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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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Lecaudey LA, Netzer R, Wibberg D, Busche T, Bloecher N. Metatranscriptome analysis reveals the putative venom toxin repertoire of the biofouling hydroid Ectopleura larynx. Toxicon 2024; 237:107556. [PMID: 38072317 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107556] [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] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Cnidarians thriving in biofouling communities on aquaculture net pens represent a significant health risk for farmed finfish due to their stinging cells. The toxins coming into contact with the fish, during net cleaning, can adversely affect their behavior, welfare, and survival, with a particularly serious health risk for the gills, causing direct tissue damage such as formation of thrombi and increasing risks of secondary infections. The hydroid Ectopleura larynx is one of the most common fouling organisms in Northern Europe. However, despite its significant economic, environmental, and operational impact on finfish aquaculture, biological information on this species is scarce and its venom composition has never been investigated. In this study, we generated a whole transcriptome of E. larynx, and identified its putative expressed venom toxin proteins (predicted toxin proteins, not functionally characterized) based on in silico transcriptome annotation mining and protein sequence analysis. The results uncovered a broad and diverse repertoire of putative toxin proteins for this hydroid species. Its toxic arsenal appears to include a wide and complex selection of toxin proteins, covering a large panel of potential biological functions that play important roles in envenomation. The putative toxins identified in this species, such as neurotoxins, GTPase toxins, metalloprotease toxins, ion channel impairing toxins, hemorrhagic toxins, serine protease toxins, phospholipase toxins, pore-forming toxins, and multifunction toxins may cause various major deleterious effects in prey, predators, and competitors. These results provide valuable new insights into the venom composition of cnidarians, and venomous marine organisms in general, and offer new opportunities for further research into novel and valuable bioactive molecules for medicine, agronomics and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roman Netzer
- SINTEF Ocean, Aquaculture Department, Brattørkaia 17c, 7010, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Daniel Wibberg
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Tobias Busche
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany; Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 1, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Nina Bloecher
- SINTEF Ocean, Aquaculture Department, Brattørkaia 17c, 7010, Trondheim, Norway
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Hérnández-Elizárraga VH, Vega-Tamayo JE, Olguín-López N, Ibarra-Alvarado C, Rojas-Molina A. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses reveal the first occurrence of diverse toxin groups in Millepora alcicornis. J Proteomics 2023; 288:104984. [PMID: 37536522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Millepora alcicornis is a reef-forming cnidarian widely distributed in the Mexican Caribbean. Millepora species or "fire corals" inflict a painful stinging reaction in humans when touched. Even though hundreds of organic and polypeptide toxins have been characterized from sea anemones and jellyfish, there are few reports regarding the diversity of toxins synthesized by fire corals. Here, based on transcriptomic analysis of M. alcicornis, several predicted proteins that show amino acid sequence similarity to toxins were identified, including neurotoxins, metalloproteases, hemostasis-impairing toxins, serin proteases, cysteine-rich venom proteins, phospholipases, complement system-impairing toxins, phosphodiesterases, pore-forming toxins, and L-aminoacid oxidases. The soluble nematocyst proteome of this organism was shown to induce hemolytic, proteolytic, and phospholipase A2 effects by gel zymography. Protein bands or spots on 1D- and 2D-PAGE gels corresponding to zones of hemolytic and enzymatic activities were excised, subjected to in-gel digestion with trypsin, and analyzed by mass spectrometry. These proteins exhibited sequence homology to PLA2s, metalloproteinases, pore-forming toxins, and neurotoxins, such as actitoxins and CrTX-A. The complex array of venom-related transcripts that were identified in M. alcicornis, some of which are first reported in "fire corals", provide novel insight into the structural richness of Cnidarian toxins and their distribution among species. SIGNIFICANCE: Marine organisms are a promising source of bioactive compounds with valuable contributions in diverse fields such as human health, pharmaceuticals, and industrial application. Currently, not much attention has been paid to the study of fire corals, which possess a variety of molecules that exhibit diverse toxic effects and therefore have great pharmaceutical and biotechnological potential. The isolation and identification of novel marine-derived toxins by classical approaches are time-consuming and have low yields. Thus, next-generation strategies, like base-'omics technologies, are essential for the high-throughput characterization of venom compounds such as those synthesized by fire corals. This study moves the field forward because it provides new insights regarding the first occurrence of diverse toxin groups in Millepora alcicornis. The findings presented here will contribute to the current understanding of the mechanisms of action of Millepora toxins. This research also reveals important information related to the potential role of toxins in the defense and capture of prey mechanisms and for designing appropriate treatments for fire coral envenomation. Moreover, due to the lack of information on the taxonomic identification of Millepora, the insights presented here can advise the taxonomic classification of the species of this genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Hugo Hérnández-Elizárraga
- Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas S/N, C.P. 76010 Querétaro, Qro, Mexico; University of Minnesota Genomics Center, 2231 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Norma Olguín-López
- Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas S/N, C.P. 76010 Querétaro, Qro, Mexico; División Química y Energías Renovables, Universidad Tecnológica de San Juan del Río. Av La Palma No 125 Vista Hermosa, 76800 San Juan del Río, Qro, Mexico.
| | - César Ibarra-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas S/N, C.P. 76010 Querétaro, Qro, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Rojas-Molina
- Laboratorio de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas S/N, C.P. 76010 Querétaro, Qro, Mexico.
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4
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New Insights into the Toxin Diversity and Antimicrobial Activity of the “Fire Coral” Millepora complanata. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14030206. [PMID: 35324703 PMCID: PMC8954376 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14030206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, few studies have been carried out aimed at characterizing the toxins synthesized by hydrocorals of the genus Millepora. The purpose of this study was to explore the toxin diversity and antibacterial activity of the “fire coral” M. complanata using a transcriptomic data mining approach. In addition, the cytolytic and antibacterial activities of the M. complanata nematocyst proteome were experimentally confirmed. Cytolysins were predicted from the transcriptome by comparing against the Animal Toxin Annotation Project database, resulting in 190 putative toxins, including metalloproteases, hemostasis-impairing toxins, phospholipases, among others. The M. complanata nematocyst proteome was analyzed by 1D and 2D electrophoresis and zymography. The zymograms showed different zones of cytolytic activity: two zones of hemolysis at ~25 and ~205 kDa, two regions corresponding to phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity around 6 and 25 kDa, and a proteolytic zone was observed between 50 and 205 kDa. The hemolytic activity of the proteome was inhibited in the presence of PLA2 and proteases inhibitors, suggesting that PLA2s, trypsin, chymotrypsin, serine-proteases, and matrix metalloproteases are responsible for the hemolysis. On the other hand, antimicrobial peptide sequences were retrieved from their transcripts with the amPEPpy software. This analysis revealed the presence of homologs to SK84, cgUbiquitin, Ubiquicidin, TroTbeta4, SPINK9-v1, and Histone-related antimicrobials in the transcriptome of this cnidarian. Finally, by employing disk diffusion and microdilution assays, we found that the nematocyst peptidome of M. complanata showed inhibitory activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including S. enteritidis, P. perfectomarina, E. coli, and C. xerosis, among others. This is the first transcriptomic data mining analysis to explore the diversity of the toxins synthesized by an organism of the genus Millepora. Undoubtedly, this work provides information that will broaden our general understanding of the structural richness of cnidarian toxins.
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Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels: A Prominent Target of Marine Toxins. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19100562. [PMID: 34677461 PMCID: PMC8537899 DOI: 10.3390/md19100562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are considered to be one of the most important ion channels given their remarkable physiological role. VGSCs constitute a family of large transmembrane proteins that allow transmission, generation, and propagation of action potentials. This occurs by conducting Na+ ions through the membrane, supporting cell excitability and communication signals in various systems. As a result, a wide range of coordination and physiological functions, from locomotion to cognition, can be accomplished. Drugs that target and alter the molecular mechanism of VGSCs’ function have highly contributed to the discovery and perception of the function and the structure of this channel. Among those drugs are various marine toxins produced by harmful microorganisms or venomous animals. These toxins have played a key role in understanding the mode of action of VGSCs and in mapping their various allosteric binding sites. Furthermore, marine toxins appear to be an emerging source of therapeutic tools that can relieve pain or treat VGSC-related human channelopathies. Several studies documented the effect of marine toxins on VGSCs as well as their pharmaceutical applications, but none of them underlined the principal marine toxins and their effect on VGSCs. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the neurotoxins produced by marine animals such as pufferfish, shellfish, sea anemone, and cone snail that are active on VGSCs and discuss their pharmaceutical values.
