiaoming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
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Aissaoui D, Mlayah-Bellalouna S, Jebali J, Abdelkafi-Koubaa Z, Souid S, Moslah W, Othman H, Luis J, ElAyeb M, Marrakchi N, Essafi-Benkhadir K, Srairi-Abid N. Functional role of Kv1.1 and Kv1.3 channels in the neoplastic progression steps of three cancer cell lines, elucidated by scorpion peptides. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 111:1146-1155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.01.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Díaz-Perlas C, Varese M, Guardiola S, García J, Sánchez-Navarro M, Giralt E, Teixidó M. From venoms to BBB-shuttles. MiniCTX3: a molecular vector derived from scorpion venom. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 54:12738-12741. [DOI: 10.1039/c8cc06725b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A monocyclic peptidomimetic version of chlorotoxin, MiniCTX3, was developed as a BBB-shuttle being able to transport nanoparticles across endothelial cells. Our results reveal animal venoms as an outstanding source of BBB-shuttles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Díaz-Perlas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)
- Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)
- Barcelona 08028
- Spain
| | - Monica Varese
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)
- Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)
- Barcelona 08028
- Spain
| | - Salvador Guardiola
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)
- Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)
- Barcelona 08028
- Spain
| | - Jesús García
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)
- Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)
- Barcelona 08028
- Spain
| | - Macarena Sánchez-Navarro
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)
- Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)
- Barcelona 08028
- Spain
| | - Ernest Giralt
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)
- Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)
- Barcelona 08028
- Spain
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry
| | - Meritxell Teixidó
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)
- Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)
- Barcelona 08028
- Spain
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan M. Akef
- National Organization for Research and Control of Biologicals (NORCB), Giza, Egypt
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16
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Animal toxins for channelopathy treatment. Neuropharmacology 2017; 132:83-97. [PMID: 29080794 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ion channels are transmembrane proteins that allow passive flow of ions inside and/or outside of cells or cell organelles. Except mutations lead to nonfunctional protein production or abolished receptor entrance on the membrane surface an altered channel may have two principal conditions that can be corrected. The channel may conduct fewer ions through (loss-of-function mutations) or too many ions (gain-of-function mutations) compared to a normal channel. Toxins from animal venoms are specialised molecules that are generally oriented toward interactions with ion channels. This is a result of long coevolution between predators and their prey. On the molecular level, toxins activate or inhibit ion channels, so they are ideal molecules for restoring conductance in mutated channels. Another aspect of this long coevolution is that a broad variety of toxins have been fine tuned to recognize the channels of different species, keeping many amino acids substitution among sequences. Many peptide ligands with high selectivity to specific receptor subtypes have been isolated from animal venoms, some of which are absolutely non-toxic to humans and mammalians. It is expected that molecules that are selective to each known receptor can be found in animal venoms, but the pool of toxins currently does not override all receptors described as being involved in channelopathies. Modern investigating methods have enhanced the search process for selective ligands. One prominent method is a site-directed mutagenesis of existing toxins to change the selectivity or/and affinity to the selected receptor, which has shown positive results. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Channelopathies.'
