1
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Duan Z, Kong C, Fan S, Wu C. Triscysteine disulfide-directing motifs enabling design and discovery of multicyclic peptide binders. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7799. [PMID: 39242578 PMCID: PMC11379947 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51723-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptides are valuable for therapeutic development, with multicyclic peptides showing promise in mimicking antigen-binding potency of antibodies. However, our capability to engineer multicyclic peptide scaffolds, particularly for the construction of large combinatorial libraries, is still limited. Here, we study the interplay of disulfide pairing between three biscysteine motifs, and designed a range of triscysteine motifs with unique disulfide-directing capability for regulating the oxidative folding of multicyclic peptides. We demonstrate that incorporating these motifs into random sequences allows the design of disulfide-directed multicyclic peptide (DDMP) libraries with up to four disulfide bonds, which have been applied for the successful discovery of peptide binders with nanomolar affinity to several challenging targets. This study encourages the use of more diverse disulfide-directing motifs for creating multicyclic peptide libraries and opens an avenue for discovering functional peptides in sequence and structural space beyond existing peptide scaffolds, potentially advancing the field of peptide drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengping Duan
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Chuilian Kong
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Shihui Fan
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P.R. China
| | - Chuanliu Wu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P.R. China.
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2
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Seldeslachts A, Maurstad MF, Øyen JP, Undheim EAB, Peigneur S, Tytgat J. Exploring oak processionary caterpillar induced lepidopterism (Part 1): unveiling molecular insights through transcriptomics and proteomics. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:311. [PMID: 39066932 PMCID: PMC11335235 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05330-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Lepidopterism, a skin inflammation condition caused by direct or airborne exposure to irritating hairs (setae) from processionary caterpillars, is becoming a significant public health concern. Recent outbreaks of the oak processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea processionea) have caused noteworthy health and economic consequences, with a rising frequency expected in the future, exacerbated by global warming promoting the survival of the caterpillar. Current medical treatments focus on symptom relief due to the lack of an effective therapy. While the source is known, understanding the precise causes of symptoms remain incomplete understood. In this study, we employed an advanced method to extract venom from the setae and identify the venom components through high-quality de novo transcriptomics, venom proteomics, and bioinformatic analysis. A total of 171 venom components were identified, including allergens, odorant binding proteins, small peptides, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, and chitin biosynthesis products, potentially responsible for inflammatory and allergic reactions. This work presents the first comprehensive proteotranscriptomic database of T. processionea, contributing to understanding the complexity of lepidopterism. Furthermore, these findings hold promise for advancing therapeutic approaches to mitigate the global health impact of T. processionea and related caterpillars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Seldeslachts
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, Department Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven , Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
| | - Marius F Maurstad
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Philip Øyen
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of biotechnology and plant health & viruses, bacteria and nematodes in forestry, agriculture and horticulture, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, Department Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven , Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, Department Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven , Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.