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6
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Hartigan A, Jaimes-Becerra A, Okamura B, Doonan LB, Ward M, Marques AC, Long PF. Recruitment of toxin-like proteins with ancestral venom function supports endoparasitic lifestyles of Myxozoa. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11208. [PMID: 33981497 PMCID: PMC8083181 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cnidarians are the oldest lineage of venomous animals and use nematocysts to discharge toxins. Whether venom toxins have been recruited to support parasitic lifestyles in the Endocnidozoa (Myxozoa + Polypodium) is, however, unknown. To examine this issue we variously employed transcriptomic, proteomic, associated molecular phylogenies, and localisation studies on representative primitive and derived myxozoans (Malacosporea and Myxosporea, respectively), Polypodium hydriforme, and the free-living staurozoan Calvadosia cruxmelitensis. Our transcriptomics and proteomics analyses provide evidence for expression and translation of venom toxin homologs in myxozoans. Phylogenetic placement of Kunitz type serine protease inhibitors and phospholipase A2 enzymes reveals modification of toxins inherited from ancestral free-living cnidarian toxins, and that venom diversity is reduced in myxozoans concordant with their reduced genome sizes. Various phylogenetic analyses of the Kunitz-type toxin family in Endocnidozoa suggested lineage-specific gene duplications, which offers a possible mechanism for enhancing toxin diversification. Toxin localisation in the malacosporean Buddenbrockia plumatellae substantiates toxin translation and thus illustrates a repurposing of toxin function for endoparasite development and interactions with hosts, rather than for prey capture or defence. Whether myxozoan venom candidates are expressed in transmission stages (e.g. in nematocysts or secretory vesicles) requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlie Hartigan
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Jaimes-Becerra
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beth Okamura
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Liam B Doonan
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Ward
- Aulesa Biosciences Ltd, Shefford, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio C Marques
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paul F Long
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Sea anemone (Stichodactyla haddoni) induces apoptosis in lung cancer A549 cells: an in vitro evaluation of biological activity of mucus derivatives. Biologia (Bratisl) 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-020-00417-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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8
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Jaimes-Becerra A, Gacesa R, Doonan LB, Hartigan A, Marques AC, Okamura B, Long PF. "Beyond Primary Sequence"-Proteomic Data Reveal Complex Toxins in Cnidarian Venoms. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 59:777-785. [PMID: 31225595 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icz106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals can deploy toxins for both predation and defense. These dual functions of toxins might be expected to promote the evolution of new venoms and alteration of their composition. Cnidarians are the most ancient venomous animals but our present understanding of their venom diversity is compromised by poor taxon sampling. New proteomic data were therefore generated to characterize toxins in venoms of a staurozoan, a hydrozoan, and an anthozoan. We then used a novel clustering approach to compare venom diversity in cnidarians to other venomous animals. Comparison of the presence or absence of 32 toxin protein families indicated venom composition did not vary widely among the 11 cnidarian species studied. Unsupervised clustering of toxin peptide sequences suggested that toxin composition of cnidarian venoms is just as complex as that in many venomous bilaterians, including marine snakes. The adaptive significance of maintaining a complex and relatively invariant venom remains unclear. Future study of cnidarian venom diversity, venom variation with nematocyst types and in different body regions are required to better understand venom evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Jaimes-Becerra
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Matão, Trav. 14, 101, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Ranko Gacesa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Postbus 30.001, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands
| | - Liam B Doonan
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Ashlie Hartigan
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Antonio C Marques
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Matão, Trav. 14, 101, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Beth Okamura
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Paul F Long
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Matão, Trav. 14, 101, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK.,¶Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, B16, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
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Nematocyst types and venom effects of Aurelia aurita and Velella velella from the Mediterranean Sea. Toxicon 2020; 175:57-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.12.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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10
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Madio B, King GF, Undheim EAB. Sea Anemone Toxins: A Structural Overview. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17060325. [PMID: 31159357 PMCID: PMC6627431 DOI: 10.3390/md17060325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea anemones produce venoms of exceptional molecular diversity, with at least 17 different molecular scaffolds reported to date. These venom components have traditionally been classified according to pharmacological activity and amino acid sequence. However, this classification system suffers from vulnerabilities due to functional convergence and functional promiscuity. Furthermore, for most known sea anemone toxins, the exact receptors they target are either unknown, or at best incomplete. In this review, we first provide an overview of the sea anemone venom system and then focus on the venom components. We have organised the venom components by distinguishing firstly between proteins and non-proteinaceous compounds, secondly between enzymes and other proteins without enzymatic activity, then according to the structural scaffold, and finally according to molecular target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Madio
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- Centre for Ecology and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
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Olguín-López N, Hérnandez-Elizárraga VH, Hernández-Matehuala R, Cruz-Hernández A, Guevara-González R, Caballero-Pérez J, Ibarra-Alvarado C, Rojas-Molina A. Impact of El Niño-Southern Oscillation 2015-2016 on the soluble proteomic profile and cytolytic activity of Millepora alcicornis ("fire coral") from the Mexican Caribbean. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6593. [PMID: 30918755 PMCID: PMC6428038 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Reef-forming cnidarians are extremely susceptible to the “bleaching” phenomenon caused by global warming. The effect of elevated seawater temperature has been extensively studied on Anthozoans; however, to date the impact of thermal stress on the expression of genes and proteins in Hydrozoan species has not been investigated. The present study aimed to determine the differential proteomic profile of Millepora alcicornis, which inhabits the Mexican Caribbean, in response to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation 2015–2016. Additionally, the cytolytic activity of the soluble proteomes obtained from normal and bleached M. alcicornis was assessed. Bleached specimens showed decreased symbiont’s density and chlorophyll a and c2 levels. After bleaching, we observed a differential expression of 17 key proteins, tentatively identified as related to exocytosis, calcium homeostasis, cytoskeletal organization, and potential toxins, including a metalloprotease, a phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and an actitoxin. Although, some of the differentially expressed proteins included potential toxins, the hemolytic, PLA2, and proteolytic activities elicited by the soluble proteomes from bleached and normal specimens were not significantly different. The present study provides heretofore-unknown evidence that thermal stress produces a differential expression of proteins involved in essential cellular processes of Hydrozoan species. Even though our results showed an over-expression of some potential toxin-related proteins, the cytolytic effect (as assessed by hemolytic, PLA2, and caseinolytic activities) was not increased in bleached M. alcicornis, which suggests that the cytolysis is mainly produced by toxins whose expression was not affected by temperature stress. These findings allow hypothesizing that this hydrocoral is able to prey heterotrophically when suffering from moderate bleaching, giving it a better chance to withstand the effects of high temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma Olguín-López
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químico Biológicas-Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Víctor Hugo Hérnandez-Elizárraga
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químico Biológicas-Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Rosalina Hernández-Matehuala
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químico Biológicas-Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Andrés Cruz-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular-Escuela de Agronomía, Universidad De la Salle Bajío, León, Guanajuato, México
| | - Ramón Guevara-González
- C.A Ingeniería de Biosistemas-Facultad de Ingeniería-Campus Amazcala, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Juan Caballero-Pérez
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - César Ibarra-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Rojas-Molina
- Laboratorio de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
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12
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Tsutsui K, Sato T. Identification of the two new, functional actinoporins, CJTOX I and CJTOX II, from the deep-sea anemone Cribrinopsis japonica. Toxicon 2018; 148:40-49. [PMID: 29649486 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Actinoporins are pore-forming proteins found in sea anemones. Although we now have a large collection of data on actinoporins, our knowledge is based heavily on those identified in shallow-water anemones. Because the deep sea differs considerably from shallow waters in hydrostatic pressures, temperatures, and the prey composition, the deep-sea actinoporin may have evolved in unique ways. This study, therefore, aimed to obtain new actinoporins in the deep-sea anemone Cribrinopis japonica (Actiniaria, Actiniidae). An actinoporin-like sequence was identified from the previously established C. japonica RNA-Seq database, and the complete length (663 bp) of the deep-sea actinoporin gene, Cjtox I, was obtained. In addition, a similar gene, Cjtox II (666 bp), was also identified from RNA of actinopharynx. CJTOX I and CJTOX II were similar in their primary structures, but CJTOX I lacked one residue in the middle of the protein. There was also a difference in the gene expression in live animals, where only Cjtox I was expressed in tentacles of C. japonica. In the heterologous expression where BL21 (DE3) strain was retransformed with the plasmid containing either Cjtox I or Cjtox II gene, the supernatants of both cell lysates showed hemolytic activity on the equine erythrocytes. Preincubation of the supernatants with sphingomyelin caused reduced activity, implying that the CJTOX I and II would target sphingomyelin as with other actinoporins. Because of the structures similarity to the known actinoporins and the sphingomyelin-inhibitable hemolytic activity, both CJTOX I and II were concluded to be new actinoporins, which were identified for the first time from a deep-sea anemone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Tsutsui
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, 22-2 Seto, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0027, Japan
| | - Tomomi Sato
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, 22-2 Seto, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0027, Japan.
