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Michálek O, King GF, Pekár S. Prey specificity of predatory venoms. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024. [PMID: 38991997 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Venom represents a key adaptation of many venomous predators, allowing them to immobilise prey quickly through chemical rather than physical warfare. Evolutionary arms races between prey and a predator are believed to be the main factor influencing the potency and composition of predatory venoms. Predators with narrowly restricted diets are expected to evolve specifically potent venom towards their focal prey, with lower efficacy on alternative prey. Here, we evaluate hypotheses on the evolution of prey-specific venom, focusing on the effect of restricted diet, prey defences, and prey resistance. Prey specificity as a potential evolutionary dead end is also discussed. We then provide an overview of the current knowledge on venom prey specificity, with emphasis on snakes, cone snails, and spiders. As the current evidence for venom prey specificity is still quite limited, we also overview the best approaches and methods for its investigation and provide a brief summary of potential model groups. Finally, possible applications of prey-specific toxins are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Michálek
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, Brno, 611 37, Czech Republic
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Stano Pekár
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, Brno, 611 37, Czech Republic
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2
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Offor BC, Piater LA. A comparison of the venom proteomes and potential therapeutics of 3 African naja subgenera. Toxicon 2024; 245:107792. [PMID: 38838860 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
African cobras (Naja species) represent one of the most encountered medically important snakes in Africa. They are classified as African spitting (Afronaja subgenus) and non-spitting cobras (Uraeus and Boulengerina subgenera) with similar and different characteristics. Snake venom toxins including three-finger toxin (3FTx), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP) cause snakebite envenomation leading to morbidity and mortality. The profile of the proteome of African cobra venoms will help to develop safer and more effective antivenoms. The approval of Captopril by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, has led to intensified research towards possible use of venom toxins as therapeutics. In this review, we compare the venom proteome profile of 3 African Naja subgenera. In both Afronaja and Boulengerina subgenera, 3FTx (Afronaja-69.79%; Boulengerina-60.56%) followed by PLA2 (Afronaja-21.15%; Boulengerina-20.21%) dominated the venoms compared to the Uraeus subgenus dominated by 3FTx (84.55%) with little to no PLA2 abundance (0.8%). The venom of subgenus Uraeus was distinct from the other two subgenera by the almost total absence of PLA2, thus indicating little or no contribution of PLA2 in the envenomation caused by Uraeus compared to Afronaja and Boulengerina. Furthermore, we report studies on the experimental testing of African cobra venoms and toxins against diseases including anti-cancer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict C Offor
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa
| | - Lizelle A Piater
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa.
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3
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Bittenbinder MA, Bonanini F, Kurek D, Vulto P, Kool J, Vonk FJ. Using organ-on-a-chip technology to study haemorrhagic activities of snake venoms on endothelial tubules. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11157. [PMID: 38834598 PMCID: PMC11150252 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60282-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenomation is a major public health issue which causes severe morbidity and mortality, affecting millions of people annually. Of a diverse range of clinical manifestations, local and systemic haemorrhage are of particular relevance, as this may result in ischemia, organ failure and even cardiovascular shock. Thus far, in vitro studies have failed to recapitulate the haemorrhagic effects observed in vivo. Here, we present an organ-on-a-chip approach to investigate the effects of four different snake venoms on a perfused microfluidic blood vessel model. We assess the effect of the venoms of four snake species on epithelial barrier function, cell viability, and contraction/delamination. Our findings reveal two different mechanisms by which the microvasculature is being affected, either by disruption of the endothelial cell membrane or by delamination of the endothelial cell monolayer from its matrix. The use of our blood vessel model may shed light on the key mechanisms by which tissue-damaging venoms exert their effects on the capillary vessels, which could be helpful for the development of effective treatments against snakebites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mátyás A Bittenbinder
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR, Leiden, The Netherlands
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Jeroen Kool
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Freek J Vonk
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR, Leiden, The Netherlands
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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4
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Offor BC, Piater LA. Snake venom toxins: Potential anticancer therapeutics. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:666-685. [PMID: 37697914 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Snake venom contains a cocktail of compounds dominated by proteins and peptides, which make up the toxin. The toxin components of snake venom attack several targets in the human body including the neuromuscular system, kidney and blood coagulation system and cause pathologies. As such, the venom toxins can be managed and used for the treatment of these diseases. In this regard, Captopril used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases was the first animal venom toxin-based drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency. Cancers cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to side effects associated with the current cancer treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy and surgery, there is a need to improve the efficacy of current treatments and/or develop novel drugs from natural sources including animal toxin-based drugs. There is a long history of earlier and ongoing studies implicating snake venom toxins as potential anticancer therapies. Here, we review the role of crude snake venoms and toxins including phospholipase A2, L-amino acid oxidase, C-type lectin and disintegrin as potential anticancer agents tested in cancer cell lines and animal tumour models in comparison to normal cell lines. Some of the anti-tumour activities of snake venom toxins include induction of cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and inhibition of metastasis, angiogenesis and tumour growth. We thus propose the advancement of multidisciplinary approaches to more pre-clinical and clinical studies for enhanced bioavailability and targeted delivery of snake venom toxin-based anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict C Offor
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
| | - Lizelle A Piater
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
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5
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Machado Marinho AC, Chapeaurouge A, Dutra BM, Quintela BCSF, Pereira SS, Fernandes CFC. The role of venom proteomics and single-domain antibodies for antivenoms: Progress in snake envenoming treatment. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103967. [PMID: 38555033 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103967] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) hold promise for developing new biopharmaceuticals to treat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including snakebites, which are severe and occur frequently. In addition, limitations of conventional snakebite treatments, especially in terms of local action, and the global antivenom crisis incentivize the use of this biotechnological tool to design next-generation snakebite antivenoms. Conventional antivenoms for snakebite treatment are usually composed of immunoglobulin G or F(ab')2 fragments derived from the plasma of immunized animals. sdAbs, the smallest antigen-binding fragments, are derived from the variable domains of camelid heavy-chain antibodies. sdAbs may have some advantages over conventional antivenoms for local toxicity, such as better penetration into tissues due to their small size, and high solubility and affinity for venom antigens due to their unique antigen-binding loops and ability to access cryptic epitopes. We present an overview of current antivenom therapy in the context of sdAb development for toxin neutralization. Furthermore, strategies are presented for identifying snake venom's major toxins as well as for developing antisnake toxin sdAbs by employing proteomic tools for toxin neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carolina Machado Marinho
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceará, FIOCRUZ CE, Eusébio-CE, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, UFC, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Alexander Chapeaurouge
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceará, FIOCRUZ CE, Eusébio-CE, Brazil
| | - Brunheld Maia Dutra
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceará, FIOCRUZ CE, Eusébio-CE, Brazil
| | - Barbara Cibelle S F Quintela
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceará, FIOCRUZ CE, Eusébio-CE, Brazil
| | - Soraya S Pereira
- Laboratório de Engenharia de Anticorpos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondônia, FIOCRUZ RO, Porto Velho-RO, Brazil
| | - Carla Freire C Fernandes
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceará, FIOCRUZ CE, Eusébio-CE, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, UFC, Fortaleza, Brazil
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6
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Roman-Ramos H, Prieto-da-Silva ÁRB, Dellê H, Floriano RS, Dias L, Hyslop S, Schezaro-Ramos R, Servent D, Mourier G, de Oliveira JL, Lemes DE, Costa-Lotufo LV, Oliveira JS, Menezes MC, Markus RP, Ho PL. The Cloning and Characterization of a Three-Finger Toxin Homolog (NXH8) from the Coralsnake Micrurus corallinus That Interacts with Skeletal Muscle Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:164. [PMID: 38668589 PMCID: PMC11054780 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16040164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Coralsnakes (Micrurus spp.) are the only elapids found throughout the Americas. They are recognized for their highly neurotoxic venom, which is comprised of a wide variety of toxins, including the stable, low-mass toxins known as three-finger toxins (3FTx). Due to difficulties in venom extraction and availability, research on coralsnake venoms is still very limited when compared to that of other Elapidae snakes like cobras, kraits, and mambas. In this study, two previously described 3FTx from the venom of M. corallinus, NXH1 (3SOC1_MICCO), and NXH8 (3NO48_MICCO) were characterized. Using in silico, in vitro, and ex vivo experiments, the biological activities of these toxins were predicted and evaluated. The results showed that only NXH8 was capable of binding to skeletal muscle cells and modulating the activity of nAChRs in nerve-diaphragm preparations. These effects were antagonized by anti-rNXH8 or antielapidic sera. Sequence analysis revealed that the NXH1 toxin possesses eight cysteine residues and four disulfide bonds, while the NXH8 toxin has a primary structure similar to that of non-conventional 3FTx, with an additional disulfide bond on the first loop. These findings add more information related to the structural diversity present within the 3FTx class, while expanding our understanding of the mechanisms of the toxicity of this coralsnake venom and opening new perspectives for developing more effective therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Roman-Ramos
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil; (H.D.); (J.L.d.O.); (D.E.L.)
| | | | - Humberto Dellê
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil; (H.D.); (J.L.d.O.); (D.E.L.)
| | - Rafael S. Floriano
- Laboratório de Toxinologia e Estudos Cardiovasculares, Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente 19067-175, SP, Brazil;
| | - Lourdes Dias
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.D.); (S.H.); (R.S.-R.)
| | - Stephen Hyslop
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.D.); (S.H.); (R.S.-R.)
| | - Raphael Schezaro-Ramos
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.D.); (S.H.); (R.S.-R.)
| | - Denis Servent
- Service d’Ingénierie Moléculaire pour la Santé (SIMoS), Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, Université Paris Saclay, Commissariat à l’énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), F-91191 Gif sur Yvette, France; (D.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Gilles Mourier
- Service d’Ingénierie Moléculaire pour la Santé (SIMoS), Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, Université Paris Saclay, Commissariat à l’énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), F-91191 Gif sur Yvette, France; (D.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Jéssica Lopes de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil; (H.D.); (J.L.d.O.); (D.E.L.)
| | - Douglas Edgard Lemes
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil; (H.D.); (J.L.d.O.); (D.E.L.)
