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Panayi T, Diavoli S, Nicolaidou V, Papaneophytou C, Petrou C, Sarigiannis Y. Short-Chained Linear Scorpion Peptides: A Pool for Novel Antimicrobials. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:422. [PMID: 38786150 PMCID: PMC11117241 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13050422] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom peptides are generally classified into two main groups: the disulfide bridged peptides (DBPs), which usually target membrane-associated ion channels, and the non-disulfide bridged peptides (NDBPs), a smaller group with multifunctional properties. In the past decade, these peptides have gained interest because most of them display functions that include antimicrobial, anticancer, haemolytic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Our current study focuses on the short (9-19 amino acids) antimicrobial linear scorpion peptides. Most of these peptides display a net positive charge of 1 or 2, an isoelectric point at pH 9-10, a broad range of hydrophobicity, and a Grand Average of Hydropathy (GRAVY) Value ranging between -0.05 and 1.7. These features allow these peptides to be attracted toward the negatively charged phospholipid head groups of the lipid membranes of target cells, a force driven by electrostatic interactions. This review outlines the antimicrobial potential of short-chained linear scorpion venom peptides. Additionally, short linear scorpion peptides are in general more attractive for large-scale synthesis from a manufacturing point of view. The structural and functional diversity of these peptides represents a good starting point for the development of new peptide-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolis Panayi
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus; (T.P.); (V.N.); (C.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus; (S.D.); (C.P.)
| | - Spiridoula Diavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus; (S.D.); (C.P.)
| | - Vicky Nicolaidou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus; (T.P.); (V.N.); (C.P.)
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus; (T.P.); (V.N.); (C.P.)
| | - Christos Petrou
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus; (S.D.); (C.P.)
| | - Yiannis Sarigiannis
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus; (S.D.); (C.P.)
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2
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Lee B, Shin D. Contrastive learning for enhancing feature extraction in anticancer peptides. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae220. [PMID: 38725157 PMCID: PMC11082072 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer, recognized as a primary cause of death worldwide, has profound health implications and incurs a substantial social burden. Numerous efforts have been made to develop cancer treatments, among which anticancer peptides (ACPs) are garnering recognition for their potential applications. While ACP screening is time-consuming and costly, in silico prediction tools provide a way to overcome these challenges. Herein, we present a deep learning model designed to screen ACPs using peptide sequences only. A contrastive learning technique was applied to enhance model performance, yielding better results than a model trained solely on binary classification loss. Furthermore, two independent encoders were employed as a replacement for data augmentation, a technique commonly used in contrastive learning. Our model achieved superior performance on five of six benchmark datasets against previous state-of-the-art models. As prediction tools advance, the potential in peptide-based cancer therapeutics increases, promising a brighter future for oncology research and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byungjo Lee
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, 323, Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongkwan Shin
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, 323, Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, 323, Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea
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3
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Wiezel GA, Oliveira IS, Reis MB, Ferreira IG, Cordeiro KR, Bordon KCF, Arantes EC. The complex repertoire of Tityus spp. venoms: Advances on their composition and pharmacological potential of their toxins. Biochimie 2024; 220:144-166. [PMID: 38176606 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.12.012] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Animal venoms are a rich and complex source of components, including peptides (such as neurotoxins, anionic peptides and hypotensins), lipids, proteins (such as proteases, hyaluronidases and phospholipases) and inorganic compounds, which affect all biological systems of the envenoming victim. Their action may result in a wide range of clinical manifestations, including tachy/bradycardia, hyper/hypotension, disorders in blood coagulation, pain, edema, inflammation, fever, muscle paralysis, coma and even death. Scorpions are one of the most studied venomous animals in the world and interesting bioactive molecules have been isolated and identified from their venoms over the years. Tityus spp. are among the scorpions with high number of accidents reported in the Americas, especially in Brazil. Their venoms have demonstrated interesting results in the search for novel agents with antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, hypotensive, immunomodulation, anti-insect, antitumor and/or antinociceptive activities. Furthermore, other recent activities still under investigation include drug delivery action, design of anti-epileptic drugs, investigation of sodium channel function, treatment of erectile disfunction and priapism, improvement of scorpion antivenom and chelating molecules activity. In this scenario, this paper focuses on reviewing advances on Tityus venom components mainly through the modern omics technologies as well as addressing potential therapeutic agents from their venoms and highlighting this abundant source of pharmacologically active molecules with biotechnological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele A Wiezel
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Isadora S Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søtolfts Plads, Building 239 Room 006, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.
