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Singh HB, Kang MK, Kwon M, Kim SW. Developing methylotrophic microbial platforms for a methanol-based bioindustry. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1050740. [PMID: 36507257 PMCID: PMC9727194 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1050740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Methanol, a relatively cheap and renewable single-carbon feedstock, has gained considerable attention as a substrate for the bio-production of commodity chemicals. Conventionally produced from syngas, along with emerging possibilities of generation from methane and CO2, this C1 substrate can serve as a pool for sequestering greenhouse gases while supporting a sustainable bio-economy. Methylotrophic organisms, with the inherent ability to use methanol as the sole carbon and energy source, are competent candidates as platform organisms. Accordingly, methanol bioconversion pathways have been an attractive target for biotechnological and bioengineering interventions in developing microbial cell factories. This review summarizes the recent advances in methanol-based production of various bulk and value-added chemicals exploiting the native and synthetic methylotrophic organisms. Finally, the current challenges and prospects of streamlining these methylotrophic platforms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hawaibam Birla Singh
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), ABC-RLRC, PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Min-Kyoung Kang
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), ABC-RLRC, PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Moonhyuk Kwon
- Division of Life Science, ABC-RLRC, PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea,*Correspondence: Moonhyuk Kwon, ; Seon-Won Kim,
| | - Seon-Won Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), ABC-RLRC, PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea,*Correspondence: Moonhyuk Kwon, ; Seon-Won Kim,
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Borrego J, Naseem MU, Sehgal ANA, Panda LR, Shakeel K, Gaspar A, Nagy C, Varga Z, Panyi G. Recombinant Expression in Pichia pastoris System of Three Potent Kv1.3 Channel Blockers: Vm24, Anuroctoxin, and Ts6. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8111215. [PMID: 36422036 PMCID: PMC9697831 DOI: 10.3390/jof8111215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Kv1.3 channel has become a therapeutic target for the treatment of various diseases. Several Kv1.3 channel blockers have been characterized from scorpion venom; however, extensive studies require amounts of toxin that cannot be readily obtained directly from venoms. The Pichia pastoris expression system provides a cost-effective approach to overcoming the limitations of chemical synthesis and E. coli recombinant expression. In this work, we developed an efficient system for the production of three potent Kv1.3 channel blockers from different scorpion venoms: Vm24, AnTx, and Ts6. Using the Pichia system, these toxins could be obtained in sufficient quantities (Vm24 1.6 mg/L, AnTx 46 mg/L, and Ts6 7.5 mg/L) to characterize their biological activity. A comparison was made between the activity of tagged and untagged recombinant peptides. Tagged Vm24 and untagged AnTx are nearly equivalent to native toxins in blocking Kv1.3 (Kd = 4.4 pM and Kd = 0.72 nM, respectively), whereas untagged Ts6 exhibits a 53-fold increase in Kd (Kd = 29.1 nM) as compared to the native peptide. The approach described here provides a method that can be optimized for toxin production to develop more selective and effective Kv1.3 blockers with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Borrego
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Muhammad Umair Naseem
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Al Nasar Ahmed Sehgal
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Lipsa Rani Panda
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Kashmala Shakeel
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Attila Gaspar
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Cynthia Nagy
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Varga
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-52-258-603
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Verkest C, Salinas M, Diochot S, Deval E, Lingueglia E, Baron A. Mechanisms of Action of the Peptide Toxins Targeting Human and Rodent Acid-Sensing Ion Channels and Relevance to Their In Vivo Analgesic Effects. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14100709. [PMID: 36287977 PMCID: PMC9612379 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14100709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are voltage-independent H+-gated cation channels largely expressed in the nervous system of rodents and humans. At least six isoforms (ASIC1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3 and 4) associate into homotrimers or heterotrimers to form functional channels with highly pH-dependent gating properties. This review provides an update on the pharmacological profiles of animal peptide toxins targeting ASICs, including PcTx1 from tarantula and related spider toxins, APETx2 and APETx-like peptides from sea anemone, and mambalgin from snake, as well as the dimeric protein snake toxin MitTx that have all been instrumental to understanding the structure and the pH-dependent gating of rodent and human cloned ASICs and to study the physiological and pathological roles of native ASICs in vitro and in vivo. ASICs are expressed all along the pain pathways and the pharmacological data clearly support a role for these channels in pain. ASIC-targeting peptide toxins interfere with ASIC gating by complex and pH-dependent mechanisms sometimes leading to opposite effects. However, these dual pH-dependent effects of ASIC-inhibiting toxins (PcTx1, mambalgin and APETx2) are fully compatible with, and even support, their analgesic effects in vivo, both in the central and the peripheral nervous system, as well as potential effects in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Verkest
- CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), IPMC (Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire), LabEx ICST (Laboratory of Excellence in Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics), FHU InovPain (Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire “Innovative Solutions in Refractory Chronic Pain”), Université Côte d’Azur, 660 Route des Lucioles, Sophia-Antipolis, 06560 Nice, France
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Miguel Salinas
- CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), IPMC (Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire), LabEx ICST (Laboratory of Excellence in Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics), FHU InovPain (Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire “Innovative Solutions in Refractory Chronic Pain”), Université Côte d’Azur, 660 Route des Lucioles, Sophia-Antipolis, 06560 Nice, France
| | - Sylvie Diochot
- CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), IPMC (Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire), LabEx ICST (Laboratory of Excellence in Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics), FHU InovPain (Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire “Innovative Solutions in Refractory Chronic Pain”), Université Côte d’Azur, 660 Route des Lucioles, Sophia-Antipolis, 06560 Nice, France
| | - Emmanuel Deval
- CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), IPMC (Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire), LabEx ICST (Laboratory of Excellence in Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics), FHU InovPain (Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire “Innovative Solutions in Refractory Chronic Pain”), Université Côte d’Azur, 660 Route des Lucioles, Sophia-Antipolis, 06560 Nice, France
| | - Eric Lingueglia
- CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), IPMC (Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire), LabEx ICST (Laboratory of Excellence in Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics), FHU InovPain (Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire “Innovative Solutions in Refractory Chronic Pain”), Université Côte d’Azur, 660 Route des Lucioles, Sophia-Antipolis, 06560 Nice, France
| | - Anne Baron
- CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), IPMC (Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire), LabEx ICST (Laboratory of Excellence in Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics), FHU InovPain (Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire “Innovative Solutions in Refractory Chronic Pain”), Université Côte d’Azur, 660 Route des Lucioles, Sophia-Antipolis, 06560 Nice, France
- Correspondence:
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Acid-Sensing Ion Channels in Glial Cells. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12020119. [PMID: 35207041 PMCID: PMC8878633 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12020119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated cation channels and key mediators of responses to neuronal injury. ASICs exhibit unique patterns of distribution in the brain, with high expression in neurons and low expression in glial cells. While there has been a lot of focus on ASIC in neurons, less is known about the roles of ASICs in glial cells. ASIC1a is expressed in astrocytes and might contribute to synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation. In oligodendrocytes, constitutive activation of ASIC1a participates in demyelinating diseases. ASIC1a, ASIC2a, and ASIC3, found in microglial cells, could mediate the inflammatory response. Under pathological conditions, ASIC dysregulation in glial cells can contribute to disease states. For example, activation of astrocytic ASIC1a may worsen neurodegeneration and glioma staging, activation of microglial ASIC1a and ASIC2a may perpetuate ischemia and inflammation, while oligodendrocytic ASIC1a might be involved in multiple sclerosis. This review concentrates on the unique ASIC components in each of the glial cells and integrates these glial-specific ASICs with their physiological and pathological conditions. Such knowledge provides promising evidence for targeting of ASICs in individual glial cells as a therapeutic strategy for a diverse range of conditions.
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Borrego J, Feher A, Jost N, Panyi G, Varga Z, Papp F. Peptide Inhibitors of Kv1.5: An Option for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1303. [PMID: 34959701 PMCID: PMC8704205 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human voltage gated potassium channel Kv1.5 that conducts the IKur current is a key determinant of the atrial action potential. Its mutations have been linked to hereditary forms of atrial fibrillation (AF), and the channel is an attractive target for the management of AF. The development of IKur blockers to treat AF resulted in small molecule Kv1.5 inhibitors. The selectivity of the blocker for the target channel plays an important role in the potential therapeutic application of the drug candidate: the higher the selectivity, the lower the risk of side effects. In this respect, small molecule inhibitors of Kv1.5 are compromised due to their limited selectivity. A wide range of peptide toxins from venomous animals are targeting ion channels, including mammalian channels. These peptides usually have a much larger interacting surface with the ion channel compared to small molecule inhibitors and thus, generally confer higher selectivity to the peptide blockers. We found two peptides in the literature, which inhibited IKur: Ts6 and Osu1. Their affinity and selectivity for Kv1.5 can be improved by rational drug design in which their amino acid sequences could be modified in a targeted way guided by in silico docking experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Borrego
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Adam Feher
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Norbert Jost
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary;
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Research Group for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Zoltan Varga
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Ferenc Papp
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
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Naseem MU, Tajti G, Gaspar A, Szanto TG, Borrego J, Panyi G. Optimization of Pichia pastoris Expression System for High-Level Production of Margatoxin. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:733610. [PMID: 34658872 PMCID: PMC8511391 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.733610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Margatoxin (MgTx) is a high-affinity blocker of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels. It inhibits Kv1.1–Kv1.3 ion channels in picomolar concentrations. This toxin is widely used to study physiological function of Kv ion channels in various cell types, including immune cells. Isolation of native MgTx in large quantities from scorpion venom is not affordable. Chemical synthesis and recombinant production in Escherichia coli need in vitro oxidative refolding for proper disulfide bond formation, resulting in a very low yield of peptide production. The Pichia pastoris expression system offers an economical approach to overcome all these limitations and gives a higher yield of correctly refolded recombinant peptides. In this study, improved heterologous expression of recombinant MgTx (rMgTx) in P. pastoris was obtained by using preferential codons, selecting the hyper-resistant clone against Zeocin, and optimizing the culturing conditions. About 36 ± 4 mg/L of >98% pure His-tagged rMgTx (TrMgTx) was produced, which is a threefold higher yield than has been previously reported. Proteolytic digestion of TrMgTx with factor Xa generated untagged rMgTx (UrMgTx). Both TrMgTx and UrMgTx blocked the Kv1.2 and Kv1.3 currents (patch-clamp) (Kd for Kv1.2 were 64 and 14 pM, and for Kv1.3, 86 and 50 pM, respectively) with comparable potency to the native MgTx. The analysis of the binding kinetics showed that TrMgTx had a lower association rate than UrMgTx for both Kv1.2 and Kv1.3. The dissociation rate of both the analogues was the same for Kv1.3. However, in the case of Kv1.2, TrMgTx showed a much higher dissociation rate with full recovery of the block than UrMgTx. Moreover, in a biological functional assay, both peptides significantly downregulated the expression of early activation markers IL2R and CD40L in activated CD4+ TEM lymphocytes whose activation was Kv1.3 dependent. In conclusion, the authors report that the Pichia expression system is a powerful method to produce disulfide-rich peptides, the overexpression of which could be enhanced noticeably through optimization strategies, making it more cost-effective. Since the presence of the His-tag on rMgTx only mildly altered the block equilibrium and binding kinetics, recombinant toxins could be used in ion channel research without removing the tag and could thus reduce the cost and time demand for toxin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umair Naseem
