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Ajdi B, El Hidan MA, El Asbahani A, Bocquet M, Ait Hamza M, Elqdhy M, Elmourid A, Touloun O, Boubaker H, Bulet P. Taxonomic identification of Morocco scorpions using MALDI-MS fingerprints of venom proteomes and computational modeling. J Proteomics 2024; 310:105321. [PMID: 39304032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105321] [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: 08/25/2024] [Revised: 09/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
The venom of scorpions has been the subject of numerous studies. However, their taxonomic identification is not a simple task, leading to misidentifications. This study aims to provide a practical approach for identifying scorpions based on the venom molecular mass fingerprint (MFP). Specimens (251) belonging to fifteen species were collected from different regions in Morocco. Their MFPs were acquired using MALDI-MS. These were used as a training dataset to generate predictive models and a library of mean spectral profiles using software programs based on machine learning. The computational model achieved an overall recognition capability of 99 % comprising 32 molecular signatures. The models and the library were tested using a new dataset for external validation and to evaluate their capability of identification. We recorded an accuracy classification with an average of 97 % and 98 % for the computational models and the library, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to demonstrate the potential of MALDI-MS and MFPs to generate predictive models capable of discriminating scorpions from family to species levels, and to build a library of species-specific spectra. These promising results may represent a proof of concept towards developing a reliable approach for rapid molecular identification of scorpions in Morocco. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: With their clinical importance, scorpions may constitute a desirable study model for many researchers. The first step in studying scorpion is systematically identifying the species of interest. However, it can be a difficult task, especially for the non-experts. The taxonomy of scorpions is primarily based on morphometric characters. In Morocco, the high number of species and subspecies mainly endemic, and the morphological similarities between different species may result in false identifications. This was observed in many reports according to the scorpion experts. In this study, we describe a reliable practical approach for identifying scorpions based on the venom molecular mass fingerprints (MFPs). By using two software programs based on machine learning, we have demonstrated that these MFPs contains sufficient inter-specific variation to differentiate between the scorpion species mentioned in this study with a good accuracy. Using a drop of venom, this new approach could be a rapid, accurate and cost saving method for taxonomic identification of scorpions in Morocco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boujemaa Ajdi
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Plant Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco; Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CR Inserm U1209, CNRSUMR 5309, University of Grenoble-Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; Platform BioPark Archamps, 74160 Archamps, France
| | - Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Abdelhafed El Asbahani
- Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Environment (LACAPE), Team of Bio-organic Chemistry and Natural substances, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Michel Bocquet
- Platform BioPark Archamps, 74160 Archamps, France; Apimedia, 74370 Annecy, France
| | - Mohamed Ait Hamza
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - M'barka Elqdhy
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Plant Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Abdessamad Elmourid
- Polyvalent Team in Research and Development (EPVRD), Department of Biology & Geology, Polydisciplinary Faculty, University Sultan My Slimane, Beni Mellal 23030, Morocco
| | - Oulaid Touloun
- Polyvalent Team in Research and Development (EPVRD), Department of Biology & Geology, Polydisciplinary Faculty, University Sultan My Slimane, Beni Mellal 23030, Morocco
| | - Hassan Boubaker
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Plant Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Philippe Bulet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CR Inserm U1209, CNRSUMR 5309, University of Grenoble-Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; Platform BioPark Archamps, 74160 Archamps, France.
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Borges A, Lomonte B. Venomics of Leiurus abdullahbayrami, the most lethal scorpion in the Levant region of the Middle East. Toxicon 2024; 237:107548. [PMID: 38065256 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The scorpion Leiurus abdullahbayrami has been associated with severe/lethal envenomings throughout the Levant region of the Middle East, encompassing Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon, and only scarce information is available on its venom composition, activity, and antigenicity. We report on the composition of L. abdullahbayrami venom collected from Lebanese specimens using nESI-MS/MS, MALDI-TOF MS, SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC. Venom lethality, through LD50 determination in mice (intraperitoneal), was also assessed (0.75 (0.16-1.09) mg/kg), confirming L.abdullahbayrami venom vertebrate toxicity. Fifty-four peaks were detected using RP-HPLC, half of which eluted in the gradient region between 20 and 40% acetonitrile. In reducing SDS-PAGE, most predominant components were <10 kDa, with minor components at higher molecular masses of 24.4, 43.1, and 48.9 kDa. Venom mass fingerprint by MALDI-TOF detected 21 components within the 1000-12,000 m/z range. Whole venom 'shotgun' bottom-up nLC-MS/MS approach, combined with in-gel tryptic digestion of SDS-PAGE bands, identified at least 113 different components belonging to 15 venom families and uncharacterized proteins, with ion channel-active components (K+ channel toxins (28); Na+ channel toxins (42); Cl- channel toxins (4); Ca+2 toxins (2)) being predominant. A single match for a L. adbullahbayrami NaTx was found in the UniProt database with other congeneric species, toxin h3.1 from Leiurus hebraeus, suggesting this might be an indication of venom divergence within Leiurus, eventhough this warrants further investigation involving venom proteomics and transcriptomics of relevant species. Considering such potential interspecific venom variation, future work should address whether preparation of a specific anti-L. abdullahbayrami antivenom is justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Borges
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, Manduvirá 635, Asunción, 1255, Paraguay; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas 50587, Venezuela.
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501, Costa Rica
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Al-Qahtni AH, Al-Salem AM, Mesfer F, Al Balawi MS, Allahyani WS, Alqahtani AR, Badry A. A new species and a key to the genus Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) from Saudi Arabia. Zookeys 2023; 1178:293-312. [PMID: 37719334 PMCID: PMC10502483 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1178.109083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A new species, Leiurushadb Al-Qahtni, Al-Salem, Alqahtani & Badry, sp. nov., is described and illustrated from the Majami al-Hadb Protected Area in the Riyadh Province of Saudi Arabia. The new species is compared with species of Leiurus distributed in Saudi Arabia, especially L.arabicus Lowe, Yağmur & Kovařík, 2014. The integrated results indicate that the population found in Majami al-Hadb represents a distinct species, which is described herein. Moreover, the molecular analysis is conducted on the mitochondrial gene 16S rRNA to compare L.hadb sp. nov. with samples of L.arabicus and L.haenggii from Saudi Arabia. The analysis revealed a genetic divergence ranging from 6.0 to 12%. The combination of molecular evidence and morphological characteristics provides adequate support for recognizing the Majami al-Hadb population as a distinct species. Additionally, an identification key for the genus Leiurus found in Saudi Arabia is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmani H. Al-Qahtni
- Department of Invertebrates, National Center for Wildlife, Saudi ArabiaNational Center for WildlifeRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M. Al-Salem
- Department of Invertebrates, National Center for Wildlife, Saudi ArabiaNational Center for WildlifeRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Mesfer
- Department of Invertebrates, National Center for Wildlife, Saudi ArabiaNational Center for WildlifeRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Manal S. Al Balawi
- Department of Invertebrates, National Center for Wildlife, Saudi ArabiaNational Center for WildlifeRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Wasayf S. Allahyani
- Department of Invertebrates, National Center for Wildlife, Saudi ArabiaNational Center for WildlifeRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz R. Alqahtani
- Department of Invertebrates, National Center for Wildlife, Saudi ArabiaNational Center for WildlifeRiyadhSaudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha 61922, Saudi ArabiaUniversity of BishaBishaSaudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Badry
- Department of Invertebrates, National Center for Wildlife, Saudi ArabiaNational Center for WildlifeRiyadhSaudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, EgyptAl-Azhar UniversityCairoEgypt
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Hilal I, Khourcha S, Safi A, Hmyene A, Asnawi S, Othman I, Stöcklin R, Oukkache N. Comparative Proteomic Analysis of the Venoms from the Most Dangerous Scorpions in Morocco: Androctonus mauritanicus and Buthus occitanus. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051133. [PMID: 37240778 DOI: 10.3390/life13051133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Morocco is known to harbor two of the world's most dangerous scorpion species: the black Androctonus mauritanicus (Am) and the yellow Buthus occitanus (Bo), responsible for 83% and 14% of severe envenomation cases, respectively. Scorpion venom is a mixture of biological molecules of variable structures and activities, most of which are proteins of low molecular weights referred to as toxins. In addition to toxins, scorpion venoms also contain biogenic amines, polyamines, and enzymes. With the aim of investigating the composition of the Am and Bo venoms, we conducted an analysis of the venoms by mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) after separation by reversed-phase HPLC chromatography. Results from a total of 19 fractions obtained for the Am venom versus 22 fractions for the Bo venom allowed the identification of approximately 410 and 252 molecular masses, respectively. In both venoms, the most abundant toxins were found to range between 2-5 kDa and 6-8 kDa. This proteomic analysis not only allowed the drawing of an extensive mass fingerprint of the Androctonus mauritanicus and Buthus occitanus venoms but also provided a better insight into the nature of their toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Hilal
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, Casablanca 20360, Morocco
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Environment and Food Technology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Mohammedia, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco
