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Cardoso-Arenas S, Clement H, Arenas I, Olvera F, Zamudio F, Caliskan F, Corrales-García LL, Corzo G. Recombinant expression and antigenicity of two peptide families of neurotoxins from Androctonus sp. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20220026. [PMID: 36578820 PMCID: PMC9769139 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2022-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scorpion neurotoxins such as those that modify the mammalian voltage-gated sodium ion channels (Nav) are the main responsible for scorpion envenomation. Their neutralization is crucial in the production of antivenoms against scorpion stings. Methods In the present study, two in silico designed genes - one that codes for a native neurotoxin from the venom of the Anatolian scorpion Androctonus crassicauda, named Acra 4 - and another non-native toxin - named consensus scorpion toxin (SccTx) obtained from the alignment of the primary structures of the most toxic neurotoxins from the Middle Eastern and North African scorpions - were recombinantly expressed in E. coli Origami. Results Following bacterial expression, the two expressed neurotoxins, hereafter named HisrAcra4 and HisrSccTx, were obtained from inclusion bodies. Both recombinant neurotoxins were obtained in multiple Cys-Cys isoforms. After refolding, the active protein fractions were identified with molecular masses of 8,947.6 and 9,989.1 Da for HisrAcra4 and HisrSccTx, respectively, which agreed with their expected theoretical masses. HisrAcra4 and HisrSccTx were used as antigens to immunize two groups of rabbits, to produce either anti-HisrAcra4 or anti-HisrSccTx serum antibodies, which in turn could recognize and neutralize neurotoxins from venoms of scorpion species from the Middle East and North Africa. The antibodies obtained from rabbits neutralized the 3LD50 of Androctonus australis, Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus and Buthus occitanus venoms, but they did not neutralize A. crassicauda and A. mauritanicus venoms. In addition, the anti-HisrAcra4 antibodies did not neutralize any of the five scorpion venoms tested. However, an antibody blend of anti-HisrAcra4 and anti-HisrSccTx was able to neutralize A. crassicauda and A. mauritanicus venoms. Conclusions Two recombinant Nav neurotoxins, from different peptide families, were used as antigens to generate IgGs for neutralizing scorpion venoms of species from the Middle East and North Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Cardoso-Arenas
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Herlinda Clement
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Iván Arenas
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Felipe Olvera
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Fernando Zamudio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Figen Caliskan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Ligia Luz Corrales-García
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.,Department of Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, University of Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.,Correspondence:
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Meléndez-Zempoalteca A, Juárez-González VR, Rudiño-Piñera E, Pastor N, Vargas-Jaimes L, Valcarcel-Gamiño JA, Vázquez-Vuelvas OF, Quintero-Hernández V, Valdez-Velázquez LL. Antivenom Derived from the Ct1a and Ct17 Recombinant Toxins of the Scorpion Centruroides tecomanus. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10439-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Heterologous expression of four recombinant toxins from Panamanian scorpions of the genus Tityus and Centruroides for production of antivenom. Toxicon X 2022; 13:100090. [PMID: 35024608 PMCID: PMC8728522 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2021.100090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The development of more effective antivenoms remains a necessity for countries where scorpionism is a public health problem. Also, the regionalization of antivenoms may be important for some countries with special scorpionism characteristics. Objective Production of antibodies capable of neutralizing the lethal effect of the venom of three scorpion species from Panama. Methods The primary structures of two neurotoxins from T. pachyurus, one from T. cerroazul and another from C. bicolor were elucidated using N-terminal amino acid degradation and Sanger gene cloned sequencing. The obtained mRNA transcripts were cloned and expressed using E. coli vectors. Different bacterial expression conditions were tested and the best culture conditions for each expressed protein is reported. The expressed scorpion toxins were purified by chromatographic methods and used as immunogens in rabbits. Results The antibodies produced under the reported immunization scheme show better neutralization (ED50) than other reported commercial antivenoms used to neutralize similar species scorpion venoms under similar LD50 conditions. Conclusion The information reported here shows the proof of concept for selecting recombinant immunogens with the ability to produce antibodies for neutralizing the lethal effects of the most important medical species of scorpions in Panama. The structure of four new neurotoxins from three panamanian scorpions were elucidated. The four neurotoxins were recombinantly expressed and were immunogenic to rabbits. Rabitt sera raised against them were able to recognize scorpion neurotoxins from panamanian scorpions.