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Ma R, Mahadevappa R, Kwok HF. Venom-based peptide therapy: insights into anti-cancer mechanism. Oncotarget 2017; 8:100908-100930. [PMID: 29246030 PMCID: PMC5725072 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The 5-year relative survival rate of all types of cancer has increased significantly over the past three decades partly due to the targeted therapy. However, still there are many targeted therapy drugs could play a role only in a portion of cancer patients with specific molecular alternation. It is necessary to continue to develop new biological agents which could be used alone and/or in combination with current FDA approved drugs to treat complex cancer diseases. Venom-based drugs have been used for hundreds of years in human history. Nevertheless, the venom-origin of the anti-cancer drug do rarely appear in the pharmaceutical market; and this is due to the fact that the mechanism of action for a large number of the venom drug such as venom-based peptide is not clearly understood. In this review, we focus on discussing some identified venom-based peptides and their anti-cancer mechanisms including the blockade of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis (hallmarks of cancer) to fulfill the gap which is hindering their use in cancer therapy. Furthermore, it also highlights the importance of immunotherapy based on venom peptide. Overall, this review provides readers for further understanding the mechanism of venom peptide and elaborates on the need to explore peptide-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
| | - Ravikiran Mahadevappa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
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Othman H, Wieninger SA, ElAyeb M, Nilges M, Srairi-Abid N. In Silico prediction of the molecular basis of ClTx and AaCTx interaction with matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) to inhibit glioma cell invasion. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2016; 35:2815-2829. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2016.1231633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Houcemeddine Othman
- Laboratory of venoms and therapeutic biomolecules (LR11IPT08), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université de Carthage, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | - Silke Andrea Wieninger
- Département de Biologie Structurale et Chimie, Institut Pasteur, Unité de Bioinformatique Structurale, Paris, France
| | - Mohamed ElAyeb
- Laboratory of venoms and therapeutic biomolecules (LR11IPT08), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Michael Nilges
- Département de Biologie Structurale et Chimie, Institut Pasteur, Unité de Bioinformatique Structurale, Paris, France
| | - Najet Srairi-Abid
- Laboratory of venoms and therapeutic biomolecules (LR11IPT08), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
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Ojeda PG, Wang CK, Craik DJ. Chlorotoxin: Structure, activity, and potential uses in cancer therapy. Biopolymers 2016; 106:25-36. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.22748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paola G. Ojeda
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland; Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Conan K. Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland; Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland; Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
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20
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Novel delivery approaches for cancer therapeutics. J Control Release 2015; 219:248-268. [PMID: 26456750 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.09.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Currently, a majority of cancer treatment strategies are based on the removal of tumor mass mainly by surgery. Chemical and physical treatments such as chemo- and radiotherapies have also made a major contribution in inhibiting rapid growth of malignant cells. Furthermore, these approaches are often combined to enhance therapeutic indices. It is widely known that surgery, chemo- and radiotherapy also inhibit normal cells growth. In addition, these treatment modalities are associated with severe side effects and high toxicity which in turn lead to low quality of life. This review encompasses novel strategies for more effective chemotherapeutic delivery aiming to generate better prognosis. Currently, cancer treatment is a highly dynamic field and significant advances are being made in the development of novel cancer treatment strategies. In contrast to conventional cancer therapeutics, novel approaches such as ligand or receptor based targeting, triggered release, intracellular drug targeting, gene delivery, cancer stem cell therapy, magnetic drug targeting and ultrasound-mediated drug delivery, have added new modalities for cancer treatment. These approaches have led to selective detection of malignant cells leading to their eradication with minimal side effects. Lowering multi-drug resistance and involving influx transportation in targeted drug delivery to cancer cells can also contribute significantly in the therapeutic interventions in cancer.
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21