| | - Mouzarllem B Reis
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Isabela G Ferreira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Kalynka R Cordeiro
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Karla C F Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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4
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Putri RA, Rohman MS, Swasono RT, Raharjo TJ. A novel synthetic peptide analog enhanced antibacterial activity of the frog-derived skin peptide wuchuanin-A1. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37968993 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2281633] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the development of novel antibacterial compounds for clinical applications, such as antimicrobial peptide (AMP). Among the developed AMP, wuchuanin-A1, a coil-shaped bioactive peptide derived from Odorrana wuchuanensis frog skin, has been reported to exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity, but there are limited studies on its potential as an antibacterial agent. Therefore, this study aims to molecularly modify the sequence of wuchuanin-A1 to enhance its antibacterial properties. The interaction of both the native and analog peptide with bacterial inner membranes was initially assessed using computational methods. Specific amino acid substitutions were then used to enhance the modified peptide's antibacterial efficacy, followed by several preliminary tests to evaluate its activity. This study bridges the gap in exploring the potential of wuchuanin-A1 for antibacterial purposes, providing insights into the design of effective antimicrobial agents.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tri Joko Raharjo
- Department of Chemistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Bulaksumur, Indonesia
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5
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Mechkarska M, Cunning TS, Taggart MG, Ternan NG, Leprince J, Coquet L, Jouenne T, Tena-Garcés J, Calvete JJ, Conlon JM. Identification of an Antimicrobial Peptide from the Venom of the Trinidad Thick-Tailed Scorpion Tityus trinitatis with Potent Activity against ESKAPE Pathogens and Clostridioides difficile. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1404. [PMID: 37760701 PMCID: PMC10525828 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Envenomation by the Trinidad thick-tailed scorpion Tityus trinitatis may result in fatal myocarditis and there is a high incidence of acute pancreatitis among survivors. Peptidomic analysis (reversed-phase HPLC followed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and automated Edman degradation) of T. trinitatis venom led to the isolation and characterization of three peptides with antimicrobial activity. Their primary structures were established asTtAP-1 (FLGSLFSIGSKLLPGVFKLFSRKKQ.NH2), TtAP-2 (IFGMIPGLIGGLISAFK.NH2) and TtAP-3 (FFSLIPSLIGGLVSAIK.NH2). In addition, potassium channel and sodium channel toxins, present in the venom in high abundance, were identified by CID-MS/MS sequence analysis. TtAP-1 was the most potent against a range of clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobes and against the anaerobe Clostridioides difficile (MIC = 3.1-12.5 µg/mL). At a concentration of 1× MIC, TtAP-1 produced rapid cell death (<15 min against Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus). The therapeutic potential of TtAP-1 as an anti-infective agent is limited by its high hemolytic activity (LC50 = 18 µg/mL against mouse erythrocytes) but the peptide constitutes a template for the design of analogs that maintain the high bactericidal activity against ESKAPE pathogens but are less toxic to human cells. It is suggested that the antimicrobial peptides in the scorpion venom facilitate the action of the neurotoxins by increasing the membrane permeability of cells from either prey or predator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Mechkarska
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, St. Augustine Campus, The University of The West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Taylor S. Cunning
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (T.S.C.); (M.G.T.); (N.G.T.)
| | - Megan G. Taggart
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (T.S.C.); (M.G.T.); (N.G.T.)
| | - Nigel G. Ternan
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (T.S.C.); (M.G.T.); (N.G.T.)
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Université Rouen Normandie, INSERM, NorDiC UMR 1239, HeRacLeS, US 51, PRIMACEN, F-76000 Rouen, France;
| | - Laurent Coquet
- Université Rouen Normandie, INSA Rouen Normandie, CNRS, PBS UMR 6270, HeRacLeS US 51 UAR 2026 PISSARO, F-76000 Rouen, France; (L.C.); (T.J.)
| | - Thierry Jouenne
- Université Rouen Normandie, INSA Rouen Normandie, CNRS, PBS UMR 6270, HeRacLeS US 51 UAR 2026 PISSARO, F-76000 Rouen, France; (L.C.); (T.J.)
| | - Jordi Tena-Garcés
- Evolutionary and Translational Venomics Laboratory, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 46010 Valencia, Spain; (J.T.-G.); (J.J.C.)
| | - Juan J. Calvete
- Evolutionary and Translational Venomics Laboratory, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 46010 Valencia, Spain; (J.T.-G.); (J.J.C.)
| | - J. Michael Conlon
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK;
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6
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Nasr S, Borges A, Sahyoun C, Nasr R, Roufayel R, Legros C, Sabatier JM, Fajloun Z. Scorpion Venom as a Source of Antimicrobial Peptides: Overview of Biomolecule Separation, Analysis and Characterization Methods. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1380. [PMID: 37760677 PMCID: PMC10525675 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091380] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms have long captivated scientific researchers, primarily due to the potency and specificity of the mechanism of action of their derived components. Among other molecules, these venoms contain highly active compounds, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and ion channel-specific components that selectively target biological receptors with remarkable affinity. Some of these receptors have emerged as prime therapeutic targets for addressing various human pathologies, including cancer and infectious diseases, and have served as models for designing novel drugs. Consequently, extensive biochemical and proteomic investigations have focused on characterizing scorpion venoms. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the key methodologies used in the extraction, purification, analysis, and characterization of AMPs and other bioactive molecules present in scorpion venoms. Noteworthy techniques such as gel electrophoresis, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and "omics" approaches are explored, along with various combinations of methods that enable bioassay-guided venom fractionation. Furthermore, this review presents four adapted proteomic workflows that lead to the comprehensive dissection of the scorpion venom proteome, with an emphasis on AMPs. These workflows differ based on whether the venom is pre-fractionated using separation techniques or is proteolytically digested directly before further proteomic analyses. Since the composition and functionality of scorpion venoms are species-specific, the selection and sequence of the techniques for venom analyses, including these workflows, should be tailored to the specific parameters of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nasr
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (S.N.); (C.S.)
| | - Adolfo Borges
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Toxinas y Receptores, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 50587, Venezuela;
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, Asunción 1255, Paraguay
| | - Christina Sahyoun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (S.N.); (C.S.)
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Team 2 CarMe, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Riad Nasr
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Public Health 3, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1200, Lebanon;
| | - Rabih Roufayel
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Christian Legros
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Team 2 CarMe, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (S.N.); (C.S.)
- Faculty of Sciences 3, Department of Biology, Lebanese University, Campus Michel Slayman Ras Maska, Tripoli 1352, Lebanon
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7
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Pashmforoosh N, Baradaran M. Peptides with Diverse Functions from Scorpion Venom: A Great Opportunity for the Treatment of a Wide Variety of Diseases. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:84-99. [PMID: 37070616 PMCID: PMC10314758 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran The venom glands are a rich source of biologically important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. Scorpion venoms have been identified as a reservoir for components that might be considered as great candidates for drug development. Pharmacological properties of the venom compounds have been confirmed in the treatment of different disorders. Ion channel blockers and AMPs are the main groups of scorpion venom components. Despite the existence of several studies about scorpion peptides, there are still valuable components to be discovered. Additionally, owing to the improvement of proteomics and transcriptomics, the number of peptide drugs is steadily increasing, which reflects the importance of these medications. This review evaluates available literatures on some important scorpion venom peptides with pharmaceutical activities. Given that the last three years have been dominated by the COVID-19 from the medical/pharmaceutical perspective, scorpion compounds with the potential against the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoumeh Baradaran
- Corresponding Author: Masoumeh Baradaran Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; E-mail:
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8
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Antimicrobial peptides for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 68:100954. [PMID: 36905712 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
The problem of drug resistance due to long-term use of antibiotics has been a concern for years. As this problem grows worse, infections caused by multiple bacteria are expanding rapidly and are extremely detrimental to human health. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a good alternative to current antimicrobials with potent antimicrobial activity and unique antimicrobial mechanisms, which have advantages over traditional antibiotics in fighting against drug-resistant bacterial infections. Currently, researchers have conducted clinical investigations on AMPs for drug-resistant bacterial infections while integrating new technologies in the development of AMPs, such as changing amino acid structure of AMPs and using different delivery methods for AMPs. This article introduces the basic properties of AMPs, deliberates the mechanism of drug resistance in bacteria and the therapeutic mechanism of AMPs. The current disadvantages and advances of AMPs in combating drug-resistant bacterial infections are also discussed. This article provides important insights into the research and clinical application of new AMPs for drug-resistant bacterial infections.
