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Saldarriaga-Córdoba M, Clavero-León C, Rey-Suarez P, Nuñez-Rangel V, Avendaño-Herrera R, Solano-González S, Alzate JF. Unveiling Novel Kunitz- and Waprin-Type Toxins in the Micrurus mipartitus Coral Snake Venom Gland: An In Silico Transcriptome Analysis. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:224. [PMID: 38787076 PMCID: PMC11126030 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16050224] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Kunitz-type peptide expression has been described in the venom of snakes of the Viperidae, Elapidae and Colubridae families. This work aimed to identify these peptides in the venom gland transcriptome of the coral snake Micrurus mipartitus. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a high diversity of venom-associated Kunitz serine protease inhibitor proteins (KSPIs). A total of eight copies of KSPIs were predicted and grouped into four distinctive types, including short KSPI, long KSPI, Kunitz-Waprin (Ku-WAP) proteins, and a multi-domain Kunitz-type protein. From these, one short KSPI showed high identity with Micrurus tener and Austrelaps superbus. The long KSPI group exhibited similarity within the Micrurus genus and showed homology with various elapid snakes and even with the colubrid Pantherophis guttatus. A third group suggested the presence of Kunitz domains in addition to a whey-acidic-protein-type four-disulfide core domain. Finally, the fourth group corresponded to a transcript copy with a putative 511 amino acid protein, formerly annotated as KSPI, which UniProt classified as SPINT1. In conclusion, this study showed the diversity of Kunitz-type proteins expressed in the venom gland transcriptome of M. mipartitus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Clavero-León
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad (CIRENYS), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Paola Rey-Suarez
- Grupo de Investigación en Toxinología, Alternativas Terapéuticas y Alimentarias, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia; (P.R.-S.); (V.N.-R.)
| | - Vitelbina Nuñez-Rangel
- Grupo de Investigación en Toxinología, Alternativas Terapéuticas y Alimentarias, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia; (P.R.-S.); (V.N.-R.)
- Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia
| | - Ruben Avendaño-Herrera
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida & Centro de Investigación Marina Quintay (CIMARQ), Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar 2531015, Chile;
| | - Stefany Solano-González
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática Aplicada, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 86-3000, Costa Rica
| | - Juan F. Alzate
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia;
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2
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Yee KT, Macrander J, Vasieva O, Rojnuckarin P. Exploring Toxin Genes of Myanmar Russell's Viper, Daboia siamensis, through De Novo Venom Gland Transcriptomics. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15050309. [PMID: 37235344 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15050309] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Russell's viper (Daboia siamensis) is a medically important venomous snake in Myanmar. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) shows potential to investigate the venom complexity, giving deeper insights into snakebite pathogenesis and possible drug discoveries. mRNA from venom gland tissue was extracted and sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq platform and de novo assembled by Trinity. The candidate toxin genes were identified via the Venomix pipeline. Protein sequences of identified toxin candidates were compared with the previously described venom proteins using Clustal Omega to assess the positional homology among candidates. Candidate venom transcripts were classified into 23 toxin gene families including 53 unique full-length transcripts. C-type lectins (CTLs) were the most highly expressed, followed by Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors, disintegrins and Bradykinin potentiating peptide/C-type natriuretic peptide (BPP-CNP) precursors. Phospholipase A2, snake venom serine proteases, metalloproteinases, vascular endothelial growth factors, L-amino acid oxidases and cysteine-rich secretory proteins were under-represented within the transcriptomes. Several isoforms of transcripts which had not been previously reported in this species were discovered and described. Myanmar Russell's viper venom glands displayed unique sex-specific transcriptome profiles which were correlated with clinical manifestation of envenoming. Our results show that NGS is a useful tool to comprehensively examine understudied venomous snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khin Than Yee
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Yangon 11191, Myanmar
| | - Jason Macrander
- Department of Biology, Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL 33801, USA
| | - Olga Vasieva
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- BioSynthetic Machines, Inc., Chicago, IL 60062, USA
| | - Ponlapat Rojnuckarin
- Excellence Center in Translational Hematology, Division of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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3