| | - Letícia V. Costa-Lotufo
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Jane S. Oliveira
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil;
| | | | - Regina P. Markus
- Laboratório de Cronofarmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-090, SP, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Lee Ho
- Centro Bioindustrial, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil;
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7
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Khalek IS, Senji Laxme RR, Nguyen YTK, Khochare S, Patel RN, Woehl J, Smith JM, Saye-Francisco K, Kim Y, Misson Mindrebo L, Tran Q, Kędzior M, Boré E, Limbo O, Verma M, Stanfield RL, Menzies SK, Ainsworth S, Harrison RA, Burton DR, Sok D, Wilson IA, Casewell NR, Sunagar K, Jardine JG. Synthetic development of a broadly neutralizing antibody against snake venom long-chain α-neurotoxins. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadk1867. [PMID: 38381847 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adk1867] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a major global public health concern for which improved therapies are urgently needed. The antigenic diversity present in snake venom toxins from various species presents a considerable challenge to the development of a universal antivenom. Here, we used a synthetic human antibody library to find and develop an antibody that neutralizes long-chain three-finger α-neurotoxins produced by numerous medically relevant snakes. Our antibody bound diverse toxin variants with high affinity, blocked toxin binding to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in vitro, and protected mice from lethal venom challenge. Structural analysis of the antibody-toxin complex revealed a binding mode that mimics the receptor-toxin interaction. The overall workflow presented is generalizable for the development of antibodies that target conserved epitopes among antigenically diverse targets, and it offers a promising framework for the creation of a monoclonal antibody-based universal antivenom to treat snakebite envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene S Khalek
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI, New York, NY 10004, USA
| | - R R Senji Laxme
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Yen Thi Kim Nguyen
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Suyog Khochare
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Rohit N Patel
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Jordan Woehl
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI, New York, NY 10004, USA
| | - Jessica M Smith
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI, New York, NY 10004, USA
| | - Karen Saye-Francisco
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yoojin Kim
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI, New York, NY 10004, USA
| | - Laetitia Misson Mindrebo
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI, New York, NY 10004, USA
| | - Quoc Tran
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI, New York, NY 10004, USA
| | - Mateusz Kędzior
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI, New York, NY 10004, USA
| | - Evy Boré
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Oliver Limbo
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI, New York, NY 10004, USA
| | - Megan Verma
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI, New York, NY 10004, USA
| | - Robyn L Stanfield
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Stefanie K Menzies
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Stuart Ainsworth
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Robert A Harrison
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Dennis R Burton
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development (CHAVD), Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Devin Sok
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI, New York, NY 10004, USA
- Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development (CHAVD), Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ian A Wilson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Kartik Sunagar
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Joseph G Jardine
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- IAVI, New York, NY 10004, USA
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8
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Rodríguez-Vargas A, Franco-Vásquez AM, Triana-Cerón M, Alam-Rojas SN, Escobar-Wilches DC, Corzo G, Lazcano-Pérez F, Arreguín-Espinosa R, Ruiz-Gómez F. Immunological Cross-Reactivity and Preclinical Assessment of a Colombian Anticoral Antivenom against the Venoms of Three Micrurus Species. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:104. [PMID: 38393182 PMCID: PMC10891627 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Snakebite accident treatment requires the administration of antivenoms that provide efficacy and effectiveness against several snake venoms of the same genus or family. The low number of immunogenic components in venom mixtures that allow the production of antivenoms consequently gives them partial neutralization and a suboptimal pharmacological response. This study evaluates the immunorecognition and neutralizing efficacy of the polyvalent anticoral antivenom from the Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) of Colombia against the heterologous endemic venoms of Micrurus medemi, and M. sangilensis, and M. helleri by assessing immunoreactivity through affinity chromatography, ELISA, Western blot, and neutralization capability. Immunorecognition towards the venoms of M. medemi and M. sangilensis showed values of 62% and 68% of the protein composition according to the immunoaffinity matrix, respectively. The analysis by Western blot depicted the highest recognition patterns for M. medemi, followed by M. sangilensis, and finally by M. helleri. These findings suggest that the venom compositions are closely related and exhibit similar recognition by the antivenom. According to enzyme immunoassays, M. helleri requires a higher amount of antivenom to achieve recognition than the others. Besides reinforcing the evaluation of INS antivenom capability, this work recommends the use of M. helleri in the production of Colombian antisera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Rodríguez-Vargas
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (M.T.-C.); (S.N.A.-R.); (F.R.-G.)
| | - Adrián Marcelo Franco-Vásquez
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.M.F.-V.); (F.L.-P.); (R.A.-E.)
| | - Miguel Triana-Cerón
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (M.T.-C.); (S.N.A.-R.); (F.R.-G.)
- Bacterial Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Research Department, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá 110121, Colombia
| | - Shaha Noor Alam-Rojas
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (M.T.-C.); (S.N.A.-R.); (F.R.-G.)
| | | | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico;
| | - Fernando Lazcano-Pérez
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.M.F.-V.); (F.L.-P.); (R.A.-E.)
| | - Roberto Arreguín-Espinosa
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.M.F.-V.); (F.L.-P.); (R.A.-E.)
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (M.T.-C.); (S.N.A.-R.); (F.R.-G.)
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9
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McFarlane LO, Pukala TL. Proteomic Investigation of Cape Cobra ( Naja nivea) Venom Reveals First Evidence of Quaternary Protein Structures. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:63. [PMID: 38393141 PMCID: PMC10892407 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Naja nivea (N. nivea) is classed as a category one snake by the World Health Organization since its envenomation causes high levels of mortality and disability annually. Despite this, there has been little research into the venom composition of N. nivea, with only one full venom proteome published to date. Our current study separated N. nivea venom using size exclusion chromatography before utilizing a traditional bottom-up proteomics approach to unravel the composition of the venom proteome. As expected by its clinical presentation, N. nivea venom was found to consist mainly of neurotoxins, with three-finger toxins (3FTx), making up 76.01% of the total venom proteome. Additionally, cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), vespryns (VESPs), cobra venom factors (CVFs), 5'-nucleotidases (5'NUCs), nerve growth factors (NGFs), phospholipase A2s (PLA2), acetylcholinesterases (AChEs), Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor (KUN), phosphodiesterases (PDEs), L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs), hydrolases (HYDs), snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), and snake venom serine protease (SVSP) toxins were also identified in decreasing order of abundance. Interestingly, contrary to previous reports, we find PLA2 toxins in N. nivea venom. This highlights the importance of repeatedly profiling the venom of the same species to account for intra-species variation. Additionally, we report the first evidence of covalent protein complexes in N. nivea venom, which likely contribute to the potency of this venom.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tara L. Pukala
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia;
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10
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Hiremath K, Dodakallanavar J, Sampat GH, Patil VS, Harish DR, Chavan R, Hegde HV, Roy S. Three finger toxins of elapids: structure, function, clinical applications and its inhibitors. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10734-3. [PMID: 37749455 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10734-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The WHO lists snakebite as a "neglected tropical disease". In tropical and subtropical areas, envenoming is an important public health issue. This review article describes the structure, function, chemical composition, natural inhibitors, and clinical applications of Elapids' Three Finger Toxins (3FTX) using scientific research data. The primary venomous substance belonging to Elapidae is 3FTX, that targets nAChR. Three parallel β-sheets combine to create 3FTX, which has four or five disulfide bonds. The three primary types of 3FTX are short-chain, long-chain, and nonconventional 3FTX. The functions of 3FTX depend on the specific toxin subtype and the target receptor or ion channel. The well-known effect of 3FTX is probably neurotoxicity because of the severe consequences of muscular paralysis and respiratory failure in snakebite victims. 3FTX have also been studied for their potential clinical applications. α-bungarotoxin has been used as a molecular probe to study the structure and function of nAChRs (Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors). Acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) isoforms 1a and 1b are inhibited by Mambalgins, derived from Black mamba venom, which hinders their function and provide an analgesic effect. α- Cobra toxin is a neurotoxin purified from Chinese cobra (Naja atra) binds to nAChR at the neuronal junction and causes an analgesic effect for moderate to severe pain. Some of the plants and their compounds have been shown to inhibit the activity of 3FTX, and their mechanisms of action are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashinath Hiremath
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Jagadeesh Dodakallanavar
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Ganesh H Sampat
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Vishal S Patil
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Darasaguppe R Harish
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | - Rajashekar Chavan
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | - Harsha V Hegde
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Subarna Roy
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
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11
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Srodawa K, Cerda PA, Davis Rabosky AR, Crowe-Riddell JM. Evolution of Three-Finger Toxin Genes in Neotropical Colubrine Snakes (Colubridae). Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:523. [PMID: 37755949 PMCID: PMC10534312 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venom research has historically focused on front-fanged species (Viperidae and Elapidae), limiting our knowledge of venom evolution in rear-fanged snakes across their ecologically diverse phylogeny. Three-finger toxins (3FTxs) are a known neurotoxic component in the venoms of some rear-fanged snakes (Colubridae: Colubrinae), but it is unclear how prevalent 3FTxs are both in expression within venom glands and more broadly among colubrine species. Here, we used a transcriptomic approach to characterize the venom expression profiles of four species of colubrine snakes from the Neotropics that were dominated by 3FTx expression (in the genera Chironius, Oxybelis, Rhinobothryum, and Spilotes). By reconstructing the gene trees of 3FTxs, we found evidence of putative novel heterodimers in the sequences of Chironius multiventris and Oxybelis aeneus, revealing an instance of parallel evolution of this structural change in 3FTxs among rear-fanged colubrine snakes. We also found positive selection at sites within structural loops or "fingers" of 3FTxs, indicating these areas may be key binding sites that interact with prey target molecules. Overall, our results highlight the importance of exploring the venoms of understudied species in reconstructing the full evolutionary history of toxins across the tree of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Srodawa
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (K.S.); (A.R.D.R.); (J.M.C.-R.)
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Peter A. Cerda
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (K.S.); (A.R.D.R.); (J.M.C.-R.)
- Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | - Alison R. Davis Rabosky
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (K.S.); (A.R.D.R.); (J.M.C.-R.)
- Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | - Jenna M. Crowe-Riddell
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (K.S.); (A.R.D.R.); (J.M.C.-R.)
- Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
- School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
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12
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Ratanabanangkoon K. Polyvalent Snake Antivenoms: Production Strategy and Their Therapeutic Benefits. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:517. [PMID: 37755943 PMCID: PMC10536913 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake envenomation remains an important yet neglected medical problem in many countries, with around five million people affected, and over a hundred thousand deaths annually. Plasma-derived antivenoms are the main therapeutic agent available. Monovalent antivenoms are produced via the immunization of large animals, e.g., horses, with one venom, after which the horse serum can neutralize the homologous venom, with minimal or no cross neutralization against other venoms. It is necessary, therefore, for the culprit snake to be identified, so that the appropriate specific antivenom can be selected. Polyvalent antivenoms (pAVs) are produced via immunization with a number of snake venoms, and the serum can neutralize all the venoms used in its production. Thus, pAVs can be used to treat several venoms from a country/region, and the identification of the culprit snake is not necessary. There are various parameters and processes involved in the production of pAVs, depending on the requirements and resources available. Most commercial pAVs use a mixture of both elapid and viperid venoms as immunogens, while some pAVs use either elapid or viperid venoms. Some pAVs are produced through the mixing of more than one monovalent or polyvalent antivenom. These various types of pAVs have their own characteristics, and have benefits and drawbacks. The major benefits of pAVs are the wide coverage of many medically important venoms, including many heterologous venoms. They also remove the need to identify the culprit snake, and they can be produced at a lower cost than several monovalent antivenoms. Interesting polyvalent antivenoms, termed 'syndromic pAVs' (s-pAVs), have recently gained attention. They are produced for use according to the syndromes manifested in snakebite patients. The venoms that produce these syndromes are used as immunogens in the production of 'syndromic antivenoms'. For example, 'neurotoxic polyvalent antivenom' and 'hematotoxic polyvalent antivenom' are produced using the neurotoxic elapid and hematotoxic viperid venoms as immunogens, respectively. They were first marketed by the Thai Red Cross in 2012, and have since gained attention as a possible therapeutic modality to help solve the problem of snakebite envenomation globally. The merits of these s-pAVs, including their efficacy and wide paraspecificities, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavi Ratanabanangkoon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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13
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Bittenbinder MA, Capinha L, Da Costa Pereira D, Slagboom J, van de Velde B, Casewell NR, Jennings P, Kool J, Vonk FJ. Development of a high-throughput in vitro screening method for the assessment of cell-damaging activities of snake venoms. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011564. [PMID: 37590328 PMCID: PMC10465002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011564] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a globally important public health issue that has devastating consequences on human health and well-being, with annual mortality rates between 81,000 and 138,000. Snake venoms may cause different pathological effects by altering normal physiological processes such as nervous transfer and blood coagulation. In addition, snake venoms can cause severe (local) tissue damage that may result in life-long morbidities, with current estimates pointing towards an additional 450,000 individuals that suffer from permanent disabilities such as amputations, contractions and blindness. Despite such high morbidity rates, research to date has been mainly focusing on neurotoxic and haemotoxic effects of snake venoms and considerably less on venom-induced tissue damage. The molecular mechanisms underlaying this pathology include membrane disruption and extracellular matrix degradation. This research describes methods used to study the (molecular) mechanisms underlaying venom-induced cell- and tissue damage. A selection of cellular bioassays and fluorescent microscopy were used to study cell-damaging activities of snake venoms in multi-well plates, using both crude and fractionated venoms. A panel of 10 representative medically relevant snake species was used, which cover a large part of the geographical regions most heavily affected by snakebite. The study comprises both morphological data as well as quantitative data on cell metabolism and viability, which were measured over time. Based on this data, a distinction could be made in the ways by which viper and elapid venoms exert their effects on cells. We further made an effort to characterise the bioactive compounds causing these effects, using a combination of liquid chromatography methods followed by bioassaying and protein identification using proteomics. The outcomes of this study might prove valuable for better understanding venom-induced cell- and tissue-damaging pathologies and could be used in the process of developing and improving snakebite treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matyas A. Bittenbinder
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liliana Capinha
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Da Costa Pereira
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julien Slagboom
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bas van de Velde
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Jennings
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Kool
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Freek J. Vonk
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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14
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Baradaran M, Mahdavinia M, Naderi Soorki M, Jorfi S. Identification, Characterization, and Modeling of a Bioinsecticide Protein Isolated from Scorpion Venom gland: A Three-Finger Protein. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:158-66. [PMID: 37553755 PMCID: PMC10507287 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Background The majority of insecticides target sodium channels. The increasing emergence of resistance to the current insecticides has persuaded researchers to search for alternative compounds. Scorpion venom gland as a reservoir of peptides or proteins, which selectively target insect sodium channels. These proteins would be an appropriate source for finding new suitable anti-insect components. Methods Transcriptome of venom gland of scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus was obtained by RNA extraction and complementary DNA library synthesis. The obtained transcriptome was blasted against protein databases to find insect toxins against sodium channel based on the statistically significant similarity in sequence. Physicochemical properties of the identified protein were calculated using bioinformatics software. The three-dimensional structure of this protein was determined using homology modeling, and the final structure was assessed by molecular dynamics simulation. Results The sodium channel blocker found in the transcriptome of M. eupeus venom gland was submitted to the GenBank under the name of meuNa10, a stable hydrophilic protein consisting of 69 amino acids, with the molecular weight of 7721.77 g/mol and pI of 8.7. The tertiary structure of meuNa10 revealed a conserved LCN-type cysteine-stabilized alpha/beta domain stabilized by eight cysteine residues. The meuNa10 is a member of the 3FP superfamily consisting of three finger-like beta strands. Conclusion This study identified meuNa10 as a small insect sodium channel-interacting protein with some physicochemical properties, including stability and water-solubility, which make it a good candidate for further in vivo and in vitro experiments in order to develop a new bioinsecticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Baradaran
- Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Masoud Mahdavinia
- Department of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Naderi Soorki
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sahand Jorfi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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15
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Tioyama EC, Bayona-Serrano JD, Portes-Junior JA, Nachtigall PG, de Souza VC, Beraldo-Neto E, Grazziotin FG, Junqueira-de-Azevedo ILM, Moura-da-Silva AM, Freitas-de-Sousa LA. The Venom Composition of the Snake Tribe Philodryadini: 'Omic' Techniques Reveal Intergeneric Variability among South American Racers. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:415. [PMID: 37505684 PMCID: PMC10467154 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakes of the Philodryadini tribe are included in the Dipsadidae family, which is a diverse group of rear-fanged snakes widespread in different ecological conditions, including habitats and diet. However, little is known about the composition and effects of their venoms despite their relevance for understanding the evolution of these snakes or even their impact on the occasional cases of human envenoming. In this study, we integrated venom gland transcriptomics, venom proteomics and functional assays to characterize the venoms from eight species of the Philodryadini tribe, which includes the genus Philodryas, Chlorosoma and Xenoxybelis. The most abundant components identified in the venoms were snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), C-type lectins (CTLs), snake endogenous matrix metalloproteinases type 9 (seMMP-9) and snake venom serinoproteinases (SVSPs). These protein families showed a variable expression profile in each genus. SVMPs were the most abundant components in Philodryas, while seMMP-9 and CRISPs were the most expressed in Chlorosoma and Xenoxybelis, respectively. Lineage-specific differences in venom composition were also observed among Philodryas species, whereas P. olfersii presented the highest amount of SVSPs and P. agassizii was the only species to express significant amounts of 3FTx. The variability observed in venom composition was confirmed by the venom functional assays. Philodryas species presented the highest SVMP activity, whereas Chlorosoma species showed higher levels of gelatin activity, which may correlate to the seMMP-9 enzymes. The variability observed in the composition of these venoms may be related to the tribe phylogeny and influenced by their diets. In the presented study, we expanded the set of venomics studies of the Philodryadini tribe, which paves new roads for further studies on the evolution and ecology of Dipsadidae snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilly Campos Tioyama
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências-Toxinologia, Escola Superior do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05508-210, Brazil; (E.C.T.); (J.D.B.-S.)
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (J.A.P.-J.); (A.M.M.-d.-S.)
| | - Juan David Bayona-Serrano
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências-Toxinologia, Escola Superior do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05508-210, Brazil; (E.C.T.); (J.D.B.-S.)
- Laboratório de Toxinologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (P.G.N.); (V.C.d.S.); (I.L.M.J.-d.-A.)
| | - José A. Portes-Junior
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (J.A.P.-J.); (A.M.M.-d.-S.)
| | - Pedro Gabriel Nachtigall
- Laboratório de Toxinologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (P.G.N.); (V.C.d.S.); (I.L.M.J.-d.-A.)
| | - Vinicius Carius de Souza
- Laboratório de Toxinologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (P.G.N.); (V.C.d.S.); (I.L.M.J.-d.-A.)
| | - Emidio Beraldo-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
| | | | | | - Ana Maria Moura-da-Silva
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (J.A.P.-J.); (A.M.M.-d.-S.)
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16
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Ashwood LM, Elnahriry KA, Stewart ZK, Shafee T, Naseem MU, Szanto TG, van der Burg CA, Smith HL, Surm JM, Undheim EAB, Madio B, Hamilton BR, Guo S, Wai DCC, Coyne VL, Phillips MJ, Dudley KJ, Hurwood DA, Panyi G, King GF, Pavasovic A, Norton RS, Prentis PJ. Genomic, functional and structural analyses elucidate evolutionary innovation within the sea anemone 8 toxin family. BMC Biol 2023; 21:121. [PMID: 37226201 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01617-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ShK toxin from Stichodactyla helianthus has established the therapeutic potential of sea anemone venom peptides, but many lineage-specific toxin families in Actiniarians remain uncharacterised. One such peptide family, sea anemone 8 (SA8), is present in all five sea anemone superfamilies. We explored the genomic arrangement and evolution of the SA8 gene family in Actinia tenebrosa and Telmatactis stephensoni, characterised the expression patterns of SA8 sequences, and examined the structure and function of SA8 from the venom of T. stephensoni. RESULTS We identified ten SA8-family genes in two clusters and six SA8-family genes in five clusters for T. stephensoni and A. tenebrosa, respectively. Nine SA8 T. stephensoni genes were found in a single cluster, and an SA8 peptide encoded by an inverted SA8 gene from this cluster was recruited to venom. We show that SA8 genes in both species are expressed in a tissue-specific manner and the inverted SA8 gene has a unique tissue distribution. While the functional activity of the SA8 putative toxin encoded by the inverted gene was inconclusive, its tissue localisation is similar to toxins used for predator deterrence. We demonstrate that, although mature SA8 putative toxins have similar cysteine spacing to ShK, SA8 peptides are distinct from ShK peptides based on structure and disulfide connectivity. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide the first demonstration that SA8 is a unique gene family in Actiniarians, evolving through a variety of structural changes including tandem and proximal gene duplication and an inversion event that together allowed SA8 to be recruited into the venom of T. stephensoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Ashwood
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.
- Cancer Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia.
| | - Khaled A Elnahriry
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Zachary K Stewart
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Thomas Shafee
- Department of Animal Plant & Soil Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Muhammad Umair Naseem
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tibor G Szanto
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Chloé A van der Burg
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Hayden L Smith
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Joachim M Surm
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Blindern, PO Box 1066, 0316, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Bruno Madio
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Brett R Hamilton
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Shaodong Guo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Victoria L Coyne
- Research Infrastructure, Central Analytical Research Facility, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Matthew J Phillips
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Kevin J Dudley
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Research Infrastructure, Central Analytical Research Facility, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - David A Hurwood
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ana Pavasovic
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Peter J Prentis
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
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17
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Diniz-Sousa R, Silva CCA, Pereira SS, da Silva SL, Fernandes PA, Teixeira LMC, Zuliani JP, Soares AM. Therapeutic applications of snake venoms: An invaluable potential of new drug candidates. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 238:124357. [PMID: 37028634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Animal venoms and their chemical compounds have aroused both empirical and scientific attention for ages. However, there has been a significant increase in scientific investigations in recent decades, allowing the production of various formulations that are helping in the development of many important tools for biotechnological, diagnostic, or therapeutic use, both in human and animal health, as well as in plants. Venoms are composed of biomolecules and inorganic compounds that may have physiological and pharmacological activities that are not related to their principal actions (prey immobilization, digestion, and defense). Snake venom toxins, mainly enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins, and peptides have been identified as potential prototypes for new drugs and/or models for the development of pharmacologically active structural domains for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, pain, and infectious-parasitic diseases. This minireview aims to provide an overview of the biotechnological potential of animal venoms, with a focus on snakes, and to introduce the reader to the fascinating world of Applied Toxinology, where animal biodiversity can be used to develop therapeutic and diagnostic applications for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Diniz-Sousa
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos Aplicados à Saúde (LABIOPROT), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Centro Universitário São Lucas (UniSL), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Cleópatra C A Silva
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos Aplicados à Saúde (LABIOPROT), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental (INCT-EpiAmO), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Soraya S Pereira
- Laboratório de Engenharia de Anticorpos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Saulo L da Silva
- LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Chemical Sciences, University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís M C Teixeira
- LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juliana P Zuliani
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Andreimar M Soares
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos Aplicados à Saúde (LABIOPROT), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Centro Universitário São Lucas (UniSL), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental (INCT-EpiAmO), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Faculdade Católica de Rondônia (FCR), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil.
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18
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The secretory phenotypes of envenomed cells: Insights into venom cytotoxicity. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 133:193-230. [PMID: 36707202 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Snake envenomation is listed as Category A Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) by World Health Organization, indicates a severe public health problem. The global figures for envenomation cases are estimated to be more than 1.8 million annually. Even if the affected victims survive the envenomation, they might suffer from permanent morbidity due to local envenomation. One of the most prominent local envenomation is dermonecrosis. Dermonecrosis is a pathophysiological outcome of envenomation that often causes disability in the victims due to surgical amputations, deformities, contracture, and chronic ulceration. The key venom toxins associated with this local symptom are mainly attributed to substantial levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic toxins as well as their possible synergistic actions. Despite so, the severity of the local tissue damage is based on macroscopic observation of the bite areas. Furthermore, limited knowledge is known about the key biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of dermonecrosis. The current immunotherapy with antivenom is also ineffective against dermonecrosis. These local effects eventually end up as sequelae. There is also a global shortage of toxins-targeted therapeutics attributed to inadequate knowledge of the actual molecular mechanisms of cytotoxicity. This chapter discusses the characterization of secretory phenotypes of dermonecrosis as an advanced tool to indicate its severity and pathogenesis in envenomation. Altogether, the secretory phenotypes of envenomed cells and tissues represent the precise characteristics of dermonecrosis caused by venom toxins.