| | - Soukaina Khourcha
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, Casablanca 20360, Morocco
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Environment and Food Technology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Mohammedia, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco
| | - Amal Safi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Environment and Food Technology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Mohammedia, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco
| | - Abdelaziz Hmyene
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Environment and Food Technology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Mohammedia, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco
| | - Syafiq Asnawi
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
| | - Reto Stöcklin
- Atheris Laboratories, Case Postale 314, CH-1233 Bernex, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Naoual Oukkache
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, Casablanca 20360, Morocco
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Genetic diversity of medically important scorpions of the genus Centruroides (Buthidae) from Panama including two endemic species. J Genet 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12041-022-01374-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Zhang Q, Xu J, Zhou X, Liu Z. CAP superfamily proteins from venomous animals: Who we are and what to do? Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 221:691-702. [PMID: 36099994 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), antigen 5 (Ag5), and pathogenesis-related (PR-1) superfamily proteins (CAP superfamily proteins) are found in diverse species across the bacterial, fungal, plant, mammalian, and venomous animal kingdoms. Notably, CAP proteins are found in a remarkable range of species across the venomous animal kingdom and are present almost ubiquitously in venoms, even when venoms are produced in very small quantities. Meanwhile, in comparison to mammals, venomous animals are underappreciated and easy to ignore. Overwhelming evidence suggests that CAP proteins derived from venomous animals exhibit diverse activities, including ion channel, inflammatory, proteolysis, and immune regulatory activities. To understand the potential biological functions of CAP proteins in venom more effectively, we need to examine the significance of the evolution of venomous animals in the animal kingdom, for their survival. In this article, we will review the current status of research on CAP proteins in venomous animals, including their isolation, characterization, known biological activities, and sequence alignments. We will also discuss the rapid evolution of CAP proteins with varied subtypes in venomous animals. A treasure trove of information can be obtained by studying the CAP proteins in venomous animals; hence, it is necessary to explore these proteins further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Zhang
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, China; Peptide and small molecule drug R&D plateform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China
| | - Jiawei Xu
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, China; Peptide and small molecule drug R&D plateform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China
| | - Xi Zhou
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, China; Peptide and small molecule drug R&D plateform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, China; Peptide and small molecule drug R&D plateform, Furong Laboratory, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China.
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7
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Marchi FC, Mendes-Silva E, Rodrigues-Ribeiro L, Bolais-Ramos LG, Verano-Braga T. Toxinology in the proteomics era: a review on arachnid venom proteomics. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:20210034. [PMID: 35291269 PMCID: PMC8893269 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The word venomics was coined to acknowledge the studies that use omics to investigate venom proteins and peptides. Venomics has evolved considerably over the last 20 years. The first works on scorpion or spider venomics were published in the early 2000's. Such studies relied on peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) to characterize venom complexity. After the introduction of new mass spectrometers with higher resolution, sensitivity and mass accuracy, and the next-generation nucleotide sequencing, the complexity of data reported in research on scorpion and spider venomics increased exponentially, which allowed more comprehensive studies. In the present review article, we covered key publications on scorpion venomics and spider venomics, presenting historical grounds and implemented technologies over the last years. The literature presented in this review was selected after searching the PubMed database using the terms "(scorpion venom) AND (proteome)" for scorpion venomics, and "(spider venom) AND (proteome)" for publications on spider venomics. We presented the key aspects related to proteomics in the covered papers including, but not restricted to, the employed proteomic strategy (i.e., PMF, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, shotgun/bottom-up and/or top-down/peptidome), and the type of mass spectrometer used. Some conclusions can be drawn from the present study. For example, the scorpion genus Tityus is the most studied concerning venomics, followed by Centruroides; whereas for spiders the studied genera were found more equally distributed. Another interesting conclusion is the lack of high throughput studies on post-translational modifications (PTMs) of scorpion and spider proteins. In our opinion, PTMs should be more studied as they can modulate the activity of scorpion and spider toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipi Calbaizer Marchi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Edneia Mendes-Silva
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lucas Rodrigues-Ribeiro
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gabriel Bolais-Ramos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Thiago Verano-Braga
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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New Insights into the Hypotensins from Tityus serrulatus Venom: Pro-Inflammatory and Vasopeptidases Modulation Activities. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120846. [PMID: 34941683 PMCID: PMC8704389 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Tityus serrulatus scorpion is considered the most dangerous of the Brazilian fauna due to the severe clinical manifestations in injured victims. Despite being abundant components of the venom, few linear peptides have been characterized so far, such as hypotensins. In vivo studies have demonstrated that hypotensin I (TsHpt-I) exerts hypotensive activity, with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-independent mechanism of action. Since experiments have not yet been carried out to analyze the direct interaction of hypotensins with ACE, and to deepen the knowledge about these peptides, hypotensins I and II (TsHpt-II) were studied regarding their modulatory action over the activities of ACE and neprilysin (NEP), which are the peptidases involved in blood pressure control. Aiming to search for indications of possible pro-inflammatory action, hypotensins were also analyzed for their role in murine macrophage viability, the release of interleukins and phagocytic activity. TsHpt-I and -II were used in kinetic studies with the metallopeptidases ACE and NEP, and both hypotensins were able to increase the activity of ACE. TsHpt-I presented itself as an inhibitor of NEP, whereas TsHpt-II showed weak inhibition of the enzyme. The mechanism of inhibition of TsHpt-I in relation to NEP was defined as non-competitive, with an inhibition constant (Ki) of 4.35 μM. Concerning the analysis of cell viability and modulation of interleukin levels and phagocytic activity, BALB/c mice’s naïve macrophages were used, and an increase in TNF production in the presence of TsHpt-I and -II was observed, as well as an increase in IL-6 production in the presence of TsHpt-II only. Both hypotensins were able to increase the phagocytic activity of murine macrophages in vitro. The difference between TsHpt-I and -II is the residue at position 15, with a glutamine in TsHpt-I and a glutamic acid in TsHpt-II. Despite this, kinetic analyzes and cell assays indicated different actions of TsHpt-I and -II. Taken together, these results suggest a new mechanism for the hypotensive effects of TsHpt-I and -II. Furthermore, the release of some interleukins also suggests a role for these peptides in the venom inflammatory response. Even though these molecules have been well studied, the present results suggest a new mechanism for the hypotensive effects of TsHpt-I
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Casasco BS, Garcez-do-Carmo L, Conceição IM. The effects of Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom on the contractility of jejunum, vas deferens, and the aorta is differentially affected by tetrodotoxin. Toxicon 2021; 202:123-131. [PMID: 34582832 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.09.004] [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: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacological effects of the crude venom of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus or its isolated toxins have been widely studied. However, few studies are available on Tityus bahiensis venom. We recently discovered that T. serrulaus venom leads to the release of tetrodotoxin-resistant acetylcholine. Thus, our objective was to verify whether T. bahiensis venom could have a similar action in the jejunum. Furthermore, we evaluated the possibility that this action occur in other tissues innervated by the autonomic nervous system. Thus, organ bath studies were conducted to evaluate the contractile and relaxant effects of venom on the jejunum, vas deferens and aorta of rats in the presence or absence of tetrodotoxin. We observed that jejunum, vas deferens and aorta contracted when the T. bahiensis venom was applied. In the jejunum, the venom reveals a contractile component resistant to tetrodotoxin. It also was able to relax pre-contracted preparations of jejunum and aorta but not vas deferens. Only in the aorta, the relaxation was resistant to tetrodotoxin. The effects of scorpion venoms are attributed to its action on ionic channels leading to neuronal depolarization and neurotransmitter release. Our results indicated that a similar mechanism is present in the observed effects of the venom. However, another mechanism must be present in the venom-induced contraction in the jejunum and relaxation in the aorta. Possible involvement of tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channels or non-neuronal release of neurotransmitters is discussed. We emphasize that the study of the Tityus scorpion's venom, especially T. bahiensis, is of great importance because it can unveil unknown pharmacological and physiological mechanisms of excitable cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Serra Casasco
- Toxins Mechanism of Action Research Group (MATx), Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lúcia Garcez-do-Carmo
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isaltino Marcelo Conceição
- Toxins Mechanism of Action Research Group (MATx), Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.