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gabor Tajti
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Attila Gaspar
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tibor G Szanto
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Jesús Borrego
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Morgan M, Thai J, Trinh P, Habib M, Effendi KN, Ivanusic JJ. ASIC3 inhibition modulates inflammation-induced changes in the activity and sensitivity of Aδ and C fiber sensory neurons that innervate bone. Mol Pain 2021; 16:1744806920975950. [PMID: 33280501 PMCID: PMC7724402 DOI: 10.1177/1744806920975950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Acid Sensing Ion Channel 3 (ASIC3) is a non-selective cation channel that is
activated by acidification, and is known to have a role in regulating
inflammatory pain. It has pro-algesic roles in a range of conditions that
present with bone pain, but the mechanism for this has not yet been
demonstrated. We aimed to determine if ASIC3 is expressed in Aδ and/or C fiber
bone afferent neurons, and to explore its role in the activation and
sensitization of bone afferent neurons after acute inflammation. A combination
of retrograde tracing and immunohistochemistry was used to determine expression
of ASIC3 in the soma of bone afferent neurons. A novel, in
vivo, electrophysiological bone-nerve preparation was used to make
recordings of the activity and sensitivity of bone afferent neurons in the
presence of carrageenan-induced inflammation, with and without the selective
ASIC3 inhibitor APET×2. A substantial proportion of bone afferent neurons
express ASIC3, including unmyelinated (neurofilament poor) and small diameter
myelinated (neurofilament rich) neurons that are likely to be C and Aδ nerve
fibers respectively. Electrophysiological recordings revealed that application
of APET×2 to the marrow cavity inhibited carrageenan-induced spontaneous
activity of C and Aδ fiber bone afferent neurons. APET×2 also inhibited
carrageenan-induced sensitization of Aδ and C fiber bone afferent neurons to
mechanical stimulation, but had no effect on the sensitivity of bone afferent
neurons in the absence of inflammation. This evidence supports a role for ASIC3
in the pathogenesis of pain associated with inflammation of the bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Morgan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jenny Thai
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phu Trinh
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohamed Habib
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kelly N Effendi
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason J Ivanusic
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Logashina YA, Korolkova YV, Maleeva EE, Osmakov DI, Kozlov SA, Andreev YA. Refolding of disulfide containing peptides in fusion with thioredoxin. MENDELEEV COMMUNICATIONS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mencom.2020.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Cnidarian peptide neurotoxins: a new source of various ion channel modulators or blockers against central nervous systems disease. Drug Discov Today 2018; 24:189-197. [PMID: 30165198 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cnidaria provide the largest source of bioactive peptides for new drug development. The venoms contain enzymes, potent pore-forming toxins and neurotoxins. The neurotoxins can immobilize predators rapidly when discharged via modifying sodium-channel-gating or blocking the potassium channel during the repolarization stage. Most cnidarian neurotoxins remain conserved under the strong influence of negative selection. Neuroactive peptides targeting the central nervous system through affinity with ion channels could provide insight leading to drug treatment of neurological diseases, which arise from ion channel dysfunctions. Although marine resources offer thousands of possible peptides, only one peptide derived from Cnidaria: ShK-186, also named dalazatide, has reached the pharmaceutical market. This review focuses on neuroprotective agents derived from cnidarian neurotoxic peptides.
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Prashanth JR, Hasaballah N, Vetter I. Pharmacological screening technologies for venom peptide discovery. Neuropharmacology 2017; 127:4-19. [PMID: 28377116 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Venomous animals occupy one of the most successful evolutionary niches and occur on nearly every continent. They deliver venoms via biting and stinging apparatuses with the aim to rapidly incapacitate prey and deter predators. This has led to the evolution of venom components that act at a number of biological targets - including ion channels, G-protein coupled receptors, transporters and enzymes - with exquisite selectivity and potency, making venom-derived components attractive pharmacological tool compounds and drug leads. In recent years, plate-based pharmacological screening approaches have been introduced to accelerate venom-derived drug discovery. A range of assays are amenable to this purpose, including high-throughput electrophysiology, fluorescence-based functional and binding assays. However, despite these technological advances, the traditional activity-guided fractionation approach is time-consuming and resource-intensive. The combination of screening techniques suitable for miniaturization with sequence-based discovery approaches - supported by advanced proteomics, mass spectrometry, chromatography as well as synthesis and expression techniques - promises to further improve venom peptide discovery. Here, we discuss practical aspects of establishing a pipeline for venom peptide drug discovery with a particular emphasis on pharmacology and pharmacological screening approaches. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutty Rajan Prashanth
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, 306 Carmody Rd, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Nojod Hasaballah
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, 306 Carmody Rd, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, 306 Carmody Rd, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia; School of Pharmacy, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia.