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19
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A current perspective on snake venom composition and constituent protein families. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:133-153. [PMID: 36437303 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03420-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are heterogeneous mixtures of proteins and peptides used for prey subjugation. With modern proteomics there has been a rapid expansion in our knowledge of snake venom composition, resulting in the venom proteomes of 30% of vipers and 17% of elapids being characterised. From the reasonably complete proteomic coverage of front-fanged snake venom composition (179 species-68 species of elapids and 111 species of vipers), the venoms of vipers and elapids contained 42 different protein families, although 18 were only reported in < 5% of snake species. Based on the mean abundance and occurrence of the 42 protein families, they can be classified into 4 dominant, 6 secondary, 14 minor, and 18 rare protein families. The dominant, secondary and minor categories account for 96% on average of a snake's venom composition. The four dominant protein families are: phospholipase A2 (PLA2), snake venom metalloprotease (SVMP), three-finger toxins (3FTx), and snake venom serine protease (SVSP). The six secondary protein families are: L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO), cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRiSP), C-type lectins (CTL), disintegrins (DIS), kunitz peptides (KUN), and natriuretic peptides (NP). Venom variation occurs at all taxonomic levels, including within populations. The reasons for venom variation are complex, as variation is not always associated with geographical variation in diet. The four dominant protein families appear to be the most important toxin families in human envenomation, being responsible for coagulopathy, neurotoxicity, myotoxicity and cytotoxicity. Proteomic techniques can be used to investigate the toxicological profile of a snake venom and hence identify key protein families for antivenom immunorecognition.
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20
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Li Z, Li K, Xu B, Chen J, Zhang Y, Guo L, Xie J. Identification evidence unraveled by strict proteomics rules toward forensic samples. Electrophoresis 2023; 44:337-348. [PMID: 35906925 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202200051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Snake venom is a complex mixture of proteins and peptides secreted by venomous snakes from their poison glands. Although proteomics for snake venom composition, interspecific differences, and developmental evolution has been developed for a decade, current diagnosis or identification techniques of snake venom in clinical intoxication and forensic science applications are mainly dependent on morphological and immunoassay. It could be expected that the proteomics techniques directly offer great help. This work applied a bottom-up proteomics method to identify proteins' types and species attribution in suspected snake venom samples using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometric technique, and cytotoxicity assay was amended to provide a direct evidence of toxicity. Toward the suspicious samples seized in the security control, sample pretreatment (in-sol and in-gel digestion) and data acquisition (nontargeted and targeted screening) modes complemented and validated each other. We have implemented two consequent approaches in identifying the species source of proteins in the samples via the points of venom proteomics and strict forensic identification. First, we completed a workflow consisting of a proteomics database match toward an entire SWISS-PROT (date 2018-11-22) database and a result-directed specific taxonomy database. The latter was a helpful hint to compare master protein kinds and reveal the insufficiency of specific venom proteomics characterization rules. Second, we suggested strict rules for protein identification to meet the requirements of forensic science on improved identification correctness, that is, (1) peptide spectrum matches confidence, peptide confidence, and protein confidence were both high (with the false-discovery ratio less than 1%); (2) the number of unique peptides was more than or equal to two in one protein, and (3) within unique peptides, which at least 75% of the ∆m/z of the matched y and b ions were less than 5 ppm. We identified these samples as cobra venom containing 10 highly abundant proteins (P00597, P82463, P60770, Q9YGI4, P62375, P49123, P80245, P60302, P01442, and P60304) from two snake venom protein families (acid phospholipase A2 and three-finger toxins), and the most abundant proteins were cytotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Kexin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Bin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Forensic Science Service of Beijing Public Security Bureau, Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Lei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
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21
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Corrêa-Netto C, Strauch MA, Monteiro-Machado M, Teixeira-Araújo R, Fonseca JG, Leitão-Araújo M, Machado-Alves ML, Sanz L, Calvete JJ, Melo PA, Zingali RB. Monoclonal-Based Antivenomics Reveals Conserved Neutralizing Epitopes in Type I PLA 2 Molecules from Coral Snakes. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 15:toxins15010015. [PMID: 36668835 PMCID: PMC9863321 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
For over a century, polyclonal antibodies have been used to treat snakebite envenoming and are still considered by the WHO as the only scientifically validated treatment for snakebites. Nevertheless, moderate innovations have been introduced to this immunotherapy. New strategies and approaches to understanding how antibodies recognize and neutralize snake toxins represent a challenge for next-generation antivenoms. The neurotoxic activity of Micrurus venom is mainly due to two distinct protein families, three-finger toxins (3FTx) and phospholipases A2 (PLA2). Structural conservation among protein family members may represent an opportunity to generate neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against family-conserved epitopes. In this work, we sought to produce a set of monoclonal antibodies against the most toxic components of M. altirostris venom. To this end, the crude venom was fractionated, and its major toxic proteins were identified and used to generate a panel of five mAbs. The specificity of these mAbs was characterized by ELISA and antivenomics approaches. Two of the generated mAbs recognized PLA2 epitopes. They inhibited PLA2 catalytic activity and showed paraspecific neutralization against the myotoxicity from the lethal effect of Micrurus and Naja venoms' PLA2s. Epitope conservation among venom PLA2 molecules suggests the possibility of generating pan-PLA2 neutralizing antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Corrêa-Netto
- Instituto Vital Brazil, Rio de Janeiro 24230-410, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Instituto Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
- Correspondence: (C.C.-N.); (R.B.Z.); Tel.: +55-213-938-6782 (R.B.Z.)
| | - Marcelo A. Strauch
- Instituto Vital Brazil, Rio de Janeiro 24230-410, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Farmacologia e Química Medicinal-UFRJ, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcos Monteiro-Machado
- Programa de Farmacologia e Química Medicinal-UFRJ, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Teixeira-Araújo
- Instituto Vital Brazil, Rio de Janeiro 24230-410, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Instituto Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Moema Leitão-Araújo
- Fundação Zoobotânica do Rio Grande do Sul, Museu de Ciências Naturais, Núcleo Regional de Ofiologia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90690-000, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Lúcia Machado-Alves
- Fundação Zoobotânica do Rio Grande do Sul, Museu de Ciências Naturais, Núcleo Regional de Ofiologia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90690-000, RS, Brazil
| | - Libia Sanz
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan J. Calvete
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Paulo A. Melo
- Programa de Farmacologia e Química Medicinal-UFRJ, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Russolina Benedeta Zingali
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Instituto Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
- Correspondence: (C.C.-N.); (R.B.Z.); Tel.: +55-213-938-6782 (R.B.Z.)
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22
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Dubovskii PV, Ignatova AA, Alekseeva AS, Starkov VG, Boldyrev IA, Feofanov AV, Utkin YN. Membrane-Disrupting Activity of Cobra Cytotoxins Is Determined by Configuration of the N-Terminal Loop. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 15:6. [PMID: 36668826 PMCID: PMC9866941 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In aqueous solutions, cobra cytotoxins (CTX), three-finger folded proteins, exhibit conformational equilibrium between conformers with either cis or trans peptide bonds in the N-terminal loop (loop-I). The equilibrium is shifted to the cis form in toxins with a pair of adjacent Pro residues in this loop. It is known that CTX with a single Pro residue in loop-I and a cis peptide bond do not interact with lipid membranes. Thus, if a cis peptide bond is present in loop-I, as in a Pro-Pro containing CTX, this should weaken its lipid interactions and likely cytotoxic activities. To test this, we have isolated seven CTX from Naja naja and N. haje cobra venoms. Antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of these CTX, as well as their capability to induce calcein leakage from phospholipid liposomes, were evaluated. We have found that CTX with a Pro-Pro peptide bond indeed exhibit attenuated membrane-perturbing activity in model membranes and lower cytotoxic/antibacterial activity compared to their counterparts with a single Pro residue in loop-I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter V. Dubovskii
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia A. Ignatova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna S. Alekseeva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladislav G. Starkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan A. Boldyrev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Feofanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Bioengineering Department, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuri N. Utkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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23
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GluR2Q and GluR2R AMPA Subunits are not Targets of lypd2 Interaction. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278278. [PMID: 36441793 PMCID: PMC9704558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A large family of prototoxin-like molecules endogenous to mammals, Ly6 proteins have been implicated in the regulation of cell signaling processes across multiple species. Previous work has shown that certain members of the Ly6 family are expressed in the brain and target nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and potassium channel function. Structural similarities between Ly6 proteins and alpha-neurotoxins suggest the possibility of additional ionotropic receptor targets. Here, we investigated the possibility of lypd2 as a novel regulator of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) function. In particular, we focused on potential interactions with the Q/R isoforms of the GluR2 subunit, which have profound impacts on AMPAR permeability to calcium during neuronal stimulation. We find that although lypd2 and GluR2 share overlapping expression patterns in the mouse hippocampus, there was no interaction between lypd2 and either GluR2Q or GluR2R isoform. These results underscore the importance of continuing to investigate novel targets for Ly6 interaction and regulation.
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Function Prediction of Peptide Toxins with Sequence-Based Multi-Tasking PU Learning Method. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110811. [PMID: 36422985 PMCID: PMC9696491 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide toxins generally have extreme pharmacological activities and provide a rich source for the discovery of drug leads. However, determining the optimal activity of a new peptide can be a long and expensive process. In this study, peptide toxins were retrieved from Uniprot; three positive-unlabeled (PU) learning schemes, adaptive basis classifier, two-step method, and PU bagging were adopted to develop models for predicting the biological function of new peptide toxins. All three schemes were embedded with 14 machine learning classifiers. The prediction results of the adaptive base classifier and the two-step method were highly consistent. The models with top comprehensive performances were further optimized by feature selection and hyperparameter tuning, and the models were validated by making predictions for 61 three-finger toxins or the external HemoPI dataset. Biological functions that can be identified by these models include cardiotoxicity, vasoactivity, lipid binding, hemolysis, neurotoxicity, postsynaptic neurotoxicity, hypotension, and cytolysis, with relatively weak predictions for hemostasis and presynaptic neurotoxicity. These models are discovery-prediction tools for active peptide toxins and are expected to accelerate the development of peptide toxins as drugs.
