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Salabi F, Jafari H. Whole transcriptome sequencing reveals the activity of the PLA2 family members in Androctonus crassicauda (Scorpionida: Buthidae) venom gland. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23658. [PMID: 38742809 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400178rr] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Phospholipase A2 is the most abundant venom gland enzyme, whose activity leads to the activation of the inflammatory response by accumulating lipid mediators. This study aimed to identify, classify, and investigate the properties of venom PLA2 isoforms. Then, the present findings were confirmed by chemically measuring the activity of PLA2. The sequences representing PLA2 annotation were extracted from the Androctonus crassicauda transcriptome dataset using BLAS searches against the local PLA2 database. We found several cDNA sequences of PLA2 classified and named by conducting multiple searches as platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolases, calcium-dependent PLA2s, calcium-independent PLA2s, and secreted PLA2s. The largest and smallest isoforms of these proteins range between approximately 70.34 kDa (iPLA2) and 17.75 kDa (cPLA2). Among sPLA2 isoforms, sPLA2GXIIA and sPLA2G3 with ORF encoding 169 and 299 amino acids are the smallest and largest secreted PLA2, respectively. These results collectively suggested that A. crassicauda venom has PLA2 activity, and the members of this protein family may have important biological roles in lipid metabolism. This study also revealed the interaction between members of PLA2s in the PPI network. The results of this study would greatly help with the classification, evolutionary relationships, and interactions between PLA2 family proteins in the gene network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Salabi
- Department of Venomous Animals and Anti-venom Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hedieh Jafari
- Department of Venomous Animals and Anti-venom Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ahvaz, Iran
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2
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Kalapothakis Y, Miranda K, Aragão M, Larangote D, Braga-Pereira G, Noetzold M, Molina D, Langer R, Conceição IM, Guerra-Duarte C, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Kalapothakis E, Borges A. Divergence in toxin antigenicity and venom enzymes in Tityus melici, a medically important scorpion, despite transcriptomic and phylogenetic affinities with problematic Brazilian species. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130311. [PMID: 38403220 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130311] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The Brazilian scorpion Tityus melici, native to Minas Gerais and Bahia, is morphologically related to Tityus serrulatus, the most medically significant species in Brazil. Despite inhabiting scorpion-envenomation endemic regions, T. melici venom remains unexplored. This work evaluates T. melici venom composition and function using transcriptomics, enzymatic activities, and in vivo and in vitro immunological analyses. Next-Generation Sequencing unveiled 86 components putatively involved in venom toxicity: 39 toxins, 28 metalloproteases, seven disulfide isomerases, six hyaluronidases, three phospholipases and three amidating enzymes. T. serrulatus showed the highest number of toxin matches with 80-100 % sequence similarity. T. melici is of medical importance as it has a venom LD50 of 0.85 mg/kg in mice. We demonstrated venom phospholipase A2 activity, and elevated hyaluronidase and metalloprotease activities compared to T. serrulatus, paralleling our transcriptomic findings. Comparison of transcriptional levels for T. serrulatus and T. melici venom metalloenzymes suggests species-specific expression patterns in Tityus. Despite close phylogenetic association with T. serrulatus inferred from COI sequences and toxin similarities, partial neutralization of T. melici venom toxicity was achieved when using the anti-T. serrulatus antivenom, implying antigenic divergence among their toxins. We suggest that the Brazilian therapeutic scorpion antivenom could be improved to effectively neutralize T. melici venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Kelton Miranda
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Matheus Aragão
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Débora Larangote
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gracielle Braga-Pereira
- Departamento de Zoologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, CEP 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marina Noetzold
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Denis Molina
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rafael Langer
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Izabela Mamede Conceição
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Serviço de Toxinologia Molecular, Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adolfo Borges
- Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela; Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, CEDIC, Asunción 1255, Paraguay.