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9
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Bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms: therapeutic scaffolds and pharmacological tools. Chin J Nat Med 2023; 21:19-35. [PMID: 36641229 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(23)60382-6] [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: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Evolution and natural selection have endowed animal venoms, including scorpion venoms, with a wide range of pharmacological properties. Consequently, scorpions, their venoms, and/or their body parts have been used since time immemorial in traditional medicines, especially in Africa and Asia. With respect to their pharmacological potential, bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms have become an important source of scientific research. With the rapid increase in the characterization of various components from scorpion venoms, a large number of peptides are identified with an aim of combating a myriad of emerging global health problems. Moreover, some scorpion venom-derived peptides have been established as potential scaffolds helpful for drug development. In this review, we summarize the promising scorpion venoms-derived peptides as drug candidates. Accordingly, we highlight the data and knowledge needed for continuous characterization and development of additional natural peptides from scorpion venoms, as potential drugs that can treat related diseases.
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10
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Antimicrobial Activity Developed by Scorpion Venoms and Its Peptide Component. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110740. [PMID: 36355990 PMCID: PMC9693228 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial infections represent a problem of great importance at the public health level, with a high rate of morbidity-mortality worldwide. However, treating the different diseases generated by microorganisms requires a gradual increase in acquired resistance when applying or using them against various antibiotic therapies. Resistance is caused by various molecular mechanisms of microorganisms, thus reducing their effectiveness. Consequently, there is a need to search for new opportunities through natural sources with antimicrobial activity. One alternative is using peptides present in different scorpion venoms, specifically from the Buthidae family. Different peptides with biological activity in microorganisms have been characterized as preventing their growth or inhibiting their replication. Therefore, they represent an alternative to be used in the design and development of new-generation antimicrobial drugs in different types of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Essential aspects for its disclosure, as shown in this review, are the studies carried out on different types of peptides in scorpion venoms with activity against pathogenic microorganisms, highlighting their high therapeutic potential.
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11
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Zottich U, de Oliveira IS, Fereira IG, Cerni FA, Karla de Castro Figueiredo B, Arantes EC, Gomes VM, Dias GB, Pucca MB. Antifungal activity of Rhopalurus crassicauda venom against Candida spp. Toxicon X 2022; 14:100120. [PMID: 35345480 PMCID: PMC8956938 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100120] [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: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are becoming a serious problem of human diseases, being one of the most important fungal pathogens the yeast of the genus Candida. So far, fungal infection treatment faces different challenges, including the limited number of therapeutic drugs. Scorpions are known to be a valuable source of biologically active molecules, especially of peptide-derived molecules with a variety of biological effects and useful, lead compounds for drugs development. Here, we pioneer described the antifungal effect of venom, mucus, and the major toxin (Rc1) from Rhopalurus crassicauda scorpion. These results support the potential for Rc1 to be further investigated as a novel antifungal therapeutic to treat Candida infections. Fungal infection treatment presents limited number of therapeutic drugs. R. crassicauda venom and major toxin inhibit Candida spp. grown in vitro. R. crassicauda venom-derived toxins may be a rich source of antifungal compounds.
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12
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Amorim-Carmo B, Parente AMS, Souza ES, Silva-Junior AA, Araújo RM, Fernandes-Pedrosa MF. Antimicrobial Peptide Analogs From Scorpions: Modifications and Structure-Activity. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:887763. [PMID: 35712354 PMCID: PMC9197468 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.887763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of multidrug-resistant pathogens against conventional antibiotics is a global public health problem. The irrational use of antibiotics has promoted therapeutic limitations against different infections, making research of new molecules that can be applied to treat infections necessary. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of promising antibiotic molecules as they present broad action spectrum, potent activity, and do not easily induce resistance. Several AMPs from scorpion venoms have been described as a potential source for the development of new drugs; however, some limitations to their application are also observed. Here, we describe strategies used in several approaches to optimize scorpion AMPs, addressing their primary sequence, biotechnological potential, and characteristics that should be considered when developing an AMP derived from scorpion venoms. In addition, this review may contribute towards improving the understanding of rationally designing new molecules, targeting functional AMPs that may have a therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Amorim-Carmo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Adriana M. S. Parente
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Eden S. Souza
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arnóbio A. Silva-Junior
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Renata M. Araújo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Matheus F. Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Matheus F. Fernandes-Pedrosa,
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13
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Furtado AA, Daniele-Silva A, Resende de Oliveira IR, Mendes RFV, Gomes dos Santos EC, de Carvalho E, Damasceno IZ, e Silva Parente AM, da Fonseca Ribeiro de Sena KX, da Silva-Júnior AA, Ximenes RM, Vieira DS, de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa M. In silico and in vitro structure-stability-function relationship of analog peptides of Stigmurin and its antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. Pharmacol Res 2022; 181:106245. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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14
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Aronica PGA, Reid LM, Desai N, Li J, Fox SJ, Yadahalli S, Essex JW, Verma CS. Computational Methods and Tools in Antimicrobial Peptide Research. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:3172-3196. [PMID: 34165973 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is an ongoing and troubling development that has increased the number of diseases and infections that risk going untreated. There is an urgent need to develop alternative strategies and treatments to address this issue. One class of molecules that is attracting significant interest is that of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Their design and development has been aided considerably by the applications of molecular models, and we review these here. These methods include the use of tools to explore the relationships between their structures, dynamics, and functions and the increasing application of machine learning and molecular dynamics simulations. This review compiles resources such as AMP databases, AMP-related web servers, and commonly used techniques, together aimed at aiding researchers in the area toward complementing experimental studies with computational approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro G A Aronica