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Rash LD. Acid-Sensing Ion Channel Pharmacology, Past, Present, and Future …. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2017; 79:35-66. [PMID: 28528673 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
pH is one of the most strictly controlled parameters in mammalian physiology. An extracellular pH of ~7.4 is crucial for normal physiological processes, and perturbations to this have profound effects on cell function. Acidic microenvironments occur in many physiological and pathological conditions, including inflammation, bone remodeling, ischemia, trauma, and intense synaptic activity. Cells exposed to these conditions respond in different ways, from tumor cells that thrive to neurons that are either suppressed or hyperactivated, often fatally. Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are primary pH sensors in mammals and are expressed widely in neuronal and nonneuronal cells. There are six main subtypes of ASICs in rodents that can form homo- or heteromeric channels resulting in many potential combinations. ASICs are present and activated under all of the conditions mentioned earlier, suggesting that they play an important role in how cells respond to acidosis. Compared to many other ion channel families, ASICs were relatively recently discovered-1997-and there is a substantial lack of potent, subtype-selective ligands that can be used to elucidate their structural and functional properties. In this chapter I cover the history of ASIC channel pharmacology, which began before the proteins were even identified, and describe the current arsenal of tools available, their limitations, and take a glance into the future to predict from where new tools are likely to emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan D Rash
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
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12
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Ariki NK, Muñoz LE, Armitage EL, Goodstein FR, George KG, Smith VL, Vetter I, Herzig V, King GF, Loening NM. Characterization of Three Venom Peptides from the Spitting Spider Scytodes thoracica. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156291. [PMID: 27227898 PMCID: PMC4881942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We present the solution-state NMR structures and preliminary functional characterizations of three venom peptides identified from the spitting spider Scytodes thoracica. Despite little sequence identity to other venom peptides, structural characterization reveals that these peptides contain an inhibitor cystine knot motif common to many venom peptides. These are the first structures for any peptide or protein from spiders of the Scytodidae family. Many venom peptides target neuronal ion channels or receptors. However, we have not been able to determine the target of these Scytodes peptides so we can only state with certainty the channels and receptors that they do not target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathanial K. Ariki
- Chemistry Department, Lewis & Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Road, Portland, OR, 97219, United States of America
| | - Lisa E. Muñoz
- Chemistry Department, Lewis & Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Road, Portland, OR, 97219, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth L. Armitage
- Chemistry Department, Lewis & Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Road, Portland, OR, 97219, United States of America
| | - Francesca R. Goodstein
- Chemistry Department, Lewis & Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Road, Portland, OR, 97219, United States of America
| | - Kathryn G. George
- Chemistry Department, Lewis & Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Road, Portland, OR, 97219, United States of America
| | - Vanessa L. Smith
- Chemistry Department, Lewis & Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Road, Portland, OR, 97219, United States of America
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Volker Herzig
- 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
| | - Nikolaus M. Loening
- Chemistry Department, Lewis & Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Road, Portland, OR, 97219, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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Munro G, Christensen JK, Erichsen HK, Dyhring T, Demnitz J, Dam E, Ahring PK. NS383 Selectively Inhibits Acid-Sensing Ion Channels Containing 1a and 3 Subunits to Reverse Inflammatory and Neuropathic Hyperalgesia in Rats. CNS Neurosci Ther 2015; 22:135-45. [PMID: 26663905 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Here, we investigate the pharmacology of NS383, a novel small molecule inhibitor of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). METHODS ASIC inhibition by NS383 was characterized in patch-clamp electrophysiological studies. Analgesic properties were evaluated in four rat behavioral models of pain. RESULTS NS383 inhibited H(+)-activated currents recorded from rat homomeric ASIC1a, ASIC3, and heteromeric ASIC1a+3 with IC50 values ranging from 0.61 to 2.2 μM. However, NS383 was completely inactive at homomeric ASIC2a. Heteromeric receptors containing AISC2a, such as ASIC1a+2a and ASIC2a+3, were only partially inhibited, presumably as a result of stoichiometry-dependent binding. NS383 (10-60 mg/kg, i.p.), amiloride (50-200 mg/kg, i.p.), acetaminophen (100-400 mg/kg, i.p.), and morphine (3-10 mg/kg, i.p.) all dose-dependently attenuated nocifensive behaviors in the rat formalin test, reversed pathological inflammatory hyperalgesia in complete Freund's adjuvant-inflamed rats, and reversed mechanical hypersensitivity in the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain. However, in contrast to acetaminophen and morphine, motor function was unaffected by NS383 at doses at least 8-fold greater than those that were effective in pain models, whilst analgesic doses of amiloride were deemed to be toxic. CONCLUSIONS NS383 is a potent and uniquely selective inhibitor of rat ASICs containing 1a and/or 3 subunits. It is well tolerated and capable of reversing pathological painlike behaviors, presumably via peripheral actions, but possibly also via actions within central pain circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tino Dyhring
- NeuroSearch A/S, Ballerup, Denmark.,Saniona A/S, Ballerup, Denmark
| | | | - Eva Dam
- NeuroSearch A/S, Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Philip K Ahring
- NeuroSearch A/S, Ballerup, Denmark.,Saniona A/S, Ballerup, Denmark.,Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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14
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Abstract
Over a period of more than 300 million years, spiders have evolved complex venoms containing an extraordinary array of toxins for prey capture and defense against predators. The major components of most spider venoms are small disulfide-bridged peptides that are highly stable and resistant to proteolytic degradation. Moreover, many of these peptides have high specificity and potency toward molecular targets of therapeutic importance. This unique combination of bioactivity and stability has made spider-venom peptides valuable both as pharmacological tools and as leads for drug development. This review describes recent advances in spider-venom-based drug discovery pipelines. We discuss spider-venom-derived peptides that are currently under investigation for treatment of a diverse range of pathologies including pain, stroke and cancer.
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15
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Baron A, Lingueglia E. Pharmacology of acid-sensing ion channels – Physiological and therapeutical perspectives. Neuropharmacology 2015; 94:19-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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16
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Li SJ, Qu DL, Wang YH, He Y, Wen M, Guo QX, Shi J, Li YM. Facile and efficient chemical synthesis of APET×2, an ASIC-targeting toxin, via hydrazide-based native chemical ligation. Tetrahedron 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2015.03.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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17
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Pan M, He Y, Wen M, Wu F, Sun D, Li S, Zhang L, Li Y, Tian C. One-pot hydrazide-based native chemical ligation for efficient chemical synthesis and structure determination of toxin Mambalgin-1. Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 50:5837-9. [PMID: 24619065 DOI: 10.1039/c4cc00779d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
An efficient one-pot chemical synthesis of snake venom toxin Mambalgin-1 was achieved using an azide-switch strategy combined with hydrazide-based native chemical ligation. Synthetic Mambalgin-1 exhibited a well-defined structure after sequential folding in vitro. NMR spectroscopy revealed a three-finger toxin family structure, and the synthetic toxin inhibited human acid-sensing ion channel 1a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Pan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, and High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230026, China.