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25
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Offor BC, Muller B, Piater LA. A Review of the Proteomic Profiling of African Viperidae and Elapidae Snake Venoms and Their Antivenom Neutralisation. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110723. [PMID: 36355973 PMCID: PMC9694588 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that results from the injection of snake venom of a venomous snake into animals and humans. In Africa (mainly in sub-Saharan Africa), over 100,000 envenomings and over 10,000 deaths per annum from snakebite have been reported. Difficulties in snakebite prevention and antivenom treatment are believed to result from a lack of epidemiological data and underestimated figures on snakebite envenoming-related morbidity and mortality. There are species- and genus-specific variations associated with snake venoms in Africa and across the globe. These variations contribute massively to diverse differences in venom toxicity and pathogenicity that can undermine the efficacy of adopted antivenom therapies used in the treatment of snakebite envenoming. There is a need to profile all snake venom proteins of medically important venomous snakes endemic to Africa. This is anticipated to help in the development of safer and more effective antivenoms for the treatment of snakebite envenoming within the continent. In this review, the proteomes of 34 snake venoms from the most medically important snakes in Africa, namely the Viperidae and Elipdae, were extracted from the literature. The toxin families were grouped into dominant, secondary, minor, and others based on the abundance of the protein families in the venom proteomes. The Viperidae venom proteome was dominated by snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs-41%), snake venom serine proteases (SVSPs-16%), and phospholipase A2 (PLA2-17%) protein families, while three-finger toxins (3FTxs-66%) and PLA2s (16%) dominated those of the Elapidae. We further review the neutralisation of these snake venoms by selected antivenoms widely used within the African continent. The profiling of African snake venom proteomes will aid in the development of effective antivenom against snakebite envenoming and, additionally, could possibly reveal therapeutic applications of snake venom proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict C. Offor
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa
| | - Beric Muller
- South Africa Venom Suppliers CC, Louis Trichardt 0920, South Africa
| | - Lizelle A. Piater
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-11-559-2403
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26
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Pharmacological Screening of Venoms from Five Brazilian Micrurus Species on Different Ion Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147714. [PMID: 35887062 PMCID: PMC9318628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral snake venoms from the Micrurus genus are a natural library of components with multiple targets, yet are poorly explored. In Brazil, 34 Micrurus species are currently described, and just a few have been investigated for their venom activities. Micrurus venoms are composed mainly of phospholipases A2 and three-finger toxins, which are responsible for neuromuscular blockade—the main envenomation outcome in humans. Beyond these two major toxin families, minor components are also important for the global venom activity, including Kunitz-peptides, serine proteases, 5′ nucleotidases, among others. In the present study, we used the two-microelectrode voltage clamp technique to explore the crude venom activities of five different Micrurus species from the south and southeast of Brazil: M. altirostris, M. corallinus, M. frontalis, M. carvalhoi and M. decoratus. All five venoms induced full inhibition of the muscle-type α1β1δε nAChR with different levels of reversibility. We found M. altirostris and M. frontalis venoms acting as partial inhibitors of the neuronal-type α7 nAChR with an interesting subsequent potentiation after one washout. We discovered that M. altirostris and M. corallinus venoms modulate the α1β2 GABAAR. Interestingly, the screening on KV1.3 showed that all five Micrurus venoms act as inhibitors, being totally reversible after the washout. Since this activity seems to be conserved among different species, we hypothesized that the Micrurus venoms may rely on potassium channel inhibitory activity as an important feature of their envenomation strategy. Finally, tests on NaV1.2 and NaV1.4 showed that these channels do not seem to be targeted by Micrurus venoms. In summary, the venoms tested are multifunctional, each of them acting on at least two different types of targets.
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27
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Zhang ZY, Lv Y, Wu W, Yan C, Tang CY, Peng C, Li JT. The structural and functional divergence of a neglected three-finger toxin subfamily in lethal elapids. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111079. [PMID: 35830808 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bungarus multicinctus is a widely distributed and medically important elapid snake that produces lethal neurotoxic venom. To study and enhance existing antivenom, we explore the complete repertoire of its toxin genes based on de novo chromosome-level assembly and multi-tissue transcriptome data. Comparative genomic analyses suggest that the three-finger toxin family (3FTX) may evolve through the neofunctionalization of flanking LY6E. A long-neglected 3FTX subfamily (i.e., MKA-3FTX) is also investigated. Only one MKA-3FTX gene, which evolves a different protein conformation, is under positive selection and actively transcribed in the venom gland, functioning as a major toxin effector together with MKT-3FTX subfamily homologs. Furthermore, this lethal snake may acquire self-resistance to its β-bungarotoxin via amino acid replacements on fast-evolving KCNA2. This study provides valuable resources for further evolutionary and structure-function studies of snake toxins, which are fundamental for the development of effective antivenoms and drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yunyun Lv
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; College of Life Science, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang, Sichuan 641100, China
| | - Wei Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Chaochao Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Chen-Yang Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Changjun Peng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jia-Tang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China.
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Morris NM, Blee JA, Hauert S. Developing a computational pharmacokinetic model of systemic snakebite envenomation and antivenom treatment. Toxicon 2022; 215:77-90. [PMID: 35716719 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Snakebite envenomation is responsible for over 100,000 deaths and 400,000 cases of disability annually, most of which are preventable through access to safe and effective antivenoms. Snake venom toxins span a wide molecular weight range, influencing their absorption, distribution, and elimination within the body. In recent years, a range of scaffolds have been applied to antivenom development. These scaffolds similarly span a wide molecular weight range and subsequently display diverse pharmacokinetic behaviours. Computational simulations represent a powerful tool to explore the interplay between these varied antivenom scaffolds and venoms, to assess whether a pharmacokinetically optimal antivenom exists. The purpose of this study was to establish a computational model of systemic snakebite envenomation and treatment, for the quantitative assessment and comparison of conventional and next-generation antivenoms. A two-compartment mathematical model of envenomation and treatment was defined and the system was parameterised using existing data from rabbits. Elimination and biodistribution parameters were regressed against molecular weight to predict the dynamics of IgG, F(ab')2, Fab, scFv, and nanobody antivenoms, spanning a size range of 15-150 kDa. As a case study, intramuscular envenomation by Naja sumatrana (equatorial spitting cobra) and its treatment using Fab, F(ab')2, and IgG antivenoms was simulated. Variable venom dose tests were applied to visualise effective antivenom dose levels. Comparisons to existing antivenoms and experimental rescue studies highlight the large dose reductions that could result from recombinant antivenom use. This study represents the first comparative in silico model of snakebite envenomation and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Morris
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, Ada Lovelace Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TW, UK.
| | - Johanna A Blee
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, Ada Lovelace Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TW, UK.
| | - Sabine Hauert
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, Ada Lovelace Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TW, UK.
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29
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Joglekar AV, Dehari D, Anjum MM, Dulla N, Chaudhuri A, Singh S, Agrawal AK. Therapeutic potential of venom peptides: insights in the nanoparticle-mediated venom formulations. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43094-022-00415-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Venoms are the secretions produced by animals, generally for the purpose of self-defense or catching a prey. Biochemically venoms are mainly composed of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, ions, etc., and classified into three major classes, viz. neurotoxic, hemotoxic and cytotoxic based upon their mode of action. Venoms are composed of different specific peptides/toxins which are responsible for their unique biological actions. Though venoms are generally seen as a source of death, scientifically venom is a complex biochemical substance having a specific pharmacologic action which can be used as agents to diagnose and cure a variety of diseases in humans.
Main body
Many of these venoms have been used since centuries, and their specified therapies can also be found in ancient texts such as Charka Samhita. The modern-day example of such venom therapeutic is captopril, an antihypertensive drug developed from venom of Bothrops jararaca. Nanotechnology is a modern-day science of building materials on a nanoscale with advantages like target specificity, increased therapeutic response and diminished side effects. In the present review we have introduced the venom, sources and related constituents in brief, by highlighting the therapeutic potential of venom peptides and focusing more on the nanoformulations-based approaches. This review is an effort to compile all such report to have an idea about the future direction about the nanoplatforms which should be focused to have more clinically relevant formulations for difficult to treat diseases.
Conclusion
Venom peptides which are fatal in nature if used cautiously and effectively can save life. Several research findings suggested that many of the fatal diseases can be effectively treated with venom peptides. Nanotechnology has emerged as novel strategy in diagnosis, treatment and mitigation of diseases in more effective ways. A variety of nanoformulation approaches have been explored to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and reduce the toxicity and targeted delivery of the venom peptide conjugated with it. We concluded that venom peptides along with nanoparticles can evolve as the new era for potential treatments of ongoing and untreatable diseases.
Graphical Abstract
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30
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Oliveira AL, Viegas MF, da Silva SL, Soares AM, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. The chemistry of snake venom and its medicinal potential. Nat Rev Chem 2022; 6:451-469. [PMID: 37117308 PMCID: PMC9185726 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-022-00393-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The fascination and fear of snakes dates back to time immemorial, with the first scientific treatise on snakebite envenoming, the Brooklyn Medical Papyrus, dating from ancient Egypt. Owing to their lethality, snakes have often been associated with images of perfidy, treachery and death. However, snakes did not always have such negative connotations. The curative capacity of venom has been known since antiquity, also making the snake a symbol of pharmacy and medicine. Today, there is renewed interest in pursuing snake-venom-based therapies. This Review focuses on the chemistry of snake venom and the potential for venom to be exploited for medicinal purposes in the development of drugs. The mixture of toxins that constitute snake venom is examined, focusing on the molecular structure, chemical reactivity and target recognition of the most bioactive toxins, from which bioactive drugs might be developed. The design and working mechanisms of snake-venom-derived drugs are illustrated, and the strategies by which toxins are transformed into therapeutics are analysed. Finally, the challenges in realizing the immense curative potential of snake venom are discussed, and chemical strategies by which a plethora of new drugs could be derived from snake venom are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Matilde F Viegas
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Saulo L da Silva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreimar M Soares
- Biotechnology Laboratory for Proteins and Bioactive Compounds from the Western Amazon, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, National Institute of Epidemiology in the Western Amazon (INCT-EpiAmO), Porto Velho, Brazil.,Sao Lucas Universitary Center (UniSL), Porto Velho, Brazil
| | - Maria J Ramos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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31
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Adrião AAX, dos Santos AO, de Lima EJSP, Maciel JB, Paz WHP, da Silva FMA, Pucca MB, Moura-da-Silva AM, Monteiro WM, Sartim MA, Koolen HHF. Plant-Derived Toxin Inhibitors as Potential Candidates to Complement Antivenom Treatment in Snakebite Envenomations. Front Immunol 2022; 13:842576. [PMID: 35615352 PMCID: PMC9126284 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.842576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenomations (SBEs) are a neglected medical condition of global importance that mainly affect the tropical and subtropical regions. Clinical manifestations include pain, edema, hemorrhage, tissue necrosis, and neurotoxic signs, and may evolve to functional loss of the affected limb, acute renal and/or respiratory failure, and even death. The standard treatment for snake envenomations is antivenom, which is produced from the hyperimmunization of animals with snake toxins. The inhibition of the effects of SBEs using natural or synthetic compounds has been suggested as a complementary treatment particularly before admission to hospital for antivenom treatment, since these alternative molecules are also able to inhibit toxins. Biodiversity-derived molecules, namely those extracted from medicinal plants, are promising sources of toxin inhibitors that can minimize the deleterious consequences of SBEs. In this review, we systematically synthesize the literature on plant metabolites that can be used as toxin-inhibiting agents, as well as present the potential mechanisms of action of molecules derived from natural sources. These findings aim to further our understanding of the potential of natural products and provide new lead compounds as auxiliary therapies for SBEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asenate A. X. Adrião
- Post Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology BIONORTE, Superior School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Aline O. dos Santos
- Post Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology BIONORTE, Superior School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Emilly J. S. P. de Lima
- Post Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology BIONORTE, Superior School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Jéssica B. Maciel
- Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine, Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Weider H. P. Paz
- Post Graduate Program in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Felipe M. A. da Silva
- Post Graduate Program in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Multidisciplinary Support Center, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Brazil
| | - Ana M. Moura-da-Silva
- Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine, Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wuelton M. Monteiro
- Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine, Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Marco A. Sartim