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
| | - Lauren M Reid
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671.,School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield Southampton, Hampshire, U.K. SO17 1BJ.,MedChemica Ltd, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, U.K. SK10 4TG
| | - Nirali Desai
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671.,Division of Biological and Life Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Central Campus, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India 380009
| | - Jianguo Li
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, 20 College Road Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856
| | - Stephen J Fox
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
| | - Shilpa Yadahalli
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
| | - Jonathan W Essex
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield Southampton, Hampshire, U.K. SO17 1BJ
| | - Chandra S Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543 Singapore.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Drive, 637551 Singapore
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Daniele-Silva A, Rodrigues SDCS, Dos Santos ECG, Queiroz Neto MFD, Rocha HADO, Silva-Júnior AAD, Resende JM, Araújo RM, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. NMR three-dimensional structure of the cationic peptide Stigmurin from Tityus stigmurus scorpion venom: In vitro antioxidant and in vivo antibacterial and healing activity. Peptides 2021; 137:170478. [PMID: 33359395 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases and the rapid development of pathogens resistant to conventional drugs are a serious global public health problem, which motivates the search for new pharmacological agents. In this context, cationic peptides without disulfide bridges from different species of scorpion venom have been the target of scientific studies due to their multifunctional activities. Stigmurin is a linear peptide composed of 17 amino acid residues (Phe-Phe-Ser-Leu-Ile-Pro-Ser-Leu-Val-Gly-Gly-Leu-Ile-Ser-Ala-Phe-Lys-NH2), which is present in the venom gland of the scorpion Tityus stigmurus. Here we present investigations of the in vitro antioxidant action of Stigmurin together with the in vivo antibacterial and healing activity of this peptide in a wound infection model induced by Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, we have reports for the first time of the three-dimensional structure determined by NMR spectroscopy of a peptide without disulfide bridges present in scorpion venom from the Tityus genus. Stigmurin showed hydroxyl radical scavenging above 70 % at 10 μM and antibiotic action in the skin wound, reducing the number of viable microorganisms by 67.2 % on the 7 day after infection. Stigmurin (1 μg / μL) increased the retraction rate of the lesion, with wound area reduction of 43 % on the second day after skin injury, which indicates its ability to induce tissue repair. Stigmurin in trifluoroethanol:water exhibited a random conformation at the N-terminus region (Phe1 to Pro6), with a helical structure from Ser7 to Phe16. This structural information, allied with the multifunctional activity of Stigmurin, makes it an attractive candidate for the design of novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Daniele-Silva
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Suedson de Carvalho Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Isolamento e Síntese de Compostos Orgânicos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Moacir Fernandes de Queiroz Neto
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Polímeros Naturais, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Hugo Alexandre de Oliveira Rocha
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Polímeros Naturais, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Jarbas Magalhães Resende
- Laboratório de Síntese e Estrutura de Peptídeos, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Renata Mendonça Araújo
- Laboratório de Isolamento e Síntese de Compostos Orgânicos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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16
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Porto DL, da Silva ARR, Oliveira ADS, Nogueira FHA, Pedrosa MDFF, Aragão CFS. Development and validation of a stability indicating HPLC-DAD method for the determination of the peptide stigmurin. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.104921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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17
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Lamiyan AK, Dalal R, Kumar NR. Venom peptides in association with standard drugs: a novel strategy for combating antibiotic resistance - an overview. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20200001. [PMID: 32843888 PMCID: PMC7416788 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of antibiotic resistance that leads to resurgence of bacterial infections poses a threat to disease-free existence for humankind and is a challenge for the welfare of the society at large. Despite research efforts directed towards treatment of pathogens, antibiotics within new improved classes have not emerged for years, a fact largely attributable to the pharmacological necessities compelling drug development. Recent reversion to the use of natural products alone or in combination with standard drugs has opened up new vistas for alternative therapeutics. The success of this strategy is evident in the sudden interest in plant extracts as additives/synergists for treatment of maladies caused by drug-resistant bacterial strains. Animal venoms have long fascinated scientists as sources of pharmacologically active components that can be exploited for the treatment of specific ailments and should be promoted further to clinical trials. In the present review, we outline the scope and possible methods for the applications of animal venoms in combination with commercial antibiotics to offer a better treatment approach against antibiotic-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramkesh Dalal
- Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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18
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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: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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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Yacoub T, Rima M, Karam M, Sabatier JM, Fajloun Z. Antimicrobials from Venomous Animals: An Overview. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25102402. [PMID: 32455792 PMCID: PMC7287856 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The inappropriate or excessive use of antimicrobial agents caused an emerging public health problem due to the resulting resistance developed by microbes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective antimicrobial strategies relying on natural agents with different mechanisms of action. Nature has been known to offer many bioactive compounds, in the form of animal venoms, algae, and plant extracts that were used for decades in traditional medicine. Animal venoms and secretions have been deeply studied for their wealth in pharmaceutically promising molecules. As such, they were reported to exhibit many biological activities of interest, such as antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the antimicrobial activities of crude animal venoms/secretions, and describe the peptides that are responsible of these activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Yacoub
- Department of Biology, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Al-Kurah, P.O. box 100 Tripoli, Lebanon; (T.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Mohamad Rima
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U964, CNRS U7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France;
| | - Marc Karam
- Department of Biology, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Al-Kurah, P.O. box 100 Tripoli, Lebanon; (T.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Université Aix-Marseille, Institut de NeuroPhysiopathologie, UMR 7051, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, 51, Boulevard Pierre Dramard-CS80011, 13344-Marseille CEDEX 15, France
- Correspondence: (J.-M.S.); (Z.F.)