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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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Firooziyan S, Sadaghianifar A, Rafinejad J, Vatandoost H, Bavani MM. Epidemiological Characteristics of Scorpionism in West Azerbaijan Province, Northwest of Iran. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2020; 14:193-201. [PMID: 33365347 PMCID: PMC7738934 DOI: 10.18502/jad.v14i2.3738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There are four medically important scorpion species (Mesobuthus eupeus, Mesobuthus caucasicus, Androctonus crassicauda and Hottentotta saulcyi) in the West Azerbaijan Province, northwestern Iran. scorpionism is considered as a health problem in this region, because there is no information about scorpion envenomation, this study was designed to study epidemiological characteristics of scorpionism to optimize prevention and treatment of scorpion sting in northwest of Iran. Methods: All the data from epidemiological surveys completed in West Azerbaijan hospitals over four years (2014–2017) for scorpion victims were collected. This information includes the number of victims, sex, age, signs and symptoms, site of sting, body parts of victims, history of previous sting, the condition of the patient in terms of recovery and death, and the time to receive anti venom, all data were analyzed by the Excel software. Results: A total of 2718 cases of scorpionism were reported from March 2014 to March 2017 in the study area. The most cases occur in both sexes in the age groups of 25 to 34 years old. In urban areas 40.3% of people and in rural areas 59.7% of them have suffered. The Poldasht and Chaldoran cities, had the most and least incidence respectively. Conclusion: In this study, the high risk areas in the case of scorpion stings were identified. Results of this study can be used to design preventive programs to educate more people about dangerous areas to prevent scorpion sting and even death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Firooziyan
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Urmia Health Center, Disease Control Unit, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ali Sadaghianifar
- Urmia Health Center, Disease Control Unit, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Javad Rafinejad
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Vatandoost
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Chemical Pollutants and Pesticides, Institute for Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mulood Mohammadi Bavani
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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12
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Furtado AA, Daniele-Silva A, Silva-Júnior AAD, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Biology, venom composition, and scorpionism induced by brazilian scorpion Tityus stigmurus (Thorell, 1876) (Scorpiones: Buthidae): A mini-review. Toxicon 2020; 185:36-45. [PMID: 32585220 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Scorpionism is a serious public health problem in various regions of the world. In Brazil, a high number of accidents by scorpions have been reported. From 2014 to 2018, about 547,000 cases were recorded, resulting in 466 deaths. The scorpion Tityus stigmurus is the predominant species in the northeast of Brazil, being responsible for most scorpionism cases in this region. With the aid of the transcriptomic approach of the venom gland of this species, components as neurotoxins, antimicrobials, metal chelating peptides and hypotensins, have been identified and characterized in silico, showing different biologic activity in vitro. In addition, the neuronal, pancreatic, renal, and enzymatic effects have been demonstrated for the crude T. stigmurus venom. Therefore, the T. stigmurus scorpion venom constitutes a rich arsenal of bioactive molecules with high potential for therapeutic and biotechnological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allanny Alves Furtado
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Daniele-Silva
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
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13
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Arthropod venoms: Biochemistry, ecology and evolution. Toxicon 2018; 158:84-103. [PMID: 30529476 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.11.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Comprising of over a million described species of highly diverse invertebrates, Arthropoda is amongst the most successful animal lineages to have colonized aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic domains. Venom, one of the many fascinating traits to have evolved in various members of this phylum, has underpinned their adaptation to diverse habitats. Over millions of years of evolution, arthropods have evolved ingenious ways of delivering venom in their targets for self-defence and predation. The morphological diversity of venom delivery apparatus in arthropods is astounding, and includes extensively modified pedipalps, tail (telson), mouth parts (hypostome), fangs, appendages (maxillulae), proboscis, ovipositor (stinger), and hair (urticating bristles). Recent investigations have also unravelled an astonishing venom biocomplexity with molecular scaffolds being recruited from a multitude of protein families. Venoms are a remarkable bioresource for discovering lead compounds in targeted therapeutics. Several components with prospective applications in the development of advanced lifesaving drugs and environment friendly bio-insecticides have been discovered from arthropod venoms. Despite these fascinating features, the composition, bioactivity, and molecular evolution of venom in several arthropod lineages remains largely understudied. This review highlights the prevalence of venom, its mode of toxic action, and the evolutionary dynamics of venom in Arthropoda, the most speciose phylum in the animal kingdom.
