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Chary PS, Shaikh S, Rajana N, Bhavana V, Mehra NK. Unlocking nature's arsenal: Nanotechnology for targeted delivery of venom toxins in cancer therapy. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 162:213903. [PMID: 38824828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the present review is to shed light on the nanotechnological approaches adopted to overcome the shortcomings associated with the delivery of venom peptides which possess inherent anti-cancer properties. BACKGROUND Venom peptides although have been reported to demonstrate anti-cancer effects, they suffer from several disadvantages such as in vivo instability, off-target adverse effects, limited drug loading and low bioavailability. This review presents a comprehensive compilation of different classes of nanocarriers while underscoring their advantages, disadvantages and potential to carry such peptide molecules for in vivo delivery. It also discusses various nanotechnological aspects such as methods of fabrication, analytical tools to assess these nanoparticulate formulations, modulation of nanocarrier polymer properties to enhance loading capacity, stability and improve their suitability to carry toxic peptide drugs. CONCLUSION Nanotechnological approaches bear great potential in delivering venom peptide-based molecules as anticancer agents by enhancing their bioavailability, stability, efficacy as well as offering a spatiotemporal delivery approach. However, the challenges associated with toxicity and biocompatibility of nanocarriers must be duly addressed. PERSPECTIVES The everlasting quest for new breakthroughs for safer delivery of venom peptides in human subjects is fuelled by unmet clinical needs in the current landscape of chemotherapy. In addition, exhaustive efforts are required in obtaining and purifying the venom peptides followed by designing and optimizing scale up technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padakanti Sandeep Chary
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Samia Shaikh
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Naveen Rajana
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Valamla Bhavana
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Neelesh Kumar Mehra
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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Phulera S, Dickson CJ, Schwalen CJ, Khoshouei M, Cassell SJ, Sun Y, Condos T, Whicher J, Weihofen WA. Scorpion α-toxin LqhαIT specifically interacts with a glycan at the pore domain of voltage-gated sodium channels. Structure 2024:S0969-2126(24)00284-3. [PMID: 39181123 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.07.021] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels sense membrane potential and drive cellular electrical activity. The deathstalker scorpion α-toxin LqhαIT exerts a strong action potential prolonging effect on Nav channels. To elucidate the mechanism of action of LqhαIT, we determined a 3.9 Å cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of LqhαIT in complex with the Nav channel from Periplaneta americana (NavPas). We found that LqhαIT binds to voltage sensor domain 4 and traps it in an "S4 down" conformation. The functionally essential C-terminal epitope of LqhαIT forms an extensive interface with the glycan scaffold linked to Asn330 of NavPas that augments a small protein-protein interface between NavPas and LqhαIT. A combination of molecular dynamics simulations, structural comparisons, and prior mutagenesis experiments demonstrates the functional importance of this toxin-glycan interaction. These findings establish a structural basis for the specificity achieved by scorpion α-toxins and reveal the conserved glycan as an essential component of the toxin-binding epitope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swastik Phulera
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Callum J Dickson
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Christopher J Schwalen
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Maryam Khoshouei
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Samantha J Cassell
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yishan Sun
- Neuroscience, Novartis Biomedical Research, 22 Windsor St, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tara Condos
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jonathan Whicher
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Wilhelm A Weihofen
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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Wiezel GA, Oliveira IS, Reis MB, Ferreira IG, Cordeiro KR, Bordon KCF, Arantes EC. The complex repertoire of Tityus spp. venoms: Advances on their composition and pharmacological potential of their toxins. Biochimie 2024; 220:144-166. [PMID: 38176606 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Animal venoms are a rich and complex source of components, including peptides (such as neurotoxins, anionic peptides and hypotensins), lipids, proteins (such as proteases, hyaluronidases and phospholipases) and inorganic compounds, which affect all biological systems of the envenoming victim. Their action may result in a wide range of clinical manifestations, including tachy/bradycardia, hyper/hypotension, disorders in blood coagulation, pain, edema, inflammation, fever, muscle paralysis, coma and even death. Scorpions are one of the most studied venomous animals in the world and interesting bioactive molecules have been isolated and identified from their venoms over the years. Tityus spp. are among the scorpions with high number of accidents reported in the Americas, especially in Brazil. Their venoms have demonstrated interesting results in the search for novel agents with antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, hypotensive, immunomodulation, anti-insect, antitumor and/or antinociceptive activities. Furthermore, other recent activities still under investigation include drug delivery action, design of anti-epileptic drugs, investigation of sodium channel function, treatment of erectile disfunction and priapism, improvement of scorpion antivenom and chelating molecules activity. In this scenario, this paper focuses on reviewing advances on Tityus venom components mainly through the modern omics technologies as well as addressing potential therapeutic agents from their venoms and highlighting this abundant source of pharmacologically active molecules with biotechnological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele A Wiezel
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Isadora S Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søtolfts Plads, Building 239 Room 006, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.
| | - Mouzarllem B Reis
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Isabela G Ferreira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Kalynka R Cordeiro
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Karla C F Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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4
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Zou X, Zhang Z, Lu H, Zhao W, Pan L, Chen Y. Functional effects of drugs and toxins interacting with Na V1.4. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1378315. [PMID: 38725668 PMCID: PMC11079311 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1378315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
NaV1.4 is a voltage-gated sodium channel subtype that is predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle cells. It is essential for producing action potentials and stimulating muscle contraction, and mutations in NaV1.4 can cause various muscle disorders. The discovery of the cryo-EM structure of NaV1.4 in complex with β1 has opened new possibilities for designing drugs and toxins that target NaV1.4. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of channelopathies, the binding sites and functions of chemicals including medicine and toxins that interact with NaV1.4. These substances could be considered novel candidate compounds or tools to develop more potent and selective drugs targeting NaV1.4. Therefore, studying NaV1.4 pharmacology is both theoretically and practically meaningful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Zou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lanying Pan
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, China
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Guo Q, Fu J, Yuan L, Liao Y, Li M, Li X, Yi B, Zhang J, Gao B. Diversity analysis of sea anemone peptide toxins in different tissues of Heteractis crispa based on transcriptomics. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7684. [PMID: 38561372 PMCID: PMC10985097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58402-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptide toxins found in sea anemones venom have diverse properties that make them important research subjects in the fields of pharmacology, neuroscience and biotechnology. This study used high-throughput sequencing technology to systematically analyze the venom components of the tentacles, column, and mesenterial filaments of sea anemone Heteractis crispa, revealing the diversity and complexity of sea anemone toxins in different tissues. A total of 1049 transcripts were identified and categorized into 60 families, of which 91.0% were proteins and 9.0% were peptides. Of those 1049 transcripts, 416, 291, and 307 putative proteins and peptide precursors were identified from tentacles, column, and mesenterial filaments respectively, while 428 were identified when the datasets were combined. Of these putative toxin sequences, 42 were detected in all three tissues, including 33 proteins and 9 peptides, with the majority of peptides being ShKT domain, β-defensin, and Kunitz-type. In addition, this study applied bioinformatics approaches to predict the family classification, 3D structures, and functional annotation of these representative peptides, as well as the evolutionary relationships between peptides, laying the foundation for the next step of peptide pharmacological activity research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Guo
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Jinxing Fu
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Department of Pharmacy, 928th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Haikou, China
| | - Yanling Liao
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Ming Li
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xinzhong Li
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Bo Yi
- Department of Pharmacy, 928th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Haikou, China
| | - Junqing Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
| | - Bingmiao Gao
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
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Abbas F, Blömer LA, Millet H, Montnach J, De Waard M, Canepari M. Analysis of the effect of the scorpion toxin AaH-II on action potential generation in the axon initial segment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4967. [PMID: 38424206 PMCID: PMC10904771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55315-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The toxin AaH-II, from the scorpion Androctonus australis Hector venom, is a 64 amino acid peptide that targets voltage-gated Na+ channels (VGNCs) and slows their inactivation. While at macroscopic cellular level AaH-II prolongs the action potential (AP), a functional analysis of the effect of the toxin in the axon initial segment (AIS), where VGNCs are highly expressed, was never performed so far. Here, we report an original analysis of the effect of AaH-II on the AP generation in the AIS of neocortical layer-5 pyramidal neurons from mouse brain slices. After determining that AaH-II does not discriminate between Nav1.2 and Nav1.6, i.e. between the two VGNC isoforms expressed in this neuron, we established that 7 nM was the smallest toxin concentration producing a minimal detectable deformation of the somatic AP after local delivery of the toxin. Using membrane potential imaging, we found that, at this minimal concentration, AaH-II substantially widened the AP in the AIS. Using ultrafast Na+ imaging, we found that local application of 7 nM AaH-II caused a large increase in the slower component of the Na+ influx in the AIS. Finally, using ultrafast Ca2+ imaging, we observed that 7 nM AaH-II produces a spurious slow Ca2+ influx via Ca2+-permeable VGNCs. Molecules targeting VGNCs, including peptides, are proposed as potential therapeutic tools. Thus, the present analysis in the AIS can be considered a general proof-of-principle on how high-resolution imaging techniques can disclose drug effects that cannot be observed when tested at the macroscopic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Abbas
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhy, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Laila Ananda Blömer
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhy, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Hugo Millet
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France
- Nantes Université, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du Thorax, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Jérôme Montnach
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France
- Nantes Université, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du Thorax, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Michel De Waard
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France
- Nantes Université, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du Thorax, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Marco Canepari
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhy, 38000, Grenoble, France.
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France.
- Institut National de la Santé et Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique (UMR 5588), Bat. E45, 140 Avenue de la Physique, Domaine Univ., 38402, St Martin d'Hères Cedex, France.