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Rivera-de-Torre E, Martínez-Del-Pozo Á, Garb JE. Stichodactyla helianthus' de novo transcriptome assembly: Discovery of a new actinoporin isoform. Toxicon 2018; 150:105-114. [PMID: 29787779 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptomic profiling of venom producing tissues from different animals is an effective approach for discovering new toxins useful in biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications, as well in evolutionary comparative studies of venomous animals. Stichodactyla helianthus is a Caribbean sea anemone which produces actinoporins as part of its toxic venom. This family of pore forming toxins is multigenic and at least two different isoforms, encoded by separate genes, are produced by S. helianthus. These isoforms, sticholysins I and II, share 93% amino acid identity but differ in their pore forming activity and act synergistically. This observation suggests that other actinoporin isoforms, if present in the venomous mixture, could offer an advantageous strategy to modulate whole venom activity. Using high-throughput sequencing we generated a de novo transcriptome of S. helianthus and determined the relative expression of assembled transcripts using RNA-Seq to better characterize components of this species' venom, focusing on actinoporin diversity. Applying this approach, we have discovered at least one new actinoporin variant from S. helianthus in addition to several other putative venom components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de CC. Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Álvaro Martínez-Del-Pozo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de CC. Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jessica E Garb
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
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Hemolytic, anticancer and antigiardial activity of Palythoa caribaeorum venom. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2018; 24:12. [PMID: 29692802 PMCID: PMC5905176 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-018-0149-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cnidarian venoms and extracts have shown a broad variety of biological activities including cytotoxic, antibacterial and antitumoral effects. Most of these studied extracts were obtained from sea anemones or jellyfish. The present study aimed to determine the toxic activity and assess the antitumor and antiparasitic potential of Palythoa caribaeorum venom by evaluating its in vitro toxicity on several models including human tumor cell lines and against the parasite Giardia intestinalis. Methods The presence of cytolysins and vasoconstrictor activity of P. caribaeorum venom were determined by hemolysis, PLA2 and isolated rat aortic ring assays, respectively. The cytotoxic effect was tested on HCT-15 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma), MCF-7 (human mammary adenocarcinoma), K562 (human chronic myelogenous leukemia), U251 (human glyoblastoma), PC-3 (human prostatic adenocarcinoma) and SKLU-1 (human lung adenocarcinoma). An in vivo toxicity assay was performed with crickets and the antiparasitic assay was performed against G. intestinalis at 24 h of incubation. Results P. caribaeorum venom produced hemolytic and PLA2 activity and showed specific cytotoxicity against U251 and SKLU-1 cell lines, with approximately 50% growing inhibition. The venom was toxic to insects and showed activity against G. intestinalis in a dose-dependent manner by possibly altering its membrane osmotic equilibrium. Conclusion These results suggest that P. caribaeorum venom contains compounds with potential therapeutic value against microorganisms and cancer.
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Hoffmann FR, Jungblut S, Holst S, Kappertz G, Berlitz P, Ohmann T. Therapieoptionen bei Vernesselungen durch Quallen an deutschen Küstengewässern. Notf Rett Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10049-016-0227-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Jaimes-Becerra A, Chung R, Morandini AC, Weston AJ, Padilla G, Gacesa R, Ward M, Long PF, Marques AC. Comparative proteomics reveals recruitment patterns of some protein families in the venoms of Cnidaria. Toxicon 2017; 137:19-26. [PMID: 28711466 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cnidarians are probably the oldest group of animals to be venomous, yet our current picture of cnidarian venom evolution is highly imbalanced due to limited taxon sampling. High-throughput tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine venom composition of the scyphozoan Chrysaora lactea and two cubozoans Tamoya haplonema and Chiropsalmus quadrumanus. Protein recruitment patterns were then compared against 5 other cnidarian venom proteomes taken from the literature. A total of 28 putative toxin protein families were identified, many for the first time in Cnidaria. Character mapping analysis revealed that 17 toxin protein families with predominantly cytolytic biological activities were likely recruited into the cnidarian venom proteome before the lineage split between Anthozoa and Medusozoa. Thereafter, venoms of Medusozoa and Anthozoa differed during subsequent divergence of cnidarian classes. Recruitment and loss of toxin protein families did not correlate with accepted phylogenetic patterns of Cnidaria. Selective pressures that drive toxin diversification independent of taxonomic positioning have yet to be identified in Cnidaria and now warrant experimental consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Jaimes-Becerra
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Matão, Trav. 14, 101, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ray Chung
- Proteomics Facility, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - André C Morandini
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Matão, Trav. 14, 101, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrew J Weston
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel Padilla
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes 1374, 05508-000 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ranko Gacesa
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Ward
- Proteomics Facility, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - Paul F Long
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom; Brazil Institute, King's College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom; Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, B16, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio C Marques
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Matão, Trav. 14, 101, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Centro de Biologia Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo, Rodovia Manoel Hypólito do Rego, km. 131,5, 11600-000 São Sebastião, Brazil
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Doyle TK, Headlam JL, Wilcox CL, MacLoughlin E, Yanagihara AA. Evaluation of Cyanea capillata Sting Management Protocols Using Ex Vivo and In Vitro Envenomation Models. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E215. [PMID: 28686221 PMCID: PMC5535162 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9070215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lion's mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) stings cause severe pain and can lead to dangerous systemic effects, including Irukandji-like syndrome. As is the case for most cnidarian stings, recommended medical protocols in response to such stings lack rigorous scientific support. In this study, we sought to evaluate potential first aid care protocols using previously described envenomation models that allow for direct measurements of venom activity. We found that seawater rinsing, the most commonly recommended method of tentacle removal for this species, induced significant increases in venom delivery, while rinsing with vinegar or Sting No More® Spray did not. Post-sting temperature treatments affected sting severity, with 40 min of hot-pack treatment reducing lysis of sheep's blood (in agar plates), a direct representation of venom load, by over 90%. Ice pack treatment had no effect on sting severity. These results indicate that sting management protocols for Cyanea need to be revised immediately to discontinue rinsing with seawater and include the use of heat treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas K Doyle
- Discipline of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H91 W5P7, Ireland.
| | - Jasmine L Headlam
- Discipline of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H91 W5P7, Ireland.
| | - Christie L Wilcox
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
| | - Eoin MacLoughlin
- Discipline of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H91 W5P7, Ireland.
| | - Angel A Yanagihara
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
- Békésy Laboratory of Neurobiology, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
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Abstract
Venomous aquatic animals are hazardous to swimmers, surfers, divers, and fishermen. Exposures include mild stings, bites, abrasions, and lacerations. Severe envenomations can be life threatening. This article reviews common marine envenomations, exploring causative species, clinical presentation, and current treatment recommendations. Recommendations are included for cnidaria, sponges, bristle worms, crown-of-thorns starfish, sea urchins, venomous fish, stingrays, cone snails, stonefish, blue-ringed octopus, and sea snakes. Immediate and long-term treatment options and management of common sequelae are reviewed. Antivenom administration, treatment of anaphylaxis, and surgical indications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten B Hornbeak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford Kaiser Emergency Medicine Residency, 300 Pasteur Drive, Alway Building M121, MC 5119, Stanford, CA 94305-2200, USA.
| | - Paul S Auerbach
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Alway Building M121, MC 5119, Stanford, CA 94305-2200, USA
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Evolution of the Cytolytic Pore-Forming Proteins (Actinoporins) in Sea Anemones. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8120368. [PMID: 27941639 PMCID: PMC5198562 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8120368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea anemones (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, and Actiniaria) use toxic peptides to incapacitate and immobilize prey and to deter potential predators. Their toxin arsenal is complex, targeting a variety of functionally important protein complexes and macromolecules involved in cellular homeostasis. Among these, actinoporins are one of the better characterized toxins; these venom proteins form a pore in cellular membranes containing sphingomyelin. We used a combined bioinformatic and phylogenetic approach to investigate how actinoporins have evolved across three superfamilies of sea anemones (Actinioidea, Metridioidea, and Actinostoloidea). Our analysis identified 90 candidate actinoporins across 20 species. We also found clusters of six actinoporin-like genes in five species of sea anemone (Nematostella vectensis, Stomphia coccinea, Epiactis japonica, Heteractis crispa, and Diadumene leucolena); these actinoporin-like sequences resembled actinoporins but have a higher sequence similarity with toxins from fungi, cone snails, and Hydra. Comparative analysis of the candidate actinoporins highlighted variable and conserved regions within actinoporins that may pertain to functional variation. Although multiple residues are involved in initiating sphingomyelin recognition and membrane binding, there is a high rate of replacement for a specific tryptophan with leucine (W112L) and other hydrophobic residues. Residues thought to be involved with oligomerization were variable, while those forming the phosphocholine (POC) binding site and the N-terminal region involved with cell membrane penetration were highly conserved.