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Osipov A, Utkin Y. What Are the Neurotoxins in Hemotoxic Snake Venoms? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032919. [PMID: 36769242 PMCID: PMC9917609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms as tools for hunting are primarily aimed at the most vital systems of the prey, especially the nervous and circulatory systems. In general, snakes of the Elapidae family produce neurotoxic venoms comprising of toxins targeting the nervous system, while snakes of the Viperidae family and most rear-fanged snakes produce hemotoxic venoms directed mainly on blood coagulation. However, it is not all so clear. Some bites by viperids results in neurotoxic signs and it is now known that hemotoxic venoms do contain neurotoxic components. For example, viperid phospholipases A2 may manifest pre- or/and postsynaptic activity and be involved in pain and analgesia. There are other neurotoxins belonging to diverse families ranging from large multi-subunit proteins (e.g., C-type lectin-like proteins) to short peptide neurotoxins (e.g., waglerins and azemiopsin), which are found in hemotoxic venoms. Other neurotoxins from hemotoxic venoms include baptides, crotamine, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, Kunitz-type protease inhibitors, sarafotoxins and three-finger toxins. Some of these toxins exhibit postsynaptic activity, while others affect the functioning of voltage-dependent ion channels. This review represents the first attempt to systematize data on the neurotoxins from "non-neurotoxic" snake venom. The structural and functional characteristic of these neurotoxins affecting diverse targets in the nervous system are considered.
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Siigur J, Siigur E. Biochemistry and toxicology of proteins and peptides purified from the venom of Vipera berus berus. Toxicon X 2022; 15:100131. [PMID: 35769869 PMCID: PMC9234072 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The isolation and characterization of individual snake venom components is important for a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of envenomation and for improving the therapeutic procedures of patients. It also opens possibilities for the discovery of novel toxins that might be useful as tools for understanding cellular and molecular processes. The variable venom composition, toxicological and immunological properties of the common vipers (Vipera berus berus) have been reviewed. The combination of venom gland transcriptomics, bottom-up and top-down proteomics enabled comparison of common viper venom proteomes from multiple individuals. V. b. berus venom contains proteins and peptides belonging to 10–15 toxin families: snake venom metalloproteinase, phospholipases A2 (PLA2), snake venom serine proteinase, aspartic protease, L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO), hyaluronidase, 5′-nucleotidase, glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase, disintegrin, C-type lectin (snaclec), nerve growth factor, Kunitz type serine protease inhibitor, snake venom vascular endothelial growth factor, cysteine-rich secretory protein, bradykinin potentiating peptide, natriuretic peptides. PLA2 and LAAO from V. b. berus venom produce more pronounced cytotoxic effects in cancer cells than normal cells, via induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and suppression of proliferation. Proteomic data of V. b. berus venoms from different parts of Russia and Slovakian Republic have been compared with analogous data for Vipera nikolskii venom. Proteomic studies demonstrated quantitative differences in the composition of V. b. berus venom from different geographical regions. Differences in the venom composition of V. berus were mainly driven by the age, sex, habitat and diet of the snakes. The venom variability of V. berus results in a loss of antivenom efficacy against snakebites. The effectiveness of antibodies is discussed. This review presents an overview with a special focus on different toxins that have been isolated and characterized from the venoms of V. b. berus. Their main biochemical properties and toxic actions are described. Vipera berus berus venom composition is variable among different populations. Venom contains about 15 protein/peptide families. It disturbs blood coagulation inducing pro- or anticoagulant effects. Venom contains different types of blood factor X activators. PLA2 and L-amino acid oxidase produce cytotoxic effects in cancer cells.
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Talukdar A, Maddhesiya P, Namsa ND, Doley R. Snake venom toxins targeting the central nervous system. TOXIN REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2022.2084418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Talukdar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Assam, India
| | - Priya Maddhesiya
- Cell Biology and Anatomy, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Nima Dondu Namsa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Assam, India
| | - Robin Doley
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Assam, India
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Teodoro A, Gonçalves FJ, Oliveira H, Marques S. Venom of Viperidae: A Perspective of its Antibacterial and Antitumor
Potential. Curr Drug Targets 2022; 23:126-144. [DOI: 10.2174/1389450122666210811164517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
:
The emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria and limitations on cancer treatment represent
two important challenges in modern medicine. Biological compounds have been explored with
a particular focus on venoms. Although they can be lethal or cause considerable damage to humans,
venom is also a source rich in components with high therapeutic potential.