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ElFessi-Magouri R, Peigneur S, Othman H, Srairi-Abid N, ElAyeb M, Tytgat J, Kharrat R. Characterization of Kbot21 Reveals Novel Side Chain Interactions of Scorpion Toxins Inhibiting Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137611. [PMID: 26398235 PMCID: PMC4580410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion toxins are important pharmacological tools for probing the physiological roles of ion channels which are involved in many physiological processes and as such have significant therapeutic potential. The discovery of new scorpion toxins with different specificities and affinities is needed to further characterize the physiology of ion channels. In this regard, a new short polypeptide called Kbot21 has been purified to homogeneity from the venom of Buthus occitanus tunetanus scorpion. Kbot21 is structurally related to BmBKTx1 from the venom of the Asian scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch. These two toxins differ by only two residues at position 13 (R /V) and 24 (D/N).Despite their very similar sequences, Kbot21 and BmBKTx1 differ in their electrophysiological activities. Kbot21 targets KV channel subtypes whereas BmBKTx1 is active on both big conductance (BK) and small conductance (SK) Ca2+-activated K+ channel subtypes, but has no effects on Kv channel subtypes. The docking model of Kbot21 with the Kv1.2 channel shows that the D24 and R13 side-chain of Kbot21 are critical for its interaction with KV channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rym ElFessi-Magouri
- Laboratoire des Venins et Molécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis,13 Place Pasteur, BP-74, 1002, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Laboratory of Toxicology & Pharmacology, University of Leuven (K.U. Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Houcemeddine Othman
- Laboratoire des Venins et Molécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis,13 Place Pasteur, BP-74, 1002, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Najet Srairi-Abid
- Laboratoire des Venins et Molécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis,13 Place Pasteur, BP-74, 1002, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Mohamed ElAyeb
- Laboratoire des Venins et Molécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis,13 Place Pasteur, BP-74, 1002, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Laboratory of Toxicology & Pharmacology, University of Leuven (K.U. Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Riadh Kharrat
- Laboratoire des Venins et Molécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis,13 Place Pasteur, BP-74, 1002, Tunis, Tunisie
- * E-mail:
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Santibáñez-López CE, Possani LD. Overview of the Knottin scorpion toxin-like peptides in scorpion venoms: Insights on their classification and evolution. Toxicon 2015; 107:317-26. [PMID: 26187850 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms include several compounds with different pharmacological activities. Within these compounds, toxins affecting ion channels are among the most studied. They are all peptides that have been classified based on their 3D structure, chain size and function. Usually, they show a spatial arrangement characterized by the presence of a cysteine-stabilized alpha beta motif; most of them affect Na(+) and K(+) ion-channels. These features have been revised in several occasions before, but a complete phylogenetic analysis of the disulfide containing peptides is not been done. In the present contribution, two databases (Pfam and InterPro) including more than 800 toxins from different scorpions were analyzed. Pfam database included toxins from several organisms other than scorpions such as insects and plants, while InterPro included only scorpion toxins. Our results suggest that Na(+) toxins have evolved independently from those of K(+) toxins no matter the length of the peptidic chains. These preliminary results suggest that current classification needs a more detailed revision, in order to have better characterized toxin families, so the new peptides obtained from transcriptomic analyses would be properly classified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E Santibáñez-López
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico.
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico
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23
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Chlorotoxin: a helpful natural scorpion peptide to diagnose glioma and fight tumor invasion. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:1079-101. [PMID: 25826056 PMCID: PMC4417956 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7041079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlorotoxin is a small 36 amino-acid peptide identified from the venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus. Initially, chlorotoxin was used as a pharmacological tool to characterize chloride channels. While studying glioma-specific chloride currents, it was soon discovered that chlorotoxin possesses targeting properties towards cancer cells including glioma, melanoma, small cell lung carcinoma, neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma. The investigation of the mechanism of action of chlorotoxin has been challenging because its cell surface receptor target remains under questioning since two other receptors have been claimed besides chloride channels. Efforts on chlorotoxin-based applications focused on producing analogues helpful for glioma diagnosis, imaging and treatment. These efforts are welcome since gliomas are very aggressive brain cancers, close to impossible to cure with the current therapeutic arsenal. Among all the chlorotoxin-based strategies, the most promising one to enhance patient mean survival time appears to be the use of chlorotoxin as a targeting agent for the delivery of anti-tumor agents. Finally, the discovery of chlorotoxin has led to the screening of other scorpion venoms to identify chlorotoxin-like peptides. So far several new candidates have been identified. Only detailed research and clinical investigations will tell us if they share the same anti-tumor potential as chlorotoxin.