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20
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García-Arredondo A, Rojas-Molina A, Ibarra-Alvarado C, Lazcano-Pérez F, Arreguín-Espinosa R, Sánchez-Rodríguez J. Composition and biological activities of the aqueous extracts of three scleractinian corals from the Mexican Caribbean: Pseudodiploria strigosa, Porites astreoides and Siderastrea siderea. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2016; 22:32. [PMID: 27904505 PMCID: PMC5121987 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-016-0087-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scleractinian corals (stony corals) are the most abundant reef-forming cnidarians found in coral reefs throughout the world. Despite their abundance and ecological importance, information about the diversity of their toxins and their biological activities is very scarce. In this study, the chemical composition and the biological activities of the aqueous extracts of Pseudodiploria strigosa, Porites astreoides and Siderastrea siderea, three scleractinian corals from the Mexican Caribbean, have been assessed for the first time. METHODS Toxicity of the extracts was assessed in crickets; the presence of cytolysins was detected by the hemolysis assay; the vasoconstrictor activity was determined by the isolated rat aortic ring assay; the nociceptive activity was evaluated by the formalin test. The presence of phospholipases A2 (PLA2), serine proteases, and hyaluronidases was determined by enzymatic methods. Low-molecular-weight fractions were obtained by gel filtration chromatography and ultrafiltration. RESULTS Extracts from the three species were toxic to crickets, induced hemolysis in human and rat erythrocytes, produced vasoconstriction on isolated rat aortic rings, and presented phospholipase A2 and serine-protease activity. Despite the fact that these corals are not considered to be harmless to humans, the extracts generated significant nociceptive responses. The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry analysis of the low-molecular-weight fractions revealed the presence of peptides within a mass range of 3000 to 6000 Da. These fractions were toxic to crickets and two of them induced a transitory vasoconstrictor effect on isolated rat aortic rings. CONCLUSION This study suggests that scleractinian corals produce low-molecular-weight peptides that are lethal to crickets and induce vasoconstriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro García-Arredondo
- Departamento de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, 76010 Mexico
| | - Alejandra Rojas-Molina
- Departamento de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, 76010 Mexico
| | - César Ibarra-Alvarado
- Departamento de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, 76010 Mexico
| | - Fernando Lazcano-Pérez
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Campus Iztapalapa, Mexico City, 09340 Mexico ; Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, 04510 Mexico
| | | | - Judith Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo 77500 Mexico
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Becerra-Amezcua MP, Guerrero-Legarreta I, González-Márquez H, Guzmán-García X. In vivo analysis of effects of venom from the jellyfish Chrysaora sp. in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Toxicon 2016; 113:49-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Wang B, Liu D, Liu G, Zhang X, Wang Q, Zheng J, Zhou Y, He Q, Zhang L. Protective effects of batimastat against hemorrhagic injuries in delayed jellyfish envenomation syndrome models. Toxicon 2015; 108:232-9. [PMID: 26546696 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we established delayed jellyfish envenomation syndrome (DJES) models and proposed that the hemorrhagic toxins in jellyfish tentacle extracts (TE) play a significant role in the liver and kidney injuries of the experimental model. Further, we also demonstrated that metalloproteinases are the central toxic components of the jellyfish Cyanea capillata (C. capillata), which may be responsible for the hemorrhagic effects. Thus, metalloproteinase inhibitors appear to be a promising therapeutic alternative for the treatment of hemorrhagic injuries in DJES. In this study, we examined the metalloproteinase activity of TE from the jellyfish C. capillata using zymography analyses. Our results confirmed that TE possessed a metalloproteinase activity, which was also sensitive to heat. Then, we tested the effect of metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat (BB-94) on TE-induced hemorrhagic injuries in DJES models. Firstly, using SR-based X-ray microangiography, we found that BB-94 significantly improved TE-induced hepatic and renal microvasculature alterations in DJES mouse model. Secondly, under synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SR-μCT), we also confirmed that BB-94 reduced TE-induced hepatic and renal microvasculature changes in DJES rat model. In addition, being consistent with the imaging results, histopathological and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated UTP end labeling (TUNEL)-like staining observations also clearly corroborated this hypothesis, as BB-94 was highly effective in neutralizing TE-induced extensive hemorrhage and necrosis in DJES rat model. Although it may require further clinical studies in the near future, the current study opens up the possibilities for the use of the metalloproteinase inhibitor, BB-94, in the treatment of multiple organ hemorrhagic injuries in DJES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beilei Wang
- Marine Bio-pharmaceutical Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Marine Biotechnology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Marine Bio-pharmaceutical Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Marine Biotechnology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Guoyan Liu
- Marine Bio-pharmaceutical Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Marine Biotechnology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- The Third Cadet Battalion of Naval Medicine Department, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Marine Bio-pharmaceutical Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Marine Biotechnology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiemin Zheng
- Marine Bio-pharmaceutical Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Marine Biotechnology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yonghong Zhou
- Marine Bio-pharmaceutical Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Marine Biotechnology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qian He
- Department of Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Liming Zhang
- Marine Bio-pharmaceutical Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Marine Biotechnology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Zhang L, He Q, Wang Q, Zhang B, Wang B, Xu F, Wang T, Xiao L, Zhang L. Intracellular Ca(2+) overload induced by extracellular Ca(2+) entry plays an important role in acute heart dysfunction by tentacle extract from the jellyfish Cyanea capillata. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2015; 14:260-74. [PMID: 24563080 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-014-9250-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The exact mechanism of acute heart dysfunction caused by jellyfish venom remains unclear for the moment. In the present study, we examined the problem caused by the tentacle extract (TE) from the jellyfish Cyanea capillata at the levels of whole animal, isolated heart, primarily cultured cardiomyocytes, and intracellular Ca(2+). The heart indexes, including HR, APs, LVPs, and MMLs, were all decreased significantly by TE in both whole animal and Langendorff-perfused isolated heart model. Imbalance of cardiac oxygen supply and demand also took place. In both Ca(2+)-containing and Ca(2+)-free bathing solutions, TE could cause obvious cytoplasmic Ca(2+) overload in NRVMs, but the cytoplasmic Ca(2+) increased faster, Ca(2+) overload peaks arrived earlier, and the morphological changes were more severe under the extracellular Ca(2+)-containing condition. L-type Ca(2+) channel blockers, as well as the inhibitor of ryanodine receptor (ryanodine), could improve the viability of NRVMs. Moreover, diltiazem significantly inhibited the acute heart dysfunction caused by TE in both Langendorff isolated heart model and whole animal. These results suggested that intracellular Ca(2+) overload induced by extracellular Ca(2+) entry plays an important role in acute heart failure by TE from the jellyfish C. capillata. Inhibition of extracellular Ca(2+) influx is a promising antagonistic alternative for heart damage by jellyfish venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
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Rojko N, Dalla Serra M, Maček P, Anderluh G. Pore formation by actinoporins, cytolysins from sea anemones. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2015; 1858:446-56. [PMID: 26351738 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Actinoporins (APs) from sea anemones are ~20 kDa pore forming toxins with a β-sandwich structure flanked by two α-helices. The molecular mechanism of APs pore formation is composed of several well-defined steps. APs bind to membrane by interfacial binding site composed of several aromatic amino acid residues that allow binding to phosphatidylcholine and specific recognition of sphingomyelin. Subsequently, the N-terminal α-helix from the β-sandwich has to be inserted into the lipid/water interphase in order to form a functional pore. Functional studies and single molecule imaging revealed that only several monomers, 3-4, oligomerise to form a functional pore. In this model the α-helices and surrounding lipid molecules build toroidal pore. In agreement, AP pores are transient and electrically heterogeneous. On the contrary, crystallized oligomers of actinoporin fragaceatoxin C were found to be composed of eight monomers with no lipids present between the adjacent α-helices. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Pore-Forming Toxins edited by Maur Dalla Serra and Franco Gambale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nejc Rojko
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mauro Dalla Serra
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche & Fondazione Bruno Kessler, via alla Cascata 56/C, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Peter Maček
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Anderluh
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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The effect of cholesterol on the long-range network of interactions established among sea anemone Sticholysin II residues at the water-membrane interface. Mar Drugs 2015; 13:1647-65. [PMID: 25815890 PMCID: PMC4413179 DOI: 10.3390/md13041647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Actinoporins are α-pore forming proteins with therapeutic potential, produced by sea anemones. Sticholysin II (StnII) from Stichodactyla helianthus is one of its most extensively characterized members. These proteins remain stably folded in water, but upon interaction with lipid bilayers, they oligomerize to form a pore. This event is triggered by the presence of sphingomyelin (SM), but cholesterol (Chol) facilitates pore formation. Membrane attachment and pore formation require changes involving long-distance rearrangements of residues located at the protein-membrane interface. The influence of Chol on membrane recognition, oligomerization, and/or pore formation is now studied using StnII variants, which are characterized in terms of their ability to interact with model membranes in the presence or absence of Chol. The results obtained frame Chol not only as an important partner for SM for functional membrane recognition but also as a molecule which significantly reduces the structural requirements for the mentioned conformational rearrangements to occur. However, given that the DOPC:SM:Chol vesicles employed display phase coexistence and have domain boundaries, the observed effects could be also due to the presence of these different phases on the membrane. In addition, it is also shown that the Arg51 guanidinium group is strictly required for membrane recognition, independently of the presence of Chol.