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14
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Profiling the short, linear, non-disulfide bond-containing peptidome from the venom of the scorpion Tityus obscurus. J Proteomics 2018; 170:70-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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15
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Pucca MB, Cerni FA, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Zoccal KF, Bordon KDCF, Amorim FG, Peigneur S, Vriens K, Thevissen K, Cammue BPA, Júnior RBM, Arruda E, Faccioli LH, Tytgat J, Arantes EC. Non-disulfide-bridged peptides from Tityus serrulatus venom: Evidence for proline-free ACE-inhibitors. Peptides 2016; 82:44-51. [PMID: 27221550 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study purifies two T. serrulatus non-disulfide-bridged peptides (NDBPs), named venom peptides 7.2 (RLRSKG) and 8 (KIWRS) and details their synthesis and biological activity, comparing to the synthetic venom peptide 7.1 (RLRSKGKK), previously identified. The synthetic replicate peptides were subjected to a range of biological assays: hemolytic, antifungal, antiviral, electrophysiological, immunological and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activities. All venom peptides neither showed to be cytolytic nor demonstrated significant antifungal or antiviral activities. Interestingly, peptides were able to modulate macrophages' responses, increasing IL-6 production. The three venom peptides also demonstrated potential to inhibit ACE in the following order: 7.2>7.1>8. The ACE inhibition activity was unexpected, since peptides that display this function are usually proline-rich peptides. In attempt to understand the origin of such small peptides, we discovered that the isolated peptides 7.2 and 8 are fragments of the same molecule, named Pape peptide precursor. Furthermore, the study discusses that Pape fragments could be originated from a post-splitting mechanism resulting from metalloserrulases and other proteinases cleavage, which can be seen as a clever mechanism used by the scorpion to enlarge its repertoire of venom components. Scorpion venom remains as an interesting source of bioactive proteins and this study advances our knowledge about three NDBPs and their biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Berto Pucca
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Augusto Cerni
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ernesto Lopes Pinheiro-Junior
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Karina Furlani Zoccal
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Karla de Castro Figueiredo Bordon
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Gobbi Amorim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kim Vriens
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, University of Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Karin Thevissen
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, University of Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Bruno Philippe Angelo Cammue
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, University of Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium; Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Technologiepark 927, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | | | - Eurico Arruda
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lúcia Helena Faccioli
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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16
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Laustsen AH, Solà M, Jappe EC, Oscoz S, Lauridsen LP, Engmark M. Biotechnological Trends in Spider and Scorpion Antivenom Development. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:E226. [PMID: 27455327 PMCID: PMC4999844 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8080226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiders and scorpions are notorious for their fearful dispositions and their ability to inject venom into prey and predators, causing symptoms such as necrosis, paralysis, and excruciating pain. Information on venom composition and the toxins present in these species is growing due to an interest in using bioactive toxins from spiders and scorpions for drug discovery purposes and for solving crystal structures of membrane-embedded receptors. Additionally, the identification and isolation of a myriad of spider and scorpion toxins has allowed research within next generation antivenoms to progress at an increasingly faster pace. In this review, the current knowledge of spider and scorpion venoms is presented, followed by a discussion of all published biotechnological efforts within development of spider and scorpion antitoxins based on small molecules, antibodies and fragments thereof, and next generation immunization strategies. The increasing number of discovery and development efforts within this field may point towards an upcoming transition from serum-based antivenoms towards therapeutic solutions based on modern biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hougaard Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen East, Denmark.
| | - Mireia Solà
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Emma Christine Jappe
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Saioa Oscoz
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Line Præst Lauridsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Mikael Engmark
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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17
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Potassium channel blockers from the venom of the Brazilian scorpion Tityus serrulatus (). Toxicon 2016; 119:253-65. [PMID: 27349167 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Potassium (K(+)) channels are trans-membrane proteins, which play a key role in cellular excitability and signal transduction pathways. Scorpion toxins blocking the ion-conducting pore from the external side have been invaluable probes to elucidate the structural, functional, and physio-pathological characteristics of these ion channels. This review will focus on the interaction between K(+) channels and their peptide blockers isolated from the venom of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus, which is considered as the most dangerous scorpion in Brazil, in particular in Minas-Gerais State, where many casualties are described each year. The primary mechanisms of action of these K(+) blockers will be discussed in correlation with their structure, very often non-canonical compared to those of other well known K(+) channels blockers purified from other scorpion venoms. Also, special attention will be brought to the most recent data obtained by proteomic and transcriptomic analyses on Tityus serrulatus venoms and venom glands.
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18
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Oldrati V, Arrell M, Violette A, Perret F, Sprüngli X, Wolfender JL, Stöcklin R. Advances in venomics. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2016; 12:3530-3543. [DOI: 10.1039/c6mb00516k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The term “venomics” was coined to describe the global study of venom and venom glands, targeting comprehensive characterization of the whole toxin profile of a venomous animal by means of proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics and bioinformatics studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Oldrati
- Atheris SA
- Geneva
- Switzerland
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- EPGL
| | | | - Aude Violette
- Alphabiotoxine Laboratory Sprl
- Montroeul-au-Bois B-7911
- Belgium
| | | | | | - Jean-Luc Wolfender
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- EPGL
- University of Geneva
- University of Lausanne
- CMU
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19
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Sunagar K, Morgenstern D, Reitzel AM, Moran Y. Ecological venomics: How genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics can shed new light on the ecology and evolution of venom. J Proteomics 2015; 135:62-72. [PMID: 26385003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Animal venom is a complex cocktail of bioactive chemicals that traditionally drew interest mostly from biochemists and pharmacologists. However, in recent years the evolutionary and ecological importance of venom is realized as this trait has direct and strong influence on interactions between species. Moreover, venom content can be modulated by environmental factors. Like many other fields of biology, venom research has been revolutionized in recent years by the introduction of systems biology approaches, i.e., genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics. The employment of these methods in venom research is known as 'venomics'. In this review we describe the history and recent advancements of venomics and discuss how they are employed in studying venom in general and in particular in the context of evolutionary ecology. We also discuss the pitfalls and challenges of venomics and what the future may hold for this emerging scientific field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik Sunagar
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - David Morgenstern
- Proteomics Resource Center, Langone Medical Center, New York University, New York, USA.
| | - Adam M Reitzel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Yehu Moran
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
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20
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Luna-Ramírez K, Quintero-Hernández V, Juárez-González VR, Possani LD. Whole Transcriptome of the Venom Gland from Urodacus yaschenkoi Scorpion. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127883. [PMID: 26020943 PMCID: PMC4447460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Australian scorpion venoms have been poorly studied, probably because they do not pose an evident threat to humans. In addition, the continent has other medically important venomous animals capable of causing serious health problems. Urodacus yaschenkoi belongs to the most widely distributed family of Australian scorpions (Urodacidae) and it is found all over the continent, making it a useful model system for studying venom composition and evolution. This communication reports the whole set of mRNA transcripts produced by the venom gland. U. yaschenkoi venom is as complex as its overseas counterparts. These transcripts certainly code for several components similar to known scorpion venom components, such as: alpha-KTxs, beta-KTxs, calcins, protease inhibitors, antimicrobial peptides, sodium-channel toxins, toxin-like peptides, allergens, La1-like, hyaluronidases, ribosomal proteins, proteasome components and proteins related to cellular processes. A comparison with the venom gland transcriptome of Centruroides noxius (Buthidae) showed that these two scorpions have similar components related to biological processes, although important differences occur among the venom toxins. In contrast, a comparison with sequences reported for Urodacus manicatus revealed that these two Urodacidae species possess the same subfamily of scorpion toxins. A comparison with sequences of an U. yaschenkoi cDNA library previously reported by our group showed that both techniques are reliable for the description of the venom components, but the whole transcriptome generated with Next Generation Sequencing platform provides sequences of all transcripts expressed. Several of which were identified in the proteome, but many more transcripts were identified including uncommon transcripts. The information reported here constitutes a reference for non-Buthidae scorpion venoms, providing a comprehensive view of genes that are involved in venom production. Further, this work identifies new putative bioactive compounds that could be used to seed research into new pharmacological compounds and increase our understanding of the function of different ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Luna-Ramírez
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Verónica Quintero-Hernández
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Víctor Rivelino Juárez-González
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Lourival D. Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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21
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Production and packaging of a biological arsenal: evolution of centipede venoms under morphological constraint. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:4026-31. [PMID: 25775536 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1424068112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Venom represents one of the most extreme manifestations of a chemical arms race. Venoms are complex biochemical arsenals, often containing hundreds to thousands of unique protein toxins. Despite their utility for prey capture, venoms are energetically expensive commodities, and consequently it is hypothesized that venom complexity is inversely related to the capacity of a venomous animal to physically subdue prey. Centipedes, one of the oldest yet least-studied venomous lineages, appear to defy this rule. Although scutigeromorph centipedes produce less complex venom than those secreted by scolopendrid centipedes, they appear to rely heavily on venom for prey capture. We show that the venom glands are large and well developed in both scutigerid and scolopendrid species, but that scutigerid forcipules lack the adaptations that allow scolopendrids to inflict physical damage on prey and predators. Moreover, we reveal that scolopendrid venom glands have evolved to accommodate a much larger number of secretory cells and, by using imaging mass spectrometry, we demonstrate that toxin production is heterogeneous across these secretory units. We propose that the differences in venom complexity between centipede orders are largely a result of morphological restrictions of the venom gland, and consequently there is a strong correlation between the morphological and biochemical complexity of this unique venom system. The current data add to the growing body of evidence that toxins are not expressed in a spatially homogenous manner within venom glands, and they suggest that the link between ecology and toxin evolution is more complex than previously thought.