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Mlayah-Bellalouna S, Dufour M, Mabrouk K, Mejdoub H, Carlier E, Othman H, Belghazi M, Tarbe M, Goaillard JM, Gigmes D, Seagar M, El Ayeb M, Debanne D, Srairi-Abid N. AaTX1, from Androctonus australis scorpion venom: purification, synthesis and characterization in dopaminergic neurons. Toxicon 2014; 92:14-23. [PMID: 25240295 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We have purified the AaTX1 peptide from the Androctonus australis (Aa) scorpion venom, previously cloned and sequenced by Legros and collaborators in a venom gland cDNA library from Aa scorpion. AaTX1 belongs to the α-Ktx15 scorpion toxins family (αKTx15-4). Characterized members of this family share high sequence similarity and were found to block preferentially IA-type voltage-dependent K(+) currents in rat cerebellum granular cells in an irreversible way. In the current work, we studied the effects of native AaTX1 (nAaTX1) using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of IA current in substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic neurons. At 250 nM, AaTX1 induces 90% decrease in IA current amplitude. Its activity was found to be comparable to that of rAmmTX3 (αKTx15-3), which differs by only one conserved (R/K) amino acid in the 19th position suggesting that the difference between R19 and K19 in AaTX1 and AmmTX3, respectively, may not be critical for the toxins' effects. Molecular docking of both toxins with Kv4.3 channel is in agreement with experimental data and suggests the implication of the functional dyade K27-Y36 in toxin-channel interactions. Since AaTX1 is not highly abundant in Aa venom, it was synthesized as well as AmmTX3. Synthetic peptides, native AaTX1 and rAmmTX3 peptides showed qualitatively the same pharmacological activity. Overall, these data identify a new biologically active toxin that belongs to a family of peptides active on Kv4.3 channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saoussen Mlayah-Bellalouna
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratoire des Venins et biomolécules thérapeutiques LR11IPT08, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Martial Dufour
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Unité de Neurobiologie des canaux Ioniques et de la Synapse (UNIS), Faculté de Médecine - Secteur Nord, Aix Marseille Université, 51, Bd Pierre Dramard, 13015 Marseille, France
| | - Kamel Mabrouk
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire ICR, UMR 7273, Equipe CROPS, Site St Jérôme, Avenue Escadrille Normandie Niémen, Case 542, 13397 Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Hafedh Mejdoub
- USCR séquenceur de protéines, faculté des sciences de Sfax, Route de Soukra, Km 3.5, BP 1171, 3000 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Edmond Carlier
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Unité de Neurobiologie des canaux Ioniques et de la Synapse (UNIS), Faculté de Médecine - Secteur Nord, Aix Marseille Université, 51, Bd Pierre Dramard, 13015 Marseille, France
| | - Houcemeddine Othman
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratoire des Venins et biomolécules thérapeutiques LR11IPT08, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Maya Belghazi
- CRN2M UMR 7286, Plate Forme de Recherche en Neurosciences - CAPM, Faculté de Médecine-secteur Nord Aix Marseille Université, 51 bd Pierre Dramard, 13015 Marseille, France
| | - Marion Tarbe
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire ICR, UMR 7273, Equipe CROPS, Site St Jérôme, Avenue Escadrille Normandie Niémen, Case 542, 13397 Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Jean Marc Goaillard
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Unité de Neurobiologie des canaux Ioniques et de la Synapse (UNIS), Faculté de Médecine - Secteur Nord, Aix Marseille Université, 51, Bd Pierre Dramard, 13015 Marseille, France
| | - Didier Gigmes
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire ICR, UMR 7273, Equipe CROPS, Site St Jérôme, Avenue Escadrille Normandie Niémen, Case 542, 13397 Marseille Cedex 20, France
| | - Michael Seagar
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Unité de Neurobiologie des canaux Ioniques et de la Synapse (UNIS), Faculté de Médecine - Secteur Nord, Aix Marseille Université, 51, Bd Pierre Dramard, 13015 Marseille, France
| | - Mohamed El Ayeb
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratoire des Venins et biomolécules thérapeutiques LR11IPT08, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Dominique Debanne
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Unité de Neurobiologie des canaux Ioniques et de la Synapse (UNIS), Faculté de Médecine - Secteur Nord, Aix Marseille Université, 51, Bd Pierre Dramard, 13015 Marseille, France
| | - Najet Srairi-Abid
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratoire des Venins et biomolécules thérapeutiques LR11IPT08, Tunis 1002, Tunisia.