- Post Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology BIONORTE, Superior School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil
- Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine, Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
- University Nilton Lins, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Hector H. F. Koolen
- Post Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology BIONORTE, Superior School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil
- Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine, Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
- Post Graduate Program in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
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32
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Verdes A, Taboada S, Hamilton BR, Undheim EAB, Sonoda GG, Andrade SCS, Morato E, Isabel Marina A, Cárdenas CA, Riesgo A. Evolution, expression patterns and distribution of novel ribbon worm predatory and defensive toxins. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6580756. [PMID: 35512366 PMCID: PMC9132205 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribbon worms are active predators that use an eversible proboscis to inject venom into their prey and defend themselves with toxic epidermal secretions. Previous work on nemertean venom has largely focused on just a few species and has not investigated the different predatory and defensive secretions in detail. Consequently, our understanding of the composition and evolution of ribbon worm venoms is still very limited. Here, we present a comparative study of nemertean venom combining RNA-seq differential gene expression analyses of venom-producing tissues, tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomics of toxic secretions, and mass spectrometry imaging of proboscis sections, to shed light onto the composition and evolution of predatory and defensive toxic secretions in Antarctonemertes valida. Our analyses reveal a wide diversity of putative defensive and predatory toxins with tissue-specific gene expression patterns and restricted distributions to the mucus and proboscis proteomes respectively, suggesting that ribbon worms produce distinct toxin cocktails for predation and defense. Our results also highlight the presence of numerous lineage-specific toxins, indicating that venom evolution is highly divergent across nemerteans, producing toxin cocktails that might be finely tuned to subdue different prey. Our data also suggest that the hoplonemertean proboscis is a highly specialized predatory organ that seems to be involved in a variety of biological functions besides predation, including secretion and sensory perception. Overall, our results advance our knowledge into the diversity and evolution of nemertean venoms and highlight the importance of combining different types of data to characterize toxin composition in understudied venomous organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Verdes
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN), CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Sergi Taboada
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK.,Departament of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Brett R Hamilton
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1066 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gabriel G Sonoda
- Departmento de Genética e Biología Evolutiva, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sonia C S Andrade
- Departmento de Genética e Biología Evolutiva, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Esperanza Morato
- CBMSO Protein Chemistry Facility, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Marina
- CBMSO Protein Chemistry Facility, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - César A Cárdenas
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Punta Arenas, Chile.,Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Santiago, Chile
| | - Ana Riesgo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN), CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
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33
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Pruksaphon K, Yuvaniyama J, Ratanabanangkoon K. Immunogenicity of snake α-neurotoxins and the CD4 T cell epitopes. Toxicon 2022; 214:136-144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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34
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Xiao B, Guo Q, Zhai Y, Gu Z. Transcriptomic Insights into the Diversity and Evolution of Myxozoa (Cnidaria, Endocnidozoa) Toxin-like Proteins. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20050291. [PMID: 35621942 PMCID: PMC9144971 DOI: 10.3390/md20050291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Myxozoa is a speciose group of endoparasitic cnidarians that can cause severe ecological and economic effects. Their cnidarian affinity is affirmed by genetic relatedness and the presence of nematocysts, historically called “polar capsules”. Previous studies have revealed the presence of toxin-like proteins in myxozoans; however, the diversity and evolution of venom in Myxozoa are not fully understood. Here, we performed a comparative analysis using the newly sequenced transcriptomes of five Myxobolidae species as well as some public datasets. Toxin mining revealed that myxozoans have lost most of their toxin families, while most species retained Kunitz, M12B, and CRISP, which may play a role in endoparasitism. The venom composition of Endocnidozoa (Myxozoa + Polypodium) differs from that of free-living cnidarians and may be influenced by ecological and environmental factors. Phylogenetic analyses showed that toxin families of myxozoans and free-living cnidarians were clustered into different clades. Selection analyses showed that purifying selection was the dominant evolutionary pressure in toxins, while they were still influenced by episodic adaptive selection. This suggests that the potency or specificity of a particular toxin or species might increase. Overall, our findings provide a more comprehensive framework for understanding the diversity and evolution of Myxozoa venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xiao
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (B.X.); (Q.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qingxiang Guo
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (B.X.); (Q.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yanhua Zhai
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (B.X.); (Q.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zemao Gu
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (B.X.); (Q.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-027-8728-2114
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35
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Development and Characterization of Anti- Naja ashei Three-Finger Toxins (3FTxs)-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies and Evaluation of Their In Vitro Inhibition Activity. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14040285. [PMID: 35448894 PMCID: PMC9030397 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14040285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antivenom immunotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for snakebite envenoming. Most parts of the world affected by snakebite envenoming depend on broad-spectrum polyspecific antivenoms that are known to contain a low content of case-specific efficacious immunoglobulins. Thus, advances in toxin-specific antibodies production hold much promise in future therapeutic strategies of snakebite envenoming. We report anti-3FTxs monoclonal antibodies developed against N. ashei venom in mice. All the three test mAbs (P4G6a, P6D9a, and P6D9b) were found to be IgG antibodies, isotyped as IgG1. SDS-PAGE analysis of the test mAbs showed two major bands at approximately 55 and 29 kDa, suggestive of immunoglobulin heavy and light chain composition, respectively. The immunoaffinity-purified test mAbs demonstrated higher binding efficacy to the target antigen compared to negative control. Similarly, a cocktail of the test mAbs was found to induce a significantly higher inhibition (p-value < 0.0001) compared to two leading commercial brands of antivenoms on the Kenyan market, implying a higher specificity for the target antigen. Both the test mAbs and 3FTxs polyclonal antibodies induced comparable inhibition (p-value = 0.9029). The inhibition induced by the 3FTxs polyclonal antibodies was significantly different from the two antivenoms (p-value < 0.0001). Our results demonstrate the prospects of developing toxin-specific monoclonal-based antivenoms for snakebite immunotherapy.
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Rao WQ, Kalogeropoulos K, Allentoft ME, Gopalakrishnan S, Zhao WN, Workman CT, Knudsen C, Jiménez-Mena B, Seneci L, Mousavi-Derazmahalleh M, Jenkins TP, Rivera-de-Torre E, Liu SQ, Laustsen AH. The rise of genomics in snake venom research: recent advances and future perspectives. Gigascience 2022; 11:6562531. [PMID: 35365832 PMCID: PMC8975721 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms represent a danger to human health, but also a gold mine of bioactive proteins that can be harnessed for drug discovery purposes. The evolution of snakes and their venom has been studied for decades, particularly via traditional morphological and basic genetic methods alongside venom proteomics. However, while the field of genomics has matured rapidly over the past 2 decades, owing to the development of next-generation sequencing technologies, snake genomics remains in its infancy. Here, we provide an overview of the state of the art in snake genomics and discuss its potential implications for studying venom evolution and toxinology. On the basis of current knowledge, gene duplication and positive selection are key mechanisms in the neofunctionalization of snake venom proteins. This makes snake venoms important evolutionary drivers that explain the remarkable venom diversification and adaptive variation observed in these reptiles. Gene duplication and neofunctionalization have also generated a large number of repeat sequences in snake genomes that pose a significant challenge to DNA sequencing, resulting in the need for substantial computational resources and longer sequencing read length for high-quality genome assembly. Fortunately, owing to constantly improving sequencing technologies and computational tools, we are now able to explore the molecular mechanisms of snake venom evolution in unprecedented detail. Such novel insights have the potential to affect the design and development of antivenoms and possibly other drugs, as well as provide new fundamental knowledge on snake biology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Qiao Rao
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.,Department of Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Genomics Institute-Research, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Konstantinos Kalogeropoulos
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten E Allentoft
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, 6102, Bentley Perth, Australia.,Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5, 1350, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shyam Gopalakrishnan
- Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5, 1350, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Wei-Ning Zhao
- Department of Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Genomics Institute-Research, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Christopher T Workman
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Knudsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Belén Jiménez-Mena
- DTU Aqua, Technical University of Denmark, Vejlsøvej 39, 8600, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Lorenzo Seneci
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mahsa Mousavi-Derazmahalleh
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, 6102, Bentley Perth, Australia
| | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Si-Qi Liu
- Department of Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Genomics Institute-Research, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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37
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Sandesha VD, Darshan B, Tejas C, Girish KS, Kempaiah K. A comparative cross-reactivity and paraspecific neutralization study on Hypnale hypnale, Echis carinatus, and Daboia russelii monovalent and therapeutic polyvalent anti-venoms. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010292. [PMID: 35344557 PMCID: PMC9037957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Envenoming by the hump-nosed pit viper (Hypnale hypnale) raises concern as it inflicts significant debilitation and death in the Western Ghats of India and in the adjacent island nation of Sri Lanka. In India, its medical significance was realized only during 2007 due to its misidentification as Echis carinatus and sometimes as Daboia russelii. Of late, several case reports have underlined the ineptness of the existing polyvalent anti-venom therapy against H. hypnale envenoming. Currently, H. hypnale bite has remained dreadful in India due to the lack of neutralizing anti-venom therapy. Hence, this study was undertaken to establish a systematic comparative, biochemical, pathological, and immunological properties of Sri Lankan H. hypnale venom alongside Indian E. carinatus, and D. russelii venoms. All three venoms differed markedly in the extent of biochemical activities including proteolytic, deoxyribonuclease, L-amino acid oxidase, 5'-nucleotidase, hyaluronidase, and indirect hemolytic activities. The venoms also differed markedly in their pathological properties such as edema, hemorrhage, myotoxic, cardiotoxic, and coagulant activities. The venoms showed stark differences in their protein banding pattern. Strikingly, the affinity-purified rabbit monovalent anti-venoms prepared against H. hypnale, E. carinatus, and D. russelii venoms readily reacted and neutralized the biochemical and pathological properties of their respective venoms, but they insignificantly cross-reacted with, and thus failed to show paraspecific neutralization of any of the effects of the other two venoms, demonstrating the large degree of variations between these venoms. Further, the Indian therapeutic polyvalent anti-venoms from VINS Bioproducts, and Bharath Serums and Vaccines failed to protect H. hypnale venom-induced lethal effects in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bhaskar Darshan
- Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Chandrashekar Tejas
- Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Kesturu S. Girish
- Department of Studies and Research in Biochemistry, Tumkur University, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Kemparaju Kempaiah
- Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
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Manson EZ, Mutinda KC, Gikunju JK, Bocian A, Hus KK, Petrílla V, Legáth J, Kimotho JH. Development of an Inhibition Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Prototype for Detecting Cytotoxic Three-Finger Toxins (3FTxs) in African Spitting Cobra Venoms. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030888. [PMID: 35164152 PMCID: PMC8838685 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The administration of toxin-specific therapy in snake envenoming is predicated on improved diagnostic techniques capable of detecting specific venom toxins. Various serological tests have been used in detecting snakebite envenoming. Comparatively, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been shown to offer a wider practical application. We report an inhibition ELISA for detecting three-finger toxin (3FTx) proteins in venoms of African spitting cobras. The optimized assay detected 3FTxs in N. ashei (including other Naja sp.) venoms, spiked samples, and venom-challenged mice samples. In venoms of Naja sp., the assay showed inhibition, implying the detection of 3FTxs, but showed little or no inhibition in non-Naja sp. In mice-spiked samples, one-way ANOVA results showed that the observed inhibition was not statistically significant between spiked samples and negative control (p-value = 0.164). Similarly, the observed differences in inhibition between venom-challenged and negative control samples were not statistically significant (p-value = 0.9109). At an LOD of 0.01 µg/mL, the assay was able to confirm the presence of 3FTxs in the samples. Our results show a proof of concept for the use of an inhibition ELISA model as a tool for detecting 3FTxs in the venoms of African spitting cobra snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Z. Manson
- Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology & Innovation, Pan African University, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
- Correspondence:
| | - Kyama C. Mutinda
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; (K.C.M.); (J.K.G.)
| | - Joseph K. Gikunju
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; (K.C.M.); (J.K.G.)