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Xia Z, He D, Wu Y, Kwok HF, Cao Z. Scorpion venom peptides: Molecular diversity, structural characteristics, and therapeutic use from channelopathies to viral infections and cancers. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106978. [PMID: 37923027 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venom is an important evolutionary innovation in nature. As one of the most representative animal venoms, scorpion venom contains an extremely diverse set of bioactive peptides. Scorpion venom peptides not only are 'poisons' that immobilize, paralyze, kill, or dissolve preys but also become important candidates for drug development and design. Here, the review focuses on the molecular diversity of scorpion venom peptides, their typical structural characteristics, and their multiple therapeutic or pharmaceutical applications in channelopathies, viral infections and cancers. Especially, the group of scorpion toxin TRPTx targeting transient receptor potential (TRP) channels is systematically summarized and worthy of attention because TRP channels play a crucial role in the regulation of homeostasis and the occurrence of diseases in human. We also further establish the potential relationship between the molecular characteristics and functional applications of scorpion venom peptides to provide a research basis for modern drug development and clinical utilization of scorpion venom resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xia
- School of Biological and Food Processing Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Dangui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao.
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Mineev KS, Chernykh MA, Motov VV, Prudnikova DA, Pavlenko DM, Kuzmenkov AI, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, Vassilevski AA. A scorpion toxin affecting sodium channels shows double cis-trans isomerism. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2358-2368. [PMID: 37501371 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14705] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion α-toxins (α-NaTx) inhibiting the inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav ) are a well-studied family of small proteins. We previously showed that the structure of α-NaTx specificity module responsible for selective Nav binding is governed by an interplay between the nest and niche protein motifs. Here, we report the solution structure of the toxin Lqq4 from the venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus. Unexpectedly, we find that this toxin presents an ensemble of long-lived structurally distinct states. We unequivocally assign these states to the alternative configurations (cis-trans isomers) of two peptide bonds: V56-P57 and C17-G18; neither of the cis isomers has been described in α-NaTx so far. We argue that the native conformational space of α-NaTx is wider than assumed previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin S Mineev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A Chernykh
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladislav V Motov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Daria A Prudnikova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daniil M Pavlenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey I Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
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García-Villalvazo PE, Jiménez-Vargas JM, Lino-López GJ, Meneses EP, Bermúdez-Guzmán MDJ, Barajas-Saucedo CE, Delgado Enciso I, Possani LD, Valdez-Velazquez LL. Unveiling the Protein Components of the Secretory-Venom Gland and Venom of the Scorpion Centruroides possanii (Buthidae) through Omic Technologies. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:498. [PMID: 37624255 PMCID: PMC10467079 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15080498] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Centruroides possanii is a recently discovered species of "striped scorpion" found in Mexico. Certain species of Centruroides are known to be toxic to mammals, leading to numerous cases of human intoxications in the country. Venom components are thought to possess therapeutic potential and/or biotechnological applications. Hence, obtaining and analyzing the secretory gland transcriptome and venom proteome of C. possanii is relevant, and that is what is described in this communication. Since this is a newly described species, first, its LD50 to mice was determined and estimated to be 659 ng/g mouse weight. Using RNA extracted from this species and preparing their corresponding cDNA fragments, a transcriptome analysis was obtained on a Genome Analyzer (Illumina) using the 76-base pair-end sequencing protocol. Via high-throughput sequencing, 19,158,736 reads were obtained and ensembled in 835,204 sequences. Of them, 28,399 transcripts were annotated with Pfam. A total of 244 complete transcripts were identified in the transcriptome of C. possanii. Of these, 109 sequences showed identity to toxins that act on ion channels, 47 enzymes, 17 protease inhibitors (PINs), 11 defense peptides (HDPs), and 60 in other components. In addition, a sample of the soluble venom obtained from this scorpion was analyzed using an Orbitrap Velos apparatus, which allowed for identification by liquid chromatography followed by mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) of 70 peptides and proteins: 23 toxins, 27 enzymes, 6 PINs, 3 HDPs, and 11 other components. Until now, this work has the highest number of scorpion venom components identified through omics technologies. The main novel findings described here were analyzed in comparison with the known data from the literature, and this process permitted some new insights in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juana María Jiménez-Vargas
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Colima 28400, Mexico; (P.E.G.-V.); (J.M.J.-V.); (C.E.B.-S.)
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnología (CONAHCYT), Mexico City 03940, Mexico
| | - Gisela Jareth Lino-López
- Centro Nacional de Referencia de Control Biológico, Dirección General de Sanidad Vegetal SENASICASADER, Colima 28110, Mexico;
| | - Erika Patricia Meneses
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico;
| | | | | | | | - Lourival Domingos Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico;
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10
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Dehghani R, Ghorbani A, Varzandeh M, Karami-Robati F. Toxicity Mechanism of Dangerous Scorpion Stings in Iran. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2023; 17:105-119. [PMID: 37822761 PMCID: PMC10562200 DOI: 10.18502/jad.v17i2.13616] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Considering the importance of scorpions and recognizing the mechanisms of toxicity caused by their medically important species in Iran and adopting the best therapeutic approach based on these mechanisms, this study was performed by reviewing the clinical manifestations of scorpion stings. Methods The research was conducted by searching for articles and researches in related websites (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL) and using domestic and international authoritative journals using the keywords of scorpion, clinical manifestations, in a review method. Finally, 104 qualified sources were selected and after reviewing and criticizing these studies, the author's point of view was presented. Results Clinical manifestations of Scorpion sting toxicity vary due to the existence of two toxic classes of neurotoxins and cytotoxins or hemotoxins in these arthropods in Iran. The number and distribution of species with neurotoxic venom are higher than the scorpions with cytotoxic venom and are reported throughout Iran. Scorpions with cytotoxic venom are mostly widespread in south and southwest of Iran. Conclusion Treatment and prevention of scorpion stings in Iran and neighboring countries in the Middle East should be planned based on the mechanism of toxicity and the presence of toxic classes with neurotoxic or cytotoxic venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouhullah Dehghani
- Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center and Department of Environmental Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghorbani
- Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Varzandeh
- Department of Clinical Toxicology and Poisoning, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Karami-Robati
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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11
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Mendes LC, Viana GMM, Nencioni ALA, Pimenta DC, Beraldo-Neto E. Scorpion Peptides and Ion Channels: An Insightful Review of Mechanisms and Drug Development. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:238. [PMID: 37104176 PMCID: PMC10145618 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Buthidae family of scorpions consists of arthropods with significant medical relevance, as their venom contains a diverse range of biomolecules, including neurotoxins that selectively target ion channels in cell membranes. These ion channels play a crucial role in regulating physiological processes, and any disturbance in their activity can result in channelopathies, which can lead to various diseases such as autoimmune, cardiovascular, immunological, neurological, and neoplastic conditions. Given the importance of ion channels, scorpion peptides represent a valuable resource for developing drugs with targeted specificity for these channels. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structure and classification of ion channels, the action of scorpion toxins on these channels, and potential avenues for future research. Overall, this review highlights the significance of scorpion venom as a promising source for discovering novel drugs with therapeutic potential for treating channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lais Campelo Mendes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências—Toxinologia do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
- Laboratório de Bioquímica do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Emidio Beraldo-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
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12
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Pashmforoosh N, Baradaran M. Peptides with Diverse Functions from Scorpion Venom: A Great Opportunity for the Treatment of a Wide Variety of Diseases. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:84-99. [PMID: 37070616 PMCID: PMC10314758 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran The venom glands are a rich source of biologically important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. Scorpion venoms have been identified as a reservoir for components that might be considered as great candidates for drug development. Pharmacological properties of the venom compounds have been confirmed in the treatment of different disorders. Ion channel blockers and AMPs are the main groups of scorpion venom components. Despite the existence of several studies about scorpion peptides, there are still valuable components to be discovered. Additionally, owing to the improvement of proteomics and transcriptomics, the number of peptide drugs is steadily increasing, which reflects the importance of these medications. This review evaluates available literatures on some important scorpion venom peptides with pharmaceutical activities. Given that the last three years have been dominated by the COVID-19 from the medical/pharmaceutical perspective, scorpion compounds with the potential against the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoumeh Baradaran
- Corresponding Author: Masoumeh Baradaran Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; E-mail:
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13
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Mateos DL, Yarov-Yarovoy V. Structural modeling of peptide toxin-ion channel interactions using RosettaDock. Proteins 2023. [PMID: 36729043 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated ion channels play essential physiological roles in action potential generation and propagation. Peptidic toxins from animal venoms target ion channels and provide useful scaffolds for the rational design of novel channel modulators with enhanced potency and subtype selectivity. Despite recent progress in obtaining experimental structures of peptide toxin-ion channel complexes, structural determination of peptide toxins bound to ion channels in physiologically important states remains challenging. Here we describe an application of RosettaDock approach to the structural modeling of peptide toxins interactions with ion channels. We tested this approach on 10 structures of peptide toxin-ion channel complexes and demonstrated that it can sample near-native structures in all tested cases. Our approach will be useful for improving the understanding of the molecular mechanism of natural peptide toxin modulation of ion channel gating and for the structural modeling of novel peptide-based ion channel modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Lopez Mateos
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
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14
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Oliveira da Mata D, Tibery DV, Fernandes-Pedrosa MF, Schwartz EF. Modulation of hNav by Tst1, a β-toxin purified from the scorpion Tityus stigmurus. Biochimie 2023; 204:118-126. [PMID: 36116743 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are known as a rich mixture of components, including peptides that can interact with different ion channels, particularly voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv), calcium channels (Cav) and sodium channels (Nav), essential membrane proteins for various physiological functions in organisms. The present work aimed to characterize the modulation of hNa+-channels by Tst1, a peptide purified from the venom of Tityus stigmurus, using whole-cell patch clamp. Tst1 at 100 nM provoked current inhibition in Nav 1.3 (85.23%), Nav 1.2 (67.26%) and Nav 1.4 (63.43%), while Nav 1.1, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 were not significantly affected. Tst1 also shifted the voltage of activation and steady-state inactivation to more hyperpolarized states and altered the recovery from inactivation of the channels, reducing repetitive firing of cells, which was more effective in Nav 1.3. Tst1 also demonstrated that the effect on Nav 1.3 is dose-dependent, with an IC50 of 8.79 nM. Taken together, these results confirmed that Tst1, the first Tityus stigmurus NaScTx assayed in relation to Nav channels, is a β-toxin, as was previously suggested due to its amino acid sequence. KEY CONTRIBUTION: First β-toxin purified from the venom of Tityus stigmurus scorpion broadly characterized in hNa+-channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oliveira da Mata