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26
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Macrander J, Brugler MR, Daly M. A RNA-seq approach to identify putative toxins from acrorhagi in aggressive and non-aggressive Anthopleura elegantissima polyps. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:221. [PMID: 25886045 PMCID: PMC4397815 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1417-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of venom in intraspecific aggression is uncommon and venom-transmitting structures specifically used for intraspecific competition are found in few lineages of venomous taxa. Next-generation transcriptome sequencing allows robust characterization of venom diversity and exploration of functionally unique tissues. Using a tissue-specific RNA-seq approach, we investigate the venom composition and gene ontology diversity of acrorhagi, specialized structures used in intraspecific competition, in aggressive and non-aggressive polyps of the aggregating sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Hexacorallia: Actiniaria: Actiniidae). RESULTS Collectively, we generated approximately 450,000 transcripts from acrorhagi of aggressive and non-aggressive polyps. For both transcriptomes we identified 65 candidate sea anemone toxin genes, representing phospholipase A2s, cytolysins, neurotoxins, and acrorhagins. When compared to previously characterized sea anemone toxin assemblages, each transcriptome revealed greater within-species sequence divergence across all toxin types. The transcriptome of the aggressive polyp had a higher abundance of type II voltage gated potassium channel toxins/Kunitz-type protease inhibitors and type II acrorhagins. Using toxin-like proteins from other venomous taxa, we also identified 612 candidate toxin-like transcripts with signaling regions, potentially unidentified secretory toxin-like proteins. Among these, metallopeptidases and cysteine rich (CRISP) candidate transcripts were in high abundance. Furthermore, our gene ontology analyses identified a high prevalence of genes associated with "blood coagulation" and "positive regulation of apoptosis", as well as "nucleoside: sodium symporter activity" and "ion channel binding". The resulting assemblage of expressed genes may represent synergistic proteins associated with toxins or proteins related to the morphology and behavior exhibited by the aggressive polyp. CONCLUSION We implement a multifaceted approach to investigate the assemblage of expressed genes specifically within acrorhagi, specialized structures used only for intraspecific competition. By combining differential expression, phylogenetic, and gene ontology analyses, we identify several candidate toxins and other potentially important proteins in acrorhagi of A. elegantissima. Although not all of the toxins identified are used in intraspecific competition, our analysis highlights some candidates that may play a vital role in intraspecific competition. Our findings provide a framework for further investigation into components of venom used exclusively for intraspecific competition in acrorhagi-bearing sea anemones and potentially other venomous animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Macrander
- The Ohio State University, Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, 318 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210-1293, USA.
| | - Mercer R Brugler
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY, 10024, USA. .,Biological Sciences Department, NYC College of Technology (CUNY), 300 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA.
| | - Marymegan Daly
- The Ohio State University, Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, 318 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210-1293, USA.
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Jouiaei M, Casewell NR, Yanagihara AA, Nouwens A, Cribb BW, Whitehead D, Jackson TNW, Ali SA, Wagstaff SC, Koludarov I, Alewood P, Hansen J, Fry BG. Firing the sting: chemically induced discharge of cnidae reveals novel proteins and peptides from box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) venom. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:936-50. [PMID: 25793725 PMCID: PMC4379534 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7030936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cnidarian venom research has lagged behind other toxinological fields due to technical difficulties in recovery of the complex venom from the microscopic nematocysts. Here we report a newly developed rapid, repeatable and cost effective technique of venom preparation, using ethanol to induce nematocyst discharge and to recover venom contents in one step. Our model species was the Australian box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri), which has a notable impact on public health. By utilizing scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy, we examined nematocyst external morphology before and after ethanol treatment and verified nematocyst discharge. Further, to investigate nematocyst content or "venom" recovery, we utilized both top-down and bottom-up transcriptomics-proteomics approaches and compared the proteome profile of this new ethanol recovery based method to a previously reported high activity and recovery protocol, based upon density purified intact cnidae and pressure induced disruption. In addition to recovering previously characterized box jellyfish toxins, including CfTX-A/B and CfTX-1, we recovered putative metalloproteases and novel expression of a small serine protease inhibitor. This study not only reveals a much more complex toxin profile of Australian box jellyfish venom but also suggests that ethanol extraction method could augment future cnidarian venom proteomics research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdokht Jouiaei
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Angel A Yanagihara
- Pacific Cnidaria Research Lab, Department of Tropical Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
| | - Amanda Nouwens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Bronwen W Cribb
- Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis and School of Biological Sciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Darryl Whitehead
- School of Biomedical Sciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Timothy N W Jackson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Syed A Ali
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan.
| | - Simon C Wagstaff
- Bioinformatics Unit, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Ivan Koludarov
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Paul Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Jay Hansen
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Rachamim T, Morgenstern D, Aharonovich D, Brekhman V, Lotan T, Sher D. The Dynamically Evolving Nematocyst Content of an Anthozoan, a Scyphozoan, and a Hydrozoan. Mol Biol Evol 2014; 32:740-53. [DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msu335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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García-Arredondo A, Murillo-Esquivel LJ, Rojas A, Sanchez-Rodriguez J. Characteristics of hemolytic activity induced by the aqueous extract of the Mexican fire coral Millepora complanata. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2014; 20:49. [PMID: 25435858 PMCID: PMC4247633 DOI: 10.1186/1678-9199-20-49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Millepora complanata is a plate-like fire coral common throughout the Caribbean. Contact with this species usually provokes burning pain, erythema and urticariform lesions. Our previous study suggested that the aqueous extract of M. complanata contains non-protein hemolysins that are soluble in water and ethanol. In general, the local damage induced by cnidarian venoms has been associated with hemolysins. The characterization of the effects of these components is important for the understanding of the defense mechanisms of fire corals. In addition, this information could lead to better care for victims of envenomation accidents. METHODS An ethanolic extract from the lyophilized aqueous extract was prepared and its hemolytic activity was compared with the hemolysis induced by the denatured aqueous extract. Based on the finding that ethanol failed to induce nematocyst discharge, ethanolic extracts were prepared from artificially bleached and normal M. complanata fragments and their hemolytic activity was tested in order to obtain information about the source of the heat-stable hemolysins. RESULTS Rodent erythrocytes were more susceptible to the aqueous extract than chicken and human erythrocytes. Hemolytic activity started at ten minutes of incubation and was relatively stable within the range of 28-50°C. When the aqueous extract was preincubated at temperatures over 60°C, hemolytic activity was significantly reduced. The denatured extract induced a slow hemolytic activity (HU50 = 1,050.00 ± 45.85 μg/mL), detectable four hours after incubation, which was similar to that induced by the ethanolic extract prepared from the aqueous extract (HU50 = 1,167.00 ± 54.95 μg/mL). No significant differences were observed between hemolysis induced by ethanolic extracts from bleached and normal fragments, although both activities were more potent than hemolysis induced by the denatured extract. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that the aqueous extract of M. complanata possesses one or more powerful heat-labile hemolytic proteins that are slightly more resistant to temperature than jellyfish venoms. This extract also contains slow thermostable hemolysins highly soluble in ethanol that are probably derived from the body tissues of the hydrozoan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro García-Arredondo
- Laboratory of Chemical and Pharmacological Natural Products Research, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Querétaro, Querétaro, 76010 Mexico
| | - Luis J Murillo-Esquivel
- Laboratory of Chemical and Pharmacological Natural Products Research, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Querétaro, Querétaro, 76010 Mexico
| | - Alejandra Rojas
- Laboratory of Chemical and Pharmacological Natural Products Research, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Querétaro, Querétaro, 76010 Mexico
| | - Judith Sanchez-Rodriguez
- Reef System Unit, Puerto Morelos, Institute of Marine Sciences and Limnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo 77500 Mexico
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30
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Badré S. Bioactive toxins from stinging jellyfish. Toxicon 2014; 91:114-25. [PMID: 25286397 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Jellyfish blooms occur throughout the world. Human contact with a jellyfish induces a local reaction of the skin, which can be painful and leave scaring. Systemic symptoms are also observed and contact with some species is lethal. A number of studies have evaluated the in vitro biological activity of whole jellyfish venom or of purified fractions. Hemolytic, cytotoxic, neurotoxic or enzymatic activities are commonly observed. Some toxins have been purified and characterized. A family of pore forming toxins specific to Medusozoans has been identified. There remains a need for detailed characterization of jellyfish toxins to fully understand the symptoms observed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Badré
- Prevor, Moulin de Verville, 95760 Valmondois, France.