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Faculty of Sciences 3, Lebanese University, Michel Slayman Tripoli Campus, Ras Maska 1352, Lebanon
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and its Applications, Doctoral School for Sciences and Technology, Lebanese University, El Mittein Street, 1300 Tripoli, Lebanon
- Correspondence: (J.-M.S.); (Z.F.)
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20
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Ahmadi S, Knerr JM, Argemi L, Bordon KCF, Pucca MB, Cerni FA, Arantes EC, Çalışkan F, Laustsen AH. Scorpion Venom: Detriments and Benefits. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8050118. [PMID: 32408604 PMCID: PMC7277529 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom may cause severe medical complications and untimely death if injected into the human body. Neurotoxins are the main components of scorpion venom that are known to be responsible for the pathological manifestations of envenoming. Besides neurotoxins, a wide range of other bioactive molecules can be found in scorpion venoms. Advances in separation, characterization, and biotechnological approaches have enabled not only the development of more effective treatments against scorpion envenomings, but have also led to the discovery of several scorpion venom peptides with interesting therapeutic properties. Thus, scorpion venom may not only be a medical threat to human health, but could prove to be a valuable source of bioactive molecules that may serve as leads for the development of new therapies against current and emerging diseases. This review presents both the detrimental and beneficial properties of scorpion venom toxins and discusses the newest advances within the development of novel therapies against scorpion envenoming and the therapeutic perspectives for scorpion toxins in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
| | - Julius M. Knerr
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Lídia Argemi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Karla C. F. Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Roraima 69310-000, Brazil
| | - Felipe A. Cerni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Eliane C. Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Figen Çalışkan
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
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21
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Cid-Uribe JI, Veytia-Bucheli JI, Romero-Gutierrez T, Ortiz E, Possani LD. Scorpion venomics: a 2019 overview. Expert Rev Proteomics 2019; 17:67-83. [DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2020.1705158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jimena I. Cid-Uribe
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - José Ignacio Veytia-Bucheli
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Teresa Romero-Gutierrez
- Departamento de Ciencias Computacionales, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas e Ingenierías, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Ernesto Ortiz
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Lourival D. Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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22
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Optimization of Scorpion Protein Extraction and Characterization of the Proteins' Functional Properties. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24224103. [PMID: 31766309 PMCID: PMC6891329 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24224103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine, because whole scorpion body extract has anti-cancer, analgesic, anti-thrombotic blood anti-coagulation, immune modulating, anti-epileptic, and other functions. The purpose of this study was to find an efficient extraction method and investigate some of physical and chemical parameters, like water solubility, emulsification, foaming properties, and oil-holding capacity of obtained scorpion proteins. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the determination of optimal parameters of ultrasonic extraction (UE). Based on single factor experiments, three factors (ultrasonic power (w), liquid/solid (mL/g) ratio, and extraction time (min)) were used for the determination of scorpion proteins (SPs). The order of the effects of the three factors on the protein content and yield were ultrasonic power > extraction time > liquid/solid ratio, and the optimum conditions of extraction proteins were as follows: extraction time = 50.00 min, ultrasonic power = 400.00 w, and liquid/solid ratio = 18.00 mL/g. For the optimal conditions, the protein content of the ultrasonic extraction and yield were 78.94% and 24.80%, respectively. The solubility, emulsification and foaming properties, and water and oil holding capacity of scorpion proteins were investigated. The results of this study suggest that scorpion proteins can be considered as an important ingredient and raw material for the creation of water-soluble supramolecular complexes for drugs.
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Veloso Júnior PHDH, Simon KS, de Castro RJA, Coelho LC, Erazo FAH, de Souza ACB, das Neves RC, Lozano VF, Schwartz EF, Tavares AH, Mortari MR, Junqueira-Kipnis AP, Silva-Pereira I, Bocca AL. Peptides ToAP3 and ToAP4 decrease release of inflammatory cytokines through TLR-4 blocking. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 118:109152. [PMID: 31376652 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small molecules with microbicidal and immunoregulatory activities. In this study we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of peptides ToAP3 and ToAP4, AMPs from the venom of the Brazilian scorpion Tityus obscurus. To test the peptides' activity, murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) or dendritic cells (BMDCs) were stimulated with peptides plus LPS to analyze their ability to modulate cytokine release as well as phenotypic markers. For antimicrobial analysis, we evaluated the indirect activity against macrophage-internalized Cryptococcus neoformans and direct activity against Mycobacterium massiliense. Our data demonstrate that they were able to reduce TNF-α and IL-1β transcript levels and protein levels for BMDM and BMDC. Furthermore, the reduction of TNF-α secretion, before LPS- inflammatory stimuli, is associated with peptide interaction with TLR-4. ToAP4 increased MHC-II expression in BMDC, while ToAP3 decreased co-stimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86. Although these peptides were able to modulate the production of cytokines and molecules associated with antigen presentation, they did not increase the ability of clearance of C. neoformans by macrophages. In antimicrobial analysis, only ToAP3 showed potent action against bacteria. Altogether, these results demonstrate a promising target for the development of new immunomodulatory and anti-bacterial therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karina Smidt Simon
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Luísa Coutinho Coelho
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rogério Coutinho das Neves
- Department of Biosciences and Technologies, Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Viviane Furlan Lozano
- Public Health Central Laboratory, Secretary of Health of Distrito Federal, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Aldo Henrique Tavares
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Junqueira-Kipnis
- Department of Biosciences and Technologies, Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Ildinete Silva-Pereira
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Anamelia Lorenzetti Bocca
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
