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José Alejandro GA, Juan M, Luis CB, Fátima Pamela SM, Ivonne B, Diana Laura PT, Ashly M. Envenomation by the Indian ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria regalis): A case report on treatment with Latrodectus mactans antivenom. Toxicon 2024; 247:107842. [PMID: 38960287 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107842] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Poecilotheria spiders are considered theraphosids of underestimated clinical importance, with bites from these species inducing symptoms such as severe pain and intense muscle cramps. However, there is no specific treatment for the envenomation caused by these species, which, while native to India and Sri Lanka, are widely distributed worldwide. The present study reports the case of a 31-year-old man bitten by a Poecilotheria regalis specimen. The patient's clinical presentation was similar to Latrodectus envenomation, and patient was treated with an L. mactans antivenom. Most of patient's symptoms improved (fasciculations, pain, erythema, and local swelling), except muscle cramps. A toxicological study conducted on mice did not show that L. mactans antivenom has a neutralizing effect on the toxicity of P. regalis. The present report discusses the envenoming process of Poecilotheria species and the possible neutralizing effect exerted by L. mactans antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
- García-Arredondo José Alejandro
- Departamento de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario S/N, 76010, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico.
| | - Mosqueda Juan
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Vacunas, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, 76230, Querétaro, Mexico; Aracnario, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Av. De Las Ciencias S/N, 76230, Juriquilla, Mexico
| | - Cuéllar-Balleza Luis
- Aracnario, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Av. De Las Ciencias S/N, 76230, Juriquilla, Mexico
| | - Sánchez-Morales Fátima Pamela
- Hospital General Regional No. 2 El Marqués, Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social, Circuito Universidades KM 1 S/N, 76269, El Marqués, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Buitrón Ivonne
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario S/N, 76010, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Pescador-Tovar Diana Laura
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario S/N, 76010, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Mohan Ashly
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario S/N, 76010, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
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2
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Nishiduka ES, Lomazi RL, da Silva PI, Tashima AK. Identification of Peptides in Spider Venom Using Mass Spectrometry. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2758:331-340. [PMID: 38549023 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3646-6_18] [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] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Spider venoms are composed of hundreds of proteins and peptides. Several of these venom toxins are cysteine-rich peptides in the mass range of 3-9 kDa. Small peptides (<3 kDa) can be fully characterized by mass spectrometry analysis, while proteins are generally identified by the bottom-up approach in which proteins are first digested with trypsin to generate shorter peptides for MS/MS characterization. In general, it is sufficient for protein identification to sequence two or more peptides, but for venom peptidomics it is desirable to completely elucidate peptide sequences and the number of disulfide bonds in the molecules. In this chapter, we describe a methodology to completely sequence and determine the number of disulfide bonds of spider venom peptides in the mass range of 3-9 kDa by multiple enzyme digestion, mass spectrometry of native and digested peptides, de novo analysis, and sequence overlap alignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika S Nishiduka
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael L Lomazi
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro I da Silva
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre K Tashima
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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de Jesus-López E, Cuéllar-Balleza L, Díaz-Peña LF, Luna-Vázquez FJ, Ibarra-Alvarado C, García-Arredondo JA. Vasodilator activity of Poecilotheria ornata venom involves activation of the NO/cGMP pathway and inhibition of calcium influx to vascular smooth muscle cells. Toxicon X 2023; 19:100159. [PMID: 37251689 PMCID: PMC10220391 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2023.100159] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Tarantula venoms may be a natural source of new vasodilator components useful in pharmacological research. Moreover, biological function data of the venoms are important to enhance the knowledge about the biodiversity and evolution of these species. The present study aims to describe the vasodilatory activity induced by the venom of Poecilotheria ornata on isolated rat aortic rings. This venom induced a vasodilator activity that was significantly reduced after incubation with L-NAME or ODQ. Measurements of nitrite concentrations on rat aorta homogenates showed that the venom significantly increased the basal levels. Moreover, the venom attenuates the contraction induced by calcium. These results suggest that P. ornata venom contains a mixture of vasodilator components that act through the activation of the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway, as well as, through an endothelium-independent mechanism that involves the calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique de Jesus-López
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario S/N, 76010, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Luis Cuéllar-Balleza
- Aracnario, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Av. de las Ciencias S/N, 76230, Juriquilla, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Luis Fernando Díaz-Peña
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario S/N, 76010, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Francisco Javier Luna-Vázquez
- Departamento de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario S/N, 76010, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - César Ibarra-Alvarado
- Departamento de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario S/N, 76010, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - José Alejandro García-Arredondo
- Departamento de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario S/N, 76010, Querétaro, Mexico
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4
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do Nascimento SM, de Oliveira UC, Nishiyama-Jr MY, Tashima AK, Silva Junior PID. Presence of a neprilysin on Avicularia juruensis (Mygalomorphae: Theraphosidae) venom. TOXIN REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2021.1878226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Soraia Maria do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology – Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS/CEPID), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, USP/IBu/IPT, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ursula Castro de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology – Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS/CEPID), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Milton Yutaka Nishiyama-Jr
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology – Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS/CEPID), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Pedro Ismael da Silva Junior
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology – Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS/CEPID), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, USP/IBu/IPT, São Paulo, Brazil
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Barth T, Silva A, Santos SSD, Santos JL, Andrade PD, Tsai J, Caldas ED, Castro MDS, Pires Júnior OR. Antimicrobial activity and partial chemical structure of acylpolyamines isolated from the venom of the spider Acanthoscurria natalensis. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20210017. [PMID: 35382112 PMCID: PMC8939072 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0017] [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: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Methods: Results: Conclusion:
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Macedo KWR, Costa LJDL, de Souza JO, de Vasconcelos IA, de Castro JS, de Santana CJC, Magalhães ACM, Castro MDS, Pires OR. Brazilian Theraphosidae: a toxicological point of view. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210004. [PMID: 34868282 PMCID: PMC8610171 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0004] [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: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Theraphosidae family includes the largest number of species of the
Mygalomorphae infraorder, with hundreds of species currently catalogued.