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Paramonov AS, Shulepko MA, Kocharovskaya MV, Alenkin AE, Evdokimova AO, Akentiev PI, Shenkarev ZO, Kirpichnikov MP, Lyukmanova EN. Bacterial Production and Structural Study of Human Neuromodulator Lynx2. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162020060230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Synthetic peptides to produce antivenoms against the Cys-rich toxins of arachnids. Toxicon X 2020; 6:100038. [PMID: 32550593 PMCID: PMC7285918 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2020.100038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion and spider envenomation is treated with the appropriate antivenoms, prepared as described by Césaire Auguste Phisalix and Albert Calmette in 1894. Such treatment requires the acquisition and manipulation of arachnid venoms, both very complicated procedures. Most of the toxins in the venoms of spiders and scorpions are extremely stable cysteine-rich peptide neurotoxins. Many strategies have been developed to obtain synthetic immunogens to facilitate the production of antivenoms against these toxins. For example, whole peptide toxins can be synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Also, epitopes of the toxins can be identified and after the chemical synthesis of these peptide epitopes by SPPS, they can be coupled to protein carriers to develop efficient immunogens. Moreover, multiple antigenic peptides with a polylysine core can be designed and synthesized. This review focuses on the strategies developed to obtain synthetic immunogens for the production of antivenoms against the toxic Cys-rich peptides of scorpions and spiders.
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Biochemical characterization of the venom from the Mexican scorpion Centruroides ornatus, a dangerous species to humans. Toxicon 2020; 173:27-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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El-Bitar AMH, Sarhan M, Abdel-Rahman MA, Quintero-Hernandez V, Aoki-Utsubo C, Moustafa MA, Possani LD, Hotta H. Smp76, a Scorpine-Like Peptide Isolated from the Venom of the Scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus, with a Potent Antiviral Activity Against Hepatitis C Virus and Dengue Virus. Int J Pept Res Ther 2019; 26:811-821. [PMID: 32435168 PMCID: PMC7223391 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09888-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Growing global viral infections have been a serious public health problem in recent years. This current situation emphasizes the importance of developing more therapeutic antiviral compounds. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and dengue virus (DENV) belong to the Flaviviridae family and are an increasing global health threat. Our previous study reported that the crude venom of Scorpio maurus palmatus possessed anti-HCV and anti-DENV activities in vitro. We report here the characterization of a natural antiviral peptide (scorpion-like peptide Smp76) that prevents HCV and DENV infection. Smp76 was purified from S. m. palmatus venom and contains 76 amino acids with six residues of cysteine. Smp76 antiviral activity was evaluated using a cell culture technique utilizing Huh7it-1, Vero/SLAM, HCV (JFH1, genotype 2a) and DENV (Trinidad 1751, type 2). A potential antiviral activity of Smp76 was detected in culture cells with an approximate IC50 of 0.01 μg/ml. Moreover, Smp76 prevents HCV infection and suppresses secondary infection, by inactivating extra-cellular infectious particles without affecting viral replication. Interestingly, Smp76 is neither toxic nor hemolytic in vitro at a concentration 1000-fold higher than that required for antiviral activity. Conclusively, this report highlights novel anti-HCV and anti-DENV activities of Smp76, which may lay the foundation for developing a new therapeutic intervention against these flaviviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa M H El-Bitar
- 1Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt.,2Department of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017 Japan
| | - Moustafa Sarhan
- 1Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt.,2Department of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017 Japan
| | | | - Veronica Quintero-Hernandez
- 5Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico.,6CONACYT-Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas-Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 72570 Puebla, Mexico
| | - Chie Aoki-Utsubo
- 3Department of International Health, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 7-10-2 Tomogaoka, Suma-ku, Kobe, 654-0142 Japan
| | - Mohsen A Moustafa
- 1Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Lourival D Possani
- 5Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Hak Hotta
- 2Department of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017 Japan.,3Department of International Health, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 7-10-2 Tomogaoka, Suma-ku, Kobe, 654-0142 Japan