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Mendoza-Tobar LL, Clement H, Arenas I, Sepulveda-Arias JC, Vargas JAG, Corzo G. An overview of some enzymes from buthid scorpion venoms from Colombia: Centruroides margaritatus, Tityus pachyurus, and Tityus n. sp. aff. metuendus. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2024; 30:e20230063. [PMID: 38505508 PMCID: PMC10950367 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In Colombia, several species of Buthidae scorpions belonging to the genera Centruroides and Tityus coexist, and their stings are considered life-threatening to humans because of their venom neurotoxins. Despite previous studies focusing on neurotoxins from these scorpion genera, little is known about the enzymes present in their venoms and their relationship with whole venom toxicity. Methods Here, using proteomic and biochemical protocols the enzymatic activities of the venoms of three Colombian scorpion species, C. margaritatus, T. pachyurus, and T. n. sp. aff. metuendus, were compared to establish the presence and absence of enzymes such as phospholipases, hyaluronidases, and proteases that could be related to venom toxicity. Results: C. margaritatus was positive for hyaluronidases, T. n. sp. aff. metuendus for proteases, and T. pachyurus exhibited activity for all three mentioned enzymes. Conclusion This information provides valuable insights into the specific enzyme diversity of each species' venom and their potential role in venom toxicity, which could contribute to the development of better treatments and prevention strategies for scorpion envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leydy Lorena Mendoza-Tobar
- Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Facultad de
Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán,
Colombia
| | - Herlinda Clement
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de
Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca Morelos,
México
| | - Iván Arenas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de
Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca Morelos,
México
| | - Juan Carlos Sepulveda-Arias
- Grupo de Infección e Inmunidad, Facultad Ciencias de la Salud,
Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Jimmy Alexander Guerrero Vargas
- Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Facultad de
Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán,
Colombia
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de
Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca Morelos,
México
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Ajdi B, El Asbahani A, El Hidan MA, Bocquet M, Falconnet L, Ait Hamza M, Elmourid A, Touloun O, Boubaker H, Bulet P. Molecular diversity assessed by MALDI mass spectrometry of two scorpion species venom from two different locations in Morocco. Toxicon 2024; 238:107562. [PMID: 38103799 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107562] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion venom is a cocktail of molecules whose composition is remarkably plastic, controlled by several factors. The Moroccan scorpion fauna is characterized by its richness and high rate of endemism and the venom molecular variability of many species is not yet well characterized. The aim of the present study was to highlight the molecular variability of the venom composition of Androctonus amoreuxi and Buthacus stockmanni (endemic species), both belonging to the Buthidae family, collected from two Moroccan regions, Zagora and Tan-tan. Characterization of the molecular mass fingerprints (MFPs) of each specimen was performed by Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) using a sandwich (Sand) and a dried-droplet (DD) sample preparation and dilutions. Considering these two methods, a total of 828 ion signals were detected, and Sand method produced more adducts (56%) than DD (44%). We observed interspecific variations in the venom composition between these two species showing they share 235 ion signals, while 226 and 367 are specific for these two species, respectively. Moreover, B. stockmanni specimens showed a clear difference in their MFPs between the two geographical areas studied, suggesting intraspecific variations. Moreover, specimens from each population also show an intraspecific variability. In addition, for the same individual, a variation in the venom composition was also recorded depending on the milking frequency. Our results confirmed the presence of characteristic components in each extracted venom sample. In conclusion, MFPs assessed by MALDI-MS represent a fast, non-supervised, sensitive, reliable and cost-efficient approach for taxonomic identification and molecular variability characterization. This study undoubtedly represents a step forward for understanding the scorpion venom plasticity, intra/inter variations, and their temporal and geographical variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boujemaa Ajdi
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Plant Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco; Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CR Inserm U1209, CNRSUMR 5309, University of Grenoble-Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France; Platform BioPark Archamps, 74160, Archamps, France.
| | - Abdelhafed El Asbahani
- Applied Chemistry and Environment Laboratory, Team of Bio-organic Chemistry and Natural Substances, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Michel Bocquet
- Platform BioPark Archamps, 74160, Archamps, France; Apimedia, 74370, Annecy, France
| | | | - Mohamed Ait Hamza
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Abdessamad Elmourid
- Polyvalent Team in Research and Development (EPVRD), Department of Biology & Geology, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, 23030, Morocco.
| | - Oulaid Touloun
- Polyvalent Team in Research and Development (EPVRD), Department of Biology & Geology, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, 23030, Morocco.
| | - Hassan Boubaker
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Plant Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Philippe Bulet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CR Inserm U1209, CNRSUMR 5309, University of Grenoble-Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France; Platform BioPark Archamps, 74160, Archamps, France.