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18
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Tsuda S, Yoshiya T, Mochizuki M, Nishiuchi Y. Synthesis of Cysteine-Rich Peptides by Native Chemical Ligation without Use of Exogenous Thiols. Org Lett 2015; 17:1806-9. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.5b00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shugo Tsuda
- Peptide Institute, Inc., Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0085, Japan
| | - Taku Yoshiya
- Peptide Institute, Inc., Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0085, Japan
| | | | - Yuji Nishiuchi
- Peptide Institute, Inc., Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0085, Japan
- Graduate
School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
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19
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Jensen JE, Cristofori-Armstrong B, Anangi R, Rosengren KJ, Lau CHY, Mobli M, Brust A, Alewood PF, King GF, Rash LD. Understanding the molecular basis of toxin promiscuity: the analgesic sea anemone peptide APETx2 interacts with acid-sensing ion channel 3 and hERG channels via overlapping pharmacophores. J Med Chem 2014; 57:9195-203. [PMID: 25337890 DOI: 10.1021/jm501400p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The sea anemone peptide APETx2 is a potent and selective blocker of acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3). APETx2 is analgesic in a variety of rodent pain models, but the lack of knowledge of its pharmacophore and binding site on ASIC3 has impeded development of improved analogues. Here we present a detailed structure-activity relationship study of APETx2. Determination of a high-resolution structure of APETx2 combined with scanning mutagenesis revealed a cluster of aromatic and basic residues that mediate its interaction with ASIC3. We show that APETx2 also inhibits the off-target hERG channel by reducing the maximal current amplitude and shifting the voltage dependence of activation to more positive potentials. Electrophysiological screening of selected APETx2 mutants revealed partial overlap between the surfaces on APETx2 that mediate its interaction with ASIC3 and hERG. Characterization of the molecular basis of these interactions is an important first step toward the rational design of more selective APETx2 analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas E Jensen
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, ‡School of Biomedical Sciences, and §Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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20
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Rahman T, Smith ESJ. In silico assessment of interaction of sea anemone toxin APETx2 and acid sensing ion channel 3. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 450:384-9. [PMID: 24942880 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.05.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Acid sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated cation channels that are expressed throughout the nervous system and have been implicated in mediating sensory perception of noxious stimuli. Amongst the six ASIC isoforms, ASIC1a, 1b, 2a and 3 form proton-gated homomers, which differ in their activation and inactivation kinetics, expression profiles and pharmacological modulation; protons do not gate ASIC2b and ASIC4. As with many other ion channels, structure-function studies of ASICs have been greatly aided by the discovery of some toxins that act in isoform-specific ways. ASIC3 is predominantly expressed by sensory neurons of the peripheral nervous system where it acts to detect acid as a noxious stimulus and thus plays an important role in nociception. ASIC3 is the only ASIC subunit that is inhibited by the sea anemone (Anthopleura elegantissima)-derived toxin APETx2. However, the molecular mechanism by which APETx2 interacts with ASIC3 remains largely unknown. In this study, we made a homology model of ASIC3 and used extensive protein-protein docking to predict for the first time, the probable sites of APETx2 interaction on ASIC3. Additionally, using computational alanine scanning, we also suggest the 'hot-spots' that are likely to be critical for ASIC3-APETx2 interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taufiq Rahman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK.
| | - Ewan St John Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK
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21
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Klint JK, Berecki G, Durek T, Mobli M, Knapp O, King GF, Adams DJ, Alewood PF, Rash LD. Isolation, synthesis and characterization of ω-TRTX-Cc1a, a novel tarantula venom peptide that selectively targets L-type Cav channels. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 89:276-86. [PMID: 24561180 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Spider venoms are replete with peptidic ion channel modulators, often with novel subtype selectivity, making them a rich source of pharmacological tools and drug leads. In a search for subtype-selective blockers of voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channels, we isolated and characterized a novel 39-residue peptide, ω-TRTX-Cc1a (Cc1a), from the venom of the tarantula Citharischius crawshayi (now Pelinobius muticus). Cc1a is 67% identical to the spider toxin ω-TRTX-Hg1a, an inhibitor of CaV2.3 channels. We assembled Cc1a using a combination of Boc solid-phase peptide synthesis and native chemical ligation. Oxidative folding yielded two stable, slowly interconverting isomers. Cc1a preferentially inhibited Ba(2+) currents (IBa) mediated by L-type (CaV1.2 and CaV1.3) CaV channels heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 825nM and 2.24μM, respectively. In rat dorsal root ganglion neurons, Cc1a inhibited IBa mediated by high voltage-activated CaV channels but did not affect low voltage-activated T-type CaV channels. Cc1a exhibited weak activity at NaV1.5 and NaV1.7 voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels stably expressed in mammalian HEK or CHO cells, respectively. Experiments with modified Cc1a peptides, truncated at the N-terminus (ΔG1-E5) or C-terminus (ΔW35-V39), demonstrated that the N- and C-termini are important for voltage-gated ion channel modulation. We conclude that Cc1a represents a novel pharmacological tool for probing the structure and function of L-type CaV channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie K Klint
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Géza Berecki
- Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia.
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Mehdi Mobli
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Oliver Knapp
- Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia.
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - David J Adams
- Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia.