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3
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Chow CY, King GF. Shining a Light on Venom-Peptide Receptors: Venom Peptides as Targeted Agents for In Vivo Molecular Imaging. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:307. [PMID: 39057947 PMCID: PMC11281729 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16070307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging has revolutionised the field of biomedical research by providing a non-invasive means to visualise and understand biochemical processes within living organisms. Optical fluorescent imaging in particular allows researchers to gain valuable insights into the dynamic behaviour of a target of interest in real time. Ion channels play a fundamental role in cellular signalling, and they are implicated in diverse pathological conditions, making them an attractive target in the field of molecular imaging. Many venom peptides exhibit exquisite selectivity and potency towards ion channels, rendering them ideal agents for molecular imaging applications. In this review, we illustrate the use of fluorescently-labelled venom peptides for disease diagnostics and intraoperative imaging of brain tumours and peripheral nerves. Finally, we address challenges for the development and clinical translation of venom peptides as nerve-targeted imaging agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yuen Chow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australia Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australia Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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4
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Li J, Liu H, Xiao S, Fan S, Cheng X, Wu C. De Novo Discovery of Cysteine Frameworks for Developing Multicyclic Peptide Libraries for Ligand Discovery. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:28264-28275. [PMID: 38092662 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c11856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Conserved cysteine frameworks are essential components of disulfide-rich peptides (DRPs), which dominantly define the structural diversity of both naturally occurring and de novo-designed DRPs. However, there are only very limited numbers of conserved cysteine frameworks, and general methods enabling de novo discovery of cysteine frameworks with robust foldability are still not available. Here, we devised a "touchstone"-based strategy that relies on chasing oxidative foldability between two individual disulfide-rich folds on the phage surface to discover new cysteine frameworks from random sequences. Unique cysteine frameworks with a high degree of compatibility with phage display systems and broad sequence tolerance were successfully identified, which were subsequently exploited for the development of multicyclic DRP libraries, enabling the rapid discovery of new peptide ligands with low-nanomolar and picomolar binding affinity. This study provides an unprecedented method for exploring and exploiting the sequence and structure space of DRPs that is not readily accessible by existing strategies, holding the potential to revolutionize the study of DRPs and significantly advance the design and discovery of multicyclic peptide ligands and drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjing Li
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Hongtan Liu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Shuling Xiao
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Shihui Fan
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Xueting Cheng
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Chuanliu Wu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
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5
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A bivalent remipede toxin promotes calcium release via ryanodine receptor activation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1036. [PMID: 36823422 PMCID: PMC9950431 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36579-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Multivalent ligands of ion channels have proven to be both very rare and highly valuable in yielding unique insights into channel structure and pharmacology. Here, we describe a bivalent peptide from the venom of Xibalbanus tulumensis, a troglobitic arthropod from the enigmatic class Remipedia, that causes persistent calcium release by activation of ion channels involved in muscle contraction. The high-resolution solution structure of φ-Xibalbin3-Xt3a reveals a tandem repeat arrangement of inhibitor-cysteine knot (ICK) domains previously only found in spider venoms. The individual repeats of Xt3a share sequence similarity with a family of scorpion toxins that target ryanodine receptors (RyR). Single-channel electrophysiology and quantification of released Ca2+ stores within skinned muscle fibers confirm Xt3a as a bivalent RyR modulator. Our results reveal convergent evolution of RyR targeting toxins in remipede and scorpion venoms, while the tandem-ICK repeat architecture is an evolutionary innovation that is convergent with toxins from spider venoms.
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6
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Lu S, Fan S, Xiao S, Li J, Zhang S, Wu Y, Kong C, Zhuang J, Liu H, Zhao Y, Wu C. Disulfide-Directed Multicyclic Peptide Libraries for the Discovery of Peptide Ligands and Drugs. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:1964-1972. [PMID: 36633218 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c12462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Multicyclic peptides with stable 3D structures are a kind of novel and promising peptide formats for drug design and discovery as they have the potential to combine the best characteristics of small molecules and proteins. However, the development of multicyclic peptides is largely limited to naturally occurring products. It remains a big challenge to develop multicyclic peptides with new structures and functions without recourse to the existing natural scaffolds. Here, we report a general and robust method relying on the utility of new disulfide-directing motifs for designing and discovering diverse multicyclic peptides with potent protein-binding capability. These peptides, referred to as disulfide-directed multicyclic peptides (DDMPs), are tolerant to extensive sequence manipulations and variations of disulfide-pairing frameworks, enabling the development of de novo DDMP libraries useful for ligand and drug discovery. This study opens a new avenue for creating a new generation of multicyclic peptides in sequence and structure space inaccessible by natural scaffolds, thus would greatly benefit the field of peptide drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaimin Lu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Shihui Fan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Shuling Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Jinjing Li
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Shilong Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Yapei Wu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Chuilian Kong
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhuang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Hongtan Liu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Yibing Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Chuanliu Wu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
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7
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Han Y, Kamau PM, Lai R, Luo L. Bioactive Peptides and Proteins from Centipede Venoms. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144423. [PMID: 35889297 PMCID: PMC9325314 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms are a complex cocktail of biologically active molecules, including peptides, proteins, polyamide, and enzymes widely produced by venomous organisms. Through long-term evolution, venomous animals have evolved highly specific and diversified peptides and proteins targeting key physiological elements, including the nervous, blood, and muscular systems. Centipedes are typical venomous arthropods that rely on their toxins primarily for predation and defense. Although centipede bites are frequently reported, the composition and effect of centipede venoms are far from known. With the development of molecular biology and structural biology, the research on centipede venoms, especially peptides and proteins, has been deepened. Therefore, we summarize partial progress on the exploration of the bioactive peptides and proteins in centipede venoms and their potential value in pharmacological research and new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
| | - Peter Muiruri Kamau
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
- Correspondence: (R.L.); (L.L.)