However, there is a huge lack on physiologic and even ecologic information
available, especially in Brazil, which is the most biodiverse country in the
world. Over the years, spiders have been presented as a source of multiple
biologically active compounds with basic roles, such as primary defense against
pathogenic microorganisms or modulation of metabolic pathways and as specialized
hunters. Spider venoms also evolved in order to enable the capture of prey by
interaction with a diversity of molecular targets of interest, raising their
pharmaceutical potential for the development of new drugs. Among the activities
found in compounds isolated from venoms and hemocytes of Brazilian Theraphosidae
there are antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antitumoral, as well as
properties related to proteinase action and neuromuscular blockage modulated by
ionic voltage-gated channel interaction. These characteristics are present in
different species from multiple genera, which is strong evidence of the
important role in spider survival. The present review aims to compile the main
results of studies from the last decades on Brazilian Theraphosidae with special
focus on results obtained with the crude venom or compounds isolated from both
venom and hemocytes, and their physiological and chemical characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keven Wender Rodrigues Macedo
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Lucas Jeferson de Lima Costa
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Oliveira de Souza
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Isadora Alves de Vasconcelos
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Jessica Schneider de Castro
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Carlos José Correia de Santana
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Magalhães
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Mariana de Souza Castro
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Osmindo Rodrigues Pires
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
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Gremski LH, Matsubara FH, da Justa HC, Schemczssen-Graeff Z, Baldissera AB, Schluga PHDC, Leite IDO, Boia-Ferreira M, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Veiga SS. Brown spider venom toxins: what are the functions of astacins, serine proteases, hyaluronidases, allergens, TCTP, serpins and knottins? J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20200188. [PMID: 34377142 PMCID: PMC8314928 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Accidents caused by the bites of brown spiders (Loxosceles) generate a clinical condition that often includes a threatening necrotic skin lesion near the bite site along with a remarkable inflammatory response. Systemic disorders such as hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure may occur, but are much less frequent than the local damage. It is already known that phospholipases D, highly expressed toxins in Loxosceles venom, can induce most of these injuries. However, this spider venom has a great range of toxins that probably act synergistically to enhance toxicity. The other protein classes remain poorly explored due to the difficulty in obtaining sufficient amounts of them for a thorough investigation. They include astacins (metalloproteases), serine proteases, knottins, translationally controlled tumor proteins (TCTP), hyaluronidases, allergens and serpins. It has already been shown that some of them, according to their characteristics, may participate to some extent in the development of loxoscelism. In addition, all of these toxins present potential application in several areas. The present review article summarizes information regarding some functional aspects of the protein classes listed above, discusses the directions that could be taken to materialize a comprehensive investigation on each of these toxins as well as highlights the importance of exploring the full venom repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Hanna Câmara da Justa
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Abstract
Venom collection (often called "milking") provides the toxic secretions essential for studying animal venoms and/or generating venom products. Methods of venom collection vary widely, falling into three broad categories: voluntary venom extraction (inducing the animal to willingly release its venom), involuntary venom extraction (glandular massage, electrical stimulation, or administration of induction chemicals to promote venom expulsion), and venom gland extraction (surgical aspiration or trituration of homogenized gland tissue). Choice of method requires consideration of animal species, animal welfare, human safety (avoiding envenomation), venom yield and composition desired, and level of toxin purity required. Here, we summarize the materials and methods used to obtain venom by each of these approaches from spiders and snakes.