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Nystrom GS, Ellsworth SA, Ward MJ, Rokyta DR. Varying Modes of Selection Among Toxin Families in the Venoms of the Giant Desert Hairy Scorpions (Hadrurus). J Mol Evol 2023; 91:935-962. [PMID: 38091038 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-023-10148-7] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Venoms are primarily believed to evolve under strong diversifying selection resulting from persistent coevolution between predator and prey. Recent research has challenged this hypothesis, proposing that venoms from younger venomous lineages (e.g., snakes and cone snails) are governed predominantly by diversifying selection, while venoms from older venomous lineages (e.g., centipedes, scorpions, and spiders) are under stronger purifying selection. However, most research in older lineages has tested selection at more diverse phylogenetic scales. Although these tests are important for evaluating broad macroevolutionary trends underlying venom evolution, they are less equipped to detect species-level evolutionary trends, which likely have large impacts on venom variation seen at more diverse phylogenetic scales. To test for selection among closely related species from an older venomous lineage, we generated high-throughput venom-gland transcriptomes and venom proteomes for four populations of Giant Desert Hairy Scorpions (Hadrurus), including three Hadrurus arizonensis populations and one Hadrurus spadix population. We detected significant episodic and pervasive diversifying selection across a highly abundant toxin family that likely has a major role in venom function ([Formula: see text]KTxs), providing a contrast to the stronger purifying selection identified from other studies on scorpion venoms. Conversely, we detected weak episodic diversifying and/or stronger purifying selection in four toxin families (non-disulfide bridged peptides, phospholipase A2s, scorpine-like antimicrobial peptides, and serine proteases), most of which were less abundant and likely have ancillary functional roles. Finally, although we detected several major toxin families at disproportionate transcriptomic and/or proteomic abundances, we did not identify significant sex-based variation in Hadrurus venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar S Nystrom
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4295, USA
| | - Schyler A Ellsworth
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4295, USA
| | - Micaiah J Ward
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4295, USA
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4295, USA.
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6
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Ibarra-Vega R, Jiménez-Vargas JM, Pineda-Contreras A, Martínez-Martínez FJ, Barajas-Saucedo CE, García-Ortega H, Magaña-Vergara NE, Possani LD, Corzo G, Gaitan-Hinojosa MA, Vázquez-Vuelvas OF, Zamudio F, Valdez-Velazquez LL. Indolealkylamines in the venom of the scorpion Thorellius intrepidus. Toxicon 2023; 233:107232. [PMID: 37536653 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107232] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Scorpions are a group of arthropods that strike fear in many people due to their severe medical symptoms, even death, caused by their venomous stings. Even so, not all scorpion species contain harmful venoms against humans but still have valuable bioactive molecules, which could be used in developing new pharmaceutical leads for treating important diseases. This work conducted a comprehensive analysis of the venom from the scorpion Thorellius intrepidus. The venom of T. intrepidus was separated by size exclusion chromatography, and four main fractions were obtained. Fraction IV (FIV) contained small molecules representing over 90% of the total absorbance at 280 nm. Analysis of fraction FIV by RP-HPLC indicated the presence of three main molecules (FIV.1, FIV.2, and FIV.3) with similar UV absorbance spectra profiles. The molecular masses of FIV.1, FIV.2, and FIV.3 were determined, resulting in 175.99, 190.07, and 218.16 Da, respectively. Further confirmation through 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR analyses revealed that these molecules were serotonin, N-methylserotonin, and bufotenidine. These intriguing compounds are speculated to play a pivotal role in self-defense and increasing venom toxicity and could also offer promising biotechnological applications as small bioactive molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Ibarra-Vega
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | - Juana María Jiménez-Vargas
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México; Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnología (CONAHCYT), México City, 03940, México.
| | - Armando Pineda-Contreras
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | | | - Carlos Eduardo Barajas-Saucedo
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | - Héctor García-Ortega
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Nancy E Magaña-Vergara
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México; Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnología (CONAHCYT), México City, 03940, México
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Mario Alberto Gaitan-Hinojosa
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | - Oscar Fernando Vázquez-Vuelvas
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | - Fernando Zamudio
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Laura Leticia Valdez-Velazquez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México.