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Biological Science Department, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Diogo Vieira Tibery
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Biological Science Department, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Matheus F Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Biological Science Department, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
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15
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Menezes LFS, Maranhão MM, Tibery DV, de Souza ACB, da Mata DO, Campos LA, Souza AA, Freitas SMD, Schwartz EF. Ts17, a Tityus serrulatus β-toxin structurally related to α-scorpion toxins. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2023; 1865:184057. [PMID: 36240866 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Ts17 was purified from the venom of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus, the most dangerous scorpion species in Brazil. The activity on Nav1.1-Nav1.7 channels was electrophysiologically characterized by patch-clamp technique. Ts17 amino acid sequence indicated high similarity to alpha-scorpion toxins; however, it presented beta-toxin activity, altering the kinetics of the Na+-channels. The most affected subtypes during activation (with and without prepulse) and inactivation phases were Nav1.2 and Nav1.5, respectively. For recovery from inactivation, the most affected voltage-gated sodium channel was Nav1.5. Circular dichroism spectra showed that Ts17 presents mainly β-sheet and unordered structures at all analyzed pHs, and the maximum value of α-helix was found at pH 4.0 (13.3 %). Based on the results, Ts17 might be used as a template to develop a new cardiac drug. Key contribution Purification of Ts17 from Tityus serrulatus, electrophysiological characterization of Ts17 on voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes, β-toxin classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Felipe Santos Menezes
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Mariza Mendanha Maranhão
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Diogo Vieira Tibery
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Adolfo Carlos Barros de Souza
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Daniel Oliveira da Mata
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Leandro Ambrósio Campos
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Distrito Federal, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Paulista, Brasília 70390-130, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Amanda Araújo Souza
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas 13083-970, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sonia Maria de Freitas
- Laboratório de Biofísica Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
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George K, Lopez-Mateos D, Abd El-Aziz TM, Xiao Y, Kline J, Bao H, Raza S, Stockand JD, Cummins TR, Fornelli L, Rowe MP, Yarov-Yarovoy V, Rowe AH. Structural and Functional Characterization of a Novel Scorpion Toxin that Inhibits NaV1.8 via Interactions With the DI Voltage Sensor and DII Pore Module. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:846992. [PMID: 35662692 PMCID: PMC9160825 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.846992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.8 regulates transmission of pain signals to the brain. While NaV1.8 has the potential to serve as a drug target, the molecular mechanisms that shape NaV1.8 gating are not completely understood, particularly mechanisms that couple activation to inactivation. Interactions between toxin producing animals and their predators provide a novel approach for investigating NaV structure-function relationships. Arizona bark scorpions produce Na+ channel toxins that initiate pain signaling. However, in predatory grasshopper mice, toxins inhibit NaV1.8 currents and block pain signals. A screen of synthetic peptide toxins predicted from bark scorpion venom showed that peptide NaTx36 inhibited Na+ current recorded from a recombinant grasshopper mouse NaV1.8 channel (OtNaV1.8). Toxin NaTx36 hyperpolarized OtNaV1.8 activation, steady-state fast inactivation, and slow inactivation. Mutagenesis revealed that the first gating charge in the domain I (DI) S4 voltage sensor and an acidic amino acid (E) in the DII SS2 – S6 pore loop are critical for the inhibitory effects of NaTx36. Computational modeling showed that a DI S1 – S2 asparagine (N) stabilizes the NaTx36 – OtNaV1.8 complex while residues in the DI S3 – S4 linker and S4 voltage sensor form electrostatic interactions that allow a toxin glutamine (Q) to contact the first S4 gating charge. Surprisingly, the models predicted that NaTx36 contacts amino acids in the DII S5 – SS1 pore loop instead of the SS2 – S6 loop; the DII SS2 – S6 loop motif (QVSE) alters the conformation of the DII S5 – SS1 pore loop, enhancing allosteric interactions between toxin and the DII S5 – SS1 pore loop. Few toxins have been identified that modify NaV1.8 gating. Moreover, few toxins have been described that modify sodium channel gating via the DI S4 voltage sensor. Thus, NaTx36 and OtNaV1.8 provide tools for investigating the structure-activity relationship between channel activation and inactivation gating, and the connection to alternative pain phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran George
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Diego Lopez-Mateos
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt
- Amsaal Venom Farm L.L.C., Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yucheng Xiao
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jake Kline
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Hong Bao
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Syed Raza
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - James D. Stockand
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Theodore R. Cummins
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Luca Fornelli
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Matthew P. Rowe
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ashlee H. Rowe
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
- *Correspondence: Ashlee H. Rowe,
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17
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Cui Y, Wang T, Hao Z, Zhang J, Zhao Y. Methionine 58 is a key residue in the modulation of BmK scorpion toxin AGP-SYPU2 activity through in silico and in vivo studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:2955-2962. [PMID: 33228478 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1848626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Protein dynamic networks play an important role in the regulation of many protein systems. Some residues that are far away from the interface between proteins and their targets have a critical role in modulating the activity of some scorpion toxins. Here, conservation analysis combined with an in vivo experiment has reveals that Met58 is a key residue of BmK scorpion toxin AGP-SYPU2 in the modulation of analgesic activity. Molecular dynamics simulations clearly reveal the conformational changes that allow the loop between the β2 and β3 sheets to be exposed on the toxin surface to interact with its targets. Our results emphasize specific roles for the residue Met58 in the NC domain and our work gives valuable information for further modification of scorpion toxins to obtain new analgesic peptides with enhanced activity. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Cui
- School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Ting Wang
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Zhihui Hao
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Jinghai Zhang
- School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Yongshan Zhao
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
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18
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Hmaidi R, Ksouri A, Benabderrazek R, Antonietti V, Sonnet P, Gautier M, Bouhaouala-Zahar B, Ouadid-Ahidouch H. The Pharmacological and Structural Basis of the AahII–NaV1.5 Interaction and Modulation by the Anti-AahII Nb10 Nanobody. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:821181. [PMID: 35295326 PMCID: PMC8918821 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.821181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion α-toxins are neurotoxins that target the fast inactivation mechanism of voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels leading to several neuro- and cardiotoxic effects in mammals. The toxin AahII is the most active α-toxin from the North African scorpion Androctonus australis Hector that slows the fast inactivation of NaV channels. To fight scorpion envenomation, an anti-AahII nanobody named NbAahII10 (Nb10) was developed. The efficiency of this nanobody has been evaluated in vivo on mice, but its mechanism of action at the cellular level remains unknown. Here we have shown that AahII toxin slows the fast inactivation of the adult cardiac NaV1.5 channels, expressed in HEK293 cells, in a dose-dependent manner, while current amplitude was not affected. The inactivation of NaV1.5 is slower by a factor of 4, 7, and 35 in the presence of [AahII] at 75, 150, and 300 nM, respectively. The washout partially reversed the toxin effect on inactivation from 8.3 ± 0.9 ms to 5.2 ± 1.2 ms at 75 nM. We have also demonstrated that the highly neutralizing Nb10 can fully reverse the effect of AahII toxin on the channel inactivation kinetics even at the 1:1 M ratio. However, the 1:0.5 M ratio is not able to neutralize completely the AahII effect. Therefore, the application of Nb10 promotes a partial abolishment of AahII action. Bioinformatic analysis and prediction of NaV1.5-driven docking with AahII show that Ala39 and Arg62 of AahII play a crucial role to establish a stable interaction through H-bound interactions with Gln1615 and Lys1616 (S3–S4 extracellular loop) and Asp1553 (S1–S2 loop) from the voltage-sensing domain IV (VSD4) of NaV1.5, respectively. From this, we notice that AahII shares the same contact surface with Nb10. This strongly suggests that Nb10 dynamically replaces AahII toxin from its binding site on the NaV1.5 channel. At the physiopathological level, Nb10 completely neutralized the enhancement of breast cancer cell invasion induced by AahII. In summary, for the first time, we made an electrophysiological and structural characterization of the neutralization potent of Nb10 against the α-scorpion toxin AahII in a cellular model overexpressing NaV1.5 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riadh Hmaidi
- Laboratory of Biomolecules, Venoms, and Theranostic Applications, Institut Pasteur Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology UR 4667, UFR of Sciences, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Ayoub Ksouri
- Laboratory of Biomolecules, Venoms, and Theranostic Applications, Institut Pasteur Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rahma Benabderrazek
- Laboratory of Biomolecules, Venoms, and Theranostic Applications, Institut Pasteur Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Viviane Antonietti
- Infectious Agents, Resistance and Chemotherapy UR 4294, UFR of Pharmacy, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Pascal Sonnet
- Infectious Agents, Resistance and Chemotherapy UR 4294, UFR of Pharmacy, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Mathieu Gautier
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology UR 4667, UFR of Sciences, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- *Correspondence: Mathieu Gautier, ; Balkiss Bouhaouala-Zahar, ; Halima Ouadid-Ahidouch,
| | - Balkiss Bouhaouala-Zahar
- Laboratory of Biomolecules, Venoms, and Theranostic Applications, Institut Pasteur Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Medical School of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- *Correspondence: Mathieu Gautier, ; Balkiss Bouhaouala-Zahar, ; Halima Ouadid-Ahidouch,
| | - Halima Ouadid-Ahidouch
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology UR 4667, UFR of Sciences, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- *Correspondence: Mathieu Gautier, ; Balkiss Bouhaouala-Zahar, ; Halima Ouadid-Ahidouch,
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19
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Van Baelen AC, Robin P, Kessler P, Maïga A, Gilles N, Servent D. Structural and Functional Diversity of Animal Toxins Interacting With GPCRs. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:811365. [PMID: 35198603 PMCID: PMC8859281 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.811365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide toxins from venoms have undergone a long evolutionary process allowing host defense or prey capture and making them highly selective and potent for their target. This has resulted in the emergence of a large panel of toxins from a wide diversity of species, with varied structures and multiple associated biological functions. In this way, animal toxins constitute an inexhaustible reservoir of druggable molecules due to their interesting pharmacological properties. One of the most interesting classes of therapeutic targets is the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs represent the largest family of membrane receptors in mammals with approximately 800 different members. They are involved in almost all biological functions and are the target of almost 30% of drugs currently on the market. Given the interest of GPCRs in the therapeutic field, the study of toxins that can interact with and modulate their activity with the purpose of drug development is of particular importance. The present review focuses on toxins targeting GPCRs, including peptide-interacting receptors or aminergic receptors, with a particular focus on structural aspects and, when relevant, on potential medical applications. The toxins described here exhibit a great diversity in size, from 10 to 80 amino acids long, in disulfide bridges, from none to five, and belong to a large panel of structural scaffolds. Particular toxin structures developed here include inhibitory cystine knot (ICK), three-finger fold, and Kunitz-type toxins. We summarize current knowledge on the structural and functional diversity of toxins interacting with GPCRs, concerning first the agonist-mimicking toxins that act as endogenous agonists targeting the corresponding receptor, and second the toxins that differ structurally from natural agonists and which display agonist, antagonist, or allosteric properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Cécile Van Baelen
- CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Philippe Robin
- CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Pascal Kessler
- CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Arhamatoulaye Maïga
- CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- CHU Sainte Justine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Gilles
- CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Denis Servent
- CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- *Correspondence: Denis Servent,
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20
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Peng S, Chen M, Xiao Z, Xiao X, Luo S, Liang S, Zhou X, Liu Z. A Novel Spider Toxin Inhibits Fast Inactivation of the Na v1.9 Channel by Binding to Domain III and Domain IV Voltage Sensors. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:778534. [PMID: 34938190 PMCID: PMC8685421 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.778534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals have evolved to produce peptide toxins that modulate the activity of voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels. These specific modulators are powerful probes for investigating the structural and functional features of Nav channels. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of δ-theraphotoxin-Gr4b (Gr4b), a novel peptide toxin from the venom of the spider Grammostola rosea. Gr4b contains 37-amino acid residues with six cysteines forming three disulfide bonds. Patch-clamp analysis confirmed that Gr4b markedly slows the fast inactivation of Nav1.9 and inhibits the currents of Nav1.4 and Nav1.7, but does not affect Nav1.8. It was also found that Gr4b significantly shifts the steady-state activation and inactivation curves of Nav1.9 to the depolarization direction and increases the window current, which is consistent with the change in the ramp current. Furthermore, analysis of Nav1.9/Nav1.8 chimeric channels revealed that Gr4b preferentially binds to the voltage-sensor of domain III (DIII VSD) and has additional interactions with the DIV VSD. The site-directed mutagenesis analysis indicated that N1139 and L1143 in DIII S3-S4 linker participate in toxin binding. In sum, this study reports a novel spider peptide toxin that may slow the fast inactivation of Nav1.9 by binding to the new neurotoxin receptor site-DIII VSD. Taken together, these findings provide insight into the functional role of the Nav channel DIII VSD in fast inactivation and activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuijiao Peng
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Minzhi Chen
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhen Xiao
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Xiao
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Sen Luo
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Songping Liang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xi Zhou
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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21
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Diochot S. Pain-related toxins in scorpion and spider venoms: a face to face with ion channels. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210026. [PMID: 34925480 PMCID: PMC8667759 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a common symptom induced during envenomation by spiders and scorpions.
Toxins isolated from their venom have become essential tools for studying the
functioning and physiopathological role of ion channels, as they modulate their
activity. In particular, toxins that induce pain relief effects can serve as a
molecular basis for the development of future analgesics in humans. This review
provides a summary of the different scorpion and spider toxins that directly
interact with pain-related ion channels, with inhibitory or stimulatory effects.
Some of these toxins were shown to affect pain modalities in different animal
models providing information on the role played by these channels in the pain
process. The close interaction of certain gating-modifier toxins with membrane
phospholipids close to ion channels is examined along with molecular approaches
to improve selectivity, affinity or bioavailability in vivo for
therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Diochot
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7275 et Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), 06560 Valbonne, France. Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Université Côte d'Azur Valbonne France
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22
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Maatoug S, Cheikh A, Khamessi O, Tabka H, Landoulsi Z, Guigonis JM, Diochot S, Bendahhou S, Benkhalifa R. Cross Pharmacological, Biochemical and Computational Studies of a Human Kv3.1b Inhibitor from Androctonus australis Venom. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212290. [PMID: 34830172 PMCID: PMC8618407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated K+ channels Kv3.1 display fast activation and deactivation kinetics and are known to have a crucial contribution to the fast-spiking phenotype of certain neurons. AahG50, as a natural product extracted from Androctonus australis hector venom, inhibits selectively Kv3.1 channels. In the present study, we focused on the biochemical and pharmacological characterization of the component in AahG50 scorpion venom that potently and selectively blocks the Kv3.1 channels. We used a combined optimization through advanced biochemical purification and patch-clamp screening steps to characterize the peptide in AahG50 active on Kv3.1 channels. We described the inhibitory effect of a toxin on Kv3.1 unitary current in black lipid bilayers. In silico, docking experiments are used to study the molecular details of the binding. We identified the first scorpion venom peptide inhibiting Kv3.1 current at 170 nM. This toxin is the alpha-KTx 15.1, which occludes the Kv3.1 channel pore by means of the lysine 27 lateral chain. This study highlights, for the first time, the modulation of the Kv3.1 by alpha-KTx 15.1, which could be an interesting starting compound for developing therapeutic biomolecules against Kv3.1-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Maatoug
- Laboratoire Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (A.C.); (H.T.); (Z.L.)
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (R.B.); Tel.: +216-98-81-27-32 (R.B.)
| | - Amani Cheikh
- Laboratoire Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (A.C.); (H.T.); (Z.L.)
| | - Oussema Khamessi
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia;
| | - Hager Tabka
- Laboratoire Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (A.C.); (H.T.); (Z.L.)
- Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université de Carthage, Bizerte 7021, Tunisia
| | - Zied Landoulsi
- Laboratoire Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (A.C.); (H.T.); (Z.L.)
| | - Jean-Marie Guigonis
- Laboratory Transporter in Imaging and Radiotherapy in Oncology (TIRO), Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale (DRF), Institut des Sciences du Vivant Fréderic Joliot, Commissariat à l′Energie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Université Côte d’Azur, F-06107 Nice, France;
| | - Sylvie Diochot
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Côte d’Azur, 660 Route des Lucioles, Sophia-Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France;
| | - Saïd Bendahhou
- UMR7370 CNRS, LP2M, Université Côte d’Azur, Labex ICST, Nice, France;
| | - Rym Benkhalifa
- Laboratoire Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (A.C.); (H.T.); (Z.L.)
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (R.B.); Tel.: +216-98-81-27-32 (R.B.)
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23
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Dashevsky D, Rodriguez J. A Short Review of the Venoms and Toxins of Spider Wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae). Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13110744. [PMID: 34822528 PMCID: PMC8622703 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitoid wasps represent the plurality of venomous animals, but have received extremely little research in proportion to this taxonomic diversity. The lion’s share of investigation into insect venoms has focused on eusocial hymenopterans, but even this small sampling shows great promise for the development of new active substances. The family Pompilidae is known as the spider wasps because of their reproductive habits which include hunting for spiders, delivering a paralyzing sting, and entombing them in burrows with one of the wasp’s eggs to serve as food for the developing larva. The largest members of this family, especially the tarantula hawks of the genus Pepsis, have attained notoriety for their large size, dramatic coloration, long-term paralysis of their prey, and incredibly painful defensive stings. In this paper we review the existing research regarding the composition and function of pompilid venoms, discuss parallels from other venom literatures, identify possible avenues for the adaptation of pompilid toxins towards human purposes, and future directions of inquiry for the field.
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24
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Li YL, Qu Q, Qi YK, Liu L, Wang KW, Liu Y, Fang GM. Comparison of different strategies towards the chemical synthesis of long-chain scorpion toxin AaH-II. J Pept Sci 2021; 28:e3365. [PMID: 34467600 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3365] [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: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Long-chain scorpion toxin AaH-II isolated from Androctonus australis Hector can selectively inhibit mammalian voltage-gated sodium ion channel Nav 1.7 responsible for pain sensation. Efficient chemical synthesis of AaH-II and its derivatives is beneficial to the study of the function and mechanism of Nav 1.7 and the development of potential peptide inhibitors. Herein, we compared three different strategies, namely, direct solid-phase peptide synthesis, hydrazide-based two-segment native chemical ligation, and hydrazide-based three-segment native chemical ligation for the synthesis of AaH-II. The hydrazide-based two-segment native chemical ligation affords the target toxin with the optimal efficiency, which provides a practically robust procedure for the preparation of tool molecules derived from AaH-II to study the biological functions and modulation of Nav 1.7. Our work highlights the importance of selecting suitable segment condensation approach in the chemical synthesis of protein toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Lei Li
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qian Qu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Department of Health Sciences, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | - Yun-Kun Qi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yani Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ge-Min Fang
- Department of Health Sciences, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, China
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25
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Bayatzadeh MA, Zare Mirakabadi A, Babaei N, Doulah A, Doosti A. Expression and purification of recombinant alpha-toxin AnCra1 from the scorpion Androctonus crassicauda and its functional characterization on mammalian sodium channels. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:6303-6312. [PMID: 34379289 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06624-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-scorpion toxins with long-chain peptide and four disulfide bonds represent diverse pharmacological profiles for various subtypes of voltage-gated sodium channels. Obtaining the natural toxins are difficult and time-consuming process, which represents the major difficulty to interpreting analysis of their structural and functional properties. METHODS AND RESULTS This study describes the toxin peptide and plasmid construct containing the gene coding for mammalian toxin AnCra1 from the scorpion Androctonus crassicauda venom. We have established genetic construction of fusion protein in pET32a + vector containing thioredoxin (Trx-tag), enterokinase cleavage site and 6xhistidine-tag for efficient expression in Escherichia coli strain RG2 (DE3). The soluble expressed peptide, then purified by Ni-NTA resin affinity chromatography and its purity was confirmed by reverse-phase HPLC and mass spectrometry (7433.54 Da.). The electrophysiological data showed that recombinant AnCra1 selectively inhibits the fast inactivation of hNav1.7 channel (EC50 = 136.7 ± 6.6 nM). CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that the AnCra1 is structurally and functionally analogous to alpha excitatory toxins; furthermore, expression and purification of bioactive scorpion toxins in bacterial cells can be a practicable and efficient way to obtain a novel source of toxin peptides as tools to study the function and physiological responses of ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali Bayatzadeh
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Bushehr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Abbas Zare Mirakabadi
- Venomous Animals and Antivenom Production Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research- Education and Extension Organization, Hesarak, Karaj, Alborz, Iran.