:
Viperidae family is one of the most emblematic venomous snake families and several studies highlighted
the antibacterial and antitumor potential of viper toxins. According to the literature, these
activities are mainly associated to five protein families - svLAAO, Disintegrins, PLA2, SVMPs and
C-type lectins- that act through different mechanisms leading to the inhibition of the growth of bacteria,
as well as, cytotoxic effects and inhibition of metastasis process. In this review, we provide
an overview of the venom toxins produced by species belonging to the Viperidae family, exploring
their roles during the envenoming and their pharmacological properties, in order to demonstrate its
antibacterial and antitumor potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Teodoro
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fernando J.M. Gonçalves
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- CESAM- Centre for Environmental and
Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Helena Oliveira
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- CESAM- Centre for Environmental and
Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Marques
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- CESAM- Centre for Environmental and
Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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7
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Kim BY, Lee KS, Lee KY, Yoon HJ, Jin BR. Anti-fibrinolytic activity of a metalloprotease inhibitor from bumblebee (Bombus ignitus) venom. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 245:109042. [PMID: 33838314 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2021.109042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Bee venom is a mixture of bioactive components that include proteases and protease inhibitors. A metalloprotease inhibitor has been predicted to be a bumblebee-specific toxin in the venom proteome of Bombus terrestris; however, the identification and functional roles of bee venom metalloprotease inhibitors have not been previously determined. In this study, we identified a bumblebee (B. ignitus) venom metalloprotease inhibitor (BiVMPI) that exhibits anti-fibrinolytic activity. BiVMPI contains a trypsin inhibitor-like cysteine-rich domain that exhibits similarity to inducible metalloprotease inhibitor. Using an anti-BiVMPI antibody raised against a recombinant BiVMPI protein produced in baculovirus-infected insect cells, the presence of BiVMPI in the venom gland and secreted venom of B. ignitus worker bees was confirmed. The recombinant BiVMPI protein demonstrated inhibitory activity against a metalloprotease, trypsin, chymotrypsin, protease K, and plasmin, but not subtilisin A, elastase, or thrombin. Additionally, the recombinant BiVMPI bound to plasmin and inhibited the plasmin-mediated degradation of fibrin, demonstrating an anti-fibrinolytic role for BiVMPI as a bee venom metalloprotease inhibitor. Our results provide the first evidence for the identification and anti-fibrinolytic activity of a metalloprotease inhibitor from bee venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yeon Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Sik Lee
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Yong Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Joo Yoon
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byung Rae Jin
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Adili R, Jackson M, Stanger L, Dai X, Li M, Li BX, Holinstat M. Slounase, a Batroxobin Containing Activated Factor X Effectively Enhances Hemostatic Clot Formation and Reducing Bleeding in Hypocoagulant Conditions in Mice. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2021; 27:10760296211018510. [PMID: 34047195 PMCID: PMC8165871 DOI: 10.1177/10760296211018510] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncontrolled bleeding associated with trauma and surgery is the leading
cause of preventable death. Batroxobin, a snake venom-derived
thrombin-like serine protease, has been shown to clot fibrinogen by
cleaving fibrinopeptide A in a manner distinctly different from
thrombin, even in the presence of heparin. The biochemical properties
of batroxobin and its effect on coagulation have been well
characterized in vitro. However, the efficacy of
batroxobin on hemostatic clot formation in vivo is
not well studied due to the lack of reliable in vivo
hemostasis models. Here, we studied the efficacy of batroxobin and
slounase, a batroxobin containing activated factor X, on hemostatic
clot composition and bleeding using intravital microcopy laser
ablation hemostasis models in micro and macro vessels and liver
puncture hemostasis models in normal and heparin-induced hypocoagulant
mice. We found that prophylactic treatment in wild-type mice with
batroxobin, slounase and activated factor X significantly enhanced
platelet-rich fibrin clot formation following vascular injury. In
heparin-treated mice, batroxobin treatment resulted in detectable
fibrin formation and a modest increase in hemostatic clot size, while
activated factor X had no effect. In contrast, slounase treatment
significantly enhanced both platelet recruitment and fibrin formation,
forming a stable clot and shortening bleeding time and blood loss in