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31
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Glasser E, Rachamim T, Aharonovich D, Sher D. Hydra actinoporin-like toxin-1, an unusual hemolysin from the nematocyst venom of Hydra magnipapillata which belongs to an extended gene family. Toxicon 2014; 91:103-13. [PMID: 24768765 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cnidarians rely on their nematocysts and the venom injected through these unique weaponry systems to catch prey and protect themselves from predators. The development and physiology of the nematocysts of Hydra magnipapillata, a classic model organism, have been intensively studied, yet the composition and biochemical activity of their venom components are mostly unknown. Here, we show that hydra actinoporin-like toxins (HALTs), which have previously been associated with Hydra nematocysts, belong to a multigene family comprising six genes, which have diverged from a single common ancestor. All six genes are expressed in a population of Hydra magnipapillata. When expressed recombinantly, HALT-1 (Δ-HYTX-Hma1a), an actinoporin-like protein found in the stenoteles (the main penetrating nematocysts used in prey capture), reveals hemolytic activity, albeit about two-thirds lower than that of the anemone actinoporin equinatoxin II (EqTII, Δ-AITX-Aeq1a). HALT-1 also differs from EqTII in the size of its pores, and likely does not utilize sphingomyelin as a membrane receptor. We describe features of the HALT-1 sequence which may contribute to this difference in activity, and speculate on the role of this unusual family of pore-forming toxins in the ecology of Hydra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliezra Glasser
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 31905 Haifa, Israel
| | - Tamar Rachamim
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 31905 Haifa, Israel
| | - Dikla Aharonovich
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 31905 Haifa, Israel
| | - Daniel Sher
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 31905 Haifa, Israel.
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32
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Bruschetta G, Impellizzeri D, Morabito R, Marino A, Ahmad A, Spanò N, Spada GL, Cuzzocrea S, Esposito E. Pelagia noctiluca (Scyphozoa) crude venom injection elicits oxidative stress and inflammatory response in rats. Mar Drugs 2014; 12:2182-204. [PMID: 24727391 PMCID: PMC4012448 DOI: 10.3390/md12042182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cnidarian toxins represent a rich source of biologically active compounds. Since they may act via oxidative stress events, the aim of the present study was to verify whether crude venom, extracted from the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca, elicits inflammation and oxidative stress processes, known to be mediated by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production, in rats. In a first set of experiments, the animals were injected with crude venom (at three different doses 6, 30 and 60 µg/kg, suspended in saline solution, i.v.) to test the mortality and possible blood pressure changes. In a second set of experiments, to confirm that Pelagia noctiluca crude venom enhances ROS formation and may contribute to the pathophysiology of inflammation, crude venom-injected animals (30 µg/kg) were also treated with tempol, a powerful antioxidant (100 mg/kg i.p., 30 and 60 min after crude venom). Administration of tempol after crude venom challenge, caused a significant reduction of each parameter related to inflammation. The potential effect of Pelagia noctiluca crude venom in the systemic inflammation process has been here demonstrated, adding novel information about its biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bruschetta
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy.
| | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy.
| | - Rossana Morabito
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Messina, Via T. Cannizzaro 278, Messina 98122, Italy.
| | - Angela Marino
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy.
| | - Akbar Ahmad
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy.
| | - Nunziacarla Spanò
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy.
| | - Giuseppa La Spada
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy.
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García-Linares S, Richmond R, García-Mayoral MF, Bustamante N, Bruix M, Gavilanes JG, Martínez-del-Pozo Á. The sea anemone actinoporin (Arg-Gly-Asp) conserved motif is involved in maintaining the competent oligomerization state of these pore-forming toxins. FEBS J 2014; 281:1465-1478. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara García-Linares
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; Universidad Complutense; Madrid Spain
| | - Ryan Richmond
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; Universidad Complutense; Madrid Spain
| | | | | | - Marta Bruix
- Instituto de Química-Física Rocasolano; Madrid Spain
| | - José G. Gavilanes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; Universidad Complutense; Madrid Spain
| | - Álvaro Martínez-del-Pozo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; Universidad Complutense; Madrid Spain
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Ponce D, López-Vera E, Aguilar MB, Sánchez-Rodríguez J. Preliminary results of the in vivo and in vitro characterization of a tentacle venom fraction from the jellyfish Aurelia aurita. Toxins (Basel) 2013; 5:2420-33. [PMID: 24322597 PMCID: PMC3873694 DOI: 10.3390/toxins5122420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotoxic effects produced by a tentacle venom extract and a fraction were analyzed and correlated by in vivo and in vitro approaches. The tentacle venom extract exhibited a wide range of protein components (from 24 to >225 kDa) and produced tetanic reactions, flaccid paralysis, and death when injected into crabs. Two chromatography fractions also produced uncontrolled appendix movements and leg stretching. Further electrophysiological characterization demonstrated that one of these fractions potently inhibited ACh-elicited currents mediated by both vertebrate fetal and adult muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) subtypes. Receptor inhibition was concentration-dependent and completely reversible. The calculated IC(50) values were 1.77 μg/μL for fetal and 2.28 μg/μL for adult muscle nAChRs. The bioactive fraction was composed of a major protein component at ~90 kDa and lacked phospholipase A activity. This work represents the first insight into the interaction of jellyfish venom components and muscle nicotinic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Ponce
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica Puerto Morelos, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico; E-Mail:
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Coyoacán, Distrito Federal, Mexico
| | - Estuardo López-Vera
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Coyoacán, Distrito Federal, Mexico
| | - Manuel B. Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Juriquilla 76230, Querétaro, Mexico; E-Mail:
| | - Judith Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica Puerto Morelos, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico; E-Mail:
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Wang T, He Q, Xiao L, Wang Q, Zhang B, Wang B, Liu G, Zheng J, Yu B, Zhang L. Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the cytotoxicity induced by tentacle extract from the jellyfish Cyanea capillata in rat renal tubular epithelial NRK-52E cells. Toxicon 2013; 74:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Leone A, Lecci RM, Durante M, Piraino S. Extract from the zooxanthellate jellyfish Cotylorhiza tuberculata modulates gap junction intercellular communication in human cell cultures. Mar Drugs 2013; 11:1728-62. [PMID: 23697954 PMCID: PMC3707171 DOI: 10.3390/md11051728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
On a global scale, jellyfish populations in coastal marine ecosystems exhibit increasing trends of abundance. High-density outbreaks may directly or indirectly affect human economical and recreational activities, as well as public health. As the interest in biology of marine jellyfish grows, a number of jellyfish metabolites with healthy potential, such as anticancer or antioxidant activities, is increasingly reported. In this study, the Mediterranean “fried egg jellyfish” Cotylorhiza tuberculata (Macri, 1778) has been targeted in the search forputative valuable bioactive compounds. A medusa extract was obtained, fractionated, characterized by HPLC, GC-MS and SDS-PAGE and assayed for its biological activity on breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKa). The composition of the jellyfish extract included photosynthetic pigments, valuable ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids, and polypeptides derived either from jellyfish tissues and their algal symbionts. Extract fractions showed antioxidant activity and the ability to affect cell viability and intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions (GJIC) differentially in MCF-7and HEKa cells. A significantly higher cytotoxicity and GJIC enhancement in MCF-7 compared to HEKa cells was recorded. A putative action mechanism for the anticancer bioactivity through the modulation of GJIC has been hypothesized and its nutraceutical and pharmaceutical potential was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Leone
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Unit of Lecce (CNR, ISPA), Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy; E-Mails: (R.M.L.); (M.D.)
- CoNISMa, National Interuniversity Consortium on Marine Sciences, Local Unit of Lecce, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy; E-Mail:
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +39-0832-422-615; Fax: +39-0832-422-620
| | - Raffaella Marina Lecci
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Unit of Lecce (CNR, ISPA), Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy; E-Mails: (R.M.L.); (M.D.)