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Lachlan D Rash
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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22
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23
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Schroeder CI, Rash LD, Vila-Farrés X, Rosengren KJ, Mobli M, King GF, Alewood PF, Craik DJ, Durek T. Chemical Synthesis, 3D Structure, and ASIC Binding Site of the Toxin Mambalgin-2. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201308898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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24
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Schroeder CI, Rash LD, Vila-Farrés X, Rosengren KJ, Mobli M, King GF, Alewood PF, Craik DJ, Durek T. Chemical synthesis, 3D structure, and ASIC binding site of the toxin mambalgin-2. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2013; 53:1017-20. [PMID: 24323786 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201308898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mambalgins are a novel class of snake venom components that exert potent analgesic effects mediated through the inhibition of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). The 57-residue polypeptide mambalgin-2 (Ma-2) was synthesized by using a combination of solid-phase peptide synthesis and native chemical ligation. The structure of the synthetic toxin, determined using homonuclear NMR, revealed an unusual three-finger toxin fold reminiscent of functionally unrelated snake toxins. Electrophysiological analysis of Ma-2 on wild-type and mutant ASIC1a receptors allowed us to identify α-helix 5, which borders on the functionally critical acidic pocket of the channel, as a major part of the Ma-2 binding site. This region is also crucial for the interaction of ASIC1a with the spider toxin PcTx1, thus suggesting that the binding sites for these toxins substantially overlap. This work lays the foundation for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and further development of this promising analgesic peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina I Schroeder
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland (Australia)
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25
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Klint JK, Senff S, Saez NJ, Seshadri R, Lau HY, Bende NS, Undheim EAB, Rash LD, Mobli M, King GF. Production of recombinant disulfide-rich venom peptides for structural and functional analysis via expression in the periplasm of E. coli. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63865. [PMID: 23667680 PMCID: PMC3646780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Disulfide-rich peptides are the dominant component of most animal venoms. These peptides have received much attention as leads for the development of novel therapeutic agents and bioinsecticides because they target a wide range of neuronal receptors and ion channels with a high degree of potency and selectivity. In addition, their rigid disulfide framework makes them particularly well suited for addressing the crucial issue of in vivo stability. Structural and functional characterization of these peptides necessitates the development of a robust, reliable expression system that maintains their native disulfide framework. The bacterium Escherichia coli has long been used for economical production of recombinant proteins. However, the expression of functional disulfide-rich proteins in the reducing environment of the E. coli cytoplasm presents a significant challenge. Thus, we present here an optimised protocol for the expression of disulfide-rich venom peptides in the periplasm of E. coli, which is where the endogenous machinery for production of disulfide-bonds is located. The parameters that have been investigated include choice of media, induction conditions, lysis methods, methods of fusion protein and peptide purification, and sample preparation for NMR studies. After each section a recommendation is made for conditions to use. We demonstrate the use of this method for the production of venom peptides ranging in size from 2 to 8 kDa and containing 2-6 disulfide bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie K. Klint
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Sebastian Senff
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Natalie J. Saez
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Radha Seshadri
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Ho Yee Lau
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Niraj S. Bende
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Eivind A. B. Undheim
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Lachlan D. Rash
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mobli
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
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26
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Baron A, Diochot S, Salinas M, Deval E, Noël J, Lingueglia E. Venom toxins in the exploration of molecular, physiological and pathophysiological functions of acid-sensing ion channels. Toxicon 2013; 75:187-204. [PMID: 23624383 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are voltage-independent proton-gated cation channels that are largely expressed in the nervous system as well as in some non-neuronal tissues. In rodents, six different isoforms (ASIC1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3 and 4) can associate into homo- or hetero-trimers to form a functional channel. Specific polypeptide toxins targeting ASIC channels have been isolated from the venoms of spider (PcTx1), sea anemone (APETx2) and snakes (MitTx and mambalgins). They exhibit different and sometimes partially overlapping pharmacological profiles and are usually blockers of ASIC channels, except for MitTx, which is a potent activator. This review focuses on the use of these toxins to explore the structure-function relationships, the physiological and the pathophysiological roles of ASIC channels, illustrating at the same time the therapeutic potential of some of these natural compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Baron
- CNRS, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR 7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France; LabEx Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560 Valbonne, France
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27
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Loening NM, Wilson ZN, Zobel-Thropp PA, Binford GJ. Solution structures of two homologous venom peptides from Sicarius dolichocephalus. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54401. [PMID: 23342149 PMCID: PMC3544742 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We present solution-state NMR structures for two putative venom peptides from Sicarius dolichocephalus. These peptides were identified from cDNA libraries created from venom gland mRNA and then recombinantly expressed. They are the first structures from any species of Sicarius spiders, and the first peptide structures for any haplogyne spiders. These peptides are homologous to one another, and while they have at most only 20% sequence identity with known venom peptides their structures follow the inhibitor cystine knot motif that has been found in a broad range of venom peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus M Loening
- Chemistry Department, Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Oregon, United States of America.