| | - Nahid Babaei
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Bushehr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Abdolhassan Doulah
- Department of Nursing, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Abbas Doosti
- Biotechnology Research Center, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
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26
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Abd El-Aziz TM, Xiao Y, Kline J, Gridley H, Heaston A, Linse KD, Ward MJ, Rokyta DR, Stockand JD, Cummins TR, Fornelli L, Rowe AH. Identification and Characterization of Novel Proteins from Arizona Bark Scorpion Venom That Inhibit Nav1.8, a Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Regulator of Pain Signaling. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13070501. [PMID: 34357973 PMCID: PMC8310189 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.8 is linked to neuropathic and inflammatory pain, highlighting the potential to serve as a drug target. However, the biophysical mechanisms that regulate Nav1.8 activation and inactivation gating are not completely understood. Progress has been hindered by a lack of biochemical tools for examining Nav1.8 gating mechanisms. Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) venom proteins inhibit Nav1.8 and block pain in grasshopper mice (Onychomys torridus). These proteins provide tools for examining Nav1.8 structure–activity relationships. To identify proteins that inhibit Nav1.8 activity, venom samples were fractioned using liquid chromatography (reversed-phase and ion exchange). A recombinant Nav1.8 clone expressed in ND7/23 cells was used to identify subfractions that inhibited Nav1.8 Na+ current. Mass-spectrometry-based bottom-up proteomic analyses identified unique peptides from inhibitory subfractions. A search of the peptides against the AZ bark scorpion venom gland transcriptome revealed four novel proteins between 40 and 60% conserved with venom proteins from scorpions in four genera (Centruroides, Parabuthus, Androctonus, and Tityus). Ranging from 63 to 82 amino acids, each primary structure includes eight cysteines and a “CXCE” motif, where X = an aromatic residue (tryptophan, tyrosine, or phenylalanine). Electrophysiology data demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of bioactive subfractions can be removed by hyperpolarizing the channels, suggesting that proteins may function as gating modifiers as opposed to pore blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (T.M.A.E.-A.); (J.D.S.)
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Yucheng Xiao
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (Y.X.); (T.R.C.)
| | - Jake Kline
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA; (J.K.); (H.G.); (A.H.); (L.F.)
| | - Harold Gridley
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA; (J.K.); (H.G.); (A.H.); (L.F.)
| | - Alyse Heaston
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA; (J.K.); (H.G.); (A.H.); (L.F.)
| | - Klaus D. Linse
- Bio-Synthesis Inc., 612 E. Main Street, Lewisville, TX 75057, USA;
| | - Micaiah J. Ward
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; (M.J.W.); (D.R.R.)
| | - Darin R. Rokyta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; (M.J.W.); (D.R.R.)
| | - James D. Stockand
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (T.M.A.E.-A.); (J.D.S.)
| | - Theodore R. Cummins
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (Y.X.); (T.R.C.)
| | - Luca Fornelli
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA; (J.K.); (H.G.); (A.H.); (L.F.)
| | - Ashlee H. Rowe
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA; (J.K.); (H.G.); (A.H.); (L.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-936-577-5782
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27
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Liu Y, Li Y, Zhu Y, Zhang L, Ji J, Gui M, Li C, Song Y. Study of Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activity of Scorpion Toxins DKK-SP1/2 from Scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch ( BmK). Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13070498. [PMID: 34357970 PMCID: PMC8310270 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK), is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used for a long history for the treatment of many diseases, such as inflammation, pain and cancer. In this study, DKK-SP1/2/3 genes were screened and extracted from the cDNA library of BmK. The DKK-SP1/2/3 were expressed by using plasmid pSYPU-1b in E. coli BL21, and recombinant proteins were obtained by column chromatography. In the xylene-induced mouse ear swelling and carrageenan-induced rat paw swelling model, DKK-SP1 exerted a significant anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the expression of Nav1.8 channel. Meanwhile, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (COX-2, IL-6) was decreased significantly and the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) were elevated significantly. Moreover, DKK-SP1 could significantly decrease the Nav1.8 current in acutely isolated rat DRG neurons. In the acetic acid-writhing and ION-CCI model, DKK-SP2 displayed significant analgesic activity by inhibiting the expression of the Nav1.7 channel. Moreover, DKK-SP2 could significantly inhibit the Nav1.7 current in the hNav1.7-CHO cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxia Liu
- College of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (M.G.)
| | - Yan Li
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.J.)
| | - Yuchen Zhu
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.J.)
| | - Liping Zhang
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.J.)
| | - Junyu Ji
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.J.)
| | - Mingze Gui
- College of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (M.G.)
| | - Chunli Li
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.J.)
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yongbo Song
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.J.)
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (Y.S.)
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28
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Chernykh MA, Kuldyushev NA, Peigneur S, Berkut AA, Tytgat J, Efremov RG, Vassilevski AA, Chugunov AO. Derivative of Scorpion Neurotoxin BeM9 Is Selective for Insect Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162021040063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Scorpion α-toxins are small proteins inhibiting the inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels. They can selectively act on either mammalian (mammal toxins) or insect channels (insect toxins), or affect both types of channels (α-like toxins). Currently no model has been proposed that fully explains the dependence of selectivity upon amino acid sequence, but some patterns have already been established. Thus, most mammal toxins have an aspartic acid residue in position 8, which is involved in the formation of the nest motif, but it is still not clear whether this residue interacts directly with channels. The objective of our study was to obtain a derivative of the α-like toxin BeM9 with the replacement of lysine in position 8 by glutamate (K8E), changing the charge, but excluding the formation of the nest motif. In addition, we replaced the tyrosine in position 17 with glycine (Y17G), which is characteristic of mammal toxins. Surprisingly, the double-mutant derivative BeM9EG lost its activity on mammalian channels, becoming an insect toxin. To explain these changes, we constructed models of BeM9 and BeM9EG complexes with channels, and also performed molecular dynamics of isolated toxins. Analysis of intermolecular contacts in the complexes did not explain the reason for the selectivity change. Nevertheless, the structure of intramolecular contacts and data on molecular mobility indicate an important role of residues K8 and Y17 in stabilizing a certain conformation of BeM9 loops. We assume that the replacement of these residues allosterically affects the efficiency of toxin binding to channels.
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29
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Butt SA, Tahir HM, Ali S, Tariq M, Hassan A, Summer M, Raza C, Khan SY. Evaluation of anti-scorpion ( Hottentota tamulus) venom potential of native plants extracts using mice model. TOXIN REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2021.1933533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samima Asad Butt
- Applied Entomology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Muhammad Tahir
- Applied Entomology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shaukat Ali
- Applied Entomology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muniba Tariq
- Applied Entomology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Hassan
- Applied Entomology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Summer
- Applied Entomology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Chand Raza
- Applied Entomology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Government College University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shafaat Yar Khan
- Department of Zoology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
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30
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Mineev KS, Kuzmenkov AI, Arseniev AS, Vassilevski AA. Structure of MeuNaTxα-1 toxin from scorpion venom highlights the importance of the nest motif. Proteins 2021; 89:1055-1060. [PMID: 33713480 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Old world scorpions produce an abundance of toxins called α-NaTx, which interfere with the fast inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels. Their selectivity to channels of mammals or insects depends on a part of toxin named the specificity module. We report here the spatial structure of a major and broadly active toxin MeuNaTxα-1 from the venom of Mesobuthus eupeus. Notably, its specificity module is markedly different from other α-NaTx with known 3D structure. Close inspection shows that its conformation is a result of an interplay between protein motifs such as the nest and niche, which eventually shape α-NaTx structural diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin S Mineev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alexey I Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander S Arseniev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Moscow, Russian Federation
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31
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van Cann M, Kuzmenkov A, Isensee J, Andreev-Andrievskiy A, Peigneur S, Khusainov G, Berkut A, Tytgat J, Vassilevski A, Hucho T. Scorpion toxin MeuNaTxα-1 sensitizes primary nociceptors by selective modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels. FEBS J 2020; 288:2418-2435. [PMID: 33051988 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Venoms are a rich source of highly specific toxins, which allow the identification of novel therapeutic targets. We have now applied high content screening (HCS) microscopy to identify toxins that modulate pain sensitization signaling in primary sensory neurons of rat and elucidated the underlying mechanism. A set of venoms and fractions thereof were analyzed for their ability to activate type II protein kinase A (PKA-II) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2). We identified MeuNaTxα-1, a sodium channel-selective scorpion α-toxin from Mesobuthus eupeus, which affected both PKA-II and ERK1/2. Recombinant MeuNaTxα-1 showed identical activity to the native toxin on mammalian voltage-gated sodium channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and induced thermal hyperalgesia in adult mice. The effect of MeuNaTxα-1 on sensory neurons was dose-dependent and tetrodotoxin-sensitive. Application of inhibitors and toxin mutants with altered sodium channel selectivity demonstrated that signaling activation in sensory neurons depends on NaV 1.2 isoform. Accordingly, the toxin was more potent in neurons from newborn rats, where NaV 1.2 is expressed at a higher level. Our results demonstrate that HCS microscopy-based monitoring of intracellular signaling is a novel and powerful tool to identify and characterize venoms and their toxins affecting sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne van Cann
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Translational Pain Research, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexey Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jörg Isensee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Translational Pain Research, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Georgii Khusainov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Antonina Berkut
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Tim Hucho
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Translational Pain Research, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany
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Collaço RDC, Hyslop S, Rocha T, Dorce VAC, Rowan EG, Antunes E. Neurotoxicity of Tityus bahiensis (brown scorpion) venom in sympathetic vas deferens preparations and neuronal cells. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:3315-3327. [PMID: 32548756 PMCID: PMC7415753 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02799-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Systemic scorpion envenomation is characterized by massive neurotransmitter release from peripheral nerves mediated primarily by scorpion venoms neurotoxins. Tityus bahiensis is one of the medically most important species in Brazil, but its venom pharmacology, especially regarding to peripheral nervous system, is poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the T. bahiensis venom activity on autonomic (sympathetic) neurotransmission by using a variety of approaches, including vas deferens twitch-tension recordings, electrophysiological measurements (resting membrane potentials, spontaneous excitatory junctional potentials and whole-cell patch-clamp), calcium imaging and histomorphological analysis. Low concentrations of venom (≤ 3 μg/mL) facilitated the electrically stimulated vas deferens contractions without affecting postsynaptic receptors or damaging the smooth muscle cells. Transient TTX-sensitive sustained contractions and resting membrane depolarization were mediated mainly by massive spontaneous ATP release. High venom concentrations (≥ 10 μg/mL) blocked the muscle contractions and induced membrane depolarization. In neuronal cells (ND7-23wt), the venom increased the peak sodium current, modified the current-voltage relationship by left-shifting the Nav-channel activation curve, thereby facilitating the opening of these channels. The venom also caused a time-dependent increase in neuronal calcium influx. These results indicate that the sympathetic hyperstimulation observed in systemic envenomation is presynaptically driven, probably through the interaction of α- and β-toxins with neuronal sodium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita de Cássia Collaço
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Stephen Hyslop
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Thalita Rocha
- São Francisco University (USF), Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - Valquiria A C Dorce
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Division for Scientific Development, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Edward G Rowan
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Edson Antunes
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Zhang Q, Si Y, Yang L, Wang L, Peng S, Chen Y, Chen M, Zhou X, Liu Z. Two Novel Peptide Toxins from the Spider Cyriopagopus longipes Inhibit Tetrodotoxin-Sensitive Sodium Channels. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090529. [PMID: 32824960 PMCID: PMC7551932 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sodium channels play a critical role in the generation and propagation of action potentials in excitable tissues, such as nerves, cardiac muscle, and skeletal muscle, and are the primary targets of toxins found in animal venoms. Here, two novel peptide toxins (Cl6a and Cl6b) were isolated from the venom of the spider Cyriopagopus longipes and characterized. Cl6a and Cl6b were shown to be inhibitors of tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S), but not TTX-resistant, sodium channels. Among the TTX-S channels investigated, Cl6a and Cl6b showed the highest degree of inhibition against NaV1.7 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 11.0 ± 2.5 nM and 18.8 ± 2.4 nM, respectively) in an irreversible manner that does not alter channel activation, inactivation, or repriming kinetics. Moreover, analysis of NaV1.7/NaV1.8 chimeric channels revealed that Cl6b is a site 4 neurotoxin. Site-directed mutagenesis analysis indicated that D816, V817, and E818 observably affected the efficacy of the Cl6b-NaV1.7 interaction, suggesting that these residues might directly affect the interaction of NaV1.7 with Cl6b. Taken together, these two novel peptide toxins act as potent and sustained NaV1.7 blockers and may have potential in the pharmacological study of sodium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xi Zhou
- Correspondence: (X.Z); (Z.L.)
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Israel MR, Dash TS, Bothe SN, Robinson SD, Deuis JR, Craik DJ, Lampert A, Vetter I, Durek T. Characterization of Synthetic Tf2 as a Na V1.3 Selective Pharmacological Probe. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8060155. [PMID: 32545167 PMCID: PMC7345637 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8060155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NaV1.3 is a subtype of the voltage-gated sodium channel family. It has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain, although the contribution of this channel to neuronal excitability is not well understood. Tf2, a β-scorpion toxin previously identified from the venom of Tityus fasciolatus, has been reported to selectively activate NaV1.3. Here, we describe the activity of synthetic Tf2 and assess its suitability as a pharmacological probe for NaV1.3. As described for the native toxin, synthetic Tf2 (1 µM) caused early channel opening, decreased the peak current, and shifted the voltage dependence of NaV1.3 activation in the hyperpolarizing direction by −11.3 mV, with no activity at NaV1.1, NaV1.2, and NaV1.4-NaV1.8. Additional activity was found at NaV1.9, tested using the hNav1.9_C4 chimera, where Tf2 (1 µM) shifted the voltage dependence of activation by −6.3 mV. In an attempt to convert Tf2 into an NaV1.3 inhibitor, we synthetized the analogue Tf2[S14R], a mutation previously described to remove the excitatory activity of related β-scorpion toxins. Indeed, Tf2[S14R](10 µM) had reduced excitatory activity at NaV1.3, although it still caused a small −5.8 mV shift in the voltage dependence of activation. Intraplantar injection of Tf2 (1 µM) in mice caused spontaneous flinching and swelling, which was not reduced by the NaV1.1/1.3 inhibitor ICA-121431 nor in NaV1.9-/- mice, suggesting off-target activity. In addition, despite a loss of excitatory activity, intraplantar injection of Tf2[S14R](10 µM) still caused swelling, providing strong evidence that Tf2 has additional off-target activity at one or more non-neuronal targets. Therefore, due to activity at NaV1.9 and other yet to be identified target(s), the use of Tf2 as a selective pharmacological probe may be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde R. Israel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.R.I.); (T.S.D.); (S.D.R.); (J.R.D.); (D.J.C.)
| | - Thomas S. Dash
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.R.I.); (T.S.D.); (S.D.R.); (J.R.D.); (D.J.C.)
| | - Stefanie N. Bothe
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (S.N.B.); (A.L.)
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses-MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Samuel D. Robinson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.R.I.); (T.S.D.); (S.D.R.); (J.R.D.); (D.J.C.)
| | - Jennifer R. Deuis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.R.I.); (T.S.D.); (S.D.R.); (J.R.D.); (D.J.C.)
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.R.I.); (T.S.D.); (S.D.R.); (J.R.D.); (D.J.C.)
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (S.N.B.); (A.L.)
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses-MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2415 ME3T, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.R.I.); (T.S.D.); (S.D.R.); (J.R.D.); (D.J.C.)
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Correspondence: (I.V.); (T.D.); Tel.: +61-7-3346-2660 (I.V.); +61-7-3346-2021 (T.D.)
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.R.I.); (T.S.D.); (S.D.R.); (J.R.D.); (D.J.C.)
- Correspondence: (I.V.); (T.D.); Tel.: +61-7-3346-2660 (I.V.); +61-7-3346-2021 (T.D.)
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Zou X, Wang Y, Yu Y, He J, Zhao F, Xi C, Zhang C, Cao Z. BmK NSP, a new sodium channel activator from Buthus martensii Karsch, promotes neurite outgrowth in primary cultured spinal cord neurons. Toxicon 2020; 182:13-20. [PMID: 32353571 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.04.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom is a rich source of bioactive compounds that affect neuronal excitability by modulating the activities of various channels/receptors. In the current study, guided by a Ca2+ mobilization assay, we purified a new neuroactive peptide designated as BmK NSP (Buthus martensii Karsch neurite-stimulating peptide, MW: 7064.30 Da). The primary structure of BmK NSP was determined by Edman degradation. BmK NSP concentration-dependently elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) with an EC50 value of 4.18 μM in primary cultured spinal cord neurons (SCNs). Depletion of extracellular Ca2+ abolished BmK NSP-triggered Ca2+ response. Moreover, we demonstrated that BmK NSP-induced Ca2+ response was partially suppressed by the inhibitors of L-type Ca2+ channels, Na+-Ca2+ exchangers and NMDA receptors and was abolished by voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) blocker, tetrodotoxin. Whole-cell patch clamp recording demonstrated that BmK NSP delayed VGSC inactivation (EC50 = 1.10 μM) in SCNs. BmK NSP enhanced neurite outgrowth in a non-monotonic manner that peaked at ~30 nM in SCNs. BmK NSP-promoted neurite outgrowth was suppressed by the inhibitors of L-type Ca2+ channels, NMDA receptors, and VGSCs. Considered together, these data demonstrate that BmK NSP is a new α-scorpion toxin that enhances neurite outgrowth through main routes of Ca2+ influx. Modulation of VGSC activity by α-scorpion toxin might represent a novel strategy to regulate the neurogenesis in SCNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Zou
- Department of TCM Pharmacology, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Yujing Wang
- Department of TCM Pharmacology, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Yiyi Yu
- Department of TCM Pharmacology, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of TCM Pharmacology, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- Department of TCM Pharmacology, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
| | - Chuchu Xi
- Department of TCM Pharmacology, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Supervision & Inspection Center of Green & Degradable Materials, Nanjing Institute of Product Quality Inspection, No. 3 E. Jialingjiang Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210019, China
| | - Zhengyu Cao
- Department of TCM Pharmacology, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
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Dehghan Z, Ayat H, Mohammad Ahadi A. Expression, Purification and Docking Studies on IMe-AGAP, the First Antitumor-analgesic Like Peptide from Iranian Scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2020; 19:206-216. [PMID: 33680023 PMCID: PMC7757975 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2019.15339.13028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains different toxins with multiple biological functions. IMe-AGAP is the first Analgesic-Antitumor like Peptide (AGAP) isolated from Iranian scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus. This peptide is similar to AGAP toxin with high analgesic activity, extracted from Chinese scorpion and inhibits NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 voltage-gated sodium channels involved in the pain pathway. In this study, IMe-AGAP was cloned in a prokaryotic expression vector; expression of toxin in Escherichia coli (E. coli) was assayed and then purified. In in-silico studies, peptide sequence was compared with other scorpion analgesic toxins. The structures of IMe-AGAP and sodium channels were modeled using homology modeling. Structural evaluation and stereo-chemical analysis of modeled structures were performed using RAMPAGE web server Ramachandran plots. Hex Server was used to investigate the interactions between IMe-AGAP and S3-S4 and also S5-S6 segments of NaV1.8 and NaV1.9. Binding energies calculation was used for evaluation of protein docking. Soluble expression of IMe-AGAP in bacteria was investigated by SDS-PAGE analysis. Pure recombinant protein was obtained by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The results of three-dimensional structure prediction showed βαββ topology for the toxin that is similar to the conserved structure of α-toxins. Comparison analysis between IMe-AGAP and AGAP toxins exhibited high similarity in homology modeling. Docking analysis demonstrated that IMe-AGAP can interact with NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 domains involved in pain. According to the results of homology studies and docking, IMe-AGAP might be a novel potential drug for pain treatment.