- CoNISMa, National Interuniversity Consortium on Marine Sciences, Local Unit of Lecce, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy; E-Mail:
| | - Miriana Durante
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Unit of Lecce (CNR, ISPA), Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy; E-Mails: (R.M.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Stefano Piraino
- CoNISMa, National Interuniversity Consortium on Marine Sciences, Local Unit of Lecce, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy; E-Mail:
- University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy
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Proteomic characterisation of toxins isolated from nematocysts of the South Atlantic jellyfish Olindias sambaquiensis. Toxicon 2013; 71:11-7. [PMID: 23688393 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Surprisingly little is known of the toxic arsenal of cnidarian nematocysts compared to other venomous animals. Here we investigate the toxins of nematocysts isolated from the jellyfish Olindias sambaquiensis. A total of 29 unique ms/ms events were annotated as potential toxins homologous to the toxic proteins from diverse animal phyla, including cone-snails, snakes, spiders, scorpions, wasp, bee, parasitic worm and other Cnidaria. Biological activities of these potential toxins include cytolysins, neurotoxins, phospholipases and toxic peptidases. The presence of several toxic enzymes is intriguing, such as sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase B (SMase B) that has only been described in certain spider venoms, and a prepro-haystatin P-IIId snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP) that activates coagulation factor X, which is very rare even in snake venoms. Our annotation reveals sequence orthologs to many representatives of the most important superfamilies of peptide venoms suggesting that their origins in higher organisms arise from deep eumetazoan innovations. Accordingly, cnidarian venoms may possess unique biological properties that might generate new leads in the discovery of novel pharmacologically active drugs.
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38
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Cegolon L, Heymann WC, Lange JH, Mastrangelo G. Jellyfish stings and their management: a review. Mar Drugs 2013; 11:523-50. [PMID: 23434796 PMCID: PMC3640396 DOI: 10.3390/md11020523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 12/22/2012] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Jellyfish (cnidarians) have a worldwide distribution. Despite most being harmless, some species may cause local and also systemic reactions. Treatment of jellyfish envenomation is directed at: alleviating the local effects of venom, preventing further nematocyst discharges and controlling systemic reactions, including shock. In severe cases, the most important step is stabilizing and maintaining vital functions. With some differences between species, there seems to be evidence and consensus on oral/topical analgesics, hot water and ice packs as effective painkillers and on 30 s application of domestic vinegar (4%-6% acetic acid) to prevent further discharge of unfired nematocysts remaining on the skin. Conversely, alcohol, methylated spirits and fresh water should be carefully avoided, since they could massively discharge nematocysts; pressure immobilization bandaging should also be avoided, as laboratory studies show that it stimulates additional venom discharge from nematocysts. Most treatment approaches are presently founded on relatively weak evidence; therefore, further research (especially randomized clinical trials) is strongly recommended. Dissemination of appropriate treatment modalities should be deployed to better inform and educate those at risk. Adequate signage should be placed at beaches to notify tourists of the jellyfish risk. Swimmers in risky areas should wear protective equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Cegolon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Padua University, Padua 35128, Italy; E-Mail:
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St. Mary’s Campus, London WC2 1PG, UK
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +39-049-8212543; Fax: +39-049-8212542
| | | | - John H. Lange
- Envirosafe Training and Consultants, 2366 Golden Mile Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15239, USA; E-Mail:
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Lee HP, Huang SY, Lin YY, Wang HM, Jean YH, Wu SF, Duh CY, Wen ZH. Soft coral-derived lemnalol alleviates monosodium urate-induced gouty arthritis in rats by inhibiting leukocyte infiltration and iNOS, COX-2 and c-Fos protein expression. Mar Drugs 2013; 11:99-113. [PMID: 23306170 PMCID: PMC3564160 DOI: 10.3390/md11010099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An acute gout attack manifests in the joint as dramatic inflammation. To date, the clinical use of medicinal agents has typically led to undesirable side effects. Numerous efforts have failed to create an effective and safe agent for the treatment of gout. Lemnalol—an extract from Formosan soft coral—has documented anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties. In the present study, we attempt to examine the therapeutic effects of lemnalol on intra-articular monosodium urate (MSU)-induced gouty arthritis in rats. In the present study, we found that treatment with lemnalol (intramuscular [im]), but not colchicine (oral [po]), significantly attenuated MUS-induced mechanical allodynia, paw edema and knee swelling. Histomorphometric and immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that MSU-induced inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as the elevated expression of c-Fos and pro-inflammatory proteins (inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2) observed in synovial tissue, were significantly inhibited by treatment with lemnalol. We conclude that lemnalol may be a promising candidate for the development of a new treatment for gout and other acute neutrophil-driven inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Pai Lee
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, Asia-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan; E-Mails: (H.-P.L.); (S.-Y.H.); (Y.-Y.L.); (C.-Y.D.)
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ping-Tung Christian Hospital, 60, Ta-Lian Road, Ping-Tung 90059, Taiwan; E-Mail:
| | - Shi-Ying Huang
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, Asia-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan; E-Mails: (H.-P.L.); (S.-Y.H.); (Y.-Y.L.); (C.-Y.D.)
| | - Yen-You Lin
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, Asia-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan; E-Mails: (H.-P.L.); (S.-Y.H.); (Y.-Y.L.); (C.-Y.D.)
| | - Hui-Min Wang
- Department of Fragrance and Cosmetic Science, Center of Excellence for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; E-Mail:
| | - Yen-Hsuan Jean
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ping-Tung Christian Hospital, 60, Ta-Lian Road, Ping-Tung 90059, Taiwan; E-Mail:
| | - Shu-Fen Wu
- Department of Life Science, Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung-Cheng University, Chia-Yi 62102, Taiwan; E-Mail:
| | - Chang-Yih Duh
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, Asia-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan; E-Mails: (H.-P.L.); (S.-Y.H.); (Y.-Y.L.); (C.-Y.D.)
| | - Zhi-Hong Wen
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, Asia-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan; E-Mails: (H.-P.L.); (S.-Y.H.); (Y.-Y.L.); (C.-Y.D.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +886-7-5252000 (ext. 5038); Fax: +886-7-5252021
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Lipid peroxidation is another potential mechanism besides pore-formation underlying hemolysis of tentacle extract from the jellyfish Cyanea capillata. Mar Drugs 2013; 11:67-80. [PMID: 23303301 PMCID: PMC3564158 DOI: 10.3390/md11010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2012] [Revised: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was performed to explore other potential mechanisms underlying hemolysis in addition to pore-formation of tentacle extract (TE) from the jellyfish Cyanea capillata. A dose-dependent increase of hemolysis was observed in rat erythrocyte suspensions and the hemolytic activity of TE was enhanced in the presence of Ca2+, which was attenuated by Ca2+ channel blockers (Diltiazem, Verapamil and Nifedipine). Direct intracellular Ca2+ increase was observed after TE treatment by confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the Ca2+ increase could be depressed by Diltiazem. The osmotic protectant polyethylenglycol (PEG) significantly blocked hemolysis with a molecular mass exceeding 4000 Da. These results support a pore-forming mechanism of TE in the erythrocyte membrane, which is consistent with previous studies by us and other groups. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), an important marker of lipid peroxidation, increased dose-dependently in rat erythrocytes after TE treatment, while in vitro hemolysis of TE was inhibited by the antioxidants ascorbic acid-Vitamin C (Vc)-and reduced glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, in vivo hemolysis and electrolyte change after TE administration could be partly recovered by Vc. These results indicate that lipid peroxidation is another potential mechanism besides pore-formation underlying the hemolysis of TE, and both Ca2+ channel blockers and antioxidants could be useful candidates against the hemolytic activity of jellyfish venoms.
