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Peres-Damásio P, Silva-Magalhães R, Silva-Araújo AL, Pereira EHT, Silveira AL, Varella LSDRN, Borges MH, Chavez-Olórtegui C, Paiva ALB, Guerra-Duarte C. Partial characterization of Loxosceles anomala (Mello-Leitão, 1917) venom: A brown spider of potential medical concern. Toxicon 2023; 228:107107. [PMID: 37011787 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
The spider's genus Loxosceles (also known as "brown spiders") is one of the few ones of medical importance in Brazil, being Loxosceles anomala a species of common occurrence in the Southeast region. This species is usually smaller in size than the other members of the Loxosceles group. A single human accident involving L. anomala was reported to date and the clinical picture shared similar characteristics with accidents caused by other Loxosceles species. Despite the potential relevance of L. anomalafor loxocelism in Minas Gerais state, its venom activity has never been characterized. In this work, we provide a preliminary characterization of L. anomala venom, considering its most relevant enzymatic activities and its venom immunorecognition by current therapeutic antivenoms. The results showed that L. anomala venom is immunorecognised by therapeutic antivenoms and by anti-phospholipase D antibodies. Its venom also shows enzymatic activities (sphingomyelinase activity, fibrinogenolytic) described for other Loxosceles venoms. This work contributes to a better knowledge on the venom content and activities of synanthropic Loxosceles species that have the potential of causing relevant human accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamella Peres-Damásio
- Molecular Toxinology Lab, Research and Development Department, Ezequiel Dias Foundation - FUNED, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Silva-Magalhães
- Molecular Toxinology Lab, Research and Development Department, Ezequiel Dias Foundation - FUNED, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza Silva-Araújo
- Molecular Toxinology Lab, Research and Development Department, Ezequiel Dias Foundation - FUNED, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Márcia Helena Borges
- Arachnid Proteomics Lab, Research and Development Department, Ezequiel Dias Foundation - FUNED, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Carlos Chavez-Olórtegui
- Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza Bittencourt Paiva
- Molecular Toxinology Lab, Research and Development Department, Ezequiel Dias Foundation - FUNED, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Molecular Toxinology Lab, Research and Development Department, Ezequiel Dias Foundation - FUNED, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Alvarenga LM, Cardenas GAC, Jiacomini IG, Ramírez MI. A new insight into the cellular mechanisms of envenomation: Elucidating the role of extracellular vesicles in Loxoscelism. Toxicol Lett 2021; 350:202-212. [PMID: 34314803 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Envenomation by the Loxosceles genus spiders is a recurring health issue worldwide and specially in the Americas. The physiopathology of the envenomation is tightly associated to the venom's rich toxin composition, able to produce a local dermonecrotic lesion that can evolve systemically and if worsened, might result in multiple organ failure and lethality. The cellular and molecular mechanisms involved with the physiopathology of Loxoscelism are not completely understood, however, the venom's Phospholipases D (PLDs) are known to trigger membrane injury in various cell types. Here, we report for the first time the Loxosceles venom's ability to stimulate the production of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in various human cell lineages. Components of the Loxosceles venom were also detectable in the cargo of these vesicles, suggesting that they may be implicated in the process of extracellular venom release. EVs from venom treated cells exhibited phospholipase D activity and were able to induce in vitro hemolysis in human red blood cells and alter the HEK cell membranes' permeability. Nonetheless, the PLD activity was inhibited when an anti-venom PLDs monoclonal antibody was co-administered with the whole venom. In summary, our findings shed new light on the mechanisms underlying cellular events in the context of loxoscelism and suggest a crucial role of EVs in the process of envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Magalhães Alvarenga
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | | | - Isabella Gizzi Jiacomini
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcel Ivan Ramírez