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Fischer ML, Wielsch N, Heckel DG, Vilcinskas A, Vogel H. Context-dependent venom deployment and protein composition in two assassin bugs. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:9932-9947. [PMID: 33005355 PMCID: PMC7520181 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Heteroptera are a diverse suborder of phytophagous, hematophagous, and zoophagous insects. The shift to zoophagy can be traced back to the transformation of salivary glands into venom glands, but the venom is used not only to kill and digest invertebrate prey but also as a defense strategy, mainly against vertebrates. In this study, we used an integrated transcriptomics and proteomics approach to compare the composition of venoms from the anterior main gland (AMG) and posterior main gland (PMG) of the reduviid bugs Platymeris biguttatus L. and Psytalla horrida Stål. In both species, the AMG and PMG secreted distinct protein mixtures with few interspecific differences. PMG venom consisted mostly of S1 proteases, redulysins, Ptu1-like peptides, and uncharacterized proteins, whereas AMG venom contained hemolysins and cystatins. There was a remarkable difference in biological activity between the AMG and PMG venoms, with only PMG venom conferring digestive, neurotoxic, hemolytic, antibacterial, and cytotoxic effects. Proteomic analysis of venom samples revealed the context-dependent use of AMG and PMG venom. Although both species secreted PMG venom alone to overwhelm their prey and facilitate digestion, the deployment of defensive venom was species-dependent. P. biguttatus almost exclusively used PMG venom for defense, whereas P. horrida secreted PMG venom in response to mild harassment but AMG venom in response to more intense harassment. This intriguing context-dependent use of defensive venom indicates that future research should focus on species-dependent differences in venom composition and defense strategies among predatory Heteroptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike L. Fischer
- Department of EntomologyMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Natalie Wielsch
- Research Group Mass Spectrometry/ProteomicsMax‐Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - David G. Heckel
- Department of EntomologyMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect BiotechnologyJustus Liebig UniversityGiessenGermany
| | - Heiko Vogel
- Department of EntomologyMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
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10
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Câmara GA, Nishiyama-Jr MY, Kitano ES, Oliveira UC, da Silva PI, Junqueira-de-Azevedo IL, Tashima AK. A Multiomics Approach Unravels New Toxins With Possible In Silico Antimicrobial, Antiviral, and Antitumoral Activities in the Venom of Acanthoscurria rondoniae. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1075. [PMID: 32774304 PMCID: PMC7388414 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Araneae order is considered one of the most successful groups among venomous animals in the world. An important factor for this success is the production of venoms, a refined biological fluid rich in proteins, short peptides and cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs). These toxins may present pharmacologically relevant biological actions, as antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer activities, for instance. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in the exploration of venom toxins for therapeutic reasons, such as drug development. However, the process of peptide sequencing and mainly the evaluation of potential biological activities of these peptides are laborious, considering the low yield of venom extraction and the high variability of toxins present in spider venoms. Here we show a robust methodology for identification, sequencing, and initial screening of potential bioactive peptides found in the venom of Acanthoscurria rondoniae. This methodology consists in a multiomics approach involving proteomics, peptidomics and transcriptomics analyses allied to in silico predictions of antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer activities. Through the application of this strategy, a total of 92,889 venom gland transcripts were assembled and 84 novel toxins were identified at the protein level, including seven short peptides and 10 fully sequenced CRPs (belonging to seven toxin families). In silico analysis suggests that seven CRPs families may have potential antimicrobial or antiviral activities, while two CRPs and four short peptides are potentially anticancer. Taken together, our results demonstrate an effective multiomics strategy for the discovery of new toxins and in silico screening of potential bioactivities. This strategy may be useful in toxin discovery, as well as in the screening of possible activities for the vast diversity of molecules produced by venomous animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme A Câmara
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Milton Y Nishiyama-Jr
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo S Kitano
- Laboratory of Immunology, Heart Institute (InCor), Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ursula C Oliveira
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro I da Silva
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Inácio L Junqueira-de-Azevedo
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre K Tashima
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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Díaz-Peña LF, Ramírez R, Cuéllar-Balleza L, Aguilar MB, Lazcano-Pérez F, Arreguín-Espinosa R, Ibarra-Alvarado C, García-Arredondo A. Rat aorta relaxation induced by the venom of Poecilotheria regalis involves the activation of the NO/cGMP pathway. Toxicon 2019; 163:12-18. [PMID: 30880186 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Spider venoms are widely recognized as a new emerging source of potential research tools, pesticides, drug leads, and therapeutic agents. Some studies suggest that these venoms may contain interesting vasodilator compounds with potential therapeutic applications. In the present study, the vasodilator activity of the venom of Poecilotheria regalis was evaluated in isolated rat aortic rings. This venom induced an endothelium-dependent vasodilation [EC50 value was 5.52 (4.18-7.32) μg protein/ml with an Emax = 103.4 ± 3.8%]. While the percentage of vasodilation induced by the venom was significantly diminished in the presence of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME), it remained unaltered in the presence of suramin, a P2-purinergic receptor antagonist. Moreover, the vasodilator activity of the venom was not affected after boiling bath incubation, but was significantly decreased under reducing conditions. Additionally, venom composition was analyzed by reverse-phase chromatography and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and two fractions were obtained, referred to as peptidic and non-peptidic fractions. Interestingly, both fractions induced vasodilation in isolated rat aortic rings. The results of this study showed that the venom of P. regalis induces a concentration-dependent vasodilation in rat aorta that was endothelium-dependent and involves the activation of NO/cGMP pathway. These results suggest that the venom contains a combination of both peptidic and non-peptidic vasodilator components. This study provides pharmacological data that suggest that P. regalis venom may be an important source of peptidic and non-peptidic vasodilator compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Fernando Díaz-Peña
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, 76010, Mexico
| | - Raymundo Ramírez
- Departamento de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, 76010, Mexico
| | - Luis Cuéllar-Balleza
- Aracnario, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, 76230, Mexico
| | - Manuel B Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, 76230, Mexico
| | - Fernando Lazcano-Pérez
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, 04510, Mexico; Departamento de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Campus Iztapalapa, México City, 09340, Mexico
| | | | - César Ibarra-Alvarado
- Departamento de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, 76010, Mexico
| | - Alejandro García-Arredondo
- Departamento de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, 76010, Mexico.