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Rivera-Coronado ND, Pérez-Delgado O. Actividad antifúngica in vitro del extracto crudo diluido del veneno de escorpión Hadruroides charcasus (Karsch 1879) frente a Candida albicans. JOURNAL OF THE SELVA ANDINA RESEARCH SOCIETY 2019. [DOI: 10.36610/j.jsars.2019.100200096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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Bernardes-Oliveira E, Farias KJS, Gomes DL, de Araújo JMG, da Silva WD, Rocha HAO, Donadi EA, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF, Crispim JCDO. Tityus serrulatus Scorpion Venom Induces Apoptosis in Cervical Cancer Cell Lines. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2019; 2019:5131042. [PMID: 31341494 PMCID: PMC6612397 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5131042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is classified as the fourth most common type of cancer in women worldwide and remains a serious public health problem in many underdeveloped countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV), mainly types 16 and 18, has been established as a precursory etiologic agent for this type of cancer. Several therapeutic attempts have been studied and applied, aiming at its control. However, not only do classical treatments such as chemotherapies and radiotherapies target tumor cells, but also they cause damage to several healthy cells. For these reasons, the search for new biologically active chemotherapeutic components is of great importance. In this study, we investigated the effect of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom (TsV) on CC lines. There are very few studies exploring venom of scorpions, and, to our knowledge, no study has been conducted using the venom of the scorpion TsV for treatment of cervical cancer lines. After challenge with TsV, the MTT assay demonstrated cytotoxic effect on HeLa line. Similarly, the cell death process in HeLa analyzed by flow cytometry suggests death via caspase, since the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk significantly reduced the apoptotic response to the treatment. These results suggest that venom of TsV can be a potential source for the isolation of effective antiproliferative and apoptotic molecules in the treatment of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuelly Bernardes-Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento e Inovação Tecnológica em Medicamentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Kleber Juvenal Silva Farias
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Dayanne Lopes Gomes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Josélio Maria Galvão de Araújo
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Virologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, RN, Brazil
| | | | | | - Eduardo Antônio Donadi
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento e Inovação Tecnológica em Medicamentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Janaina Cristiana de Oliveira Crispim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento e Inovação Tecnológica em Medicamentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
- Maternidade Escola Januário Cicco (MEJC), Natal, RN, Brazil
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Mousavi M, Johari B, Zargan J, Haji Noor Mohammadi A, Goudarzi HR, Dezianian S, Keshavarz Alikhani H. Investigating Antibacterial Effects of Latrodectus Dahli Crude Venom on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. MEDICAL LABORATORY JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.29252/mlj.13.3.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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Potent and Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity of Analogs from the Scorpion Peptide Stigmurin. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030623. [PMID: 30709056 PMCID: PMC6387013 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom constitutes a rich source of biologically active compounds with high potential for therapeutic and biotechnological applications that can be used as prototypes for the design of new drugs. The aim of this study was to characterize the structural conformation, evaluate the antimicrobial activity, and gain insight into the possible action mechanism underlying it, for two new analog peptides of the scorpion peptide Stigmurin, named StigA25 and StigA31. The amino acid substitutions in the native sequence for lysine residues resulted in peptides with higher positive net charge and hydrophobicity, with an increase in the theoretical helical content. StigA25 and StigA31 showed the capacity to modify their structural conformation according to the environment, and were stable to pH and temperature variation—results similar to the native peptide. Both analog peptides demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in vitro, showing an effect superior to that of the native peptide, being non-hemolytic at the biologically active concentrations. Therefore, this study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of the analog peptides from Stigmurin and the promising approach of rational drug design based on scorpion venom peptide to obtain new anti-infective agents.
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Alajmi R, Al-ghamdi S, Barakat I, Mahmoud A, Abdon N, Al-Ahidib M, Abdel-Gaber R. Antimicrobial Activity of Two Novel Venoms from Saudi Arabian Scorpions (Leiurus quinquestriatus and Androctonus crassicauda). Int J Pept Res Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09816-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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29
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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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30
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Liu G, Yang F, Li F, Li Z, Lang Y, Shen B, Wu Y, Li W, Harrison PL, Strong PN, Xie Y, Miller K, Cao Z. Therapeutic Potential of a Scorpion Venom-Derived Antimicrobial Peptide and Its Homologs Against Antibiotic-Resistant Gram-Positive Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1159. [PMID: 29896190 PMCID: PMC5987058 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The alarming rise in the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria poses a unique challenge for the development of effective therapeutic agents. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted a great deal of attention as a possible solution to the increasing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Marcin-18 was identified from the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii at both DNA and protein levels. The genomic sequence revealed that the marcin-18 coding gene contains a phase-I intron with a GT-AG splice junction located in the DNA region encoding the N-terminal part of signal peptide. The peptide marcin-18 was also isolated from scorpion venom. A protein sequence homology search revealed that marcin-18 shares extremely high sequence identity to the AMPs meucin-18 and megicin-18. In vitro, chemically synthetic marcin-18 and its homologs (meucin-18 and megicin-18) showed highly potent inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including some clinical antibiotic-resistant strains. Importantly, in a mouse acute peritonitis model, these peptides significantly decreased the bacterial load in ascites and rescued nearly all mice heavily infected with clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from lethal bacteremia. Peptides exerted antimicrobial activity via a bactericidal mechanism and killed bacteria through membrane disruption. Taken together, marcin-18 and its homologs have potential for development as therapeutic agents for treating antibiotic-resistant, Gram-positive bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaomin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yange Lang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bingzheng Shen
- 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
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Patrick L Harrison
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Peter N Strong
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Yingqiu Xie
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Keith Miller
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Parente AMS, Daniele-Silva A, Furtado AA, Melo MA, Lacerda AF, Queiroz M, Moreno C, Santos E, Rocha HAO, Barbosa EG, Carvalho E, Silva-Júnior AA, Silva MS, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Analogs of the Scorpion Venom Peptide Stigmurin: Structural Assessment, Toxicity, and Increased Antimicrobial Activity. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10040161. [PMID: 29670004 PMCID: PMC5923327 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10040161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom is a rich source of biologically active components and various peptides with high-potential therapeutic use that have been characterized for their antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. Stigmurin is a peptide identified from the Tityus stigmurus venom gland with high antibacterial and antiproliferative activities and low toxicity. Amino acid substitutions in peptides without a disulfide bridge sequence have been made with the aim of reducing their toxicity and increasing their biological activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the structural conformation and structural stability, as well as antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and hemolytic activities of two peptide analogs to Stigmurin, denominated StigA6 and StigA16. In silico analysis revealed the α-helix structure for both analog peptides, which was confirmed by circular dichroism. Data showed that the net charge and hydrophobic moment of the analog peptides were higher than those for Stigmurin, which can explain the increase in antimicrobial activity presented by them. Both analog peptides exhibited activity on cancerous cells similar to the native peptide; however, they were less toxic when tested on the normal cell line. These results reveal a potential biotechnological application of the analog peptides StigA6 and StigA16 as prototypes to new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana M S Parente