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Arzamasov AA, Vassilevski AA, Grishin EV. Chlorotoxin and related peptides: Short insect toxins from scorpion venom. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2014; 40:387-98. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162014040013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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26
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Yang Y, Zeng XC, Zhang L, Nie Y, Shi W, Liu Y. Androcin, a novel type of cysteine-rich venom peptide fromAndroctonus bicolor, induces akinesia and anxiety-like symptoms in mice. IUBMB Life 2014; 66:277-85. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.1261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 03/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & Department of Biological Science and Technology; School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan); Wuhan 430074 People's Republic of China
| | - Xian-Chun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & Department of Biological Science and Technology; School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan); Wuhan 430074 People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & Department of Biological Science and Technology; School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan); Wuhan 430074 People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & Department of Biological Science and Technology; School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan); Wuhan 430074 People's Republic of China
| | - Wanxia Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & Department of Biological Science and Technology; School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan); Wuhan 430074 People's Republic of China
| | - Yichen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & Department of Biological Science and Technology; School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan); Wuhan 430074 People's Republic of China
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27
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Diego-García E, Caliskan F, Tytgat J. The Mediterranean scorpion Mesobuthus gibbosus (Scorpiones, Buthidae): transcriptome analysis and organization of the genome encoding chlorotoxin-like peptides. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:295. [PMID: 24746279 PMCID: PMC4234519 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcrof toxin genes of scorpion species have been published. Up to this moment, no information on the gene characterization of M. gibbosus is available. Results This study provides the first insight into gene expression in venom glands from M. gibbosus scorpion. A cDNA library was generated from the venom glands and subsequently analyzed (301 clones). Sequences from 177 high-quality ESTs were grouped as 48 Mgib sequences, of those 48 sequences, 40 (29 “singletons” and 11 “contigs”) correspond with one or more ESTs. We identified putative precursor sequences and were grouped them in different categories (39 unique transcripts, one with alternative reading frames), resulting in the identification of 12 new toxin-like and 5 antimicrobial precursors (transcripts). The analysis of the gene families revealed several new components categorized among various toxin families with effect on ion channels. Sequence analysis of a new KTx precursor provides evidence to validate a new KTx subfamily (α-KTx 27.x). A second part of this work involves the genomic organization of three Meg-chlorotoxin-like genes (ClTxs). Genomic DNA sequence reveals close similarities (presence of one same-phase intron) with the sole genomic organization of chlorotoxins ever reported (from M. martensii). Conclusions Transcriptome analysis is a powerful strategy that provides complete information of the gene expression and molecular diversity of the venom glands (telson). In this work, we generated the first catalogue of the gene expression and genomic organization of toxins from M. gibbosus. Our result represents a relevant contribution to the knowledge of toxin transcripts and complementary information related with other cell function proteins and venom peptide transcripts. The genomic organization of the chlorotoxin genes may help to understand the diversity of this gene family.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg O& N2,PO Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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28
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Zeng XC, Liu Y, Shi W, Zhang L, Luo X, Nie Y, Yang Y. Genome-wide search and comparative genomic analysis of the trypsin inhibitor-like cysteine-rich domain-containing peptides. Peptides 2014; 53:106-14. [PMID: 23973966 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