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Lane AN, Nash PD, Ellsworth SA, Nystrom GS, Rokyta DR. The arylsulfatase- and phospholipase-rich venom of the plutoniumid centipede Theatops posticus. Toxicon 2023; 233:107231. [PMID: 37517595 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107231] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Research on centipede venoms has led to the discovery of a diverse array of novel proteins and peptides, including those with homology to previously discovered toxin families (e.g., phospholipase A2s and pM12a metalloproteases) and novel toxin families not previously detected in venoms (e.g., β-pore forming toxins and scoloptoxins). Most of this research has focused on centipedes in the order Scolopendromorpha, particularly those in the families Scolopendridae, Cryptopidae, and Scolopocryptopidae. To generate the first high-throughput venom characterization for a centipede in the scolopendromorph family Plutoniumidae, we performed venom-gland transcriptomics and venom proteomics on two Theatops posticus. We identified a total of 64 venom toxins, 60 of which were detected in both the venom-gland transcriptome and venom proteome and four of which were only detected transcriptomically. We detected a single highly abundant arylsulfatase B (ARSB) toxin, the first ARSB toxin identified from centipede venoms. As ARSBs have been detected in other venomous species (e.g., scorpions), ARSBs in T. posticus highlights a new case of convergent evolution across venoms. Theatops posticus venom also contained a much higher abundance and diversity of phospholipase A2 toxins compared to other characterized centipede venoms. Conversely, we detected other common centipedes toxins, such as CAPs and scoloptoxins, at relatively low abundances and diversities. Our observation of a diverse set of toxins from T. posticus venom, including those from novel toxin families, emphasizes the importance of studying unexplored centipede taxonomic groups and the continued potential of centipede venoms for novel toxin discovery and unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying trait evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaliyah N Lane
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Pauline D Nash
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Schyler A Ellsworth
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Gunnar S Nystrom
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
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Mazzi Esquinca ME, Correa CN, Marques de Barros G, Montenegro H, Mantovani de Castro L. Multiomic Approach for Bioprospection: Investigation of Toxins and Peptides of Brazilian Sea Anemone Bunodosoma caissarum. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21030197. [PMID: 36976246 PMCID: PMC10058367 DOI: 10.3390/md21030197] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea anemones are sessile invertebrates of the phylum Cnidaria and their survival and evolutive success are highly related to the ability to produce and quickly inoculate venom, with the presence of potent toxins. In this study, a multi-omics approach was applied to characterize the protein composition of the tentacles and mucus of Bunodosoma caissarum, a species of sea anemone from the Brazilian coast. The tentacles transcriptome resulted in 23,444 annotated genes, of which 1% showed similarity with toxins or proteins related to toxin activity. In the proteome analysis, 430 polypeptides were consistently identified: 316 of them were more abundant in the tentacles while 114 were enriched in the mucus. Tentacle proteins were mostly enzymes, followed by DNA- and RNA-associated proteins, while in the mucus most proteins were toxins. In addition, peptidomics allowed the identification of large and small fragments of mature toxins, neuropeptides, and intracellular peptides. In conclusion, integrated omics identified previously unknown or uncharacterized genes in addition to 23 toxin-like proteins of therapeutic potential, improving the understanding of tentacle and mucus composition of sea anemones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eduarda Mazzi Esquinca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia Neves Correa
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
- Biodiversity of Coastal Environments Postgraduate Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Marques de Barros
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
- Biodiversity of Coastal Environments Postgraduate Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Leandro Mantovani de Castro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
- Biodiversity of Coastal Environments Postgraduate Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
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Bakht MA, Pooventhiran T, Thomas R, Kamal M, Din IU, Rehman NU, Ali I, Ajmal N, Ahsan MJ. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Octahydroquinazolinones as Phospholipase A2, and Protease Inhibitors: Experimental and Theoretical Exploration. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041944. [PMID: 36838935 PMCID: PMC9963251 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041944] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) promotes inflammation via lipid mediators and releases arachidonic acid (AA), and these enzymes have been found to be elevated in a variety of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis, and atherosclerosis. The mobilization of AA by PLA2 and subsequent synthesis of prostaglandins are regarded as critical events in inflammation. Inflammatory processes may be treated with drugs that inhibit PLA2, thereby blocking the COX and LOX pathways in the AA cascade. To address this issue, we report herein an efficient method for the synthesis of a series of octahydroquinazolinone compounds (4a-h) in the presence of the catalyst Pd-HPW/SiO2 and their phospholipase A2, as well as protease inhibitory activities. Among eight compounds, two of them exhibited overwhelming results against PLA2 and protease. By using FT-IR, Raman, NMR, and mass spectroscopy, two novel compounds were thoroughly studied. After carefully examining the SAR of the investigated compounds against these enzymes, it was found that compounds (4a, 4b) containing both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups on the phenyl ring exhibited higher activity than compounds with only one of these groups. DFT studies were employed to study the electronic nature and reactivity properties of the molecules by optimizing at the BLYP/cc-pVDZ. Natural bond orbitals helped to study the various electron delocalizations in the molecules, and the frontier molecular orbitals helped with the reactivity and stability parameters. The nature and extent of the expressed biological activity of the molecule were studied using molecular docking with human non-pancreatic secretory phospholipase A2 (hnps-PLA2) (PDB ID: 1DB4) and protease K (PDB ID: 2PWB). The drug-ability of the molecule has been tested using ADMET, and pharmacodynamics data have been extracted. Both the compounds qualify for ADME properties and follow Lipinski's rule of five.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Afroz Bakht
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Humanity Studies, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (M.A.B.); (M.J.A.)