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Daniele-Silva
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
| | - Allanny A Furtado
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Menilla A Melo
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Ariane F Lacerda
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Moacir Queiroz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Cláudia Moreno
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Elizabeth Santos
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Hugo A O Rocha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Euzébio G Barbosa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | | | - Arnobio A Silva-Júnior
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo S Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Matheus de F Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
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Nencioni ALA, Neto EB, de Freitas LA, Dorce VAC. Effects of Brazilian scorpion venoms on the central nervous system. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2018; 24:3. [PMID: 29410679 PMCID: PMC5781280 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-018-0139-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, the scorpion species responsible for most severe incidents belong to the Tityus genus and, among this group, T. serrulatus, T. bahiensis, T. stigmurus and T. obscurus are the most dangerous ones. Other species such as T. metuendus, T. silvestres, T. brazilae, T. confluens, T. costatus, T. fasciolatus and T. neglectus are also found in the country, but the incidence and severity of accidents caused by them are lower. The main effects caused by scorpion venoms - such as myocardial damage, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary edema and shock - are mainly due to the release of mediators from the autonomic nervous system. On the other hand, some evidence show the participation of the central nervous system and inflammatory response in the process. The participation of the central nervous system in envenoming has always been questioned. Some authors claim that the central effects would be a consequence of peripheral stimulation and would be the result, not the cause, of the envenoming process. Because, they say, at least in adult individuals, the venom would be unable to cross the blood-brain barrier. In contrast, there is some evidence showing the direct participation of the central nervous system in the envenoming process. This review summarizes the major findings on the effects of Brazilian scorpion venoms on the central nervous system, both clinically and experimentally. Most of the studies have been performed with T. serrulatus and T. bahiensis. Little information is available regarding the other Brazilian Tityus species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emidio Beraldo Neto
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900 Brazil
- Graduation Program in Sciences – Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Lucas Alves de Freitas
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900 Brazil
- Graduation Program in Sciences – Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP Brazil
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33
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan M. Akef
- National Organization for Research and Control of Biologicals (NORCB), Giza, Egypt
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34
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Al-Asmari AK, Alamri MA, Almasoudi AS, Abbasmanthiri R, Mahfoud M. Evaluation of the in vitro antimicrobial activity of selected Saudi scorpion venoms tested against multidrug-resistant micro-organisms. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2017; 10:14-18. [PMID: 28587870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Scorpion venoms are a rich source of bioactive peptides with promising clinical value that may lead to the discovery and development of new drugs. The present study was designed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activities of the venoms extracted from three medically important Saudi scorpions (Androctonus crassicauda, Androctonus bicolor and Leiurus quinquestriatus). METHODS Antimicrobial assays were performed using a microplate growth inhibition assay against 10 multidrug-resistant (MDR) micro-organisms (4 Gram-negative bacteria, 2 Gram-positive bacteria and 4 fungi and yeasts) at concentrations ranging from 0 to 20mg/mL of each venom. Following qualitative analysis, dose-response assays were performed for bacterial and fungal killing curves using the MTT colorimetric assay. RESULTS Among the three tested scorpion venoms, only L. quinquestriatus venom showed significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in a dose-dependent manner from 5 to 20mg/mL. Leiurus quinquestriatus venom inhibited the growth and survival of MDR Escherichia coli (55.2%), Acinetobacter baumannii (50.6%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (35.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (31.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (36.4%), Enterococcus faecalis (47.6%), Candida albicans (31.2%) and Candida glabrata (39.0%), whereas no significant activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus flavus was observed. In contrast, the venoms of A. crassicauda and A. bicolor did not show noticeable antimicrobial activity against any of the tested organisms. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the current study demonstrate that L. quinquestriatus venom possesses antimicrobial activity and thus can be used as a template for designing and development of novel antimicrobial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman K Al-Asmari
- Scientific Research Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, P.O. Box 7897, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshref Ali Alamri
- Department of Academic Affairs and Training, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aqeel Salman Almasoudi
- Scientific Research Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, P.O. Box 7897, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajamohamed Abbasmanthiri
- Scientific Research Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, P.O. Box 7897, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maysa Mahfoud
- Scientific Research Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, P.O. Box 7897, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia.
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Wang X, Wang G. Insights into Antimicrobial Peptides from Spiders and Scorpions. Protein Pept Lett 2017; 23:707-21. [PMID: 27165405 DOI: 10.2174/0929866523666160511151320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The venoms of spiders and scorpions contain a variety of chemical compounds. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from these organisms were first discovered in the 1990s. As of May 2015, there were 42 spider's and 63 scorpion's AMPs in the Antimicrobial Peptide Database (http://aps.unmc.edu/AP). These peptides have demonstrated broad or narrow-spectrum activities against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. In addition, they can be toxic to cancer cells, insects and erythrocytes. To provide insight into such an activity spectrum, this article discusses the discovery, classification, structure and activity relationships, bioinformatics analysis, and potential applications of spider and scorpion AMPs. Our analysis reveals that, in the case of linear peptides, spiders use both glycine-rich and helical peptide models for defense, whereas scorpions use two distinct helical peptide models with different amino acid compositions to exert the observed antimicrobial activities and hemolytic toxicity. Our structural bioinformatics study improves the knowledge in the field and can be used to design more selective peptides to combat tumors, parasites, and viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA.