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Multiple organ dysfunction: A delayed envenomation syndrome caused by tentacle extract from the jellyfish Cyanea capillata. Toxicon 2013; 61:54-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2012] [Revised: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Tezcan ÖD, Sarp S. An unusual marine envenomation following a rope contact: A report on nine cases of dermatitis caused by Pennaria disticha. Toxicon 2013; 61:125-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Liang X, Beilei W, Ying L, Qianqian W, Sihua L, Yang W, Guoyan L, Jia L, Xuting Y, Liming Z. Cardiovascular effect is independent of hemolytic toxicity of tentacle-only extract from the jellyfish Cyanea capillata. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43096. [PMID: 22905209 PMCID: PMC3419651 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies have confirmed that the crude tentacle-only extract (cTOE) from the jellyfish Cyanea capillata (Cyaneidae) exhibits hemolytic and cardiovascular toxicities simultaneously. So, it is quite difficult to discern the underlying active component responsible for heart injury caused by cTOE. The inactivation of the hemolytic toxicity from cTOE accompanied with a removal of plenty of precipitates would facilitate the separation of cardiovascular component and the investigation of its cardiovascular injury mechanism. In our research, after the treatment of one-step alkaline denaturation followed by twice dialysis, the protein concentration of the treated tentacle-only extract (tTOE) was about 1/3 of cTOE, and SDS-PAGE showed smaller numbers and lower density of protein bands in tTOE. The hemolytic toxicity of tTOE was completely lost while its cardiovascular toxicity was well retained. The observations of cardiac function, histopathology and ultrastructural pathology all support tTOE with significant cardiovascular toxicity. Blood gas indexes and electrolytes changed far less by tTOE than those by cTOE, though still with significant difference from normal. In summary, the cardiovascular toxicity of cTOE can exist independently of the hemolytic toxicity and tTOE can be employed as a better venom sample for further purification and mechanism research on the jellyfish cardiovascular toxic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liang
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang Beilei
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Ying
- School of Nursing, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang Qianqian
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Sihua
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang Yang
- Department of Pathology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Guoyan
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Jia
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Xuting
- Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (YX); (ZL)
| | - Zhang Liming
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (YX); (ZL)
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Oxidative stress induced by crude venom from the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca in neuronal-like differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2012; 26:694-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2012.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2011] [Revised: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Frazão B, Vasconcelos V, Antunes A. Sea anemone (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Actiniaria) toxins: an overview. Mar Drugs 2012; 10:1812-1851. [PMID: 23015776 PMCID: PMC3447340 DOI: 10.3390/md10081812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Revised: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Cnidaria phylum includes organisms that are among the most venomous animals. The Anthozoa class includes sea anemones, hard corals, soft corals and sea pens. The composition of cnidarian venoms is not known in detail, but they appear to contain a variety of compounds. Currently around 250 of those compounds have been identified (peptides, proteins, enzymes and proteinase inhibitors) and non-proteinaceous substances (purines, quaternary ammonium compounds, biogenic amines and betaines), but very few genes encoding toxins were described and only a few related protein three-dimensional structures are available. Toxins are used for prey acquisition, but also to deter potential predators (with neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity effects) and even to fight territorial disputes. Cnidaria toxins have been identified on the nematocysts located on the tentacles, acrorhagi and acontia, and in the mucous coat that covers the animal body. Sea anemone toxins comprise mainly proteins and peptides that are cytolytic or neurotoxic with its potency varying with the structure and site of action and are efficient in targeting different animals, such as insects, crustaceans and vertebrates. Sea anemones toxins include voltage-gated Na⁺ and K⁺ channels toxins, acid-sensing ion channel toxins, Cytolysins, toxins with Kunitz-type protease inhibitors activity and toxins with Phospholipase A2 activity. In this review we assessed the phylogentic relationships of sea anemone toxins, characterized such toxins, the genes encoding them and the toxins three-dimensional structures, further providing a state-of-the-art description of the procedures involved in the isolation and purification of bioactive toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Frazão
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas 177, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal; (B.F.); (V.V.)
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vitor Vasconcelos
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas 177, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal; (B.F.); (V.V.)
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Antunes
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas 177, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal; (B.F.); (V.V.)
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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Labadie M, Aldabe B, Ong N, Joncquiert-Latarjet A, Groult V, Poulard A, Coudreuse M, Cordier L, Rolland P, Chanseau P, de Haro L. Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) envenomation on the Aquitaine Coast of France: an emerging health risk. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2012; 50:567-70. [PMID: 22780958 DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2012.707657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The Portuguese man-o-war is a cnidaria classically found in tropical waters. It can cause serious and even life-threatening envenomation in swimmers, surfers and seafarers. Presence of the Atlantic species Physalia physalis has long been reported in European coastal waters but was always an exceptional event. OBJECTIVE To describe the experience of the Bordeaux Poison centre about Physalia stings since the first collective episode reported in 2008. METHODS Clinical retrospective description of cases series of Physalia envenomations reported to the local poison centre from 2008 to 2011 inclusive. RESULTS In the summer of 2008, multiple-case incident involving 40 victims were recorded on the same day on one beach in the Southern French Atlantic coast. The following year in 2009, no envenomation cases were reported in the same area, but in the next 2 years, numerous man-of-war envenomations occurred along the Aquitaine coast, that is, 154 cases in 2010 and 885 in 2011. Portuguese man-o-war stings led to severe manifestations with 15-20% of patients suffering of general symptoms that were sometimes severe enough to be considered as potentially life-threatening (8% of patients in 2011, most frequent signs: muscle pain and cramps with fasciculations, confusion and drowsiness, fainting, respiratory distress). No deaths due to Portuguese man-o-war envenomation were reported over the 4-year study period. CONCLUSION The results suggest that national multidisciplinary summer surveillance program in the Aquitaine coast is required in order to provide alerts to the public, to better identify patients at risk for developing severe clinical symptoms, and hopefully to improve quality of health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Labadie
- Centre Antipoison, Place Amélie Raba Léon, Bordeaux, France
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Yang S, Liu Z, Xiao Y, Li Y, Rong M, Liang S, Zhang Z, Yu H, King GF, Lai R. Chemical punch packed in venoms makes centipedes excellent predators. Mol Cell Proteomics 2012; 11:640-50. [PMID: 22595790 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m112.018853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Centipedes are excellent predatory arthropods that inject venom to kill or immobilize their prey. Although centipedes have long been known to be venomous, their venoms remain largely unexplored. The chemical components responsible for centipede predation and the functional mechanisms are unknown. Twenty-six neurotoxin-like peptides belonging to ten groups were identified from the centipede venoms, Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L. Koch by peptidomics combined with transcriptome analysis, revealing the diversity of neurotoxins. These neurotoxins each contain two to four intramolecular disulfide bridges, and in most cases the disulfide framework is different from that found in neurotoxins from the venoms of spiders, scorpions, marine cone snails, sea anemones, and snakes (5S animals). Several neurotoxins contain potential insecticidal abilities, and they are found to act on voltage-gated sodium, potassium, and calcium channels, respectively. Although these neurotoxins are functionally similar to the disulfide-rich neurotoxins found in the venoms of 5S animals in that they modulate the activity of voltage-gated ion channels, in almost all cases the primary structures of the centipede venom peptides are unique. This represents an interesting case of convergent evolution in which different venomous animals have evolved different molecular strategies for targeting the same ion channels in prey and predators. Moreover, the high level of biochemical diversity revealed in this study suggests that centipede venoms might be attractive subjects for prospecting and screening for peptide candidates with potential pharmaceutical or agrochemical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China
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Low molecular weight compounds from Zoanthus sociatus impair insulin secretion via Ca(+2) influx blockade and cause glucose intolerance in vivo. Toxicon 2011; 59:306-14. [PMID: 22155304 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Revised: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cnidarians comprise a taxon with a high biodiversity of cytolitic, neurotoxic and cardiotoxic compounds, which have not been studied on insulin release. We tested the effect of a crude extract of Zoanthus sociatus (Ellis, 1767) and the low molecular weight fraction of this extract on insulin secretion in isolated rat β-cells and also in a glucose tolerance test in vivo. We observed that the extract inhibited insulin release by reducing the amount secreted by individual β-cells and also by silencing a fraction of the secreting population. This effect coincided with a diminished rise of intracellular Ca(+2) in response to high glucose and high K+ -induced depolarization. Moreover intraperitoneal administration of the low molecular weight fraction produced glucose intolerance in adult rats. The active fraction exhibited molecular weights similar to the neurotoxins described in the phylum. Our results broaden the toxic effects of cnidarian venoms and show evidence of potential modulators of voltage-gated Ca(+2) channels in this group.
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András CD, Albert C, Salamon S, Gálicza J, András R, András E. Conus magus vs. Irukandji syndrome: A computational approach of a possible new therapy. Brain Res Bull 2011; 86:195-202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2011] [Revised: 07/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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García-Ortega L, Alegre-Cebollada J, García-Linares S, Bruix M, Martínez-Del-Pozo A, Gavilanes JG. The behavior of sea anemone actinoporins at the water-membrane interface. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2011; 1808:2275-88. [PMID: 21621507 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Revised: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Actinoporins constitute a group of small and basic α-pore forming toxins produced by sea anemones. They display high sequence identity and appear as multigene families. They show a singular behaviour at the water-membrane interface: In aqueous solution, actinoporins remain stably folded but, upon interaction with lipid bilayers, become integral membrane structures. These membranes contain sphingomyelin, display phase coexistence, or both. The water soluble structures of the actinoporins equinatoxin II (EqtII) and sticholysin II (StnII) are known in detail. The crystalline structure of a fragaceatoxin C (FraC) nonamer has been also determined. The three proteins fold as a β-sandwich motif flanked by two α-helices, one of them at the N-terminal end. Four regions seem to be especially important: A cluster of aromatic residues, a phosphocholine binding site, an array of basic amino acids, and the N-terminal α-helix. Initial binding of the soluble monomers to the membrane is accomplished by the cluster of aromatic amino acids, the array of basic residues, and the phosphocholine binding site. Then, the N-terminal α-helix detaches from the β-sandwich, extends, and lies parallel to the membrane. Simultaneously, oligomerization occurs. Finally, the extended N-terminal α-helix penetrates the membrane to build a toroidal pore. This model has been however recently challenged by the cryo-EM reconstruction of FraC bound to phospholipid vesicles. Actinoporins structural fold appears across all eukaryotic kingdoms in other functionally unrelated proteins. Many of these proteins neither bind to lipid membranes nor induce cell lysis. Finally, studies focusing on the therapeutic potential of actinoporins also abound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía García-Ortega
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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