| | - Thangaiyan Pooventhiran
- Department of Chemistry, St Berchmans College (Autonomous), Mahatma Gandhi University, Changanassery 686101, Kerala, India
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
| | - Renjith Thomas
- Department of Chemistry, St Berchmans College (Autonomous), Mahatma Gandhi University, Changanassery 686101, Kerala, India
| | - Mehnaz Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Israf Ud Din
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Humanity Studies, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Najeeb Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imtiaz Ali
- Preparatory College, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noushin Ajmal
- Department of Basic Science and Humanities, Pratap University, Jaipur 303104, Rajasthan, India
| | - Mohamed Jawed Ahsan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Maharishi Arvind College of Pharmacy, Ambabari Circle, Jaipur 302039, Rajasthan, India
- Correspondence: (M.A.B.); (M.J.A.)
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Korbecki J, Rębacz-Maron E, Kupnicka P, Chlubek D, Baranowska-Bosiacka I. Synthesis and Significance of Arachidonic Acid, a Substrate for Cyclooxygenases, Lipoxygenases, and Cytochrome P450 Pathways in the Tumorigenesis of Glioblastoma Multiforme, Including a Pan-Cancer Comparative Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030946. [PMID: 36765904 PMCID: PMC9913267 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive gliomas. New and more effective therapeutic approaches are being sought based on studies of the various mechanisms of GBM tumorigenesis, including the synthesis and metabolism of arachidonic acid (ARA), an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). PubMed, GEPIA, and the transcriptomics analysis carried out by Seifert et al. were used in writing this paper. In this paper, we discuss in detail the biosynthesis of this acid in GBM tumors, with a special focus on certain enzymes: fatty acid desaturase (FADS)1, FADS2, and elongation of long-chain fatty acids family member 5 (ELOVL5). We also discuss ARA metabolism, particularly its release from cell membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2 (cPLA2, iPLA2, and sPLA2) and its processing by cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), lipoxygenases (5-LOX, 12-LOX, 15-LOX-1, and 15-LOX-2), and cytochrome P450. Next, we discuss the significance of lipid mediators synthesized from ARA in GBM cancer processes, including prostaglandins (PGE2, PGD2, and 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2)), thromboxane A2 (TxA2), oxo-eicosatetraenoic acids, leukotrienes (LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4), lipoxins, and many others. These lipid mediators can increase the proliferation of GBM cancer cells, cause angiogenesis, inhibit the anti-tumor response of the immune system, and be responsible for resistance to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Korbecki
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ewa Rębacz-Maron
- Department of Ecology and Anthropology, Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kupnicka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Chlubek
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-914-661-515
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11
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Matkivska R, Samborska I, Maievskyi O. EFFECT OF SCORPION VENOM TOXINS ON STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS OF INTERNAL ORGANS, INCLUDING KIDNEYS (REVIEW). WIADOMOSCI LEKARSKIE (WARSAW, POLAND : 1960) 2023; 76:1491-1498. [PMID: 37463387 DOI: 10.36740/wlek202306124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim: To establish patterns of structural and functional changes in internal organs, including kidneys, under the conditions of exposure to scorpion venom toxins. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: A thorough literature analysis was conducted on the basis of PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. When processing the search results, we chose the newest publications up to 5 years old or the most thorough publications that vividly described the essence of our topic. CONCLUSION Conclusions: The venom of various species of scorpions exhibits a wide range of biological activity. Acting on the structures of the central and peripheral nervous system, the toxins of scorpion venom cause the development of paralysis, convulsions, brain inflammation, hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. Under conditions of influence on the cardiovascular system, damage to the endothelial lining of the vascular wall, disturbances in heart rhythm, conduction, and the development of destructive changes in the myocardium are characteristic. Data on kidney damage due to scorpion bites require a more detailed study, as information on microscopic and submicroscopic changes in the structure of the organ is too limited. However, cases of the development of tubular necrosis, interstitial nephritis, and kidney infarction are currently known.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inga Samborska