- EVAHPI - Extracellular Vesicles and Host-Parasite Interactions Research Group Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Sistemática de Tripanossomatideos, Instituto Carlos Chagas-Fiocruz, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Ryan RYM, Seymour J, Loukas A, Lopez JA, Ikonomopoulou MP, Miles JJ. Immunological Responses to Envenomation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:661082. [PMID: 34040609 PMCID: PMC8141633 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.661082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Venoms are complex mixtures of toxic compounds delivered by bite or sting. In humans, the consequences of envenomation range from self-limiting to lethal. Critical host defence against envenomation comprises innate and adaptive immune strategies targeted towards venom detection, neutralisation, detoxification, and symptom resolution. In some instances, venoms mediate immune dysregulation that contributes to symptom severity. This review details the involvement of immune cell subtypes and mediators, particularly of the dermis, in host resistance and venom-induced immunopathology. We further discuss established venom-associated immunopathology, including allergy and systemic inflammation, and investigate Irukandji syndrome as a potential systemic inflammatory response. Finally, this review characterises venom-derived compounds as a source of immune modulating drugs for treatment of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Y. M. Ryan
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Jamie Seymour
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - J. Alejandro Lopez
- School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Maria P. Ikonomopoulou
- Translational Venomics Group, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA) in Food, CEI UAM+CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - John J. Miles
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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4
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From taxonomy to molecular characterization of brown spider venom: An overview focused on Loxosceles similis. Toxicon 2020; 173:5-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Ribeiro MF, de Oliveira FL, Souza AM, Machado TDB, Cardoso PF, Patti A, Nascimento AS, de Souza CMV, Elias SC. Effects of copaiba oil on dermonecrosis induced by Loxosceles intermedia venom. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2019; 25:e149318. [PMID: 31131009 PMCID: PMC6521710 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-1493-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Accidents caused by spiders of the genus Loxosceles
constitute an important public health problem in Brazil. The venom of
Loxosceles sp induces dermonecrosis at the bite site
and systemic disease in severe cases. Traditional medicine based on
plant-derived products has been proven to reduce the local effects of
envenomation. The present study verified the healing effects of copaiba oil
on lesions induced by the venom of L. intermedia. Methods: Cutaneous lesions were induced on the backs of rabbits by intradermal
injection of L. intermedia venom. Copaiba oil was applied
topically 6 hours after injection; the treatment was repeated for 30 days,
after which animal skins were removed and processed for histopathological
analysis. Blood samples were also collected before and 24 hours after venom
inoculation to measure the hematological parameters. Results: Compared to the control group, the platelet count was reduced significantly
in all groups inoculated with venom, accompanied by a decreased number of
heterophils in the blood. The minimum necrotic dose (MND) was defined as 2.4
μg/kg. Topical treatment with copaiba oil demonstrated a differentiated
healing profile: large skin lesions were observed 10 days after venom
inoculation, whereas formation of a thick crust, without scarring was
observed 30 days after venom inoculation. Histopathological analysis showed
no significant difference after treatment. Nevertheless, the copaiba oil
treatment induced a collagen distribution similar to control skin, in marked
contrast to the group that received only the spider venom injection. Conclusions: We conclude that copaiba oil may interfere in the healing process and thus
propose it as a possible topical treatment for cutaneous lesions induced by
L. intermedia venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Fernandes Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Administration; School of Pharmacy; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói - RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Leite de Oliveira
- Laboratory for Cellular Proliferation and Differentiation; Institute of Biomedical Sciences; Federal University of Rio de Janeiro; Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Aline Moreira Souza
- Laboratory for Veterinary Clinical Pathology; Department of Pathology and Veterinary Clinics; School of Veterinary Medicine; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói - RJ, Brazil
| | - Thelma de Barros Machado
- Laboratory of Physiochemical Quality Control; Department of Pharmaceutical Technology; School of Pharmacy; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói - RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Andrea Patti
- Biotherium; Scientific Directorship; Vital Brazil Institute; Niterói - RJ, Brazil
| | - Angélica Silveira Nascimento
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Administration; School of Pharmacy; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói - RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Sabrina Calil Elias
- Laboratory of Pharmacology; Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Administration; School of Pharmacy; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói - RJ, Brazil