wild-type and heparin-treated hypocoagulant mice. Our data demonstrate
that, while batroxobin enhances fibrin formation, slounase was able to
enhance hemostasis in normal mice and restore hemostasis in
hypocoagulant conditions via the enhancement of fibrin formation and
platelet activation, indicating that slounase is more effective in
controlling hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reheman Adili
- Department of Pharmacology, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Madeline Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Livia Stanger
- Department of Pharmacology, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiangrong Dai
- Zhaoke Pharmaceutical (Hefei) Co. Limited, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mandy Li
- Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited. Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Michael Holinstat
- Department of Pharmacology, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Kalita B, Saviola AJ, Mukherjee AK. From venom to drugs: a review and critical analysis of Indian snake venom toxins envisaged as anticancer drug prototypes. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:993-1005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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10
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Gopcevic K, Karadzic I, Izrael-Zivkovic L, Medic A, Isakovic A, Popović M, Kekic D, Stanojkovic T, Hozic A, Cindric M. Study of the venom proteome of Vipera ammodytes ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758): A qualitative overview, biochemical and biological profiling. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2020; 37:100776. [PMID: 33197857 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2020.100776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Vipera ammodytes (Va), is the European venomous snake of the greatest medical importance. We analyzed whole venom proteome of the subspecies V. ammodytes ammodytes (Vaa) from Serbia for the first time using the shotgun proteomics approach and identified 99 proteins belonging to four enzymatic families: serine protease (SVSPs), L-amino acid oxidase (LAAOs), metalloproteinases (SVMPs), group II phospholipase (PLA2s), and five nonenzymatic families: cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), C-type lectins (snaclecs), growth factors -nerve (NGFs) and vascular endothelium (VEGFs), and Kunitz-type protease inhibitors (SPIs). Considerable enzymatic activity of LAAO, SVSPs, and SVMPs and a high acidic PLA2 activity was measured implying potential of Vaa to produce haemotoxic, myotoxic, neuro and cardiotoxic effects. Moreover, significant antimicrobial activity of Vaa venom against Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) was found. The crude venom shows considerable potential cytotoxic activity on the C6 and HL60 and a moderate level of potency on B16 cell lines. HeLa cells showed the same sensitivity, while DU 145 and PC-3 are less sensitive than as normal cell line. Our data demonstrated a high complexity of Vaa and considerable enzymatic, antibacterial and cytotoxic activity, implying a great medical potential of Vaa venom as a promising source for new antibacterial and cytostatic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Gopcevic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Ivanka Karadzic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Lidija Izrael-Zivkovic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Medic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Isakovic
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marjan Popović
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dusan Kekic
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Amela Hozic
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mario Cindric
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry, Zagreb, Croatia
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Drofenik S, Leonardi A, Žužek MC, Frangež R, Križaj I. The first Kunitz-type proteins from a viperid venom that potentiate neuromuscular transmission. Toxicon 2020; 187:262-270. [PMID: 33010297 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.09.015] [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: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Kunitz-type proteins that interfere with neuronal transmission have been thus far exclusively detected in venoms of elapid snakes. Here, we report for the first time that such proteins are also present in the venom of a viperid snake. From the venom of the nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes ammodytes; Vaa), we isolated Kunitz-type chymotrypsin inhibitors (VaaChi) and demonstrated that these molecules also significantly increase the amplitudes of an indirectly evoked simple muscle contraction of the mouse hemidiaphragm, the end-plate potential and the miniature end-plate potential. By facilitating neuromuscular transmission, these proteins resemble structurally homologous dendrotoxins from mamba (Dendroaspis spp.) venoms, which are blockers of voltage-dependent K+ channels at the presynaptic site of the neuromuscular junction. What is the mechanism behind facilitation of neuromuscular transmission by VaaChi has not been established yet, however, blocking of K+ channels does not seem to be the most probable option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Drofenik
