1
|
Alberto-Silva C, Pantaleão HQ, da Silva BR, da Silva JCA, Echeverry MB. Activation of M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors by proline-rich oligopeptide 7a (<EDGPIPP) from Bothrops jararaca snake venom rescues oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2024; 30:e20230043. [PMID: 38362565 PMCID: PMC10868729 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The bioactive peptides derived from snake venoms of the Viperidae family species have been promising as therapeutic candidates for neuroprotection due to their ability to prevent neuronal cell loss, injury, and death. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the cytoprotective effects of a synthetic proline-rich oligopeptide 7a (PRO-7a; Methods Both cells were pre-treated for four hours with different concentrations of PRO-7a, submitted to H2O2-induced damage for 20 h, and then the oxidative stress markers were analyzed. Also, two independent neuroprotective mechanisms were investigated: a) L-arginine metabolite generation via argininosuccinate synthetase (AsS) activity regulation to produce agmatine or polyamines with neuroprotective properties; b) M1 mAChR receptor subtype activation pathway to reduce oxidative stress and neuron injury. Results PRO-7a was not cytoprotective in C6 cells, but potentiated the H2O2-induced damage to cell integrity at a concentration lower than 0.38 μM. However, PRO-7a at 1.56 µM, on the other hand, modified H2O2-induced toxicity in PC12 cells by restoring cell integrity, mitochondrial metabolism, ROS generation, and arginase indirect activity. The α-Methyl-DL-aspartic acid (MDLA) and L-NΩ-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-Name), specific inhibitors of AsS and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which catalyzes the synthesis of polyamines and NO from L-arginine, did not suppress PRO-7a-mediated cytoprotection against oxidative stress. It suggested that its mechanism is independent of the production of L-arginine metabolites with neuroprotective properties by increased AsS activity. On the other hand, the neuroprotective effect of PRO-7a was blocked in the presence of dicyclomine hydrochloride (DCH), an M1 mAChR antagonist. Conclusions For the first time, this work provides evidence that PRO-7a-induced neuroprotection seems to be mediated through M1 mAChR activation in PC12 cells, which reduces oxidative stress independently of AsS activity and L-arginine bioavailability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto-Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental
Morphophysiology Laboratory, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do
Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Halyne Queiroz Pantaleão
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental
Morphophysiology Laboratory, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do
Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Brenda Rufino da Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental
Morphophysiology Laboratory, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do
Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Julio Cezar Araujo da Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental
Morphophysiology Laboratory, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do
Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcela Bermudez Echeverry
- Center for Mathematics, Computation and Cognition (CMCC), Federal
University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li Z, Dang Q, Wang P, Zhao F, Huang J, Wang C, Liu X, Min W. Food-Derived Peptides: Beneficial CNS Effects and Cross-BBB Transmission Strategies. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:20453-20478. [PMID: 38085598 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Food-derived peptides, as dietary supplements, have significant effects on promoting brain health and relieving central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) greatly limits their in-brain bioavailability. Thus, overcoming the BBB to target the CNS is a major challenge for bioactive peptides in the prevention and treatment of CNS diseases. This review discusses improvement in the neuroprotective function of food-derived active peptides in CNS diseases, as well as the source of BBB penetrating peptides (BBB-shuttles) and the mechanism of transmembrane transport. Notably, this review also discusses various peptide modification methods to overcome the low permeability and stability of the BBB. Lipification, glycosylation, introduction of disulfide bonds, and cyclization are effective strategies for improving the penetration efficiency of peptides through the BBB. This review provides a new prospective for improving their neuroprotective function and developing treatments to delay or even prevent CNS diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zehui Li
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, ChangChun, Jilin 130118, P.R. China
| | - Qiao Dang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, ChangChun, Jilin 130118, P.R. China
| | - Peng Wang
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
| | - Fanrui Zhao
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, P.R. China
| | - Jianqin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, P.R. China
| | - Chongchong Wang
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, P.R. China
| | - Xingquan Liu
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
| | - Weihong Min