- NATIONAL PIROGOV MEMORIAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, VINNYTSIA, UKRAINE
| | - Oleksandr Maievskyi
- EDCATIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC CENTER "INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE" OF TARAS SHEVCHENKO NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF KYIV, KYIV, UKRAINE
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12
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Krayem N, Sidhoum R, Cherif S, Karray A. Efficient heterologous expression in Pichia pastoris, immobilization and functional characterization of a scorpion venom secreted phospholipase A 2. Toxicon 2022; 216:1-10. [PMID: 35660627 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.05.046] [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: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Industrial processes have expanded with the ability to clone and express recombinant immobilized enzymes in microorganisms such as Pichia pastoris that have commercially attractive amounts of the appropriate genes. This report describes the overexpression in Pichia pastoris, immobilization, and functional characterization of a secreted phospholipase A2 from scorpion venom Scorpio maurus: rPLA2(-5). After 48 h of culture, the recombinant rPLA2(-5) was secreted into the culture medium and expressed at about 9 mg/L. Comparative analyses of the kinetics and hydrolysis of rPLA2(-5) monolayers at various surface pressures were conducted with the same form produced in Escherichia coli. As a second part of the study, rPLA2(-5) overexpressed in Pichia pastoris was immobilized by adsorption on CaCO3, with about 78 percent of the activity. In comparison to the free enzyme, rPLA2(-5) was studied for stability. Immobilization improved the thermal stability of rPLA2(-5) and even the stability at acidic pH. Moreover, we found that the immobilization improved the stability of rPLA2(-5) towards bile salts, Tween 80, Triton X-100, and SDS, as well as its stability towards many organic solvents. Until now, this is the first study to describe the overexpression and immobilization of a scorpion venom phospholipase A2 that possesses an interesting stability characteristic that makes it useful for a wide range of biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najeh Krayem
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Génie Enzymatique des Lipases, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, route de Soukra 3038, BP 1173, Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Rim Sidhoum
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Génie Enzymatique des Lipases, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, route de Soukra 3038, BP 1173, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Slim Cherif
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Génie Enzymatique des Lipases, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, route de Soukra 3038, BP 1173, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Aida Karray
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Génie Enzymatique des Lipases, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, route de Soukra 3038, BP 1173, Sfax, Tunisia
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13
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De Lucca Caetano LH, Nishiyama-Jr MY, de Carvalho Lins Fernandes Távora B, de Oliveira UC, de Loiola Meirelles Junqueira-de-Azevedo I, Faquim-Mauro EL, Magalhães GS. Recombinant Production and Characterization of a New Toxin from Cryptops iheringi Centipede Venom Revealed by Proteome and Transcriptome Analysis. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:858. [PMID: 34941696 PMCID: PMC8704451 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the Chilopoda class of centipede, the Cryptops genus is one of the most associated with envenomation in humans in the metropolitan region of the state of São Paulo. To date, there is no study in the literature about the toxins present in its venom. Thus, in this work, a transcriptomic characterization of the Cryptops iheringi venom gland, as well as a proteomic analysis of its venom, were performed to obtain a toxin profile of this species. These methods indicated that 57.9% of the sequences showed to be putative toxins unknown in public databases; among them, we pointed out a novel putative toxin named Cryptoxin-1. The recombinant form of this new toxin was able to promote edema in mice footpads with massive neutrophils infiltration, linking this toxin to envenomation symptoms observed in accidents with humans. Our findings may elucidate the role of this toxin in the venom, as well as the possibility to explore other proteins found in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lhiri Hanna De Lucca Caetano
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (L.H.D.L.C.); (B.d.C.L.F.T.); (E.L.F.-M.)