| | - Lei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
- Correspondence: (R.L.); (L.L.)
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8
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Wu Y, Fan S, Dong M, Li J, Kong C, Zhuang J, Meng X, Lu S, Zhao Y, Wu C. Structure-guided design of CPPC-paired disulfide-rich peptide libraries for ligand and drug discovery. Chem Sci 2022; 13:7780-7789. [PMID: 35865895 PMCID: PMC9258321 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc00924b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides constrained through multiple disulfides (or disulfide-rich peptides, DRPs) have been an emerging frontier for ligand and drug discovery. Such peptides have the potential to combine the binding capability of biologics with the stability and bioavailability of smaller molecules. However, DRPs with stable three-dimensional (3D) structures are usually of natural origin or engineered from natural ones. Here, we report the discovery and identification of CPPC (cysteine-proline-proline-cysteine) motif-directed DRPs with stable 3D structures (i.e., CPPC-DRPs). A range of new CPPC-DRPs were designed or selected from either random or structure-convergent peptide libraries. Thus, for the first time we revealed that the CPPC-DRPs can maintain diverse 3D structures by taking advantage of constraints from unique dimeric CPPC mini-loops, including irregular structures and regular α-helix and β-sheet folds. New CPPC-DRPs that can specifically bind the receptors (CD28) on the cell surface were also successfully discovered and identified using our DRP-discovery platform. Overall, this study provides the basis for accessing an unconventional peptide structure space previously inaccessible by natural DRPs and computational designs, inspiring the development of new peptide ligands and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yapei Wu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Shihui Fan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Meng Dong
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Jinjing Li
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Chuilian Kong
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Jie Zhuang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Xiaoting Meng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Shuaimin Lu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Yibing Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Chuanliu Wu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
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9
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Structural and functional studies of LaIT2, an antimicrobial and insecticidal peptide from Liocheles australasiae. Toxicon 2022; 214:8-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Zha J, Li J, Fan S, Duan Z, Zhao Y, Wu C. An evolution-inspired strategy to design disulfide-rich peptides tolerant to extensive sequence manipulation. Chem Sci 2021; 12:11464-11472. [PMID: 34567500 PMCID: PMC8409457 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc02952e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural disulfide-rich peptides (DRPs) are valuable scaffolds for the development of new bioactive molecules and therapeutics. However, there are only a limited number of topologically distinct DRP folds in nature, and most of them suffer from the problem of in vitro oxidative folding. Thus, strategies to design DRPs with new constrained topologies beyond the scope of natural folds are desired. Herein we report a general evolution-inspired strategy to design new DRPs with diverse disulfide frameworks, which relies on the incorporation of two cysteine residues and a random peptide sequence into a precursor disulfide-stabilized fold. These peptides can spontaneously fold in redox buffers to the expected tricyclic topologies with high yields. Moreover, we demonstrated that these DRPs can be used as templates for the construction of phage-displayed peptide libraries, enabling the discovery of new DRP ligands from fully randomized sequences. This study thus paves the way for the development of new DRP ligands and therapeutics with structures not derived from natural DRPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zha
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China .,College of Continuing Education, Guizhou Minzu University Guiyang 550025 China
| | - Jinjing Li
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Shihui Fan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Zengping Duan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Yibing Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
| | - Chuanliu Wu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 P.R. China
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11