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pantaleão HQ, Araujo da Silva JC, Rufino da Silva B, Echeverry MB, Alberto-Silva C. Peptide fraction from B. jararaca snake venom protects against oxidative stress-induced changes in neuronal PC12 cell but not in astrocyte-like C6 cell. Toxicon 2023; 231:107178. [PMID: 37302421 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Venom-derived proteins and peptides have prevented neuronal cell loss, damage, and death in the study of neurodegenerative disorders. The cytoprotective effects of the peptide fraction (PF) from Bothrops jararaca snake venom were evaluated against oxidative stress changes in neuronal PC12 cells and astrocyte-like C6 cells. PC12 and C6 cells were pre-treated for 4 h with different concentrations of PF, and then H2O2 was added (0.5 mM in PC12 cells; 0.4 mM in C6 cells) and incubated for 20 h more. In PC12 cells, PF at 0.78 μg mL-1 increased viability (113.6 ± 6.3%) and metabolism (96.3 ± 10.3%) cell against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity (75.6 ± 5.8%; 66.5 ± 3.3%, respectively), reducing oxidative stress markers such as ROS generation, NO production, and arginase indirect activity through urea synthesis. Despite that, PF showed no cytoprotective effects in C6 cells, but potentiated the H2O2-induced damage at a concentration lower than 0.07 μg mL-1. Furthermore, the role of metabolites derived from L-arginine metabolism was verified in PF-mediated neuroprotection in PC12 cells, using specific inhibitors of two of the key enzymes in the L-arginine metabolic pathway: the α-Methyl-DL-aspartic acid (MDLA) to argininosuccinate synthetase (AsS), responsible for the recycling of L-citrulline to L-arginine; and, L-NΩ-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-Name) to nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which catalyzes the synthesis of NO from L-arginine. The inhibition of AsS and NOS suppressed PF-mediated cytoprotection against oxidative stress, indicating that its mechanism is dependent on the production pathway of L-arginine metabolites such as NO and, more importantly, polyamines from ornithine metabolism, which are involved in the neuroprotection mechanism described in the literature. Overall, this work provides novel opportunities for evaluating whether the neuroprotective properties of PF shown in particular neuronal cells are sustained and for exploring potential drug development pathways for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Halyne Queiroz Pantaleão
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo Do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Julio Cezar Araujo da Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo Do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Brenda Rufino da Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo Do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcela Bermudez Echeverry
- Center for Mathematics, Computation and Cognition (CMCC), UFABC, São Bernardo Do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto-Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo Do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Atkinson E, Dickman R. Growth factors and their peptide mimetics for treatment of traumatic brain injury. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 90:117368. [PMID: 37331175 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability in adults, caused by a physical insult damaging the brain. Growth factor-based therapies have the potential to reduce the effects of secondary injury and improve outcomes by providing neuroprotection against glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative damage, hypoxia, and ischemia, as well as promoting neurite outgrowth and the formation of new blood vessels. Despite promising evidence in preclinical studies, few neurotrophic factors have been tested in clinical trials for TBI. Translation to the clinic is not trivial and is limited by the short in vivo half-life of the protein, the inability to cross the blood-brain barrier and human delivery systems. Synthetic peptide mimetics have the potential to be used in place of recombinant growth factors, activating the same downstream signalling pathways, with a decrease in size and more favourable pharmacokinetic properties. In this review, we will discuss growth factors with the potential to modulate damage caused by secondary injury mechanisms following a traumatic brain injury that have been trialled in other indications including spinal cord injury, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Peptide mimetics of nerve growth factor (NGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), glial cell line-derived growth factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) will be highlighted, most of which have not yet been tested in preclinical or clinical models of TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Atkinson
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
| | - Rachael Dickman
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bernardes CP, Santos NAG, Costa TR, Menaldo DL, Sisti FM, Amstalden MK, Ribeiro DL, Antunes LMG, Sampaio SV, Santos AC. Effects of C-Terminal-Ethyl-Esterification in a Snake-Venom-Based Peptide Against the Neurotoxicity of Acrolein in PC12 Cells. Int J Pept Res Ther 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-023-10517-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
|
6
|