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Quintero-Hernández V, Ramírez-Carreto S, Romero-Gutiérrez MT, Valdez-Velázquez LL, Becerril B, Possani LD, Ortiz E. Transcriptome analysis of scorpion species belonging to the Vaejovis genus. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117188. [PMID: 25659089 PMCID: PMC4319844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpions belonging to the Buthidae family have traditionally drawn much of the biochemist's attention due to the strong toxicity of their venoms. Scorpions not toxic to mammals, however, also have complex venoms. They have been shown to be an important source of bioactive peptides, some of them identified as potential drug candidates for the treatment of several emerging diseases and conditions. It is therefore important to characterize the large diversity of components found in the non-Buthidae venoms. As a contribution to this goal, this manuscript reports the construction and characterization of cDNA libraries from four scorpion species belonging to the Vaejovis genus of the Vaejovidae family: Vaejovis mexicanus, V. intrepidus, V. subcristatus and V. punctatus. Some sequences coding for channel-acting toxins were found, as expected, but the main transcribed genes in the glands actively producing venom were those coding for non disulfide-bridged peptides. The ESTs coding for putative channel-acting toxins, corresponded to sodium channel β toxins, to members of the potassium channel-acting α or κ families, and to calcium channel-acting toxins of the calcin family. Transcripts for scorpine-like peptides of two different lengths were found, with some of the species coding for the two kinds. One sequence coding for La1-like peptides, of yet unknown function, was found for each species. Finally, the most abundant transcripts corresponded to peptides belonging to the long chain multifunctional NDBP-2 family and to the short antimicrobials of the NDBP-4 family. This apparent venom composition is in correspondence with the data obtained to date for other non-Buthidae species. Our study constitutes the first approach to the characterization of the venom gland transcriptome for scorpion species belonging to the Vaejovidae family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Quintero-Hernández
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Santos Ramírez-Carreto
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - María Teresa Romero-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | | | - Baltazar Becerril
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Lourival D. Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Ernesto Ortiz
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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Viala VL, Hildebrand D, Trusch M, Arni RK, Pimenta DC, Schlüter H, Betzel C, Spencer PJ. Pseudechis guttatus venom proteome: Insights into evolution and toxin clustering. J Proteomics 2014; 110:32-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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24
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Puillandre N, Stöcklin R, Favreau P, Bianchi E, Perret F, Rivasseau A, Limpalaër L, Monnier E, Bouchet P. When everything converges: integrative taxonomy with shell, DNA and venomic data reveals Conus conco, a new species of cone snails (Gastropoda: Conoidea). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2014; 80:186-92. [PMID: 25132129 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2014.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Revised: 06/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cone snails have long been studied both by taxonomists for the diversity of their shells and by biochemists for the potential therapeutic applications of their toxins. Phylogenetic approaches have revealed that different lineages of Conus evolved divergent venoms, a property that is exploited to enhance the discovery of new conotoxins, but is rarely used in taxonomy. Specimens belonging to the Indo-West Pacific Conus lividus species complex were analyzed using phenetic and phylogenetic methods based on shell morphology, COI and 28S rRNA gene sequences and venom mRNA expression and protein composition. All methods converged to reveal a new species, C. conco n. sp. (described in Supplementary data), restricted to the Marquesas Islands, where it diverged recently (∼3mya) from C. lividus. The geographical distribution of C. conco and C. lividus and their phylogenetic relationships suggest that the two species diverged in allopatry. Furthermore, the diversity of the transcript sequences and toxin molecular masses suggest that C. conco evolved unique toxins, presumably in response to new selective pressure, such as the availability of new preys and ecological niches. Furthermore, this new species evolved new transcripts giving rise to original toxin structures, probably each carrying specific biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Puillandre
- Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Departement Systematique et Evolution, ISyEB Institut (UMR 7205 CNRS/UPMC/MNHN/EPHE), 43, Rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris, France; Atheris Laboratories, Case Postale 314, CH-1233 Bernex-Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Reto Stöcklin
- Atheris Laboratories, Case Postale 314, CH-1233 Bernex-Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Favreau
- Atheris Laboratories, Case Postale 314, CH-1233 Bernex-Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Estelle Bianchi
- Atheris Laboratories, Case Postale 314, CH-1233 Bernex-Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Perret
- Atheris Laboratories, Case Postale 314, CH-1233 Bernex-Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Audrey Rivasseau
- UMS 2700, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Departement Systematique et Evolution, 43, Rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris, France
| | | | - Eric Monnier
- Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, Département Chimie, Alimentation, Santé, Environnement et Risque, 292, rue Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Bouchet
- Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Departement Systematique et Evolution, ISyEB Institut (UMR 7205 CNRS/UPMC/MNHN/EPHE), 55, Rue Buffon, 75231 Paris, France
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Schaffrath S, Predel R. A simple protocol for venom peptide barcoding in scorpions. EUPA OPEN PROTEOMICS 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.euprot.2014.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Undheim EAB, Jones A, Clauser KR, Holland JW, Pineda SS, King GF, Fry BG. Clawing through evolution: toxin diversification and convergence in the ancient lineage Chilopoda (centipedes). Mol Biol Evol 2014; 31:2124-48. [PMID: 24847043 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msu162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the staggering diversity of venomous animals, there seems to be remarkable convergence in regard to the types of proteins used as toxin scaffolds. However, our understanding of this fascinating area of evolution has been hampered by the narrow taxonomical range studied, with entire groups of venomous animals remaining almost completely unstudied. One such group is centipedes, class Chilopoda, which emerged about 440 Ma and may represent the oldest terrestrial venomous lineage next to scorpions. Here, we provide the first comprehensive insight into the chilopod "venome" and its evolution, which has revealed novel and convergent toxin recruitments as well as entirely new toxin families among both high- and low molecular weight venom components. The ancient evolutionary history of centipedes is also apparent from the differences between the Scolopendromorpha and Scutigeromorpha venoms, which diverged over 430 Ma, and appear to employ substantially different venom strategies. The presence of a wide range of novel proteins and peptides in centipede venoms highlights these animals as a rich source of novel bioactive molecules. Understanding the evolutionary processes behind these ancient venom systems will not only broaden our understanding of which traits make proteins and peptides amenable to neofunctionalization but it may also aid in directing bioprospecting efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eivind A B Undheim
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, AustraliaVenom Evolution Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alun Jones
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - John W Holland
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sandy S Pineda
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, AustraliaVenom Evolution Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