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12
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Díaz-Peña LF, García-Arredondo A, Riesgo-Escovar JR. Drosophila bioassays are very sensitive methods to assess tarantula species venoms. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2019; 96:56-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Barth T, Mandacaru SC, Charneau S, Souza MVD, Ricart CAO, Noronha EF, Souza AA, Freitas SMD, Roepstorff P, Fontes W, Castro MS, Pires Júnior OR. Biochemical and structural characterization of a protein complex containing a hyaluronidase and a CRISP-like protein isolated from the venom of the spider Acanthoscurria natalensis. J Proteomics 2018; 192:102-113. [PMID: 30165259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Spider venoms are composed of a complex mixture of bioactive molecules. The structural and functional characterization of these molecules in the venom of the Brazilian spider Acanthoscurria natalensis, has been little explored. The venom was fractionated using reversed-phase liquid chromatography. The fraction with hyaluronidase activity was named AnHyal. The partial sequencing of AnHyal revealed the presence of a CRISP-like protein, in addition to hyaluronidase, comprising 67% coverage for hyaluronidase from Brachypelma vagans and 82% for CRISP-like protein from Grammostola rosea. 1D BN-PAGE zymogram assays of AnHyal confirmed the presence of enzymatically active 53 kDa monomer and 124 and 178 kDa oligomers. The decomposition of the complexes by 2D BN/SDS-PAGE zymogram assays showed two subunits, 53 (AnHyalH) and 44 kDa (AnHyalC), with sequence similarity to hyaluronidase and CRISP proteins, respectively. The secondary structure of AnHyal is composed by 36% of α-helix. AnHyal presented maximum activity at pH between 4.0 and 6.0 and 30 and 60 °C, showed specificity to hyaluronic acid substrate and presented a KM of 617.9 μg/mL. Our results showed that hyaluronidase and CRISP proteins can form a complex and the CRISP protein may contribute to the enzymatic activity of AnHyalH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Barth
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil; Laboratory of Animal Histology, Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus-Bahia 45662-900, Brazil.
| | - Samuel Coelho Mandacaru
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF, Brazil
| | - Sébastien Charneau
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo Valle de Souza
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF, Brazil.
| | - Carlos André Ornelas Ricart
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF, Brazil.
| | - Eliane Ferreira Noronha
- Laboratory of Enzymology, Department of Cellular Biology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Araújo Souza
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Cellular Biology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Sonia Maria de Freitas
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Cellular Biology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Peter Roepstorff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark.
| | - Wagner Fontes
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF, Brazil.
| | - Mariana S Castro
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF, Brazil.
| | - Osmindo Rodrigues Pires Júnior
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil.
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Lomazi RL, Nishiduka ES, Silva PI, Tashima AK. Identification of Peptides in Spider Venom Using Mass Spectrometry. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1719:359-367. [PMID: 29476524 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7537-2_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Spider venoms are composed of hundreds of proteins and peptides. Several of these venom toxins are cysteine-rich peptides in the mass range of 3-9 kDa. Small peptides (<3 kDa) can be fully characterized by mass spectrometry analysis, while proteins are generally identified by the bottom-up approach in which proteins are first digested with trypsin to generate shorter peptides for MS/MS characterization. In general, it is sufficient for protein identification to sequence two or more peptides, but for venom peptidomics it is desirable to completely elucidate peptide sequences and the number of disulfide bonds in the molecules. In this chapter we describe a methodology to completely sequence and determine the number of disulfide bonds of spider venom peptides in the mass range of 3-9 kDa by multiple enzyme digestion, mass spectrometry of native and digested peptides, de novo analysis, and sequence overlap alignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael L Lomazi
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Erika S Nishiduka
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro I Silva
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre K Tashima
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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15
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Rodríguez-Rios L, Díaz-Peña LF, Lazcano-Pérez F, Arreguín-Espinosa R, Rojas-Molina A, García-Arredondo A. Hyaluronidase-like enzymes are a frequent component of venoms from theraphosid spiders. Toxicon 2017; 136:34-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Venom Profiling of a Population of the Theraphosid Spider Phlogius crassipes Reveals Continuous Ontogenetic Changes from Juveniles through Adulthood. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9040116. [PMID: 28346332 PMCID: PMC5408190 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9040116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Theraphosid spiders (tarantulas) are venomous arthropods found in most tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Tarantula venoms are a complex cocktail of toxins with potential use as pharmacological tools, drugs and bioinsecticides. Although numerous toxins have been isolated from tarantula venoms, little research has been carried out on the venom of Australian tarantulas. We therefore investigated the venom profile of the Australian theraphosid spider Phlogius crassipes and examined whether there are ontogenetic changes in venom composition. Spiders were divided into four ontogenic groups according to cephalothorax length, then the venom composition of each group was examined using gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. We found that the venom of P. crassipes changes continuously during development and throughout adulthood. Our data highlight the need to investigate the venom of organisms over the course of their lives to uncover and understand the changing functions of venom and the full range of toxins expressed. This in turn should lead to a deeper understanding of the organism’s ecology and enhance the potential for biodiscovery.