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Bermúdez-Méndez E, Fuglsang-Madsen A, Føns S, Lomonte B, Gutiérrez JM, Laustsen AH. Innovative Immunization Strategies for Antivenom Development. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10110452. [PMID: 30400220 PMCID: PMC6265855 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakes, scorpions, and spiders are venomous animals that pose a threat to human health, and severe envenomings from the bites or stings of these animals must be treated with antivenom. Current antivenoms are based on plasma-derived immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin fragments from hyper-immunized animals. Although these medicines have been life-saving for more than 120 years, opportunities to improve envenoming therapy exist. In the later decades, new biotechnological tools have been applied with the aim of improving the efficacy, safety, and affordability of antivenoms. Within the avenues explored, novel immunization strategies using synthetic peptide epitopes, recombinant toxins (or toxoids), or DNA strings as immunogens have demonstrated potential for generating antivenoms with high therapeutic antibody titers and broad neutralizing capacity. Furthermore, these approaches circumvent the need for venom in the production process of antivenoms, thereby limiting some of the complications associated with animal captivity and venom collection. Finally, an important benefit of innovative immunization approaches is that they are often compatible with existing antivenom manufacturing setups. In this review, we compile all reported studies examining venom-independent innovative immunization strategies for antivenom development. In addition, a brief description of toxin families of medical relevance found in snake, scorpion, and spider venoms is presented, as well as how biochemical, bioinformatic, and omics tools could aid the development of next-generation antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Albert Fuglsang-Madsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 København N, Denmark.
| | - Sofie Føns
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Andreas Hougaard Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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Romero-Gutierrez T, Peguero-Sanchez E, Cevallos MA, Batista CVF, Ortiz E, Possani LD. A Deeper Examination of Thorellius atrox Scorpion Venom Components with Omic Techonologies. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E399. [PMID: 29231872 PMCID: PMC5744119 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9120399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This communication reports a further examination of venom gland transcripts and venom composition of the Mexican scorpion Thorellius atrox using RNA-seq and tandem mass spectrometry. The RNA-seq, which was performed with the Illumina protocol, yielded more than 20,000 assembled transcripts. Following a database search and annotation strategy, 160 transcripts were identified, potentially coding for venom components. A novel sequence was identified that potentially codes for a peptide with similarity to spider ω-agatoxins, which act on voltage-gated calcium channels, not known before to exist in scorpion venoms. Analogous transcripts were found in other scorpion species. They could represent members of a new scorpion toxin family, here named omegascorpins. The mass fingerprint by LC-MS identified 135 individual venom components, five of which matched with the theoretical masses of putative peptides translated from the transcriptome. The LC-MS/MS de novo sequencing allowed to reconstruct and identify 42 proteins encoded by assembled transcripts, thus validating the transcriptome analysis. Earlier studies conducted with this scorpion venom permitted the identification of only twenty putative venom components. The present work performed with more powerful and modern omic technologies demonstrates the capacity of accomplishing a deeper characterization of scorpion venom components and the identification of novel molecules with potential applications in biomedicine and the study of ion channel physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Romero-Gutierrez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Esteban Peguero-Sanchez
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Miguel A Cevallos
- Programa de Genómica Evolutiva, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Cesar V F Batista
- Laboratorio Universitario de Proteómica, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Ernesto Ortiz
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
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Karbanowicz T, Dover E, Mu X, Tabor A, Rodriguez-Valle M. Extracellular expression of the HT1 neurotoxin from the Australian paralysis tick in two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. Toxicon 2017; 140:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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