Madhubala D, Patra A, Islam T, Saikia K, Khan MR, Ahmed SA, Borah JC, Mukherjee AK. Snake venom nerve growth factor-inspired designing of novel peptide therapeutics for the prevention of paraquat-induced apoptosis, neurodegeneration, and alteration of metabolic pathway genes in the rat pheochromocytoma PC-12 cell. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 197:23-45. [PMID: 36669545 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (ND), associated with the progressive loss of neurons, oxidative stress-mediated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial dysfunction, can be treated with synthetic peptides possessing innate neurotrophic effects and neuroprotective activity. Computational analysis of two small synthetic peptides (trideca-neuropeptide, TNP; heptadeca-neuropeptide, HNP) developed from the nerve growth factors from snake venoms predicted their significant interaction with the human TrkA receptor (TrkA). In silico results were validated by an in vitro binding study of the FITC-conjugated custom peptides to rat pheochromocytoma PC-12 cell TrkA receptors. Pre-treatment of PC-12 cells with TNP and HNP induced neuritogenesis and significantly reduced the paraquat (PT)-induced cellular toxicity, the release of lactate dehydrogenase from the cell cytoplasm, production of intracellular ROS, restored the level of antioxidants, prevented alteration of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and inhibited cellular apoptosis. These peptides lack in vitro cytotoxicity, haemolytic activity, and platelet-modulating properties and do not interfere with the blood coagulation system. Functional proteomic analyses demonstrated the reversal of PT-induced upregulated and downregulated metabolic pathway genes in PC-12 cells that were pre-treated with HNP and revealed the metabolic pathways regulated by HNP to induce neuritogenesis and confer protection against PT-induced neuronal damage in PC-12. The quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed that the PT-induced increased and decreased expression of critical pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes had been restored in the PC-12 cells pre-treated with the custom peptides. A network gene expression profile was proposed to elucidate the molecular interactions among the regulatory proteins for HNP to salvage the PT-induced damage. Taken together, our results show how the peptides can rescue PT-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular death and suggest new opportunities for developing neuroprotective drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dev Madhubala
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India; Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Institute of Advanced Studies in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India
| | - Aparup Patra
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Institute of Advanced Studies in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India
| | - Taufikul Islam
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India
| | - Kangkon Saikia
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Institute of Advanced Studies in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India
| | - Mojibur R Khan
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Institute of Advanced Studies in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India
| | - Semim Akhtar Ahmed
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Institute of Advanced Studies in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India
| | - Jagat C Borah
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Institute of Advanced Studies in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India; Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Institute of Advanced Studies in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Joglekar AV, Dehari D, Anjum MM, Dulla N, Chaudhuri A, Singh S, Agrawal AK. Therapeutic potential of venom peptides: insights in the nanoparticle-mediated venom formulations. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43094-022-00415-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Venoms are the secretions produced by animals, generally for the purpose of self-defense or catching a prey. Biochemically venoms are mainly composed of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, ions, etc., and classified into three major classes, viz. neurotoxic, hemotoxic and cytotoxic based upon their mode of action. Venoms are composed of different specific peptides/toxins which are responsible for their unique biological actions. Though venoms are generally seen as a source of death, scientifically venom is a complex biochemical substance having a specific pharmacologic action which can be used as agents to diagnose and cure a variety of diseases in humans.
Main body
Many of these venoms have been used since centuries, and their specified therapies can also be found in ancient texts such as Charka Samhita. The modern-day example of such venom therapeutic is captopril, an antihypertensive drug developed from venom of Bothrops jararaca. Nanotechnology is a modern-day science of building materials on a nanoscale with advantages like target specificity, increased therapeutic response and diminished side effects. In the present review we have introduced the venom, sources and related constituents in brief, by highlighting the therapeutic potential of venom peptides and focusing more on the nanoformulations-based approaches. This review is an effort to compile all such report to have an idea about the future direction about the nanoplatforms which should be focused to have more clinically relevant formulations for difficult to treat diseases.
Conclusion
Venom peptides which are fatal in nature if used cautiously and effectively can save life. Several research findings suggested that many of the fatal diseases can be effectively treated with venom peptides. Nanotechnology has emerged as novel strategy in diagnosis, treatment and mitigation of diseases in more effective ways. A variety of nanoformulation approaches have been explored to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and reduce the toxicity and targeted delivery of the venom peptide conjugated with it. We concluded that venom peptides along with nanoparticles can evolve as the new era for potential treatments of ongoing and untreatable diseases.