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28
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Anangi R, Koshy S, Huq R, Beeton C, Chuang WJ, King GF. Recombinant expression of margatoxin and agitoxin-2 in Pichia pastoris: an efficient method for production of KV1.3 channel blockers. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52965. [PMID: 23300835 PMCID: PMC3530466 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The K(v)1.3 voltage-gated potassium channel regulates membrane potential and calcium signaling in human effector memory T cells that are key mediators of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, subtype-specific K(v)1.3 blockers have potential for treatment of autoimmune diseases. Several K(v)1.3 channel blockers have been characterized from scorpion venom, all of which have an α/β scaffold stabilized by 3-4 intramolecular disulfide bridges. Chemical synthesis is commonly used for producing these disulfide-rich peptides but this approach is time consuming and not cost effective for production of mutants, fusion proteins, fluorescently tagged toxins, or isotopically labelled peptides for NMR studies. Recombinant production of K(v)1.3 blockers in the cytoplasm of E. coli generally necessitates oxidative refolding of the peptides in order to form their native disulfide architecture. An alternative approach that avoids the need for refolding is expression of peptides in the periplasm of E. coli but this often produces low yields. Thus, we developed an efficient Pichia pastoris expression system for production of K(v)1.3 blockers using margatoxin (MgTx) and agitoxin-2 (AgTx2) as prototypic examples. The Pichia system enabled these toxins to be obtained in high yield (12-18 mg/L). NMR experiments revealed that the recombinant toxins adopt their native fold without the need for refolding, and electrophysiological recordings demonstrated that they are almost equipotent with the native toxins in blocking K(V)1.3 (IC(50) values of 201±39 pM and 97 ± 3 pM for recombinant AgTx2 and MgTx, respectively). Furthermore, both recombinant toxins inhibited T-lymphocyte proliferation. A MgTx mutant in which the key pharmacophore residue K28 was mutated to alanine was ineffective at blocking K(V)1.3 and it failed to inhibit T-lymphocyte proliferation. Thus, the approach described here provides an efficient method of producing toxin mutants with a view to engineering K(v)1.3 blockers with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raveendra Anangi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail: (RA); (GK)
| | - Shyny Koshy
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Redwan Huq
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Christine Beeton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Woei-Jer Chuang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail: (RA); (GK)
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29
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Jensen JE, Mobli M, Brust A, Alewood PF, King GF, Rash LD. Cyclisation increases the stability of the sea anemone peptide APETx2 but decreases its activity at acid-sensing ion channel 3. Mar Drugs 2012; 10:1511-1527. [PMID: 22851922 PMCID: PMC3407927 DOI: 10.3390/md10071511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Revised: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
APETx2 is a peptide isolated from the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima. It is the most potent and selective inhibitor of acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) and it is currently in preclinical studies as a novel analgesic for the treatment of chronic inflammatory pain. As a peptide it faces many challenges in the drug development process, including the potential lack of stability often associated with therapeutic peptides. In this study we determined the susceptibility of wild-type APETx2 to trypsin and pepsin and tested the applicability of backbone cyclisation as a strategy to improve its resistance to enzymatic degradation. Cyclisation with either a six-, seven- or eight-residue linker vastly improved the protease resistance of APETx2 but substantially decreased its potency against ASIC3. This suggests that either the N- or C-terminus of APETx2 is involved in its interaction with the channel, which we confirmed by making N- and C-terminal truncations. Truncation of either terminus, but especially the N-terminus, has detrimental effects on the ability of APETx2 to inhibit ASIC3. The current work indicates that cyclisation is unlikely to be a suitable strategy for stabilising APETx2, unless linkers can be engineered that do not interfere with binding to ASIC3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Glenn F. King
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.E.J.); (M.M.); (A.B.); (P.F.A.)
| | - Lachlan D. Rash
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.E.J.); (M.M.); (A.B.); (P.F.A.)
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30
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Anangi R, Rash LD, Mobli M, King GF. Functional expression in Escherichia coli of the disulfide-rich sea anemone peptide APETx2, a potent blocker of acid-sensing ion channel 3. Mar Drugs 2012; 10:1605-1618. [PMID: 22851929 PMCID: PMC3407934 DOI: 10.3390/md10071605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Revised: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated sodium channels present in the central and peripheral nervous system of chordates. ASIC3 is highly expressed in sensory neurons and plays an important role in inflammatory and ischemic pain. Thus, specific inhibitors of ASIC3 have the potential to be developed as novel analgesics. APETx2, isolated from the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima, is the most potent and selective inhibitor of ASIC3-containing channels. However, the mechanism of action of APETx2 and the molecular basis for its interaction with ASIC3 is not known. In order to assist in characterizing the ASIC3-APETx2 interaction, we developed an efficient and cost-effective Escherichia coli periplasmic expression system for the production of APETx2. NMR studies on uniformly (13)C/(15)N-labelled APETx2 produced in E. coli showed that the recombinant peptide adopts the native conformation. Recombinant APETx2 is equipotent with synthetic APETx2 at inhibiting ASIC3 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Using this system we mutated Phe15 to Ala, which caused a profound loss of APETx2's activity on ASIC3. These findings suggest that this expression system can be used to produce mutant versions of APETx2 in order to facilitate structure-activity relationship studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raveendra Anangi
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; (R.A.); (G.F.K.); Tel.: +61-7-3346-2026 (R.A.); Fax: +61-7-3346-2090 (R.A.); Tel.: +61-7-3346-2025 (G.F.K.); Fax: +61-7-3346-2101 (G.F.K.)
| | | | | | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (L.D.R.); (M.M.)