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Rueda A, Realpe E, Uribe A. Toxicity evaluation and initial characterization of the venom of a Colombian Latrodectus sp. Toxicon 2016; 125:53-58. [PMID: 27889602 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.11.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The genus Latrodectus has not been studied in Colombia even though it is medically important worldwide; there are three species for the country, this study focused on a non-identified species found in the Tatacoa Desert in the Huila Department. This research is the first approximation to the extraction, composition analysis and toxicity evaluation of the venom of a species of the genus Latrodectus in Colombia; and aims to evaluate the toxicity by the initial characterization of its venom. The venom extraction was accomplished with electrostimulation and total protein concentration was determined by the Lowry method and BCA assays from crude venom; with these methods, high protein concentration of the samples was measured. Bioassays on mice were also made to evaluate the toxicity and compare the symptoms produced by this Colombian spider to the Latrodectism Syndrome. Finally, an SDS-PAGE electrophoresis was used to separate the main components of high molecular weight from the samples and compared to a control of the venom of Latrodectus mactans to determine if the venom composition is different between these two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Rueda
- Biological Sciences Department, Laboratory of Zoology and Aquatic Ecology LAZOEA, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Emilio Realpe
- Biological Sciences Department, Laboratory of Zoology and Aquatic Ecology LAZOEA, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Alfredo Uribe
- Biological Sciences Department, Biochemical Investigation Center CIBI, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Bordon KCF, Wiezel GA, Amorim FG, Arantes EC. Arthropod venom Hyaluronidases: biochemical properties and potential applications in medicine and biotechnology. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2015; 21:43. [PMID: 26500679 PMCID: PMC4619011 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-015-0042-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronidases are enzymes that mainly degrade hyaluronan, the major glycosaminoglycan of the interstitial matrix. They are involved in several pathological and physiological activities including fertilization, wound healing, embryogenesis, angiogenesis, diffusion of toxins and drugs, metastasis, pneumonia, sepsis, bacteremia, meningitis, inflammation and allergy, among others. Hyaluronidases are widely distributed in nature and the enzymes from mammalian spermatozoa, lysosomes and animal venoms belong to the subclass EC 3.2.1.35. To date, only five three-dimensional structures for arthropod venom hyaluronidases (Apis mellifera and Vespula vulgaris) were determined. Additionally, there are four molecular models for hyaluronidases from Mesobuthus martensii, Polybia paulista and Tityus serrulatus venoms. These enzymes are employed as adjuvants to increase the absorption and dispersion of other drugs and have been used in various off-label clinical conditions to reduce tissue edema. Moreover, a PEGylated form of a recombinant human hyaluronidase is currently under clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. This review focuses on the arthropod venom hyaluronidases and provides an overview of their biochemical properties, role in the envenoming, structure/activity relationship, and potential medical and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla C F Bordon
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Gisele A. Wiezel
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Fernanda G. Amorim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Eliane C. Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
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19
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Sutti R, Rosa BB, Wunderlich B, da Silva Junior PI, Rocha E Silva TAAD. Antimicrobial activity of the toxin VdTX-I from the spider Vitalius dubius (Araneae, Theraphosidae). Biochem Biophys Rep 2015; 4:324-328. [PMID: 29124220 PMCID: PMC5669311 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2015.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Currently there is an urgent need to develop new classes of antimicrobial agents with different mechanisms of action from conventionally antibiotics used for the control of pathogenic microorganisms. The acylpolyamine called VdTX-I was isolated from the venom of the tarantula Vitalius dubius, and first described with activity as an antagonist of nicotinic cholinergic receptors. The main objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity found in the venom of the spider, with emphasis on the toxin VdTX-I. Methods Antimicrobial assays were performed in 96 well plates culture against 14 micro-organisms (fungi, yeasts and bacteria), which were tested concentrations from 0.19 to 100 μM of VdTX-I. After qualitative analysis, dose-response curve assays were performed in bacterial kill curve using MTT reagent and hemolytic assay. Results The antimicrobial activity of the VdTX-I toxin was observed in 12 tested species of Candida, Trichosporiun, Staphylococcus and Micrococcus. The toxicity had a dose-response at 3.12 µM – 100 μM in Candida albicans, Candida guillermondii, Micrococcus luteus and Escherichia coli. VdTX-I took about 5 min to inhibit bacterial growth, which was faster than streptomycin. The toxin showed no hemolytic activity between 0.19 and 100 μM. At 2.5 µg/mL of toxin it was observed no growth inhibition against a mammalian cell lineage. Conclusions The VdTX-I toxin has a significant antimicrobial activity, with broad spectrum, and is experimentally inert to mammalian blood cells. General Significance This paper explores the antimicrobial potential of the spider toxin VdTX-I, which can provide a new model to design new antimicrobial drugs. The VdTX-I toxin has antimicrobial activity at low concentrations. The toxin didn’t show hemolytic activity at a concentration of 100μM. VdTX-I does not have cytotoxic activity against mammalian cells lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Sutti