| | - Aleksandra Bocian
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland; (A.B.); (K.K.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Konrad K. Hus
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland; (A.B.); (K.K.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Vladimír Petrílla
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia;
- Zoological Department, Zoological Garden Košice, Široká 31, 040 06 Košice-Kavečany, Slovakia
| | - Jaroslav Legáth
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland; (A.B.); (K.K.H.); (J.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
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39
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Xiao G, Liu J, Peng L, Yang Y, Sun Z. Compositional and toxicological investigation of pooled venom from farm-raised Naja atra. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20210040. [PMID: 35382111 PMCID: PMC8956250 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Naja atra is a venomous snake species medically relevant in
China. In the current study, we evaluated the composition and toxicological
profile of venom collected from farm-raised N. atra. Methods: Venom was collected from third-generation captive bred N.
atra on a snake farm in Hunan Province, China. The venom was
analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and
nano-liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass
spectrometry. In addition, hemolytic activity, median lethal dose, serum
biochemical and histopathological parameters were accessed. Results: N. atra venom proteome was dominated by phospholipase
A2 (46.5%) and three-finger toxins (41.4 %), and a set of
common low relative abundance proteins, including cysteine-rich secretory
proteins (4.7%), NGF-beta (2.4%), snake venom metalloproteinase (1.5%),
glutathione peroxidase (0.6%), vespryn (0.3%), and 5ʹ-nucleotidases (0.2%)
were also found. Furthermore, the venom exhibited direct hemolytic activity,
neurotoxicity, myotoxicity, and high lethal potency in mice, with a
subcutaneous median lethal dose of 1.02 mg/kg. Histopathological analysis
and serum biochemical tests revealed that venom caused acute hepatic,
pulmonary and renal injury in mice. Conclusion: This study revealed the composition and toxicity of venom collected from
farm-raised N. atra, thereby providing a reference for the
analysis of venom samples collected from captive-born venomous snakes in the
future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Xiao
- Hunan Agricultural University, China; Hunan Agricultural University, China
| | - Junqi Liu
- Hunan Agricultural University, China; Hunan Institute of Animal and Veterinary Science, China
| | - Lingfeng Peng
- Hunan Agricultural University, China; Hunan Agricultural University, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Hunan Agricultural University, China
| | - Zhiliang Sun
- Hunan Agricultural University, China; Hunan Agricultural University, China
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Kasheverov IE, Kuzmenkov AI, Kudryavtsev DS, Chudetskiy IS, Shelukhina IV, Barykin EP, Ivanov IA, Siniavin AE, Ziganshin RH, Baranov MS, Tsetlin VI, Vassilevski AA, Utkin YN. Snake Toxins Labeled by Green Fluorescent Protein or Its Synthetic Chromophore are New Probes for Nicotinic acetylcholine Receptors. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:753283. [PMID: 34926576 PMCID: PMC8671107 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.753283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescence can be exploited to monitor intermolecular interactions in real time and at a resolution up to a single molecule. It is a method of choice to study ligand-receptor interactions. However, at least one of the interacting molecules should possess good fluorescence characteristics, which can be achieved by the introduction of a fluorescent label. Gene constructs with green fluorescent protein (GFP) are widely used to follow the expression of the respective fusion proteins and monitor their function. Recently, a small synthetic analogue of GFP chromophore (p-HOBDI-BF2) was successfully used for tagging DNA molecules, so we decided to test its applicability as a potential fluorescent label for proteins and peptides. This was done on α-cobratoxin (α-CbTx), a three-finger protein used as a molecular marker of muscle-type, neuronal α7 and α9/α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), as well as on azemiopsin, a linear peptide neurotoxin selectively inhibiting muscle-type nAChRs. An activated N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of p-HOBDI-BF2 was prepared and utilized for toxin labeling. For comparison we used a recombinant α-CbTx fused with a full-length GFP prepared by expression of a chimeric gene. The structure of modified toxins was confirmed by mass spectrometry and their activity was characterized by competition with iodinated α-bungarotoxin in radioligand assay with respective receptor preparations, as well as by thermophoresis. With the tested protein and peptide neurotoxins, introduction of the synthetic GFP chromophore induced considerably lower decrease in their affinity for the receptors as compared with full-length GFP attachment. The obtained fluorescent derivatives were used for nAChR visualization in tissue slices and cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor E Kasheverov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey I Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis S Kudryavtsev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan S Chudetskiy
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V Shelukhina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeny P Barykin
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor A Ivanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei E Siniavin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Rustam H Ziganshin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail S Baranov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor I Tsetlin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Yuri N Utkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Baudou FG, Rodriguez JP, Fusco L, de Roodt AR, De Marzi MC, Leiva L. South American snake venoms with abundant neurotoxic components. Composition and toxicological properties. A literature review. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106119. [PMID: 34481791 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In South America there are three snake genera with predominantly neurotoxic venoms: Crotalus, Micrurus and Hydrophis, which include nine species/subspecies, 97 species and a single marine species, respectively. Although accidents with neurotoxic venoms are less frequent than those with anticoagulant, cytotoxic or necrotic venoms (e.g. from Bothrops), they are of major public health importance. Venoms from genus Crotalus have been extensively studied, while data on the venoms from the other two genera are very limited, especially for Hydrophis. The venoms of North and South American Crotalus species show biochemical and physiopathological differences. The former species cause bothrops-like envenomation symptoms, while the latter mainly have neurotoxic and myotoxic effects, leading to respiratory paralysis and, occasionally, renal failure by myoglobinuria and death, often with no local lesions. Micrurus and Hydrophis also cause neurotoxic envenomations. Many studies have isolated, identified and characterized new enzymes and toxins, thus expanding the knowledge of snake venom composition. The present review summarizes the currently available information on neurotoxic venoms from South American snakes, with a focus on protein composition and toxicological properties. It also includes some comments concerning potential medical applications of elapid and crotalic toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico G Baudou
- Universidad Nacional de Luján (UNLu), Depto. de Ciencias Básicas, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Inmunología, Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), UNLu-CONICET, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Juan P Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de la Facultad de Medicina (LIBIM), Instituto de Química Básica y Aplicada del Nordeste Argentino (IQUIBA-NEA), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNNE-CONICET), Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Luciano Fusco
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Proteínas (LabInPro), IQUIBA-NEA (UNNE, CONICET), FaCENA, (UNNE), Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Adolfo R de Roodt
- Área Investigación y Desarrollo-Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos, Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina; Primera Cátedra de Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Toxinopatología, Centro de Patología Experimental y Aplicada, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauricio C De Marzi
- Universidad Nacional de Luján (UNLu), Depto. de Ciencias Básicas, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Inmunología, Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), UNLu-CONICET, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Leiva
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Proteínas (LabInPro), IQUIBA-NEA (UNNE, CONICET), FaCENA, (UNNE), Corrientes, Argentina
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42
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Development of Antibody Detection ELISA Based on Immunoreactive Toxins and Toxin-Derived Peptides to Evaluate the Neutralization Potency of Equine Plasma against Naja atra in Taiwan. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13110818. [PMID: 34822602 PMCID: PMC8622849 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110818] [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: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Naja atra, also known as Taiwanese cobra, is one of the most prevalent venomous snakes in Taiwan. Clinically, freeze-dried neurotoxic antivenom (FNAV) produced from horses by Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has been the only approved treatment for N. atra envenoming for the last few decades. During antivenom production, large numbers of mice are used in the in vivo assay to determine whether the neutralization potency of hyperimmunized equines is satisfactory for large-scale harvesting. However, this in vivo assay is extremely laborious, expensive, and significantly impairs animal welfare. In the present study, we aimed to develop an in vitro ELISA-based system that could serve as an alternative assay to evaluate the neutralization potency of plasma from hyperimmunized equines. We initially obtained 51 plasma samples with known (high or low) neutralization potency assessed in vivo from 9 hyperimmunized equines and subsequently determined their antibody titers against the five major protein components of N. atra venom (neurotoxin (NTX), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), cytotoxin (CTX), cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP), and snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP)) via ELISA. The antibody titer against NTX was the most effective in discriminating between high and low potency plasma samples. To identify the specific epitope(s) of NTX recognized by neutralization potency-related antibodies, 17 consecutive NTX-derived pentadecapeptides were synthesized and used as antigens to probe the 51 equine plasma samples. Among the 17 peptides, immunoreactive signals for three consecutive peptides (NTX1-8, NTX1-9, and NTX1-10) were significantly higher in the high potency relative to low potency equine plasma groups (p < 0.0001). Our ELISA system based on NTX1-10 peptide (RWRDHRGYRTERGCG) encompassing residues 28–42 of NTX displayed optimal sensitivity (96.88%) and specificity (89.47%) for differentiating between high- and low-potency plasma samples (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.95). The collective data clearly indicate that the antibody titer against NTX protein or derived peptides can be used to efficiently discriminate between high and low neutralization potency of plasma samples from venom-immunized horses. This newly developed antibody detection ELISA based on NTX or its peptide derivatives has good potential to complement or replace the in vivo rodent assay for determining whether the neutralization potency of equine plasma is satisfactory for large-scale harvesting in the antivenom production process against N. atra.
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Lertwanakarn T, Suntravat M, Sánchez EE, Wolska BM, Solaro RJ, de Tombe PP, Tachampa K. Negative inotropic mechanisms of β-cardiotoxin in cardiomyocytes by depression of myofilament ATPase activity without activation of the classical β-adrenergic pathway. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21154. [PMID: 34707114 PMCID: PMC8551325 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00282-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta-cardiotoxin (β-CTX) from the king cobra venom (Ophiophagus hannah) was previously proposed as a novel β-adrenergic blocker. However, the involvement of β-adrenergic signaling by this compound has never been elucidated. The objectives of this study were to investigate the underlying mechanisms of β-CTX as a β-blocker and its association with the β-adrenergic pathway. The effects of β-CTX on isolated cardiac myocyte functions, calcium homeostasis, the phosphorylation level of targeted proteins, and the myofibrillar ATPase activity were studied. Healthy Sprague Dawley rats were used for cardiomyocytes isolation. Like propranolol, β-CTX attenuated the cardiomyocyte inotropy and calcium transient alterations as induced by isoproterenol stimulation. In contrast, these effects were not observed in forskolin-treated cells. Interestingly, cardiomyocytes treated with β-CTX showed no changes in phosphorylation level at any PKA-targeted sites in the myofilaments as demonstrated in Western blot analysis. The skinned fibers study revealed no change in myofilament kinetics by β-CTX. However, this protein exhibited the direct inhibition of myofibrillar ATPase activity with calcium de-sensitization of the enzyme. In summary, the negative inotropic mechanism of β-CTX was discovered. β-CTX exhibits an atypical β-blocker mechanism. These properties of β-CTX may benefit in developing a novel agent aid to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuchakorn Lertwanakarn
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Montamas Suntravat
- National Natural Toxins Research Center, Texas-A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - Elda E Sánchez
- National Natural Toxins Research Center, Texas-A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - Beata M Wolska
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Medicine, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - R John Solaro
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pieter P de Tombe
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Phymedexp, Université de Montpellier, Inserm, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Kittipong Tachampa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Morohoshi K, Yamazaki T, Kito K, Sato B, Kang W, Hibino T, Yoshida M, Yoshida K, Iwamoto T, Yamada M, Miyado K, Kawano N. Identification of an antibacterial polypeptide in mouse seminal vesicle secretions. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 148:103436. [PMID: 34700103 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103436] [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: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In both men and women, pathogenic bacteria enter the reproductive tract and cause harmful symptoms. Intrauterine and oviductal inflammation after copulation may have severe effects, such as infertility, implantation failure, oviduct obstruction, and robust life-threatening bacterial infection. Human seminal plasma is considered to be protective against bacterial infection. Among its components, Semenogelin-I/-II proteins are digested to function as bactericidal factors; however, their sequences are not conserved in mammals. Therefore, alternative antibacterial (bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic) systems may exist across mammals. In this study, we examined the antibacterial activity in the seminal plasma of mice lacking a gene cluster encoding Semenogelin-I/-II counterparts. Even in the absence of the majority of seminal proteins, antibacterial activity remained in the seminal plasma. Moreover, a combination of gel chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry revealed that the prostate and testis expressed 4 protein as a novel antibacterial (specifically, bacteriostatic) protein, the sequence of which is broadly conserved across mammals. Our results provide the first evidence of a bacteriostatic protein that is widely present in the mammalian seminal plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazunori Morohoshi
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan
| | - Takeo Yamazaki
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan
| | - Keiji Kito
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan
| | - Ban Sato
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan
| | - Woojin Kang
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Taku Hibino
- Faculty of Education, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura, Saitama City, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
| | - Manabu Yoshida
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, the University of Tokyo, 1024 Koajiro, Misaki, Miura, Kanagawa, 238-0225, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yoshida
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Toin University of Yokohama, 1614 Kurogane, Aoba, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 225-8503, Japan
| | - Teruaki Iwamoto
- Division of Male Infertility, Center for Human Reproduction, Sanno Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, 8-10-21 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo, 107-0052, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyado
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Natsuko Kawano
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan.