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Characterization, molecular modeling and phylogenetic analysis of a long mammalian neurotoxin from the venom of the Iranian scorpion Androctonus crassicauda. Biologia (Bratisl) 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-019-00400-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Chow CY, Chin YKY, Walker AA, Guo S, Blomster LV, Ward MJ, Herzig V, Rokyta DR, King GF. Venom Peptides with Dual Modulatory Activity on the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Na V1.1 Provide Novel Leads for Development of Antiepileptic Drugs. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2019; 3:119-134. [PMID: 32259093 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.9b00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels play a fundamental role in normal neurological function, especially via the initiation and propagation of action potentials. The NaV1.1 subtype is found in inhibitory interneurons of the brain and it is essential for maintaining a balance between excitation and inhibition in neuronal networks. Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations of SCN1A, the gene encoding NaV1.1, underlie Dravet syndrome (DS), a severe pediatric epilepsy. We recently demonstrated that selective inhibition of NaV1.1 inactivation prevents seizures and premature death in a mouse model of DS. Thus, selective modulators of NaV1.1 might be useful therapeutics for treatment of DS as they target the underlying molecular deficit. Numerous scorpion-venom peptides have been shown to modulate the activity of NaV channels, but little is known about their activity at NaV1.1. Here we report the isolation, sequence, three-dimensional structure, recombinant production, and functional characterization of two peptidic modulators of NaV1.1 from venom of the buthid scorpion Hottentotta jayakari. These peptides, Hj1a and Hj2a, are potent agonists of NaV1.1 (EC50 of 17 and 32 nM, respectively), and they present dual α/β activity by modifying both the activation and inactivation properties of the channel. NMR studies of rHj1a indicate that it adopts a cystine-stabilized αβ fold similar to known scorpion toxins. Although Hj1a and Hj2a have only limited selectivity for NaV1.1, their unusual dual mode of action provides an alternative approach to the development of selective NaV1.1 modulators for the treatment of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yuen Chow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yanni K-Y Chin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew A Walker
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Shaodong Guo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Linda V Blomster
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Micaiah J Ward
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Lin King JV, Emrick JJ, Kelly MJS, Herzig V, King GF, Medzihradszky KF, Julius D. A Cell-Penetrating Scorpion Toxin Enables Mode-Specific Modulation of TRPA1 and Pain. Cell 2019; 178:1362-1374.e16. [PMID: 31447178 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
TRPA1 is a chemosensory ion channel that functions as a sentinel for structurally diverse electrophilic irritants. Channel activation occurs through an unusual mechanism involving covalent modification of cysteine residues clustered within an amino-terminal cytoplasmic domain. Here, we describe a peptidergic scorpion toxin (WaTx) that activates TRPA1 by penetrating the plasma membrane to access the same intracellular site modified by reactive electrophiles. WaTx stabilizes TRPA1 in a biophysically distinct active state characterized by prolonged channel openings and low Ca2+ permeability. Consequently, WaTx elicits acute pain and pain hypersensitivity but fails to trigger efferent release of neuropeptides and neurogenic inflammation typically produced by noxious electrophiles. These findings provide a striking example of convergent evolution whereby chemically disparate animal- and plant-derived irritants target the same key allosteric regulatory site to differentially modulate channel activity. WaTx is a unique pharmacological probe for dissecting TRPA1 function and its contribution to acute and persistent pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- John V Lin King
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Joshua J Emrick
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Oral and Craniofacial Sciences Program, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mark J S Kelly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Katalin F Medzihradszky
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - David Julius
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Li B, Silva JR, Lu X, Luo L, Wang Y, Xu L, Aierken A, Shynykul Z, Kamau PM, Luo A, Yang J, Su D, Yang F, Cui J, Yang S, Lai R. Molecular game theory for a toxin-dominant food chain model. Natl Sci Rev 2019; 6:1191-1200. [PMID: 34691998 PMCID: PMC8291550 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwz097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal toxins that are used to subdue prey and deter predators act as the key drivers in natural food chains and ecosystems. However, the predators of venomous animals may exploit feeding adaptation strategies to overcome toxins their prey produce. Much remains unknown about the genetic and molecular game process in the toxin-dominant food chain model. Here, we show an evolutionary strategy in different trophic levels of scorpion-eating amphibians, scorpions and insects, representing each predation relationship in habitats dominated by the paralytic toxins of scorpions. For scorpions preying on insects, we found that the scorpion α-toxins irreversibly activate the skeletal muscle sodium channel of their prey (insect, BgNaV1) through a membrane delivery mechanism and an efficient binding with the Asp/Lys-Tyr motif of BgNaV1. However, in the predatory game between frogs and scorpions, with a single point mutation (Lys to Glu) in this motif of the frog's skeletal muscle sodium channel (fNaV1.4), fNaV1.4 breaks this interaction and diminishes muscular toxicity to the frog; thus, frogs can regularly prey on scorpions without showing paralysis. Interestingly, this molecular strategy also has been employed by some other scorpion-eating amphibians, especially anurans. In contrast to these amphibians, the Asp/Lys-Tyr motifs are structurally and functionally conserved in other animals that do not prey on scorpions. Together, our findings elucidate the protein-protein interacting mechanism of a toxin-dominant predator-prey system, implying the evolutionary game theory at a molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Jonathan R Silva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University St. Louis, MO 63130, UK
| | - Xiancui Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Lizhen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Biophysics and Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Aerziguli Aierken
- Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Biophysics and Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhanserik Shynykul
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Peter Muiruri Kamau
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Anna Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, UK
| | - Deyuan Su
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Biophysics and Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jianmin Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University St. Louis, MO 63130, UK
| | - Shilong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
- KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming 650223, China
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Díaz-García A, González GP, Bernabeu TB, Aurrecochea JCR, Sánchez HR, Monzón IS, Gómez MH, Torres CR, Capote MRR, Orellanes IG. Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution of Rhopalurus junceus Scorpion Venom in Tumor-Bearing Mice after Intravenous and Oral Administration. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2019; 23. [PMID: 30954030 PMCID: PMC6462292 DOI: 10.29252/.23.4.287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Background Rhopalurus junceus scorpion venom has shown potential for anticancer treatment. However, there are no scientific evidence about venom pharmacokinetic (PK) and biodistribution (BD) in tumor-bearing mice. Methods 131I-labeled venom was administrated by intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) routes at the single dose of 12.5 mg/kg. Mice were sacrificed and blood samples, major organs, and tumor were taken at 10, 20, 40, 90, 180, 300, 480, and 1440 min. Results For IV route, maximum peak concentration (Cmax), elimination half-lives, total body clearance (CL), distribution volume (Vd), mean residence time (MRT), and area under curve (AUC) were 21.77 ± 2.45 %Dosis•h/mL, 12.65 ± 2.1 h, 4.59 ± 0.23 mL/h, 83.80 ± 12 mL, 12.49 ± 2.71 h, and 21.77 ± 2.45 %Dosis•h/mL, respectively. For PO route, they were 0.60 ± 0.07 %Dosis•h/mL, 9.33 ± 1.35 h, 36.94 ± 4.01 mL/h, 497.33 ± 30 mL, 12.40 ± 1.87 h, and 6.89 ± 1.18 %Dosis•h/mL, respectively. PK parameters (Cmax, CL, Vd, and AUC) showed significant differences between IV and PO routes. Bioavailability was 31.6 ± 4% for PO dose. Kidney, stomach, liver, and lung for IV and stomach, kidney, spleen, and lung for PO routes showed the major uptakes for 131I-labeled venom. In tumor tissue, after the maximum uptake for both routes, there was a consistent behavior of radioactivity respect to the major organs during the first 480 min. Conclusion The PK and BD of R. junceus venom in mice depend on the administration route. These data represent a starting point for future experiments with this scorpion venom in experimental models of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Díaz-García
- Research Department, Laboratories of Biopharmaceuticals and Chemistries Productions (LABIOFAM), Havana, Cuba,Corresponding Author: Alexis Díaz-García Laboratories of Biopharmaceuticals and Chemistries Productions (LABIOFAM) Address: Ave. Independencia, Km 16½, Stgo de las Vegas, Boyeros. La Habana, Cuba; Tel.: (+98-537) 6830326; Fax: (+98-537) 6849658; E-mail:
| | | | - Tais Basaco Bernabeu
- Radiopharmacy Laboratory, Oncology and Radiobiology National Institute, Havana, Cuba
| | - Juan C. Rodríguez Aurrecochea
- Research Department, Laboratory of Experimental pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology National Institute, Havana, Cuba
| | - Hermis Rodríguez Sánchez
- Microbiology Department, Cell culture Laboratory, Tropical Medicine Institute “Pedro Kourí”, Havana, Cuba
| | - Iraida Sánchez Monzón
- Radiopharmacy Laboratory, Oncology and Radiobiology National Institute, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Caridad Rodríguez Torres
- Research Department, Laboratories of Biopharmaceuticals and Chemistries Productions (LABIOFAM), Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Irania Guevara Orellanes
- Research Department, Laboratories of Biopharmaceuticals and Chemistries Productions (LABIOFAM), Havana, Cuba
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42
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Zhu L, Gao B, Yuan S, Zhu S. Scorpion Toxins: Positive Selection at a Distal Site Modulates Functional Evolution at a Bioactive Site. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 36:365-375. [PMID: 30566652 PMCID: PMC6367975 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msy223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The bioactive sites of proteins are those that directly interact with their targets. In many immunity- and predation-related proteins, they frequently experience positive selection for dealing with the changes of their targets from competitors. However, some sites that are far away from the interface between proteins and their targets are also identified to evolve under positive selection. Here, we explore the evolutionary implication of such a site in scorpion α-type toxins affecting sodium (Na+) channels (abbreviated as α-ScNaTxs) using a combination of experimental and computational approaches. We found that despite no direct involvement in interaction with Na+ channels, mutations at this site by different types of amino acids led to toxicity change on both rats and insects in three α-ScNaTxs, accompanying differential effects on their structures. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the mutations changed the conformational dynamics of the positively selected bioactive site-containing functional regions by allosteric communication, suggesting a potential evolutionary correlation between these bioactive sites and the distant nonbioactive site. Our results reveal for the first time the cause of fast evolution at nonbioactive sites of scorpion neurotoxins, which is presumably to adapt to the change of their bioactive sites through coevolution to maintain an active conformation for channel binding. This might aid rational design of scorpion Na+ channel toxins with improved phyletic selectivity via modification of a distant nonbioactive site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Zhu
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Gao
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Shouli Yuan
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
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43
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Clairfeuille T, Cloake A, Infield DT, Llongueras JP, Arthur CP, Li ZR, Jian Y, Martin-Eauclaire MF, Bougis PE, Ciferri C, Ahern CA, Bosmans F, Hackos DH, Rohou A, Payandeh J. Structural basis of α-scorpion toxin action on Na v channels. Science 2019; 363:science.aav8573. [PMID: 30733386 DOI: 10.1126/science.aav8573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Fast inactivation of voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels is essential for electrical signaling, but its mechanism remains poorly understood. Here we determined the structures of a eukaryotic Nav channel alone and in complex with a lethal α-scorpion toxin, AaH2, by electron microscopy, both at 3.5-angstrom resolution. AaH2 wedges into voltage-sensing domain IV (VSD4) to impede fast activation by trapping a deactivated state in which gating charge interactions bridge to the acidic intracellular carboxyl-terminal domain. In the absence of AaH2, the S4 helix of VSD4 undergoes a ~13-angstrom translation to unlatch the intracellular fast-inactivation gating machinery. Highlighting the polypharmacology of α-scorpion toxins, AaH2 also targets an unanticipated receptor site on VSD1 and a pore glycan adjacent to VSD4. Overall, this work provides key insights into fast inactivation, electromechanical coupling, and pathogenic mutations in Nav channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Clairfeuille