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Blanchard MG, Rash LD, Kellenberger S. Inhibition of voltage-gated Na(+) currents in sensory neurones by the sea anemone toxin APETx2. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:2167-77. [PMID: 21943094 PMCID: PMC3413854 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01674.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE APETx2, a toxin from the sea anemone Anthropleura elegantissima, inhibits acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3)-containing homo- and heterotrimeric channels with IC(50) values < 100 nM and 0.1-2 µM respectively. ASIC3 channels mediate acute acid-induced and inflammatory pain response and APETx2 has been used as a selective pharmacological tool in animal studies. Toxins from sea anemones also modulate voltage-gated Na(+) channel (Na(v) ) function. Here we tested the effects of APETx2 on Na(v) function in sensory neurones. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Effects of APETx2 on Na(v) function were studied in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones by whole-cell patch clamp. KEY RESULTS APETx2 inhibited the tetrodotoxin (TTX)-resistant Na(v) 1.8 currents of DRG neurones (IC(50) , 2.6 µM). TTX-sensitive currents were less inhibited. The inhibition of Na(v) 1.8 currents was due to a rightward shift in the voltage dependence of activation and a reduction of the maximal macroscopic conductance. The inhibition of Na(v) 1.8 currents by APETx2 was confirmed with cloned channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In current-clamp experiments in DRG neurones, the number of action potentials induced by injection of a current ramp was reduced by APETx2. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS APETx2 inhibited Na(v) 1.8 channels, in addition to ASIC3 channels, at concentrations used in in vivo studies. The limited specificity of this toxin should be taken into account when using APETx2 as a pharmacological tool. Its dual action will be an advantage for the use of APETx2 or its derivatives as analgesic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime G Blanchard
- Département de Pharmacologie et Toxicologie, Université de LausanneLausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lachlan D Rash
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of QueenslandSt Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephan Kellenberger
- Département de Pharmacologie et Toxicologie, Université de LausanneLausanne, Switzerland
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Wu WL, Cheng CF, Sun WH, Wong CW, Chen CC. Targeting ASIC3 for pain, anxiety, and insulin resistance. Pharmacol Ther 2011; 134:127-38. [PMID: 22233754 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2011.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) is a pH sensor that responds to mild extracellular acidification and is predominantly expressed in nociceptors. There is much interest in targeting ASIC3 to relieve pain associated with tissue acidosis, and selective drugs targeting ASIC3 have been used to relieve acid-evoked pain in animal models and human studies. There is accumulating evidence that ASIC3 is widely expressed in many neuronal and non-neuronal cells, such as neurons in the brain and adipose cells, albeit to a lesser extent than in nociceptors. Asic3-knockout mice have reduced anxiety levels and enhanced insulin sensitivity, suggesting that antagonizing ASIC3 has additional benefits. This view is tempered by recent studies suggesting that Asic3-knockout mice may experience cardiovascular disturbances. Due to the development of ASIC3 antagonists as analgesics, we review here the additional benefits, safety, risks, and strategy associated with antagonizing ASIC3 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Li Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei 115, Taiwan
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Saez NJ, Mobli M, Bieri M, Chassagnon IR, Malde AK, Gamsjaeger R, Mark AE, Gooley PR, Rash LD, King GF. A Dynamic Pharmacophore Drives the Interaction between Psalmotoxin-1 and the Putative Drug Target Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 1a. Mol Pharmacol 2011; 80:796-808. [DOI: 10.1124/mol.111.072207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Blunt JW, Copp BR, Munro MHG, Northcote PT, Prinsep MR. Marine natural products. Nat Prod Rep 2010; 28:196-268. [PMID: 21152619 DOI: 10.1039/c005001f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 343] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John W Blunt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Anangi R, Chen CC, Lin YW, Cheng YR, Cheng CH, Chen YC, Chu YP, Chuang WJ. Expression in Pichia pastoris and characterization of APETx2, a specific inhibitor of acid sensing ion channel 3. Toxicon 2010; 56:1388-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2010] [Revised: 08/09/2010] [Accepted: 08/11/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Identifying the Ion Channels Responsible for Signaling Gastro-Intestinal Based Pain. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2010; 3:2768-2798. [PMID: 27713376 PMCID: PMC4034097 DOI: 10.3390/ph3092768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Revised: 08/05/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We are normally unaware of the complex signalling events which continuously occur within our internal organs. Most of us only become cognisant when sensations of hunger, fullness, urgency or gas arise. However, for patients with organic and functional bowel disorders pain is an unpleasant and often debilitating reminder. Furthermore, chronic pain still represents a large unmet need for clinical treatment. Consequently, chronic pain has a considerable economic impact on health care systems and the afflicted individuals. In order to address this need we must understand how symptoms are generated within the gut, the molecular pathways responsible for generating these signals and how this process changes in disease states.
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Vetter I, Davis JL, Rash LD, Anangi R, Mobli M, Alewood PF, Lewis RJ, King GF. Venomics: a new paradigm for natural products-based drug discovery. Amino Acids 2010; 40:15-28. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0516-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 02/04/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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38
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Acid-sensing ion channels 3: a potential therapeutic target for pain treatment in arthritis. Mol Biol Rep 2009; 37:3233-8. [PMID: 19885742 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-009-9907-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 10/16/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels 3 (ASIC3) is the most sensitive to such a pH change, predominantly distributed in the sensory peripheral nervous system, and strongly correlated with pain. Recently, there is increasing evidence that ASIC3 may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory pain diseases due to it is predominantly expressed in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons making it a good candidate for a pain sensor. Elevated expression of ASIC3 was found in DRG of rodents with inflamed hind paws. In addition, it has been shown that ASIC3 gene knock-out mice (ASIC3-/-) exhibited no enhanced hyperalgesia in inflamed joint. All theses findings suggest that ASIC3 have important biological effects in inflammation that might be a promising therapeutic target for arthritis pain. In this review, we will briefly discuss the biological features of ASIC3 and summarize recent advances on the role of ASIC3 in the pathogenesis and treatment of arthritis pain.
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Qadri YJ, Berdiev BK, Song Y, Lippton HL, Fuller CM, Benos DJ. Psalmotoxin-1 docking to human acid-sensing ion channel-1. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:17625-33. [PMID: 19395383 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.003913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channel-1 (ASIC-1) is a proton-gated ion channel implicated in nociception and neuronal death during ischemia. Recently the first crystal structure of a chicken ASIC was obtained. Expanding upon this work, homology models of the human ASICs were constructed and evaluated. Energy-minimized structures were tested for validity by in silico docking of the models to psalmotoxin-1, which potently inhibits ASIC-1 and not other members of the family. The data are consistent with prior radioligand binding and functional assays while also explaining the selectivity of PcTX-1 for homomeric hASIC-1a. Binding energy calculations suggest that the toxin and channel create a complex that is more stable than the channel alone. The binding is dominated by the coulombic contributions, which account for why the toxin-channel interaction is not observed at low pH. The computational data were experimentally verified with single channel and whole-cell electrophysiological studies. These validated models should allow for the rational design of specific and potent peptidomimetic compounds that may be useful for the treatment of pain or ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawar J Qadri
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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