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Palasuberniam P, Tan KY, Tan CH. De novo venom gland transcriptomics of Calliophis bivirgata flaviceps: uncovering the complexity of toxins from the Malayan blue coral snake. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210024. [PMID: 34616441 PMCID: PMC8476087 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The Malayan blue coral snake, Calliophis bivirgata
flaviceps, is a medically important venomous snake in Southeast
Asia. However, the complexity and diversity of its venom genes remain little
explored. Methods: To address this, we applied high-throughput next-generation sequencing to
profile the venom gland cDNA libraries of C. bivirgata
flaviceps. The transcriptome was de novo
assembled, followed by gene annotation, multiple sequence alignment and
analyses of the transcripts. Results: A total of 74 non-redundant toxin-encoding genes from 16 protein families
were identified, with 31 full-length toxin transcripts. Three-finger toxins
(3FTx), primarily delta-neurotoxins and cardiotoxin-like/cytotoxin-like
proteins, were the most diverse and abundantly expressed. The major 3FTx
(Cb_FTX01 and Cb_FTX02) are highly similar to calliotoxin, a
delta-neurotoxin previously reported in the venom of C.
bivirgata. This study also revealed a conserved tyrosine
residue at position 4 of the cardiotoxin-like/cytotoxin-like protein genes
in the species. These variants, proposed as Y-type CTX-like proteins, are
similar to the H-type CTX from cobras. The substitution is conservative
though, preserving a less toxic form of elapid CTX-like protein, as
indicated by the lack of venom cytotoxicity in previous laboratory and
clinical findings. The ecological role of these toxins, however, remains
unclear. The study also uncovered unique transcripts that belong to
phospholipase A2 of Groups IA and IB, and snake venom
metalloproteinases of PIII subclass, which show sequence variations from
those of Asiatic elapids. Conclusion: The venom gland transcriptome of C. bivirgata flaviceps from
Malaysia was de novo assembled and annotated. The diversity
and expression profile of toxin genes provide insights into the biological
and medical importance of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praneetha Palasuberniam
- Venom Research and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University Malaysia Sabah, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Protein and Interactomics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Venom Research and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Oh AMF, Tan KY, Tan NH, Tan CH. Proteomics and neutralization of Bungarus multicinctus (Many-banded Krait) venom: Intra-specific comparisons between specimens from China and Taiwan. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 247:109063. [PMID: 33910092 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2021.109063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Many-banded Krait (Bungarus multicinctus) is a medically important venomous snake in East Asia. This study investigated the venom proteomes of B. multicinctus from Guangdong, southern China (BM-China) and insular Taiwan (BM-Taiwan), and the neutralization activities of two antivenom products (produced separately in China and Taiwan) against the lethal effect of the venoms. The venom proteomes of both specimens contained similar toxin families, notwithstanding small variations in the subtypes and abundances of minor components. More than 90% of the total venom proteins belong to three-finger toxins (3FTx, including alpha-neurotoxins) and phospholipases A2 (PLA2, including beta-bungarotoxins), supporting their key involvement in the pathophysiology of krait envenomation which manifests as pre- and post-synaptic neurotoxicity. The venoms exhibited potent neurotoxic and lethal effects with extremely low i.v. LD50 of 0.027 μg/g (Bm-China) and 0.087 μg/g (Bm-Taiwan), respectively, in mice. Bungarus multicinctus monovalent antivenom (BMMAV) produced in China and Neuro bivalent antivenom (NBAV) produced in Taiwan were immunoreactive toward both venoms and their toxin fractions. The antivenoms neutralized the venom lethality variably, with BMMAV being more efficacious than NBAV by approximately two-fold. Findings suggest that the monovalent antivenom has a higher potency presumably due to its species-specificity toward the krait venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeline Mei Feng Oh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nget Hong Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Naja atra Cardiotoxin 1 Induces the FasL/Fas Death Pathway in Human Leukemia Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082073. [PMID: 34440842 PMCID: PMC8394927 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the mechanistic pathway of Naja atra (Taiwan cobra) cardiotoxin 1 (CTX1)-induced death of leukemia cell lines U937 and HL-60. CTX1 increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to the death of U937 cells. It was found that Ca2+-induced NOX4 upregulation promoted ROS-mediated p38 MAPK phosphorylation, which consequently induced c-Jun and ATF-2 phosphorylation. Using siRNA knockdown, activated c-Jun and ATF-2 were demonstrated to regulate the expression of Fas and FasL, respectively. Suppression of Ca2+-mediated NOX4 expression or ROS-mediated p38 MAPK activation increased the survival of U937 cells exposed to CTX1. FADD depletion abolished CTX1-induced cell death, caspase-8 activation, and t-Bid production, supporting the correlation between the Fas death pathway and CTX1-mediated cytotoxicity. Among the tested N. atra CTX isotoxins, only CTX1 induced Fas and FasL expression. Chemical modification studies revealed that intact Met residues were essential for the activity of CTX1 to upregulate Fas and FasL expression. Taken together, the data in this study indicate that CTX1 induces c-Jun-mediated Fas and ATF-2-mediated FasL transcription by the Ca2+/NOX4/ROS/p38 MAPK axis, thereby activating the Fas death pathway in U937 cells. Furthermore, CTX1 activates Fas/FasL death signaling in the leukemia cell line HL-60.
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48
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Wong KY, Tan KY, Tan NH, Gnanathasan CA, Tan CH. Elucidating the Venom Diversity in Sri Lankan Spectacled Cobra ( Naja naja) through De Novo Venom Gland Transcriptomics, Venom Proteomics and Toxicity Neutralization. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:558. [PMID: 34437429 PMCID: PMC8402536 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13080558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Inadequate effectiveness of Indian antivenoms in treating envenomation caused by the Spectacled Cobra/Indian Cobra (Naja naja) in Sri Lanka has been attributed to geographical variations in the venom composition. This study investigated the de novo venom-gland transcriptomics and venom proteomics of the Sri Lankan N. naja (NN-SL) to elucidate its toxin gene diversity and venom variability. The neutralization efficacy of a commonly used Indian antivenom product in Sri Lanka was examined against the lethality induced by NN-SL venom in mice. The transcriptomic study revealed high expression of 22 toxin genes families in NN-SL, constituting 46.55% of total transcript abundance. Three-finger toxins (3FTX) were the most diversely and abundantly expressed (87.54% of toxin gene expression), consistent with the dominance of 3FTX in the venom proteome (72.19% of total venom proteins). The 3FTX were predominantly S-type cytotoxins/cardiotoxins (CTX) and α-neurotoxins of long-chain or short-chain subtypes (α-NTX). CTX and α-NTX are implicated in local tissue necrosis and fatal neuromuscular paralysis, respectively, in envenomation caused by NN-SL. Intra-species variations in the toxin gene sequences and expression levels were apparent between NN-SL and other geographical specimens of N. naja, suggesting potential antigenic diversity that impacts antivenom effectiveness. This was demonstrated by limited potency (0.74 mg venom/ml antivenom) of the Indian polyvalent antivenom (VPAV) in neutralizing the NN-SL venom. A pan-regional antivenom with improved efficacy to treat N. naja envenomation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kin Ying Wong
- Venom Research and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Protein and Interactomics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Nget Hong Tan
- Protein and Interactomics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | | | - Choo Hock Tan
- Venom Research and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
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49
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Heinz JA, Mankin J, Pashmakova M. Transient Megaesophagus Following Coral Snake Envenomation in Three Dogs (2013-2018). J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2021; 56:320. [PMID: 33113557 DOI: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-6915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A 12 yr old dachshund, a 7 yr old English springer spaniel, and a 1.5 yr old French bulldog presented following envenomation by a coral snake. Each patient displayed evidence of varying degrees of lower motor neuron dysfunction, but all three developed transient megaesophagus. Two patients developed secondary aspiration pneumonia, with one requiring mechanical ventilation, which the owners declined, resulting in euthanasia. The third developed hypoventilation without aspiration pneumonia, was mechanically ventilated, and was successfully weaned. In the two surviving patients, the megaesophagus resolved by time of discharge. Coral snake envenomation is an uncommon occurrence, and these are the first documented cases of transient megaesophagus secondary to a North American species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Andrew Heinz
- From Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (J.A.H., J.M.); and BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Clearwater, Florida (M.P.)
| | - Joseph Mankin
- From Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (J.A.H., J.M.); and BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Clearwater, Florida (M.P.)
| | - Medora Pashmakova
- From Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (J.A.H., J.M.); and BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Clearwater, Florida (M.P.)
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Gutiérrez JM, Albulescu LO, Clare RH, Casewell NR, Abd El-Aziz TM, Escalante T, Rucavado A. The Search for Natural and Synthetic Inhibitors That Would Complement Antivenoms as Therapeutics for Snakebite Envenoming. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:451. [PMID: 34209691 PMCID: PMC8309910 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A global strategy, under the coordination of the World Health Organization, is being unfolded to reduce the impact of snakebite envenoming. One of the pillars of this strategy is to ensure safe and effective treatments. The mainstay in the therapy of snakebite envenoming is the administration of animal-derived antivenoms. In addition, new therapeutic options are being explored, including recombinant antibodies and natural and synthetic toxin inhibitors. In this review, snake venom toxins are classified in terms of their abundance and toxicity, and priority actions are being proposed in the search for snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), three-finger toxin (3FTx), and serine proteinase (SVSP) inhibitors. Natural inhibitors include compounds isolated from plants, animal sera, and mast cells, whereas synthetic inhibitors comprise a wide range of molecules of a variable chemical nature. Some of the most promising inhibitors, especially SVMP and PLA2 inhibitors, have been developed for other diseases and are being repurposed for snakebite envenoming. In addition, the search for drugs aimed at controlling endogenous processes generated in the course of envenoming is being pursued. The present review summarizes some of the most promising developments in this field and discusses issues that need to be considered for the effective translation of this knowledge to improve therapies for tackling snakebite envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María Gutiérrez
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica; (T.E.); (A.R.)
| | - Laura-Oana Albulescu
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (L.-O.A.); (R.H.C.); (N.R.C.)
| | - Rachel H. Clare
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (L.-O.A.); (R.H.C.); (N.R.C.)
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (L.-O.A.); (R.H.C.); (N.R.C.)
| | - Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt;
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Teresa Escalante
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica; (T.E.); (A.R.)
| | - Alexandra Rucavado
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica; (T.E.); (A.R.)
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