It was shown that peptides containing trypsin inhibitor-like cysteine-rich (TIL) domain are able to inhibit proteinase activities, and thus play important roles in various biological processes, such as immune response and anticoagulation. However, only a limited number of the TIL peptides have been identified and characterized so far; and little has been known about the evolutionary relationships of the genes encoding the TIL peptides. BmKAPi is a TIL domain-containing peptide that was identified from Mesobuthus martensii Karsch. Here, we conducted genome-wide searches for new peptides that are homologous to BmKAPi or possess a cysteine pattern similar to that of BmKAPi. As a result, we identified a total of 80 different TIL peptides from 34 species of arthropods. We found that these peptides can be classified into seven evolutionarily distinct groups. Furthermore, we cloned the genomic sequence of BmKAPi; the genomic sequences of the majority of other TIL peptides were also identified from the GenBank database using bioinformatical approaches. Through phylogenetic and comparative genomic analysis, we found 26 cases of intron gain events occurred in the genes of the TIL peptides; however, no instances of intron loss were observed. Moreover, we found that alternative splicing contributes to the diversification of the TIL peptides. It is interesting to see that four genes of the TIL domain-containing peptides overlap in a DNA region located on the chromosome LG B15 of Bombus terretris. These data suggest that the evolution of the TIL peptide genes are dynamic, which was dominated by intron gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Chun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yichen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanxia Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuesong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
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29
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Zeng XC, Nie Y, Luo X, Wu S, Shi W, Zhang L, Liu Y, Cao H, Yang Y, Zhou J. Molecular and bioinformatical characterization of a novel superfamily of cysteine-rich peptides from arthropods. Peptides 2013; 41:45-58. [PMID: 23099316 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Revised: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The full-length cDNA sequences of two novel cysteine-rich peptides (referred to as HsVx1 and MmKTx1) were obtained from scorpions. The two peptides represent a novel class of cysteine-rich peptides with a unique cysteine pattern. The genomic sequence of HsVx1 is composed of three exons interrupted by two introns that are localized in the mature peptide encoding region and inserted in phase 1 and phase 2, respectively. Such a genomic organization markedly differs from those of other peptides from scorpions described previously. Genome-wide search for the orthologs of HsVx1 identified 59 novel cysteine-rich peptides from arthropods. These peptides share a consistent cysteine pattern with HsVx1. Genomic comparison revealed extensive intron length differences and intronic number and position polymorphisms among the genes of these peptides. Further analysis identified 30 cases of intron sliding, 1 case of intron gain and 22 cases of intron loss occurred with the genes of the HsVx1 and HsVx1-like peptides. It is interesting to see that three HsVx1-like peptides XP_001658928, XP_001658929 and XP_001658930 were derived from a single gene (XP gene): the former two were generated from alternative splicing; the third one was encoded by a DNA region in the reverse complementary strand of the third intron of the XP gene. These findings strongly suggest that the genes of these cysteine-rich peptides were evolved by intron sliding, intron gain/loss, gene recombination and alternative splicing events in response to selective forces without changing their cysteine pattern. The evolution of these genes is dominated by intron sliding and intron loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Chun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China.
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30
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Morjen M, Kallech-Ziri O, Bazaa A, Othman H, Mabrouk K, Zouari-Kessentini R, Sanz L, Calvete JJ, Srairi-Abid N, El Ayeb M, Luis J, Marrakchi N. PIVL, a new serine protease inhibitor from Macrovipera lebetina transmediterranea venom, impairs motility of human glioblastoma cells. Matrix Biol 2012; 32:52-62. [PMID: 23262217 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2012.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2012] [Revised: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A novel Kunitz-type serine proteinase inhibitor, termed PIVL, was purified to homogeneity from the venom of the Tunisian snake Macrovipera lebetina transmediterranea. It is a monomeric polypeptide chain cross-linked by three disulfide linkages with an isotope-averaged molecular mass of 7691.7 Da. The 67-residue full-length PIVL sequence was deduced from a venom gland cDNA clone. Structurally, PIVL is built by a single Kunitz/BPTI-like domain. Functionally, it is able to specifically inhibit trypsin activity. Interestingly, PIVL exhibits an anti-tumor effect and displays integrin inhibitory activity without being cytotoxic. Here we show that PIVL is able to dose-dependently inhibit the adhesion, migration and invasion of human glioblastoma U87 cells. Our results also show that PIVL impairs the function of αvβ3 and to a lesser extent, the activity of αvβ6, αvβ5, α1β1 and α5β1 integrins. Interestingly, we demonstrate that the (41)RGN(43) motif of PIVL is likely responsible for its anti-cancer effect. By using time lapse videomicroscopy, we found that PIVL significantly reduced U87 cells motility and affected cell directionality persistence by 68%. These findings reveal novel pharmacological effects for a Kunitz-type serine proteinase inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maram Morjen
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunisia.