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Diego-García E, Caliskan F, Tytgat J. The Mediterranean scorpion Mesobuthus gibbosus (Scorpiones, Buthidae): transcriptome analysis and organization of the genome encoding chlorotoxin-like peptides. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:295. [PMID: 24746279 PMCID: PMC4234519 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcrof toxin genes of scorpion species have been published. Up to this moment, no information on the gene characterization of M. gibbosus is available. Results This study provides the first insight into gene expression in venom glands from M. gibbosus scorpion. A cDNA library was generated from the venom glands and subsequently analyzed (301 clones). Sequences from 177 high-quality ESTs were grouped as 48 Mgib sequences, of those 48 sequences, 40 (29 “singletons” and 11 “contigs”) correspond with one or more ESTs. We identified putative precursor sequences and were grouped them in different categories (39 unique transcripts, one with alternative reading frames), resulting in the identification of 12 new toxin-like and 5 antimicrobial precursors (transcripts). The analysis of the gene families revealed several new components categorized among various toxin families with effect on ion channels. Sequence analysis of a new KTx precursor provides evidence to validate a new KTx subfamily (α-KTx 27.x). A second part of this work involves the genomic organization of three Meg-chlorotoxin-like genes (ClTxs). Genomic DNA sequence reveals close similarities (presence of one same-phase intron) with the sole genomic organization of chlorotoxins ever reported (from M. martensii). Conclusions Transcriptome analysis is a powerful strategy that provides complete information of the gene expression and molecular diversity of the venom glands (telson). In this work, we generated the first catalogue of the gene expression and genomic organization of toxins from M. gibbosus. Our result represents a relevant contribution to the knowledge of toxin transcripts and complementary information related with other cell function proteins and venom peptide transcripts. The genomic organization of the chlorotoxin genes may help to understand the diversity of this gene family.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg O& N2,PO Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Poke but don't pinch: risk assessment and venom metering in the western black widow spider, Latrodectus hesperus. Anim Behav 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2013.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Touchard A, Dauvois M, Arguel MJ, Petitclerc F, Leblanc M, Dejean A, Orivel J, Nicholson GM, Escoubas P. Elucidation of the unexplored biodiversity of ant venom peptidomes via MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and its application for chemotaxonomy. J Proteomics 2014; 105:217-31. [PMID: 24456813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The rise of integrative taxonomy, a multi-criteria approach used in characterizing species, fosters the development of new tools facilitating species delimitation. Mass spectrometric (MS) analysis of venom peptides from venomous animals has previously been demonstrated to be a valid method for identifying species. Here we aimed to develop a rapid chemotaxonomic tool for identifying ants based on venom peptide mass fingerprinting. The study focused on the biodiversity of ponerine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae) in French Guiana. Initial experiments optimized the use of automated matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to determine variations in the mass profiles of ant venoms using several MALDI matrices and additives. Data were then analyzed via a hierarchical cluster analysis to classify the venoms of 17 ant species. In addition, phylogenetic relationships were assessed and were highly correlated with methods using DNA sequencing of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1. By combining a molecular genetics approach with this chemotaxonomic approach, we were able to improve the accuracy of the taxonomic findings to reveal cryptic ant species within species complexes. This chemotaxonomic tool can therefore contribute to more rapid species identification and more accurate taxonomies. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE This is the first extensive study concerning the peptide analysis of the venom of both Pachycondyla and Odontomachus ants. We studied the venoms of 17 ant species from French Guiana that permitted us to fine-tune the venom analysis of ponerine ants via MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. We explored the peptidomes of crude ant venom and demonstrated that venom peptides can be used in the identification of ant species. In addition, the application of this novel chemotaxonomic method combined with a parallel genetic approach using COI sequencing permitted us to reveal the presence of cryptic ants within both the Pachycondyla apicalis and Pachycondyla stigma species complexes. This adds a new dimension to the search for means of exploiting the enormous biodiversity of venomous ants as a source for novel therapeutic drugs or biopesticides. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Proteomics of non-model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Touchard
- CNRS, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, 97379 Kourou Cedex, France.
| | - Mélodie Dauvois
- VenomeTech, 473 Route des Dolines - Villa 3, Valbonne 06560, France
| | | | - Frédéric Petitclerc
- CNRS, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, 97379 Kourou Cedex, France
| | - Mathieu Leblanc
- VenomeTech, 473 Route des Dolines - Villa 3, Valbonne 06560, France
| | - Alain Dejean
- CNRS, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, 97379 Kourou Cedex, France; Université de Toulouse, UPS, INP, Laboratoire Écologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement (ECOLAB), 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Jérôme Orivel
- CNRS, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, 97379 Kourou Cedex, France
| | - Graham M Nicholson
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Pierre Escoubas
- VenomeTech, 473 Route des Dolines - Villa 3, Valbonne 06560, France
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31
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Almaaytah A, Albalas Q. Scorpion venom peptides with no disulfide bridges: a review. Peptides 2014; 51:35-45. [PMID: 24184590 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are rich sources of biologically active peptides that are classified into disulfide-bridged peptides (DBPs) and non-disulfide-bridged peptides (NDBPs). DBPs are the main scorpion venom components responsible for the neurotoxic effects observed during scorpion envenomation as they usually target membrane bound ion channels of excitable and non-excitable cells. Several hundred DBPs have been identified and functionally characterized in the past two decades. The NDBPs represent a novel group of molecules that have gained great interest only recently due to their high diversity both in their primary structures and bioactivities. This review provides an overview of scorpion NDBPs focusing on their therapeutic applications, modes of discovery, mechanisms of NDBPs genetic diversity and structural properties. It also provides a simple classification for NDBPs that could be adopted and applied to other NDBPs identified in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Almaaytah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
| | - Qosay Albalas
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Oliveira FN, Mortari MR, Carneiro FP, Guerrero-Vargas JA, Santos DM, Pimenta AM, Schwartz EF. Another record of significant regional variation in toxicity of Tityus serrulatus venom in Brazil: A step towards understanding the possible role of sodium channel modulators. Toxicon 2013; 73:33-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Baracchi D, Mazza G, Michelucci E, Pieraccini G, Turillazzi S, Moneti G. Top-down sequencing of Apis dorsata apamin by MALDI-TOF MS and evidence of its inactivity against microorganisms. Toxicon 2013; 71:105-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 05/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Martin-Eauclaire MF, Granjeaud S, Belghazi M, Bougis PE. Achieving automated scorpion venom mass fingerprinting (VMF) in the nanogram range. Toxicon 2013; 69:211-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Two peptides, TsAP-1 and TsAP-2, from the venom of the Brazilian yellow scorpion, Tityus serrulatus: evaluation of their antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Biochimie 2013; 95:1784-94. [PMID: 23770440 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2013.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Here we report two novel 17-mer amidated linear peptides (TsAP-1 and TsAP-2) whose structures were deduced from cDNAs cloned from a venom-derived cDNA library of the Brazilian yellow scorpion, Tityus serrulatus. Both mature peptides were structurally-characterised following their location in chromatographic fractions of venom and synthetic replicates of each were subjected to a range of biological assays. The peptides were each active against model test micro-organisms but with different potencies. TsAP-1 was of low potency against all three test organisms (MICs 120-160 μM), whereas TsAP-2 was of high potency against the Gram-positive bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 5 μM) and the yeast, Candida albicans (10 μM). Haemolytic activity of TsAP-1 was low (4% at 160 μM) and in contrast, that of TsAP-2 was considerably higher (18% at 20 μM). Substitution of four neutral amino acid residues with Lys residues in each peptide had dramatic effects on their antimicrobial potencies and haemolytic activities, particularly those of TsAP-1. The MICs of the enhanced cationic analogue (TsAP-S1) were 2.5 μM for S. aureus/C. albicans and 5 μM for E. coli but with an associated large increase in haemolytic activity (30% at 5 μM). The same Lys residue substitutions in TsAP-2 produced a dramatic effect on its MIC for E. coli lowering this from >320 μM to 5 μM. TsAP-1 was ineffective against three of the five human cancer cell lines tested while TsAP-2 inhibited the growth of all five. Lys residue substitution of both peptides enhanced their potency against all five cell lines with TsAp-S2 being the most potent with IC50 values ranging between 0.83 and 2.0 μM. TsAP-1 and TsAP-2 are novel scorpion venom peptides with broad spectrum antimicrobial and anticancer cell activities the potencies of which can be significantly enhanced by increasing their cationicity.