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas-Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Bruno Bezerra Rosa
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas-Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
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21
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Cooper AM, Fox GA, Nelsen DR, Hayes WK. Variation in venom yield and protein concentration of the centipedes Scolopendra polymorpha and Scolopendra subspinipes. Toxicon 2014; 82:30-51. [PMID: 24548696 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Venom generally comprises a complex mixture of compounds representing a non-trivial metabolic expense. Accordingly, natural selection should fine-tune the amount of venom carried within an animal's venom gland(s). The venom supply of scolopendromorph centipedes likely influences their venom use and has implications for the severity of human envenomations, yet we understand very little about their venom yields and the factors influencing them. We investigated how size, specifically body length, influenced volume yield and protein concentration of electrically extracted venom in Scolopendra polymorpha and Scolopendra subspinipes. We also examined additional potential influences on yield in S. polymorpha, including relative forcipule size, relative mass, geographic origin (Arizona vs. California), sex, time in captivity, and milking history. Volume yield was linearly related to body length, and S. subspinipes yielded a larger length-specific volume than S. polymorpha. Body length and protein concentration were uncorrelated. When considering multiple influences on volume yield in S. polymorpha, the most important factor was body length, but yield was also positively associated with relative forcipule length and relative body mass. S. polymorpha from California yielded a greater volume of venom with a higher protein concentration than conspecifics from Arizona, all else being equal. Previously milked animals yielded less venom with a lower protein concentration. For both species, approximately two-thirds of extractable venom was expressed in the first two pulses, with remaining pulses yielding declining amounts, but venom protein concentration did not vary across pulses. Further study is necessary to ascertain the ecological significance of the factors influencing venom yield and how availability may influence venom use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen M Cooper
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Griggs Hall #101, Loma Linda University, 24941 Stewart St., Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Gerad A Fox
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Griggs Hall #101, Loma Linda University, 24941 Stewart St., Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - David R Nelsen
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Griggs Hall #101, Loma Linda University, 24941 Stewart St., Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - William K Hayes
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Griggs Hall #101, Loma Linda University, 24941 Stewart St., Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
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Sutti R, Tamascia ML, Hyslop S, Rocha-E-Silva TAA. Purification and characterization of a hyaluronidase from venom of the spider Vitalius dubius (Araneae, Theraphosidae). J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2014; 20:2. [PMID: 24495716 PMCID: PMC3915227 DOI: 10.1186/1678-9199-20-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venom hyaluronidase (Hyase) contributes to the diffusion of venom from the inoculation site. In this work, we purified and characterized Hyase from the venom of Vitalius dubius (Araneae, Theraphosidae), a large theraphosid found in southeastern Brazil. Venom obtained by electrical stimulation of adult male and female V. dubius was initially fractionated by gel filtration on a Superdex® 75 column. Active fractions were pooled and applied to a heparin-sepharose affinity column. The proteins were eluted with a linear NaCl gradient. RESULTS Active fractions were pooled and assessed for purity by SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC. The physicochemical tests included optimum pH, heat stability, presence of isoforms, neutralization by flavonoids and assessment of commercial antivenoms. Hyase was purified and presented a specific activity of 148 turbidity-reducing units (TRU)/mg (venom: 36 TRU/mg; purification factor of ~4). Hyase displayed a molecular mass of 43 kDa by SDS-PAGE. Zymography in hyaluronic-acid-containing gels indicated an absence of enzyme isoforms. The optimum pH was 4-5, with highest activity at 37°C. Hyase was stable up to 60°C; but its activity was lost at higher temperatures and maintained after several freeze-thaw cycles. The NaCl concentration (up to 1 M) did not influence activity. Hyase had greater action towards hyaluronic acid compared to chondroitin sulfate, and was completely neutralized by polyvalent antiarachnid sera, but not by caterpillar, scorpion or snakes antivenoms. CONCLUSION The neutralization by arachnid but not scorpion antivenom indicates that this enzyme shares antigenic epitopes with similar enzymes in other spider venoms. The biochemical properties of this Hyase are comparable to others described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Thomaz Augusto Alves Rocha-E-Silva