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, Gerbičeva 60, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Adrijana Leonardi
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Monika C Žužek
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, Gerbičeva 60, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Robert Frangež
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, Gerbičeva 60, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Igor Križaj
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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12
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Mishra M. Evolutionary Aspects of the Structural Convergence and Functional Diversification of Kunitz-Domain Inhibitors. J Mol Evol 2020; 88:537-548. [PMID: 32696206 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-020-09959-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Kunitz-type domains are ubiquitously found in natural systems as serine protease inhibitors or animal toxins in venomous animals. Kunitz motif is a cysteine-rich peptide chain of ~ 60 amino acid residues with alpha and beta fold, stabilized by three conserved disulfide bridges. An extensive dataset of amino acid variations is found on sequence analysis of various Kunitz peptides. Kunitz peptides show diverse biological activities like inhibition of proteases of other classes and/or adopting a new function of blocking or modulating the ion channels. Based on the amino acid residues at the functional site of various Kunitz-type inhibitors, it is inferred that this 'flexibility within the structural rigidity' is responsible for multiple biological activities. Accelerated evolution of functional sites in response to the co-evolving molecular targets of the hosts of venomous animals or parasites, gene sharing, and gene duplication have been discussed as the most likely mechanisms responsible for the functional heterogeneity of Kunitz-domain inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Mishra
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, 201314, India.
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13
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Chanda A, Mukherjee AK. Mass spectrometric analysis to unravel the venom proteome composition of Indian snakes: opening new avenues in clinical research. Expert Rev Proteomics 2020; 17:411-423. [DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2020.1778471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Chanda
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India
| | - Ashis K. Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India
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14
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Patra A, Mukherjee AK. Proteomic Analysis of Sri Lanka Echis carinatus Venom: Immunological Cross-Reactivity and Enzyme Neutralization Potency of Indian Polyantivenom. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:3022-3032. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aparup Patra
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India
| | - Ashis K. Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India
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15
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Biological Activities and Proteomic Profile of the Venom of Vipera ursinii ssp., a very Rare Karst Viper from Croatia. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12030187. [PMID: 32188060 PMCID: PMC7150868 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12030187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The karst viper (Vipera ursinii ssp.) favours high-mountain dry grasslands in southern and south-eastern Croatia. It is medically less important than other Vipera species, because of its remote habitat and the very small amount of venom that it injects by its relatively short fangs. The scientific literature on Vipera ursinii deals mostly with the morphology, ecology and distribution range of this snake, due to the species’ conservation issues, while the toxinological aspects of its venom have not so far been investigated. Here we report on the composition and biological activity of the Vipera ursinii ssp. venom. Using a proteomics approach, we have identified 25 proteins in the venom that belong to seven protein families: snake venom metalloproteinase, serine protease, secreted phospholipase A2, cysteine-rich secretory protein, snake C-type lectin-like protein, serine protease inhibitor and nerve growth factor. The Vipera ursinii ssp. venom was found to be distinctively insecticidal. Its lethal toxicity towards crickets was more than five times greater than that of Vipera ammodytes ammodytes venom, while the opposite held in mice. Interestingly, the mode of dying after injecting a mouse with Vipera ursinii ssp. venom may suggest the presence of a neurotoxic component. Neurotoxic effects of European vipers have so far been ascribed exclusively to ammodytoxins and ammodytoxin-like basic secreted phospholipases A2. Structural and immunological analyses of the Vipera ursinii ssp. venom, however, confirmed that ammodytoxin-like proteins are not present in this venom.