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Verano-Braga T, Dutra AAA, León IR, Melo-Braga MN, Roepstorff P, Pimenta AMC, Kjeldsen F. Moving Pieces in a Venomic Puzzle: Unveiling Post-translationally Modified Toxins from Tityus serrulatus. J Proteome Res 2013; 12:3460-70. [DOI: 10.1021/pr4003068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Verano-Braga
- Department of Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Alexandre A. A. Dutra
- Department
of Biochemistry and
Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - Ileana R. León
- Department of Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marcella N. Melo-Braga
- Department of Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Peter Roepstorff
- Department of Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Adriano M. C. Pimenta
- Department
of Biochemistry and
Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - Frank Kjeldsen
- Department of Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Abstract
Venomous animals use a highly complex cocktails of proteins, peptides and small molecules to subdue and kill their prey. As such, venoms represent highly valuable combinatorial peptide libraries, displaying an extensive range of pharmacological activities, honed by natural selection. Modern analytical technologies enable us to take full advantage of this vast pharmacological cornucopia in the hunt for novel drug leads. Spider venoms represent a resource of several million peptides, which selectively target specific subtypes of ion channels. Structure-function studies of spider toxins are leading not only to the discovery of novel molecules, but also to novel therapeutic routes for cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neuromuscular diseases, pain and to a variety of other pathological conditions. This review presents an overview of spider peptide toxins as candidates for therapeutics and focuses on their applications in the discovery of novel mechanisms of analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Escoubas
- University of Nice - Sophia Antipolis, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC) - CNRS UMR6097, 660 Route des Lucioles, 06560 Valbonne, France +33 04 93 95 77 35 ; +33 04 93 95 77 08 ;
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The venom optimization hypothesis revisited. Toxicon 2013; 63:120-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Revised: 11/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Diego-García E, Peigneur S, Debaveye S, Gheldof E, Tytgat J, Caliskan F. Novel potassium channel blocker venom peptides from Mesobuthus gibbosus (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Toxicon 2012; 61:72-82. [PMID: 23142506 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Revised: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we report for the first time, the molecular, biochemical and electrophysiological characterization of the components present in the soluble venom from Mesobuthus gibbosus (Brullé, 1832). According to the epidemiological and clinical situation of scorpion envenomation cases M. gibbosus scorpion is one of the most important health-threatening species of Turkey. Despite the medical importance reported for M. gibbosus, there is no additional information on toxin peptides and venom components to clarify the toxic effect of the M. gibbosus sting. Biochemical characterization of the venom was performed using different protocols and techniques following a bioassay-guided strategy (HPLC, mass spectrometry and Edman degradation sequencing). Venom fractions were tested in electrophysiological assays on a panel of six K(+) channels (K(v)1.1-1.6) by using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. Three new α-KTx peptides were found and called MegKTx1, MegKTx2 and MegKTx3 (M. gibbosus, K(+) channel toxin number 1-3). A cDNA library from the telson was constructed and specific screening of transcripts was performed. Biochemical and molecular characterization of MegKTx peptides and transcripts shows a relation with toxins of three different α-KTx subfamilies (α-KTx3.x, α-KTx9.x and α-KTx16.x).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Diego-García
- Laboratory of Toxicology, University of Leuven (KULeuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N 2, PO Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Xu J, Zhang X, Guo Z, Yan J, Yu L, Li X, Xue X, Liang X. Short-chain peptides identification of scorpion Buthus martensi
Karsch venom by employing high orthogonal 2D-HPLC system and tandem mass spectrometry. Proteomics 2012; 12:3076-84. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201200224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Revised: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Xu
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry; Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Liaoning China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Xiuli Zhang
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry; Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Liaoning China
| | - Zhimou Guo
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry; Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Liaoning China
| | - Jingyu Yan
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry; Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Liaoning China
| | - Long Yu
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry; Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Liaoning China
| | - Xiuling Li
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry; Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Liaoning China
| | - Xingya Xue
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry; Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Liaoning China
| | - Xinmiao Liang
- Key Lab of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry; Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Liaoning China
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Combining multidimensional liquid chromatography and MALDI-TOF-MS for the fingerprint analysis of secreted peptides from the unexplored sea anemone species Phymanthus crucifer. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2012; 903:30-9. [PMID: 22824729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2012.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2012] [Revised: 06/17/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Sea anemones are sources of biologically active proteins and peptides. However, up to date few peptidomic studies of these organisms are known; therefore most species and their peptide diversity remain unexplored. Contrasting to previous venom peptidomic works on sea anemones and other venomous animals, in the present study we combined pH gradient ion-exchange chromatography with gel filtration and reversed-phase chromatography, allowing the separation of the 1-10 kDa polypeptides from the secretion of the unexplored sea anemone Phymanthus crucifer (Cnidaria/Phymanthidae). This multidimensional chromatographic approach followed by MALDI-TOF-MS detection generated a peptide fingerprint comprising 504 different molecular mass values from acidic and basic peptides, being the largest number estimated for a sea anemone exudate. The peptide population within the 2.0-3.5 kDa mass range showed the highest frequency whereas the main biomarkers comprised acidic and basic peptides with molecular masses within 2.5-6.9 kDa, in contrast to the homogeneous group of 4-5 kDa biomarkers found in sea anemones such as B. granulifera and B. cangicum (Cnidaria/Actiniidae). Our study shows that sea anemone peptide fingerprinting can be greatly improved by including pH gradient ion-exchange chromatography into the multidimensional separation approach, complemented by MALDI-TOF-MS detection. This strategy allowed us to find the most abundant and unprecedented diversity of secreted components from a sea anemone exudate, indicating that the search for novel biologically active peptides from these organisms has much greater potential than previously predicted.
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Gurrola GB, Hernández-López RA, Rodríguez de la Vega RC, Varga Z, Batista CVF, Salas-Castillo SP, Panyi G, del Río-Portilla F, Possani LD. Structure, function, and chemical synthesis of Vaejovis mexicanus peptide 24: a novel potent blocker of Kv1.3 potassium channels of human T lymphocytes. Biochemistry 2012; 51:4049-61. [PMID: 22540187 DOI: 10.1021/bi300060n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Animal venoms are rich sources of ligands for studying ion channels and other pharmacological targets. Proteomic analyses of the soluble venom from the Mexican scorpion Vaejovis mexicanus smithi showed that it contains more than 200 different components. Among them, a 36-residue peptide with a molecular mass of 3864 Da (named Vm24) was shown to be a potent blocker of Kv1.3 of human lymphocytes (K(d) ∼ 3 pM). The three-dimensional solution structure of Vm24 was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance, showing the peptide folds into a distorted cystine-stabilized α/β motif consisting of a single-turn α-helix and a three-stranded antiparallel β-sheet, stabilized by four disulfide bridges. The disulfide pairs are formed between Cys6 and Cys26, Cys12 and Cys31, Cys16 and Cys33, and Cys21 and Cys36. Sequence analyses identified Vm24 as the first example of a new subfamily of α-type K(+) channel blockers (systematic number α-KTx 23.1). Comparison with other Kv1.3 blockers isolated from scorpions suggests a number of structural features that could explain the remarkable affinity and specificity of Vm24 toward Kv1.3 channels of lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina B Gurrola
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad, 2001 Cuernavaca, Mor. 62210, Mexico
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Diego-García E, Peigneur S, Clynen E, Marien T, Czech L, Schoofs L, Tytgat J. Molecular diversity of the telson and venom components from Pandinus cavimanus
(Scorpionidae