Graphical Abstract
Collapse
|
8
|
do Amaral L, Caldas GR, Dos Santos NAG, Parreira RLT, Bastos JK, Dos Santos AC. Baccharin from Brazilian green propolis induces neurotrophic signaling pathways in PC12 cells: potential for axonal and synaptic regeneration. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 395:659-672. [PMID: 35246694 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02224-4] [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: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive loss of the structure and function of specific neuronal populations, and have been associated with reduced neurotrophic support. Neurotrophins, like NGF (nerve growth factor), are endogenous proteins that induce neuritogenesis and modulate axonal growth, branching, and synapsis; however, their therapeutic application is limited mainly by low stability, short half-life, and inability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Small neurotrophic molecules that have suitable pharmacokinetics and are able to cross the BBB are potential candidates for neuroprotection. Baccharin is a bioactive small molecule isolated from Brazilian green propolis. In the present study, we investigated the neurotrophic and neuroprotective potential of baccharin in the PC12 cell neuronal model. We used pharmacological inhibitors (K252a, LY294002, and U0126), and ELISA (phospho-trkA, phospho-Akt, and phospho-MEK) to investigate the involvement of trkA receptor, PI3k/Akt pathway, and MAPK/Erk pathway, respectively. Additionally, we evaluated the expression of axonal (GAP-43) and synaptic (synapsin I) proteins by western blot. The results showed that baccharin induces neuritogenesis in NGF-deprived PC12 cells, through activation of trkA receptor and the downstream signaling cascades (PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK), which is the same neurotrophic pathway activated by NGF in PC12 cells and neurons. Baccharin also induced the expression of GAP-43 and synapsin I, which mediate axonal and synaptic plasticity, respectively. Additionally, in silico predictions of baccharin showed favorable physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, drug-likeness, and medicinal chemistry friendliness. Altogether, these findings suggest that baccharin is a promising neurotrophic agent whose therapeutic application in neurodegeneration should be further investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilian do Amaral
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto - USP, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Rocha Caldas
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto - USP, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jairo Kennup Bastos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto - USP, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio Cardozo Dos Santos
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas E Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, USP, Avenida do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Neuroprotective Effects of Tripeptides-Epigenetic Regulators in Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14060515. [PMID: 34071923 PMCID: PMC8227791 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
KED and EDR peptides prevent dendritic spines loss in amyloid synaptotoxicity in in vitro model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The objective of this paper was to study epigenetic mechanisms of EDR and KED peptides’ neuroprotective effects on neuroplasticity and dendritic spine morphology in an AD mouse model. Daily intraperitoneal administration of the KED peptide in 5xFAD mice from 2 to 4 months of age at a concentration of 400 μg/kg tended to increase neuroplasticity. KED and EDR peptides prevented dendritic spine loss in 5xFAD-M mice. Their action’s possible molecular mechanisms were investigated by molecular modeling and docking of peptides in dsDNA, containing all possible combinations of hexanucleotide sequences. Similar DNA sequences were found in the lowest-energy complexes of the studied peptides with DNA in the classical B-form. EDR peptide has binding sites in the promoter region of CASP3, NES, GAP43, APOE, SOD2, PPARA, PPARG, GDX1 genes. Protein products of these genes are involved in AD pathogenesis. The neuroprotective effect of EDR and KED peptides in AD can be defined by their ability to prevent dendritic spine elimination and neuroplasticity impairments at the molecular epigenetic level.