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Phylogenetic analyses suggest centipede venom arsenals were repeatedly stocked by horizontal gene transfer. Nat Commun 2021; 12:818. [PMID: 33547293 PMCID: PMC7864903 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21093-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venoms have evolved over a hundred times in animals. Venom toxins are thought to evolve mostly by recruitment of endogenous proteins with physiological functions. Here we report phylogenetic analyses of venom proteome-annotated venom gland transcriptome data, assisted by genomic analyses, to show that centipede venoms have recruited at least five gene families from bacterial and fungal donors, involving at least eight horizontal gene transfer events. These results establish centipedes as currently the only known animals with venoms used in predation and defence that contain multiple gene families derived from horizontal gene transfer. The results also provide the first evidence for the implication of horizontal gene transfer in the evolutionary origin of venom in an animal lineage. Three of the bacterial gene families encode virulence factors, suggesting that horizontal gene transfer can provide a fast track channel for the evolution of novelty by the exaptation of bacterial weapons into animal venoms.
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12
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Shen B, Cao Z, Wu Y, Yi W, Zhu Z, Lv Z, Zhu C, Yu Y. Purlisin, a toxin‐like defensin derived from clinical pathogenic fungus
Purpureocillium lilacinum
with both antimicrobial and potassium channel inhibitory activities. FASEB J 2020; 34:15093-15107. [PMID: 32918769 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000029rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bingzheng Shen
- Department of Pharmacy Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Wei Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Zhanyong Zhu
- Department of Plastic Surgery Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Zhihua Lv
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Chengliang Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
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Histidine-Rich Defensins from the Solanaceae and Brasicaceae Are Antifungal and Metal Binding Proteins. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030145. [PMID: 32847065 PMCID: PMC7557933 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant defensins are best known for their antifungal activity and contribution to the plant immune system. The defining feature of plant defensins is their three-dimensional structure known as the cysteine stabilized alpha-beta motif. This protein fold is remarkably tolerant to sequence variation with only the eight cysteines that contribute to the stabilizing disulfide bonds absolutely conserved across the family. Mature defensins are typically 46–50 amino acids in length and are enriched in lysine and/or arginine residues. Examination of a database of approximately 1200 defensin sequences revealed a subset of defensin sequences that were extended in length and were enriched in histidine residues leading to their classification as histidine-rich defensins (HRDs). Using these initial HRD sequences as a query, a search of the available sequence databases identified over 750 HRDs in solanaceous plants and 20 in brassicas. Histidine residues are known to contribute to metal binding functions in proteins leading to the hypothesis that HRDs would have metal binding properties. A selection of the HRD sequences were recombinantly expressed and purified and their antifungal and metal binding activity was characterized. Of the four HRDs that were successfully expressed all displayed some level of metal binding and two of four had antifungal activity. Structural characterization of the other HRDs identified a novel pattern of disulfide linkages in one of the HRDs that is predicted to also occur in HRDs with similar cysteine spacing. Metal binding by HRDs represents a specialization of the plant defensin fold outside of antifungal activity.
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Shafee T, Bacic A, Johnson K. Evolution of Sequence-Diverse Disordered Regions in a Protein Family: Order within the Chaos. Mol Biol Evol 2020; 37:2155-2172. [DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msaa096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Approaches for studying the evolution of globular proteins are now well established yet are unsuitable for disordered sequences. Our understanding of the evolution of proteins containing disordered regions therefore lags that of globular proteins, limiting our capacity to estimate their evolutionary history, classify paralogs, and identify potential sequence–function relationships. Here, we overcome these limitations by using new analytical approaches that project representations of sequence space to dissect the evolution of proteins with both ordered and disordered regions, and the correlated changes between these. We use the fasciclin-like arabinogalactan proteins (FLAs) as a model family, since they contain a variable number of globular fasciclin domains as well as several distinct types of disordered regions: proline (Pro)-rich arabinogalactan (AG) regions and longer Pro-depleted regions.