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36
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Insects, arachnids and centipedes venom: A powerful weapon against bacteria. A literature review. Toxicon 2017; 130:91-103. [PMID: 28242227 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Currently, new antimicrobial molecules extracted or obtained by natural sources, could be a valide alternative to traditional antibiotics. Most of these molecules are represented by antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are essential compounds of insect, arachnids and centipedes venom. AMPs, due to their strong effectiveness, low resistance rates and peculiar mode of action, seem to have all the suitable features to be a powerful weapon against several bacteria, especially considering the increasing antibiotic-resistance phenomena. The present literature review focuses on the antibacterial activity of bee, wasp, ant, scorpion, spider and scolopendra crude venom and of their main biological active compounds. After a brief overview of each animal and venom use in folkloristic medicine, this review reports, in a comprehensive table, the results obtained by the most relevant and recent researches carried out on the antibacterial activity of different venom and their AMPs. For each considered study, the table summarizes data concerning minimal inhibitory concentration values, minimal bactericidal concentration values, the methods employed, scientific name and common names and provenience of animal species from which the crude venom and its respective compounds were obtained.
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37
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Guilhelmelli F, Vilela N, Smidt KS, de Oliveira MA, da Cunha Morales Álvares A, Rigonatto MCL, da Silva Costa PH, Tavares AH, de Freitas SM, Nicola AM, Franco OL, Derengowski LDS, Schwartz EF, Mortari MR, Bocca AL, Albuquerque P, Silva-Pereira I. Activity of Scorpion Venom-Derived Antifungal Peptides against Planktonic Cells of Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans Biofilms. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1844. [PMID: 27917162 PMCID: PMC5114273 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of fungal infections has been increasing in the last decades, while the number of available antifungal classes remains the same. The natural and acquired resistance of some fungal species to available therapies, associated with the high toxicity of these drugs on the present scenario and makes an imperative of the search for new, more efficient and less toxic therapeutic choices. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a potential class of antimicrobial drugs consisting of evolutionarily conserved multifunctional molecules with both microbicidal and immunomodulatory properties being part of the innate immune response of diverse organisms. In this study, we evaluated 11 scorpion-venom derived non-disulfide-bridged peptides against Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida spp., which are important human pathogens. Seven of them, including two novel molecules, showed activity against both genera with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 3.12 to 200 μM and an analogous activity against Candida albicans biofilms. Most of the peptides presented low hemolytic and cytotoxic activity against mammalian cells. Modifications in the primary peptide sequence, as revealed by in silico and circular dichroism analyses of the most promising peptides, underscored the importance of cationicity for their antimicrobial activity as well as the amphipathicity of these molecules and their tendency to form alpha helices. This is the first report of scorpion-derived AMPs against C. neoformans and our results underline the potential of scorpion venom as a source of antimicrobials. Further characterization of their mechanism of action, followed by molecular optimization to decrease their cytotoxicity and increase antimicrobial activity, is needed to fully clarify their real potential as antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Guilhelmelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Nathália Vilela
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Karina S Smidt
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Marco A de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Alice da Cunha Morales Álvares
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Maria C L Rigonatto
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Pedro H da Silva Costa
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Aldo H Tavares
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Sônia M de Freitas
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - André M Nicola
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Octávio L Franco
- Center of Proteomic and Biochemistry Analysis, Post Graduation in Biotechnology and Genomic Sciences, Catholic University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Lorena da Silveira Derengowski
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Elisabeth F Schwartz
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Márcia R Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Anamélia L Bocca
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of BrasíliaBrasília, Brazil; Faculty of Ceilândia, University of BrasíliaBrasília, Brazil
| | - Ildinete Silva-Pereira
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília Brasília, Brazil
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Daniele-Silva A, Machado RJ, Monteiro NK, Estrela AB, Santos EC, Carvalho E, Araújo Júnior RF, Melo-Silveira RF, Rocha HAO, Silva-Júnior AA, Fernandes-Pedrosa MF. Stigmurin and TsAP-2 from Tityus stigmurus scorpion venom: Assessment of structure and therapeutic potential in experimental sepsis. Toxicon 2016; 121:10-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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39
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Machado RJA, Estrela AB, Nascimento AKL, Melo MMA, Torres-Rêgo M, Lima EO, Rocha HAO, Carvalho E, Silva-Junior AA, Fernandes-Pedrosa MF. Characterization of TistH, a multifunctional peptide from the scorpion Tityus stigmurus: Structure, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity. Toxicon 2016; 119:362-70. [PMID: 27267248 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The presence of bioactive peptides in animal venoms has been targeted in scientific research for assessing biological activities, as well as mechanisms of action. A recent study by our group observed hypotensive action of TistH (Tityus stigmurus Hypotensin), a peptide deduced from the transcriptome of T. stigmurus venom gland. The present study aims to analyze TistH structure properties and to evaluate its toxicity on normal and tumor cells, its in vitro antimicrobial activity, as well as its inflammatory effect. Circular dichroism analyses of TistH showed a general predominance of α-helix conformation in TFE (20-70%) and structural stability to pH variations. TistH was not cytotoxic to normal cell lines (3T3, RAW and HEK), and also not to cancer cell lines (HeLa, B16, 786-0, SiHa and HepG2). The peptide did not present inflammatory activity up to 6 h after administered subcutaneously to Swiss mice. It was observed that concentrations of 4-1024 μg/mL of TistH produced no inhibition against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis e Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results of antifungal assays showed a moderate activity of TistH against Candida albicans strain LM-108 and the filamentous fungus Trichophyton rubrum LM-640, with growth inhibition at a concentration of 1024 μg/mL. In contrast, the peptide presented a greater activity (MIC 128 μg/mL) against C. albicans LM-106, Candida tropicalis ATCC 13308 and Aspergillus flavus strains LM-247 and LM-26, fungi that cause oral and vaginal infections, candidiasis and respiratory allergies, respectively. The present data contribute to a better understanding of TistH and its possible use as a bioactive compound. This multifunctional peptide is capable of acting as anti-hypertensive, as well as to inhibit the growth of fungal strains, having low toxicity, which suggests its safety for using as a pharmacological agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richele J A Machado
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Andréia B Estrela
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Ana K L Nascimento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Menilla M A Melo
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Manoela Torres-Rêgo
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Edeltrurdes O Lima
- Laboratório de Micologia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Hugo A O Rocha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Eneas Carvalho
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Arnóbio A Silva-Junior
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Matheus F Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
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