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Thakur R, Chattopadhyay P, Mukherjee AK. The wound healing potential of a pro-angiogenic peptide purified from Indian Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) venom. Toxicon 2019; 165:78-82. [PMID: 31054289 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The cutaneous wound healing property of a pro-angiogenic venom peptide (RVVAP) in a cream-based formulation was evaluated using the excision wound healing model on Wistar strain rats. The wound healing potency and modest antibacterial activity of RVVAP was enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) when combined with Aloe vera extract. RVVAP was also found to be non-toxic at the tested dose of 1.0 mg/kg. Nevertheless, the release of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in RVVAP-treated mice was suppressed, compared to the untreated controls. This is the first report assessing the wound healing potential of a low-molecular mass, non-enzymatic, pro-angiogenic peptide purified from snake venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupamoni Thakur
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784 028, Assam, India; Department of Life Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh- 786 004, Assam, India
| | - Pronobesh Chattopadhyay
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Defense Research Laboratory, Tezpur- 784 001, Assam, India
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784 028, Assam, India.
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Kalita B, Mukherjee AK. Recent advances in snake venom proteomics research in India: a new horizon to decipher the geographical variation in venom proteome composition and exploration of candidate drug prototypes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s42485-019-00014-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Leonardi A, Sajevic T, Pungerčar J, Križaj I. Comprehensive Study of the Proteome and Transcriptome of the Venom of the Most Venomous European Viper: Discovery of a New Subclass of Ancestral Snake Venom Metalloproteinase Precursor-Derived Proteins. J Proteome Res 2019; 18:2287-2309. [PMID: 31017792 PMCID: PMC6727599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
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The
nose-horned viper, its nominotypical subspecies Vipera
ammodytes ammodytes (Vaa), in particular,
is, medically, one of the most relevant snakes in Europe. The local
and systemic clinical manifestations of poisoning by the venom of
this snake are the result of the pathophysiological effects inflicted
by enzymatic and nonenzymatic venom components acting, most prominently,
on the blood, cardiovascular, and nerve systems. This venom is a very
complex mixture of pharmacologically active proteins and peptides.
To help improve the current antivenom therapy toward higher specificity
and efficiency and to assist drug discovery, we have constructed,
by combining transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, the most comprehensive
library yet of the Vaa venom proteins and peptides.
Sequence analysis of the venom gland cDNA library has revealed the
presence of messages encoding 12 types of polypeptide precursors.
The most abundant are those for metalloproteinase inhibitors (MPis),
bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs), and natriuretic peptides
(NPs) (all three on a single precursor), snake C-type lectin-like
proteins (snaclecs), serine proteases (SVSPs), P-II and P-III metalloproteinases
(SVMPs), secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s),
and disintegrins (Dis). These constitute >88% of the venom transcriptome.
At the protein level, 57 venom proteins belonging to 16 different
protein families have been identified and, with SVSPs, sPLA2s, snaclecs, and SVMPs, comprise ∼80% of all venom proteins.
Peptides detected in the venom include NPs, BPPs, and inhibitors of
SVSPs and SVMPs. Of particular interest, a transcript coding for a
protein similar to P-III SVMPs but lacking the MP domain was also
found at the protein level in the venom. The existence of such proteins,
also supported by finding similar venom gland transcripts in related
snake species, has been demonstrated for the first time, justifying
the proposal of a new P-IIIe subclass of ancestral SVMP precursor-derived
proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrijana Leonardi
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences , Jožef Stefan Institute , Jamova cesta 39 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Tamara Sajevic
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences , Jožef Stefan Institute , Jamova cesta 39 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Jože Pungerčar
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences , Jožef Stefan Institute , Jamova cesta 39 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Igor Križaj
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences , Jožef Stefan Institute , Jamova cesta 39 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
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Munawar A, Ali SA, Akrem A, Betzel C. Snake Venom Peptides: Tools of Biodiscovery. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10110474. [PMID: 30441876 PMCID: PMC6266942 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110474] [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: 10/14/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Nature endowed snakes with a lethal secretion known as venom, which has been fine-tuned over millions of years of evolution. Snakes utilize venom to subdue their prey and to survive in their natural habitat. Venom is known to be a very poisonous mixture, consisting of a variety of molecules, such as carbohydrates, nucleosides, amino acids, lipids, proteins and peptides. Proteins and peptides are the major constituents of the dry weight of snake venoms and are of main interest for scientific investigations as well as for various pharmacological applications. Snake venoms contain enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins and peptides, which are grouped into different families based on their structure and function. Members of a single family display significant similarities in their primary, secondary and tertiary structures, but in many cases have distinct pharmacological functions and different bioactivities. The functional specificity of peptides belonging to the same family can be attributed to subtle variations in their amino acid sequences. Currently, complementary tools and techniques are utilized to isolate and characterize the peptides, and study their potential applications as molecular probes, and possible templates for drug discovery and design investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Munawar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan.
| | - Syed Abid Ali
- H.E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Ahmed Akrem
- Botany Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan.
| | - Christian Betzel
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, 22607 Hamburg, Germany.
- Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, DESY, Build. 22a, Notkestr. 85, 22603 Hamburg, Germany.
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Kalita B, Mackessy SP, Mukherjee AK. Proteomic analysis reveals geographic variation in venom composition of Russell's Viper in the Indian subcontinent: implications for clinical manifestations post-envenomation and antivenom treatment. Expert Rev Proteomics 2018; 15:837-849. [PMID: 30247947 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2018.1528150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Russell's Viper (RV) (Daboia russelii), a category I medically important snake, is responsible for a significant level of morbidity and mortality in the Indian sub-continent. Areas covered: The current review highlights the variation in RV venom (RVV) composition from different geographical locales on the Indian sub-continent, as revealed by biochemical and proteomic analyses. A comparison of these RVV proteomes revealed significant differences in the number of toxin isoforms and relative toxin abundances, highlighting the impact of geographic location on RVV composition. Antivenom efficacy studies have shown differential neutralization of toxicity and enzymatic activity of different RVV samples from the Indian sub-continent by commercial polyvalent antivenom (PAV). The proteome analysis has provided deeper insights into the variation of RVV composition leading to differences in antivenom efficacy and severity of clinical manifestations post RV-envenomation across the Indian sub-continent. Expert commentary: Variation in RVV antigenicity due to geographical differences and poor recognition of low molecular mass (<20 kDa) RVV toxins by PAV are serious concerns for effective antivenom treatment against RV envenomation. Improvements in immunization protocols that take into account the poorly immunogenic components and geographic variation in RVV composition, can lead to better hospital management of RV bite patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhargab Kalita
- a Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology , Tezpur University , Tezpur , India
| | - Stephen P Mackessy
- b School of Biological Sciences , University of Northern Colorado , Greeley , CO , USA
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- a Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology , Tezpur University , Tezpur , India
- b School of Biological Sciences , University of Northern Colorado , Greeley , CO , USA
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Patra A, Kalita B, Chanda A, Mukherjee AK. Proteomics and antivenomics of Echis carinatus carinatus venom: Correlation with pharmacological properties and pathophysiology of envenomation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17119. [PMID: 29215036 PMCID: PMC5719401 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17227-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The proteome composition of Echis carinatus carinatus venom (ECV) from India was studied for the first time by tandem mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 90, 47, and 22 distinct enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins belonging to 15, 10, and 6 snake venom protein families were identified in ECV by searching the ESI-LC-MS/MS data against non-redundant protein databases of Viperidae (taxid 8689), Echis (taxid 8699) and Echis carinatus (taxid 40353), respectively. However, analysis of MS/MS data against the Transcriptome Shotgun Assembly sequences (87 entries) of conger E. coloratus identified only 14 proteins in ECV. Snake venom metalloproteases and snaclecs, the most abundant enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins, respectively in ECV account for defibrinogenation and the strong in vitro pro-coagulant activity. Further, glutaminyl cyclase, aspartic protease, aminopeptidase, phospholipase B, vascular endothelial growth factor, and nerve growth factor were reported for the first time in ECV. The proteome composition of ECV was well correlated with its biochemical and pharmacological properties and clinical manifestations observed in Echis envenomed patients. Neutralization of enzymes and pharmacological properties of ECV, and immuno-cross-reactivity studies unequivocally point to the poor recognition of <20 kDa ECV proteins, such as PLA2, subunits of snaclec, and disintegrin by commercial polyvalent antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparup Patra
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India
| | - Bhargab Kalita
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India
| | - Abhishek Chanda
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India.
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