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo Medical School, Rua Cesário Motta Jr,, 61, Vila Buarque, CEP 01,221-020 São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
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Estrada-Gomez S, Vargas Muñoz LJ, Quintana Castillo JC. Extraction and partial characterization of venom from the Colombian spider Pamphobeteus aff. nigricolor (Aranae:Theraphosidae). Toxicon 2013; 76:301-9. [PMID: 24140923 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 10/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
We report the first studies of characterization and extraction of the Pamphobeteus aff. nigricolor (Pocock, 1901) (Aranae:Theraphosidae) venom done in Colombia using the electro-stimulation technique previous anesthesia with isofluorane. After each extraction process, a low viscosity, colorless venom was obtained. This venom showed a 1.01 mg/μl density and a pH of 5. The humidity percentage did not show a significance difference between males and females (P > 0.05) with a general media of 77.49 ± 1.74%. In all cases the venom yielded was variable between males and females, with a media of 22.45 ± 5.17 mg (wet weight) and 4.58 ± 0.94 mg (dry weigh), obtaining larger amounts in females, 28.34 ± 7.49 mg and 5.69 ± 1.36 (wet and dry weight respectively). Venom showed a hemolytic activity dependent of enzymatic active phospholipase and neither coagulant nor proteolytic activities were observed. Electrophoretic profile showed a main protein content with a molecular mass below 14 kDa. RP-HPLC venom profile revealed a difference among male and female venom's content where 17 and 21 main fractions were obtained respectively. Three peptides, Theraphotoxin-Pn1a, Theraphotoxin-Pn1b and Theraphotoxin-Pn2a, were identified using HPLC-nESI-MS/MS. These peptides showed a high identity with other peptides found on Theraphosides which are proved to affect voltage-gated calcium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Estrada-Gomez
- Facultad de Química Farmacéutica, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia; Programa de Ofidismo/Escorpionismo, Facultad de Química Farmacéutica, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia.
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Rocha-E-Silva TAA, Rostelato-Ferreira S, Leite GB, da Silva PI, Hyslop S, Rodrigues-Simioni L. VdTX-1, a reversible nicotinic receptor antagonist isolated from venom of the spider Vitalius dubius (Theraphosidae). Toxicon 2013; 70:135-41. [PMID: 23668938 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Revised: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Theraphosid spider venoms can block neurotransmission in vertebrate nerve-muscle preparations in vitro, but few of the components involved have been characterized. In this work, we describe the neuromuscular activity of venom from the Brazilian theraphosid Vitalius dubius and report the purification and pharmacological characterization of VdTX-1, a 728 Da toxin that blocks nicotinic receptors. Neuromuscular activity was assayed in chick biventer cervicis preparations and muscle responses to exogenous ACh and KCl were determined before and after incubation with venom or toxin. Changes in membrane resting potential were studied in mouse diaphragm muscle. The toxin was purified by a combination of filtration through Amicon® filters, cation exchange HPLC and RP-HPLC; toxin purity and mass were confirmed by mass spectrometry. Venom caused progressive neuromuscular blockade and muscle contracture; the blockade but not the contracture was reversible by washing. Venom attenuated contractures to exogenous ACh and KCl. Filtration yielded low (LM, <5 kDa) and high (HM, >5 kDa) fractions, with the latter reproducing the contracture seen in venom but with a slight and progressive twitch blockade. The LM fraction caused reversible blockade and attenuated contractures to ACh, but had no effect on contractures to KCl. VdTX-1 (728 Da) purified from the LM fraction was photosensitive and reduced the E(max) to ACh in biventer cervicis muscle without affecting the EC₅₀; VdTX-1 also abolished carbachol-induced depolarizations. V. dubius venom contains at least two components that affect vertebrate neurotransmission. One component, VdTX-1, blocks nicotinic receptors non-competitively to produce reversible blockade without muscle contracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomaz A A Rocha-E-Silva
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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Chaim OM, Trevisan-Silva D, Chaves-Moreira D, Wille ACM, Ferrer VP, Matsubara FH, Mangili OC, da Silveira RB, Gremski LH, Gremski W, Senff-Ribeiro A, Veiga SS. Brown spider (Loxosceles genus) venom toxins: tools for biological purposes. Toxins (Basel) 2011; 3:309-44. [PMID: 22069711 PMCID: PMC3202818 DOI: 10.3390/toxins3030309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Revised: 02/26/2011] [Accepted: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals use their venoms as tools for defense or predation. These venoms are complex mixtures, mainly enriched of proteic toxins or peptides with several, and different, biological activities. In general, spider venom is rich in biologically active molecules that are useful in experimental protocols for pharmacology, biochemistry, cell biology and immunology, as well as putative tools for biotechnology and industries. Spider venoms have recently garnered much attention from several research groups worldwide. Brown spider (Loxosceles genus) venom is enriched in low molecular mass proteins (5–40 kDa). Although their venom is produced in minute volumes (a few microliters), and contain only tens of micrograms of protein, the use of techniques based on molecular biology and proteomic analysis has afforded rational projects in the area and permitted the discovery and identification of a great number of novel toxins. The brown spider phospholipase-D family is undoubtedly the most investigated and characterized, although other important toxins, such as low molecular mass insecticidal peptides, metalloproteases and hyaluronidases have also been identified and featured in literature. The molecular pathways of the action of these toxins have been reported and brought new insights in the field of biotechnology. Herein, we shall see how recent reports describing discoveries in the area of brown spider venom have expanded biotechnological uses of molecules identified in these venoms, with special emphasis on the construction of a cDNA library for venom glands, transcriptome analysis, proteomic projects, recombinant expression of different proteic toxins, and finally structural descriptions based on crystallography of toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Meiri Chaim