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Plenge-Tellechea LF, Hernández-Ramos ÁD, Muñoz JM, Barraza-Garza G, Rico-Escobar E, Meléndez-Martínez D. Acanthocytosis and brain damage in area postrema and choroid plexus: Description of novel signs of Loxosceles apachea envenomation in rats. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211689. [PMID: 30730934 PMCID: PMC6366775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Loxocelism is a neglected medical problem that depends on its severity, can cause a cutaneous or viscero-cutaneous syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by hemostatic effects and necrosis, and the severity of the loxoscelism depends on the amount of venom injected, the zone of inoculation, and the species. In the Chihuahuan desert, the most abundant species is L. apachea. Its venom and biological effects are understudied, including neurological effects. Thus, our aim is to explore the effect of this regional species of medical interest in the United States-Mexico border community, using rat blood and central nervous system (CNS), particularly, two brain structures involved in brain homeostasis, Area postrema (AP) and Choroid plexus (PC). L. apachea specimens were collected and venom was obtained. Different venom concentrations (0, 0.178 and 0.87 μg/g) were inoculated into Sprague-Dawley rats (intraperitoneal injection). Subsequently, blood was extracted and stained with Wright staining; coronal sections of AP were obtained and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and laminin γ immunolabelling, the same was done with CP sections. Blood, AP and CP were observed under the microscope and abnormalities in erythrocytes and fluctuation in leukocyte types were described and quantified in blood. Capillaries were also quantified in AP and damage was described in CP. L. apachea venom produced a segmented neutrophil increment (neutrophilia), lymphocyte diminishment (leukopenia) and erythrocytes presented membrane abnormalities (acanthocytosis). Extravasated erythrocytes were observed in HE stained sections from both, AP and CP, which suggest that near to this section a hemorrhage is present; through immunohistofluorescence, a diminishment of laminin γ was observed in AP endothelial cells and in CP ependymal cells when these structures were exposed to L. apachea venom. In conclusion, L. apachea venom produced leukopenia, netrophilia and acanthocytosis in rat peripheral blood, and also generated hemorrhages on AP and CP through degradation of laminin γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Fernando Plenge-Tellechea
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México
- * E-mail:
| | - Ángel Daniel Hernández-Ramos
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México
| | - Juan Manuel Muñoz
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México
| | - Guillermo Barraza-Garza
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México
| | - Edna Rico-Escobar
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México
| | - David Meléndez-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México
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7
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Chaves-Moreira D, Senff-Ribeiro A, Wille ACM, Gremski LH, Chaim OM, Veiga SS. Highlights in the knowledge of brown spider toxins. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017; 23:6. [PMID: 28194160 PMCID: PMC5299669 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-017-0097-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown spiders are venomous arthropods that use their venom for predation and defense. In humans, bites of these animals provoke injuries including dermonecrosis with gravitational spread of lesions, hematological abnormalities and impaired renal function. The signs and symptoms observed following a brown spider bite are called loxoscelism. Brown spider venom is a complex mixture of toxins enriched in low molecular mass proteins (4-40 kDa). Characterization of the venom confirmed the presence of three highly expressed protein classes: phospholipases D, metalloproteases (astacins) and insecticidal peptides (knottins). Recently, toxins with low levels of expression have also been found in Loxosceles venom, such as serine proteases, protease inhibitors (serpins), hyaluronidases, allergen-like toxins and histamine-releasing factors. The toxin belonging to the phospholipase-D family (also known as the dermonecrotic toxin) is the most studied class of brown spider toxins. This class of toxins single-handedly can induce inflammatory response, dermonecrosis, hemolysis, thrombocytopenia and renal failure. The functional role of the hyaluronidase toxin as a spreading factor in loxoscelism has also been demonstrated. However, the biological characterization of other toxins remains unclear and the mechanism by which Loxosceles toxins exert their noxious effects is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this review is to provide an insight into brown spider venom toxins and toxicology, including a description of historical data already available in the literature. In this review article, the identification processes of novel Loxosceles toxins by molecular biology and proteomic approaches, their biological characterization and structural description based on x-ray crystallography and putative biotechnological uses are described along with the future perspectives in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR Brazil.,Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), Ponta Grossa, PR Brazil
| | - Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR Brazil
| | - Olga Meiri Chaim
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR Brazil
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR Brazil
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Recent advances in the understanding of brown spider venoms: From the biology of spiders to the molecular mechanisms of toxins. Toxicon 2014; 83:91-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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9
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Dantas AE, Horta CCR, Martins TMM, do Carmo AO, Mendes BBRDO, Goes AM, Kalapothakis E, Gomes DA. Whole venom of Loxosceles similis activates caspases-3, -6, -7, and -9 in human primary skin fibroblasts. Toxicon 2014; 84:56-64. [PMID: 24726468 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Spiders of the Loxosceles genus represent a risk to human health due to the systemic and necrotic effects of their bites. The main symptoms of these bites vary from dermonecrosis, observed in the majority of cases, to occasional systemic hemolysis and coagulopathy. Although the systemic effects are well characterized, the mechanisms of cell death triggered by the venom of these spiders are poorly characterized. In this study, we investigated the cell death mechanisms induced by the whole venom of the spider Loxosceles similis in human skin fibroblasts. Our results show that the venom initiates an apoptotic process and a caspase cascade involving the initiator caspase-9 and the effector caspases-3, -6, and -7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Estanislau Dantas
- Departmento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carolina Campolina Rebello Horta
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thais M M Martins
- Departmento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Anderson Oliveira do Carmo
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Alfredo M Goes
- Departmento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Dawidson A Gomes
- Departmento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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10
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Ardisson-Araújo DMP, Morgado FDS, Schwartz EF, Corzo G, Ribeiro BM. A new theraphosid spider toxin causes early insect cell death by necrosis when expressed in vitro during recombinant baculovirus infection. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84404. [PMID: 24349574 PMCID: PMC3862797 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Baculoviruses are the most studied insect viruses in the world and are used for biological control of agricultural and forest insect pests. They are also used as versatile vectors for expression of heterologous proteins. One of the major problems of their use as biopesticides is their slow speed to kill insects. Thus, to address this shortcoming, insect-specific neurotoxins from arachnids have been introduced into the baculovirus genome solely aiming to improve its virulence. In this work, an insecticide-like toxin gene was obtained from a cDNA derived from the venom glands of the theraphosid spider Brachypelma albiceps. The mature form of the peptide toxin (called Ba3) has a high content of basic amino acid residues, potential for three possible disulfide bonds, and a predicted three-stranded β-sheetDifferent constructions of the gene were engineered for recombinant baculovirus Autographa californica multiple nuclepolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) expression. Five different forms of Ba3 were assessed; (1) the full-length sequence, (2) the pro-peptide and mature region, (3) only the mature region, and the mature region fused to an (4) insect or a (5) virus-derived signal peptide were inserted separately into the genome of the baculovirus. All the recombinant viruses induced cell death by necrosis earlier in infection relative to a control virus lacking the toxin gene. However, the recombinant virus containing the mature portion of the toxin gene induced a faster cell death than the other recombinants. We found that the toxin construct with the signal peptide and/or pro-peptide regions delayed the necrosis phenotype. When infected cells were subjected to ultrastructural analysis, the cells showed loss of plasma membrane integrity and structural changes in mitochondria before death. Our results suggest this use of baculovirus is a potential tool to help understand or to identify the effect of insect-specific toxic peptides when produced during infection of insect cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Bergmann Morais Ribeiro
- Departmento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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11
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Nowatzki J, Sene RV, Paludo KS, Rizzo LE, Souza-Fonseca-Guimarães F, Veiga SS, Nader HB, Franco CRC, Trindade ES. Brown spider (Loxosceles intermedia) venom triggers endothelial cells death by anoikis. Toxicon 2012; 60:396-405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.04.333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2011] [Revised: 03/31/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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