Sequence space projections of fasciclin domains from 2019 FLAs from 78 species identified distinct clusters corresponding to different types of fasciclin domains. Clusters can be similarly identified in the seemingly random Pro-rich AG and Pro-depleted disordered regions. Sequence features of the globular and disordered regions clearly correlate with one another, implying coevolution of these distinct regions, as well as with the N-linked and O-linked glycosylation motifs. We reconstruct the overall evolutionary history of the FLAs, annotated with the changing domain architectures, glycosylation motifs, number and length of AG regions, and disordered region sequence features. Mapping these features onto the functionally characterized FLAs therefore enables their sequence–function relationships to be interrogated. These findings will inform research on the abundant disordered regions in protein families from all kingdoms of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Shafee
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, La Trobe Institute for Agriculture & Food, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Antony Bacic
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, La Trobe Institute for Agriculture & Food, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sino-Australia Plant Cell Wall Research Centre, College of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin’an, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kim Johnson
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, La Trobe Institute for Agriculture & Food, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sino-Australia Plant Cell Wall Research Centre, College of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin’an, Hangzhou, China
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15
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Chu Y, Qiu P, Yu R. Centipede Venom Peptides Acting on Ion Channels. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040230. [PMID: 32260499 PMCID: PMC7232367 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Centipedes are among the oldest venomous arthropods that use their venom to subdue the prey. The major components of centipede venom are a variety of low-molecular-weight peptide toxins that have evolved to target voltage-gated ion channels to interfere with the central system of prey and produce pain or paralysis for efficient hunting. Peptide toxins usually contain several intramolecular disulfide bonds, which confer chemical, thermal and biological stability. In addition, centipede peptides generally have novel structures and high potency and specificity and therefore hold great promise both as diagnostic tools and in the treatment of human disease. Here, we review the centipede peptide toxins with reported effects on ion channels, including Nav, Kv, Cav and the nonselective cation channel polymodal transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1).
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Affiliation(s)
- YanYan Chu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (R.Y.)
| | - PeiJu Qiu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - RiLei Yu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (R.Y.)
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16
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Actinomyces Produces Defensin-Like Bacteriocins (Actifensins) with a Highly Degenerate Structure and Broad Antimicrobial Activity. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00529-19. [PMID: 31767775 PMCID: PMC6989792 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00529-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified a strain of Actinomyces ruminicola which produces a potent bacteriocin with activity against a broad range of Gram-positive bacteria, many of which are pathogenic to animals and humans. The bacteriocin was purified and found to have a mass of 4,091 ± 1 Da with a sequence of GFGCNLITSNPYQCSNHCKSVGYRGGYCKLRTVCTCY containing three disulfide bridges. Surprisingly, near relatives of actifensin were found to be a series of related eukaryotic defensins displaying greater than 50% identity to the bacteriocin. A pangenomic screen further revealed that production of actifensin-related bacteriocins is a common trait within the genus, with 47 being encoded in 161 genomes. Furthermore, these bacteriocins displayed a remarkable level of diversity with a mean amino acid identity of only 52% between strains/species. This level of redundancy suggests that this new class of bacteriocins may provide a very broad structural basis on which to deliver and design new broad-spectrum antimicrobials for treatment of animal and human infections.IMPORTANCE Bacteriocins (ribosomally produced antimicrobial peptides) are potential alternatives to current antimicrobials given the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. We identified a novel bacteriocin from Actinomyces ruminicola with no previously characterized antimicrobial activity. Using publicly available genomic data, we found a highly conserved yet divergent family of previously unidentified homologous peptide sequences within the genus Actinomyces with striking similarity to eukaryotic defensins. These actifensins may provide a potent line of antimicrobial defense/offense, and the machinery to produce them could be used for the design of new antimicrobials given the degeneracy that exists naturally in their structure.