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Cloake
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Daniel T Infield
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - José P Llongueras
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Zhong Rong Li
- Department of Biomolecular Resources, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yuwen Jian
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Pierre E Bougis
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, LNC, UMR 7291, 13003 Marseille, France
| | - Claudio Ciferri
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christopher A Ahern
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Frank Bosmans
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - David H Hackos
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Alexis Rohou
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Jian Payandeh
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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44
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Maatuf Y, Geron M, Priel A. The Role of Toxins in the Pursuit for Novel Analgesics. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11020131. [PMID: 30813430 PMCID: PMC6409898 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11020131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a major medical issue which reduces the quality of life of millions and inflicts a significant burden on health authorities worldwide. Currently, management of chronic pain includes first-line pharmacological therapies that are inadequately effective, as in just a portion of patients pain relief is obtained. Furthermore, most analgesics in use produce severe or intolerable adverse effects that impose dose restrictions and reduce compliance. As the majority of analgesic agents act on the central nervous system (CNS), it is possible that blocking pain at its source by targeting nociceptors would prove more efficient with minimal CNS-related side effects. The development of such analgesics requires the identification of appropriate molecular targets and thorough understanding of their structural and functional features. To this end, plant and animal toxins can be employed as they affect ion channels with high potency and selectivity. Moreover, elucidation of the toxin-bound ion channel structure could generate pharmacophores for rational drug design while favorable safety and analgesic profiles could highlight toxins as leads or even as valuable therapeutic compounds themselves. Here, we discuss the use of plant and animal toxins in the characterization of peripherally expressed ion channels which are implicated in pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossi Maatuf
- The Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel.
| | - Matan Geron
- The Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel.
| | - Avi Priel
- The Institute for Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel.
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45
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Kuldyushev NA, Mineev KS, Berkut AA, Peigneur S, Arseniev AS, Tytgat J, Grishin EV, Vassilevski AA. Refined structure of BeM9 reveals arginine hand, an overlooked structural motif in scorpion toxins affecting sodium channels. Proteins 2018; 86:1117-1122. [DOI: 10.1002/prot.25583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nikita A. Kuldyushev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry; Russian Academy of Sciences; Moscow Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University); Moscow Russia
| | - Konstantin S. Mineev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry; Russian Academy of Sciences; Moscow Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University); Moscow Russia
| | - Antonina A. Berkut
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry; Russian Academy of Sciences; Moscow Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University); Moscow Russia
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology; University of Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - Alexander S. Arseniev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry; Russian Academy of Sciences; Moscow Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University); Moscow Russia
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology; University of Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - Eugene V. Grishin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry; Russian Academy of Sciences; Moscow Russia
| | - Alexander A. Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry; Russian Academy of Sciences; Moscow Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University); Moscow Russia
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46
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Mata DOD, Tibery DV, Campos LA, Camargos TS, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, Schwartz EF. Subtype Specificity of β-Toxin Tf1a from Tityus fasciolatus in Voltage Gated Sodium Channels. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10090339. [PMID: 30131471 PMCID: PMC6162530 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10090339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are a complex mixture of components. Among them the most important are peptides, which presents the capacity to interact and modulate several ion channel subtypes, including voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV). Screening the activity of scorpion toxins on different subtypes of NaV reveals the scope of modulatory activity and, in most cases, low channel selectivity. Until now there are approximately 60 scorpion toxins experimentally assayed on NaV channels. However, the molecular bases of interaction between scorpion toxins and NaV channels are not fully elucidated. The activity description of new scorpion toxins is crucial to enhance the predictive strength of the structural–function correlations of these NaV modulatory molecules. In the present work a new scorpion toxin (Tf1a) was purified from Tityus fasciolatus venom by RP-HPLC, and characterized using electrophysiological experiments on different types of voltage-gated sodium channels. Tf1a was able to modify the normal function of NaV tested, showing to be a typical β-NaScTx. Tf1a also demonstrated an unusual capability to alter the kinetics of NaV1.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oliveira da Mata
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
| | - Diogo Vieira Tibery
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
| | - Leandro Ambrósio Campos
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
| | - Thalita Soares Camargos
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Centro Universitário UDF, Brasília 70390-045, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), P.O. Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), P.O. Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
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47
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Ward MJ, Ellsworth SA, Hogan MP, Nystrom GS, Martinez P, Budhdeo A, Zelaya R, Perez A, Powell B, He H, Rokyta DR. Female-biased population divergence in the venom of the Hentz striped scorpion (Centruroides hentzi). Toxicon 2018; 152:137-149. [PMID: 30096334 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sex-biased genes are expressed at higher levels in one sex and contribute to phenotypic differences between males and females, as well as overall phenotypic variation within and among populations. Venom has evolved primarily for predation and defense, making venom expression a highly variable phenotype as a result of local adaptation. Several scorpion species have shown both intraspecific and intersexual venom variation, and males have been observed using venom in courtship and mating, suggesting the existence of venom-specific, sex-biased genes that may contribute to population divergence. We used reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), Agilent protein bioanalyzer chips, nano-liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (nLC/MS/MS), and median lethal dose (LD50) assays in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) and banded crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus) to investigate proteomic and functional venom variation within and among three Florida populations of the Hentz striped scorpion (Centruroides hentzi). We found significant venom variation among populations, with females, not males, being responsible for this divergence. We also found significant variation in venom expression within populations, with males contributing more to within population variation than females. Our results provide evidence that male and female scorpions experience different natural and sexual selective pressures that have led to the expression of sex-biased venom genes and that these genes may be consequential in population divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaiah J Ward
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Schyler A Ellsworth
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Michael P Hogan
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Gunnar S Nystrom
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Paul Martinez
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Amisha Budhdeo
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Roxana Zelaya
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Alexander Perez
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Barclay Powell
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Huan He
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics and College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
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48
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Toxins as tools: Fingerprinting neuronal pharmacology. Neurosci Lett 2018; 679:4-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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49
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Ogawara H. Comparison of Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance: Learning from Various Kingdoms. Molecules 2018; 23:E1476. [PMID: 29912169 PMCID: PMC6100412 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance, especially antibiotic resistance, is a growing threat to human health. To overcome this problem, it is significant to know precisely the mechanisms of drug resistance and/or self-resistance in various kingdoms, from bacteria through plants to animals, once more. This review compares the molecular mechanisms of the resistance against phycotoxins, toxins from marine and terrestrial animals, plants and fungi, and antibiotics. The results reveal that each kingdom possesses the characteristic features. The main mechanisms in each kingdom are transporters/efflux pumps in phycotoxins, mutation and modification of targets and sequestration in marine and terrestrial animal toxins, ABC transporters and sequestration in plant toxins, transporters in fungal toxins, and various or mixed mechanisms in antibiotics. Antibiotic producers in particular make tremendous efforts for avoiding suicide, and are more flexible and adaptable to the changes of environments. With these features in mind, potential alternative strategies to overcome these resistance problems are discussed. This paper will provide clues for solving the issues of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Ogawara
- HO Bio Institute, Yushima-2, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0034, Japan.
- Department of Biochemistry, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Noshio-2, Kiyose, Tokyo 204-8588, Japan.
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50
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Cardoso FC, Lewis RJ. Sodium channels and pain: from toxins to therapies. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:2138-2157. [PMID: 28749537 PMCID: PMC5980290 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV channels) are essential for the initiation and propagation of action potentials that critically influence our ability to respond to a diverse range of stimuli. Physiological and pharmacological studies have linked abnormal function of NaV channels to many human disorders, including chronic neuropathic pain. These findings, along with the description of the functional properties and expression pattern of NaV channel subtypes, are helping to uncover subtype specific roles in acute and chronic pain and revealing potential opportunities to target these with selective inhibitors. High-throughput screens and automated electrophysiology platforms have identified natural toxins as a promising group of molecules for the development of target-specific analgesics. In this review, the role of toxins in defining the contribution of NaV channels in acute and chronic pain states and their potential to be used as analgesic therapies are discussed. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Recent Advances in Targeting Ion Channels to Treat Chronic Pain. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.12/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C Cardoso
- Department of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Department of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
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