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81531-980 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; (O.M.C.); (D.T.-S); (D.C.-M); (A.C.M.W.); (V.P.F.); (F.H.M.); (L.H.G.); (A.S.-R)
| | - Dilza Trevisan-Silva
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81531-980 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; (O.M.C.); (D.T.-S); (D.C.-M); (A.C.M.W.); (V.P.F.); (F.H.M.); (L.H.G.); (A.S.-R)
| | - Daniele Chaves-Moreira
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81531-980 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; (O.M.C.); (D.T.-S); (D.C.-M); (A.C.M.W.); (V.P.F.); (F.H.M.); (L.H.G.); (A.S.-R)
| | - Ana Carolina M. Wille
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81531-980 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; (O.M.C.); (D.T.-S); (D.C.-M); (A.C.M.W.); (V.P.F.); (F.H.M.); (L.H.G.); (A.S.-R)
- Department of Structural, Molecular Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa, CEP 84030-900 Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil;
| | - Valéria Pereira Ferrer
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81531-980 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; (O.M.C.); (D.T.-S); (D.C.-M); (A.C.M.W.); (V.P.F.); (F.H.M.); (L.H.G.); (A.S.-R)
| | - Fernando Hitomi Matsubara
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81531-980 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; (O.M.C.); (D.T.-S); (D.C.-M); (A.C.M.W.); (V.P.F.); (F.H.M.); (L.H.G.); (A.S.-R)
| | | | - Rafael Bertoni da Silveira
- Department of Structural, Molecular Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa, CEP 84030-900 Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil;
| | - Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81531-980 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; (O.M.C.); (D.T.-S); (D.C.-M); (A.C.M.W.); (V.P.F.); (F.H.M.); (L.H.G.); (A.S.-R)
| | - Waldemiro Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81531-980 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; (O.M.C.); (D.T.-S); (D.C.-M); (A.C.M.W.); (V.P.F.); (F.H.M.); (L.H.G.); (A.S.-R)
- Catholic University of Paraná, Health and Biological Sciences Institute, CEP 80215-901 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil;
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81531-980 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; (O.M.C.); (D.T.-S); (D.C.-M); (A.C.M.W.); (V.P.F.); (F.H.M.); (L.H.G.); (A.S.-R)
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81531-980 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; (O.M.C.); (D.T.-S); (D.C.-M); (A.C.M.W.); (V.P.F.); (F.H.M.); (L.H.G.); (A.S.-R)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +55-41-33611776; Fax: +55-41-3266-2042
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Rocha-e-Silva TAA, Collares-Buzato CB, da Cruz-Höfling MA, Hyslop S. Venom apparatus of the Brazilian tarantula Vitalius dubius Mello-Leitão 1923 (Theraphosidae). Cell Tissue Res 2009; 335:617-29. [PMID: 19132396 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-008-0738-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Accepted: 11/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tarantula venoms are a cocktail of proteins and peptides that have been increasingly studied in recent years. In contrast, less attention has been given to analyzing the structure of the paired cephalic glands that produce the venom. We have used light, electron, and confocal microscopy to study the organization and structure of the venom gland of the Brazilian tarantula Vitalius dubius. The chelicerae are hairy chitinous structures, each with a single curved hollow fang that opens via an orifice on the anterior surface. Internally, each chelicera contains striated muscle fiber bundles that control fang extension and retraction, and a cylindrical conical venom gland surrounded by a thick well-developed layer of obliquely arranged muscle fibers. Light microscopy of longitudinal and transverse sections showed that the gland secretory epithelium consists of a sponge-like network of slender epithelial cell processes with numerous bridges and interconnections that form lacunae containing secretion. This secretory epithelium is supported by a basement membrane containing elastic fibers. The entire epithelial structure of the venom-secreting cells is reinforced by a dense network of F-actin intermediate filaments, as shown by staining with phalloidin. Neural elements (axons and acetylcholinesterase activity) are also associated with the venom gland. Transmission electron microscopy of the epithelium revealed an ultrastructure typical of secretory cells, including abundant rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, an extensive Golgi apparatus, and numerous mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomaz A A Rocha-e-Silva
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas , CP 6111, CEP 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil
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