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17
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Chow CY, Chin YKY, Walker AA, Guo S, Blomster LV, Ward MJ, Herzig V, Rokyta DR, King GF. Venom Peptides with Dual Modulatory Activity on the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Na V1.1 Provide Novel Leads for Development of Antiepileptic Drugs. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2019; 3:119-134. [PMID: 32259093 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.9b00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels play a fundamental role in normal neurological function, especially via the initiation and propagation of action potentials. The NaV1.1 subtype is found in inhibitory interneurons of the brain and it is essential for maintaining a balance between excitation and inhibition in neuronal networks. Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations of SCN1A, the gene encoding NaV1.1, underlie Dravet syndrome (DS), a severe pediatric epilepsy. We recently demonstrated that selective inhibition of NaV1.1 inactivation prevents seizures and premature death in a mouse model of DS. Thus, selective modulators of NaV1.1 might be useful therapeutics for treatment of DS as they target the underlying molecular deficit. Numerous scorpion-venom peptides have been shown to modulate the activity of NaV channels, but little is known about their activity at NaV1.1. Here we report the isolation, sequence, three-dimensional structure, recombinant production, and functional characterization of two peptidic modulators of NaV1.1 from venom of the buthid scorpion Hottentotta jayakari. These peptides, Hj1a and Hj2a, are potent agonists of NaV1.1 (EC50 of 17 and 32 nM, respectively), and they present dual α/β activity by modifying both the activation and inactivation properties of the channel. NMR studies of rHj1a indicate that it adopts a cystine-stabilized αβ fold similar to known scorpion toxins. Although Hj1a and Hj2a have only limited selectivity for NaV1.1, their unusual dual mode of action provides an alternative approach to the development of selective NaV1.1 modulators for the treatment of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yuen Chow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yanni K-Y Chin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew A Walker
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Shaodong Guo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Linda V Blomster
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Micaiah J Ward
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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18
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Shafee T, Mitchell ML, Norton RS. Mapping the chemical and sequence space of the ShKT superfamily. Toxicon 2019; 165:95-102. [PMID: 31063742 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The ShKT superfamily is widely distributed throughout nature and encompasses a wide range of documented functions and processes, from modulation of potassium channels to involvement in morphogenesis pathways. Cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) contain a cysteine-rich domain (CRD) at the C-terminus that is similar in structure to the ShK fold. Despite the structural similarity of the CRD and ShK-like domains, we know little of the sequence-function relationships in these families. Here, for the first time, we examine the evolution of the biophysical properties of sequences within the ShKT superfamily in relation to function, with a focus on the ShK-like superfamily. ShKT data were sourced from published sequences in the protein family database, in addition to new ShK-like sequences from the Australian speckled anemone (Oulactis sp.). Our analysis clearly delineates the ShK-like family from the CRDs of CRISP proteins. The four CRISP subclusters separate out into the main phyla of Mammalia, Insecta and Reptilia. The ShK-like family is in turn composed of seven subclusters, the largest of which contains members from across the eukaryotes, with a continuum of intermediate properties. Smaller sub-clusters contain specialised members such as nematode ShK-like sequences. Several of these ShKT sub-clusters contain no functionally characterised sequences. This chemical space analysis should be useful as a guide to select sequences for functional studies and to gain insight into the evolution of these highly divergent sequences with an ancient conserved fold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Shafee
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia; Department of Animal, Plant, and Soil Science, AgriBio, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia.
| | - Michela L Mitchell
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Bioinformatics Division, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Marine Invertebrates, Museum Victoria, GPO Box 666, Melbourne, Vic, 3001, Australia; Biodiversity & Geosciences, Queensland Museum, PO Box 3300, South Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
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