Collapse
|
10
|
Amaral LD, Santos NAGD, Sisti FM, Del Bel E, Santos ACD. The antibiotic doxycycline mimics the NGF signaling in PC12 cells: A relevant mechanism for neuroprotection. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 341:109454. [PMID: 33798505 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Doxycycline has been used as antibiotic since the 1960s. Recently, studies have shown that doxycycline is neuroprotective in models of neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries, mainly due to anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. However, it is not known if doxycycline has neurotrophic potential, which is relevant, considering the role of axonal degeneration at the early stages of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease as well as in normal aging. Axons are preceded by the formation of neurites, the hallmark of the neuronal differentiation induced by neurotrophins like NGF. Therefore, the modulation of neurotrophin receptors aimed at formation and regeneration of axons has been proposed as a strategy to delay the progression of neurodegeneration and has gained relevance as new techniques for early diagnosis arise. Based on these premises, we investigated the potential of doxycycline to mimic the effects of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) with focus on the signaling pathways and neuronal modulators of neurite initiation, growth and branching. We used PC12 cells, a neuronal model widely employed to study the neurotrophic pathways and mechanisms induced by NGF. Results showed that doxycycline induced neurite outgrowth via activation of the trkA receptor and the downstream signaling pathways, PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK, without inducing the expression of NGF. Doxycycline also increased the expression of GAP-43, synapsin I and NF200, proteins involved in axonal and synaptic plasticity. Altogether, these data demonstrate, for the first time, the neurotrophic potential of doxycycline, which might be useful to restore the neuronal connectivity lost at the initial phase of neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilian do Amaral
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto - USP, Av Do Café S/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Neife Aparecida Guinaim Dos Santos
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto - USP, Av Do Café S/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Flávia Malvestio Sisti
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto - USP, Av Do Café S/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Elaine Del Bel
- Departamento de Morfologia, Estomatologia e Fisiologia, Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto - USP, 14040-904, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Antônio Cardozo Dos Santos
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto - USP, Av Do Café S/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Venom peptides in cancer therapy: An updated review on cellular and molecular aspects. Pharmacol Res 2020; 164:105327. [PMID: 33276098 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Based on the high incidence and mortality rates of cancer, its therapy remains one of the most vital challenges in the field of medicine. Consequently, enhancing the efficacy of currently applied treatments and finding novel strategies are of great importance for cancer treatment. Venoms are important sources of a variety of bioactive compounds including salts, small molecules, macromolecules, proteins, and peptides that are defined as toxins. They can exhibit different pharmacological effects, and in recent years, their anti-tumor activities have gained significant attention. Several different compounds are responsible for the anti-tumor activity of venoms, and peptides are one of them. In the present review, we discuss the possible anti-tumor activities of venom peptides by highlighting molecular pathways and mechanisms through which these molecules can act effectively. Venom peptides can induce cell death in cancer cells and can substantially enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Also, the venom peptides can mitigate the migration of cancer cells via suppression of angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Notably, nanoparticles have been applied in enhancing the bioavailability of venom peptides and providing targeted delivery, thereby leading to their elevated anti-tumor activity and potential application for cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
12
|
A Synthetic Snake-Venom-Based Tripeptide Protects PC12 Cells from the Neurotoxicity of Acrolein by Improving Axonal Plasticity and Bioenergetics. Neurotox Res 2019; 37:227-237. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00111-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
13
|
Munawar A, Ali SA, Akrem A, Betzel C. Snake Venom Peptides: Tools of Biodiscovery. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10110474. [PMID: 30441876 PMCID: PMC6266942 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Nature endowed snakes with a lethal secretion known as venom, which has been fine-tuned over millions of years of evolution. Snakes utilize venom to subdue their prey and to survive in their natural habitat. Venom is known to be a very poisonous mixture, consisting of a variety of molecules, such as carbohydrates, nucleosides, amino acids, lipids, proteins and peptides. Proteins and peptides are the major constituents of the dry weight of snake venoms and are of main interest for scientific investigations as well as for various pharmacological applications. Snake venoms contain enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins and peptides, which are grouped into different families based on their structure and function. Members of a single family display significant similarities in their primary, secondary and tertiary structures, but in many cases have distinct pharmacological functions and different bioactivities. The functional specificity of peptides belonging to the same family can be attributed to subtle variations in their amino acid sequences. Currently, complementary tools and techniques are utilized to isolate and characterize the peptides, and study their potential applications as molecular probes, and possible templates for drug discovery and design investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Munawar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan.
| | - Syed Abid Ali
- H.E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Ahmed Akrem
- Botany Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan.
| | - Christian Betzel
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, 22607 Hamburg, Germany.
- Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, DESY, Build. 22a, Notkestr. 85, 22603 Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|