Latreille 1802): Transcriptome, venomics and function. Proteomics 2012; 12:313-28. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201100409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Revised: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Ciscotto PHC, Rates B, Silva DAF, Richardson M, Silva LP, Andrade H, Donato MF, Cotta GA, Maria WS, Rodrigues RJ, Sanchez E, De Lima ME, Pimenta AMC. Venomic analysis and evaluation of antivenom cross-reactivity of South American Micrurus species. J Proteomics 2011; 74:1810-25. [PMID: 21803179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2011.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Revised: 07/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Coral snakes from Micrurus genus are the main representatives of the Elapidae family in South America. However, biochemical and pharmacological features regarding their venom constituents remain poorly investigated. Here, venomic analyses were carried out aiming at a deeper understanding on the composition of M. frontalis, M. ibiboboca, and M. lemniscatus venoms. In the three venoms investigated, proteins ranging from 6 to 8 kDa (3FTx) and 12 to 14 kDa (PLA(2)) were found to be the most abundant. Also, the N-terminal sequences of four new proteins, purified from the M. lemniscatus venom, similar to 3FTx, PLA(2) and Kunitz-type protease inhibitor from other Micrurus and elapid venoms are reported. Cross-reactivity among different Micrurus venoms and homologous or heterologous antivenoms was carried out by means of 2D-electrophoresis and immunoblotting. As, expected, the heterologous anti-Elapid venom displayed the highest degree of cross-reactivity. Conversely, anti-M. corallinus reacted weakly against the tested venoms. In gel digestions, followed by mass spectrometry sequencing and similarity searching, revealed the most immunogenic protein families as similar to short and long neurotoxins, weak neurotoxins, PLA(2), β-bungarotoxin, venom protein E2, frontoxin III, LAO and C-type lectin. The implications of our results for the production of Micrurus antivenoms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula H C Ciscotto
- Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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45
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The tale of a resting gland: Transcriptome of a replete venom gland from the scorpion Hottentotta judaicus. Toxicon 2011; 57:695-703. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Feltens R, Görner R, Kalkhof S, Gröger-Arndt H, von Bergen M. Discrimination of different species from the genus Drosophila by intact protein profiling using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. BMC Evol Biol 2010; 10:95. [PMID: 20374617 PMCID: PMC2858148 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-10-95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2009] [Accepted: 04/07/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The use of molecular biology-based methods for species identification and establishing phylogenetic relationships has supplanted traditional methods relying on morphological characteristics. While PCR-based methods are now the commonly accepted gold standards for these types of analysis, relatively high costs, time-consuming assay development or the need for a priori information about species-specific sequences constitute major limitations. In the present study, we explored the possibility to differentiate between 13 different species from the genus Drosophila via a molecular proteomic approach. Results After establishing a simple protein extraction procedure and performing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) with intact proteins and peptides, we could show that most of the species investigated reproducibly yielded mass spectra that were adequate for species classification. Furthermore, a dendrogram generated by cluster analysis of total protein patterns agrees reasonably well with established phylogenetic relationships. Conclusion Considering the intra- and interspecies similarities and differences between spectra obtained for specimens of closely related Drosophila species, we estimate that species typing of insects and possibly other multicellular organisms by intact protein profiling (IPP) can be established successfully for species that diverged from a common ancestor about 3 million years ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Feltens
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Medical Faculty of the Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
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48
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Dudley E, Yousef M, Wang Y, Griffiths WJ. Targeted metabolomics and mass spectrometry. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2010; 80:45-83. [PMID: 21109217 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-381264-3.00002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
While a great emphasis has been placed on global metabolomic analysis in recent years, the application of metabolomic style analyses to specific subsets of compounds (targeted metabolomics) also has merits in addressing biological questions in a more hypothesis-driven manner. These analyses are designed to selectively extract information regarding a group of related metabolites from the complex mixture of biomolecules present in most metabolomic samples. Furthermore, targeted metabolomics can also be applied to metabolism within macromolecules, hence furthering the systems biology impact of the analysis. This chapter describes the difference between the global metabolomics approach and the undertaking of metabolomics in a targeted manner and describes the application of this type of analysis in a number of biologically and medically relevant fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dudley
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Swansea University, United Kingdom
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Moraes ER, Kalapothakis E, Naves LA, Kushmerick C. Differential effects of Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom on tetrodotoxin-sensitive and tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium currents. Neurotox Res 2009; 19:102-14. [PMID: 20020338 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-009-9144-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2009] [Revised: 11/27/2009] [Accepted: 12/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We examined modification of sodium channel gating by Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom (TbScV), and compared effects on native tetrodotoxin-sensitive and tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium currents from rat dorsal root ganglion neurons and cardiac myocytes. In neurons, TbScV dramatically reduced the rate of sodium current inactivation, increased current amplitude, and caused a negative shift in the voltage-dependence of activation and inactivation of tetrodotoxin-sensitive channels. Enhanced activation of modified sodium channels was independent of a depolarizing prepulse. We identified two components of neuronal tetrodotoxin-resistant current with biophysical properties similar to those described for NaV1.8 and NaV1.9. In contrast to its effects on neuronal tetrodotoxin-sensitive current, TbScV caused a small decrease in neuronal tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium current amplitude and the gating modifications described above were absent. A third tetrodotoxin-resistant current, NaV1.5 recorded in rat cardiac ventricular myocytes, was inhibited approximately 50% by TbScV, and the remaining current exhibited markedly slowed activation and inactivation. In conclusion, TbScV has very different effects on different sodium channel isoforms. Among the neuronal types, currents resistant to tetrodotoxin are also resistant to gating modification by TbScV. The cardiac tetrodotoxin-resistant current has complex sensitivity that includes both inhibition of current amplitude and slowing of activation and inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eder R Moraes
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Borges A, Bermingham E, Herrera N, Alfonzo MJ, Sanjur OI. Molecular systematics of the neotropical scorpion genus Tityus (Buthidae): the historical biogeography and venom antigenic diversity of toxic Venezuelan species. Toxicon 2009; 55:436-54. [PMID: 19799925 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2009.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2009] [Revised: 08/30/2009] [Accepted: 09/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We provide a mitochondrial DNA-based phylogenetic hypothesis for 21 Tityus species collected in Venezuela, Trinidad, Brazil and Panama, including 12 taxa known to be toxic to humans. Our phylogenetic reconstruction is based on 850 nucleotides of the combined cytochrome oxidase subunit I and 16S rRNA genes for most species, and centered on Venezuelan scorpions owing to the detailed taxonomic and biogeographic information available for Tityus in this region. The principal phylogenetic result was the strong support for mtDNA clades representing geographical groupings associated with the Perijá mountain range, the Mérida Andes, or the central and eastern coastal ranges in Venezuela, suggesting that vicariance has been a potent force in the diversification of local scorpions. Venezuelan Tityus species have been organized by González-Sponga into three artificial morphological groups, "androcottoides", "discrepans", and "nematochirus", based on the array of ventral carinae in metasomal segments II-IV. We also incorporated a fourth morphological group ("Tityus clathratus"), recently documented in Venezuela. Our results do not support the clustering of the species in the "androcottoides" and "discrepans" morphological groups, which include the majority of taxa of medical importance, but provided support for the "nematochirus" species group. T. clathratus was found to cluster with the Brazilian T. serrulatus and T. bahiensis. Divergence times of most clades are consistent with major events in the geological history of northern Venezuela and suggest that many Venezuelan Tityus species formed in the late Miocene and the Pliocene. In turn, we used the Tityus mtDNA phylogeny to determine the potential utility of phylogenetic systematics to predict Tityus venom antigenic reactivity by testing the recognition of T. nororientalis, T. discrepans, T. zulianus, T. perijanensis, and T. clathratus venoms by anti-T. discrepans horse antibodies. Cross-reactivity was significantly higher for the closely related eastern (T. nororientalis) and central coastal (T. discrepans) species in comparison to the distantly related Andean (T. zulianus) and Perijá (T. perijanensis) species. Reactivity of T. clathratus low mol. mass toxic components towards anti-T. serrulatus and anti-T. discrepans antivenoms was low, suggesting that venom components produced by the subgenus Archaeotityus (which encompass "clathratus" species) diverge antigenically from other Tityus scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Borges
- Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
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