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31
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Nie Y, Zeng XC, Yang Y, Luo F, Luo X, Wu S, Zhang L, Zhou J. A novel class of antimicrobial peptides from the scorpion Heterometrus spinifer. Peptides 2012; 38:389-94. [PMID: 23000095 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Revised: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The venom peptides from the scorpion Heterometrus spinifer have been poorly characterized so far. Here, we identified a novel class of antimicrobial peptides from the venom gland of H. spinifer, which were referred to as HsAp, HsAp2, HsAp3 and HsAp4, respectively. Each of the four peptides consists of 29 amino acid residues, and is cationic and weakly amphipathic. They display no significant homology to any other known peptides, and thus represent a new family of venom peptides from scorpions. Antimicrobial assay showed that HsAp is able to inhibit the growth of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria with the MIC values of 11.8-51.2 μM. HsAp is also able to inhibit the growth of the tested fungus. Genomic analysis indicated that the genes of all the four peptides are intronless. Our studies expand the families of antimicrobial peptides from scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences Wuhan, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
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32
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Nie Y, Zeng XC, Luo X, Wu S, Zhang L, Cao H, Zhou J, Zhou L. Tremendous intron length differences of the BmKBT and a novel BmKBT-like peptide genes provide a mechanical basis for the rapid or constitutive expression of the peptides. Peptides 2012; 37:150-6. [PMID: 22705625 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Revised: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The cDNA sequence encoding a novel BmKBT-like peptide (referred to as BmKBy) was cloned and sequenced from the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii Karsch. Functional analysis indicated that both BmKBT and BmKBy possess strong toxicity in mice, but very weak toxicity in cotton bollworm. Phylogenetic analysis showed that BmKBy and BmKBT represent evolutionary intermediates between the α- and β-toxins from scorpions. The genomic sequences of BmKBT and BmKBy were also obtained. It is interesting to see that two genes, which contain an intron of 225 and 1529bp, respectively, exactly code for the BmKBT peptide. One gene, which contains an intron of 1312bp, codes for BmKBy. Given that genes with long introns favor constitutive expression, whereas those with short introns are rapidly regulated in response to stimulations, the BmKBT_a and BmKBT_b genes provide a mechanical basis for either constitutive expression or rapid generation of the toxic peptides in response to different signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Nie
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China
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Stroud MR, Hansen SJ, Olson JM. In vivo bio-imaging using chlorotoxin-based conjugates. Curr Pharm Des 2012; 17:4362-71. [PMID: 22204434 DOI: 10.2174/138161211798999375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Surgical resection remains the primary component of cancer therapy. The precision required to successfully separate cancer tissue from normal tissue relies heavily on the surgeon's ability to delineate the tumor margins. Despite recent advances in surgical guidance and monitoring systems, intra-operative identification of these margins remains imprecise and directly influences patient prognosis. If the surgeon had improved tools to distinguish these margins, tumor progression and unacceptable morbidity could be avoided. In this article, we review the history of chlorotoxin and its tumor specificity and discuss the research currently being generated to target optical imaging agents to cancer tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Stroud
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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34
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Zeng XC, Zhang L, Nie Y, Luo X. Identification and molecular characterization of three new K+-channel specific toxins from the Chinese scorpion Mesobuthus martensii Karsch revealing intronic number polymorphism and alternative splicing in duplicated genes. Peptides 2012; 34:311-23. [PMID: 22230549 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Revised: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
K(+)-channel specific toxins from scorpions are powerful probes used in the structural and functional characterization of different subfamilies of K(+)-channels which are thought to be the most diverse ion channels. However, only a limited number of K(+)-channel toxins have been identified from scorpions so far; moreover, little is known about the mechanisms for the generation of a combinatorial peptide library in a venom gland of a scorpion. Here, we identified and characterized three new K(+)-channel toxin-like peptides from the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii Karsch, which were referred to as BmKcug1, BmKcug2 and BmKcugx, respectively. BmKcug1 and BmKcug2 are two new members of α-KTx1 subfamily, and have been classified as α-KTx1.14 and α-KTx1.15, respectively. BmKcugx represents a new subfamily of K(+)-channel specific toxins which was classified into α-KTx22. BmKcugx was thus classified as α-KTx22.1. Genomic analysis demonstrated that BmKcugx gene has two exons interrupted by an intron inserted in the signal peptide encoding region, whereas BmKcug1a (a close homologue of BmKcug1)/BmKcug2 gene was interrupted by two introns, located within the 5'UTR of the gene and in the signal peptide encoding region, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis for the venom glands of M. martensii Karsch indicated that the abundances of the transcripts of BmKcug1a and BmKcug2 are much higher than that of BmKcugx; it suggests that the intron in 5'UTR could markedly increase the expression level of the K(+)-channel toxins. Alignment of the genomic sequences of BmKcug1a and BmKcug2 revealed that an alternative splicing event occurred at the intron 1-exon 2 junction in the 5'UTR of BmKcug2 transcript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Chun Zeng
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
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