| | - Milton Yutaka Nishiyama-Jr
- Laboratório de Toxinologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (M.Y.N.-J.); (U.C.d.O.); (I.d.L.M.J.-d.-A.)
| | | | - Ursula Castro de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Toxinologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (M.Y.N.-J.); (U.C.d.O.); (I.d.L.M.J.-d.-A.)
| | | | - Eliana L. Faquim-Mauro
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (L.H.D.L.C.); (B.d.C.L.F.T.); (E.L.F.-M.)
| | - Geraldo Santana Magalhães
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (L.H.D.L.C.); (B.d.C.L.F.T.); (E.L.F.-M.)
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14
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So WL, Leung TCN, Nong W, Bendena WG, Ngai SM, Hui JHL. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of venom glands from scorpions Liocheles australasiae, Mesobuthus martensii, and Scorpio maurus palmatus. Peptides 2021; 146:170643. [PMID: 34461138 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains a cocktail of differing peptides and proteins. Previous studies focused on the identification of species-specific components in scorpion venoms, and whether there could be peptides and/or proteins conserved in the venom gland of a scorpion ancestor has been rarely investigated. Here, using a combination of transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, putative conserved toxins from the venom glands of scorpions Liocheles australasiae, Mesobuthus martensii, and Scorpio maurus palmatus were identified and compared. Similar to other studies, more than half of the conserved toxins are predominantly proteins including proteases. On the other hand, unique venom peptides, including ion channel toxins were revealed specifically in the M. martensii. The sodium channel toxin peptides revealed in M. martensii consolidated that scorpions in the Buthidae are able to envenomate their prey wih highly neurotoxic venom. This study suggested that these conserved proteins had already formed part of the arsenal in the venom gland of the common ancestor of scorpions, and likely perform important functional roles in envenomation during scorpion evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Lok So
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Thomas C N Leung
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenyan Nong
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Sai Ming Ngai
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jerome H L Hui
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Das B, Saviola AJ, Mukherjee AK. Biochemical and Proteomic Characterization, and Pharmacological Insights of Indian Red Scorpion Venom Toxins. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:710680. [PMID: 34650430 PMCID: PMC8505525 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.710680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Indian red scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus) is one of the world's deadliest scorpions, with stings representing a life-threatening medical emergency. This species is distributed throughout the Indian sub-continent, including eastern Pakistan, eastern Nepal, and Sri Lanka. In India, Indian red scorpions are broadly distributed in western Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka; however, fatal envenomations have been recorded primarily in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. The Indian red scorpion venom proteome comprises 110 proteins belonging to 13 venom protein families. The significant pharmacological activity is predominantly caused by the low molecular mass non-enzymatic Na+ and K+ ion channel toxins. Other minor toxins comprise 15.6% of the total venom proteome. Indian red scorpion stings induce the release of catecholamine, which leads to pathophysiological abnormalities in the victim. A strong correlation has been observed between venom proteome composition and local (swelling, redness, heat, and regional lymph node involvement) and systemic (tachycardia, mydriasis, hyperglycemia, hypertension, toxic myocarditis, cardiac failure, and pulmonary edema) manifestations. Immediate administration of antivenom is the preferred treatment for Indian red scorpion stings. However, scorpion-specific antivenoms have exhibited poor immunorecognition and neutralization of the low molecular mass toxins. The proteomic analysis also suggests that Indian red scorpion venom is a rich source of pharmacologically active molecules that may be envisaged as drug prototypes. The following review summarizes the progress made towards understanding the venom proteome of the Indian red scorpion and addresses the current understanding of the pathophysiology associated with its sting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhabana Das
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - Anthony J. Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Ashis K. Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
- Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati, India
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Simone Y, van der Meijden A. Armed stem to stinger: a review of the ecological roles of scorpion weapons. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210002. [PMID: 34527038 PMCID: PMC8425188 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpions possess two systems of weapons: the pincers (chelae) and the stinger (telson). These are placed on anatomically and developmentally well separated parts of the body, that is, the oral appendages and at the end of the body axis. The otherwise conserved body plan of scorpions varies most in the shape and relative dimensions of these two weapon systems, both across species and in some cases between the sexes. We review the literature on the ecological function of these two weapon systems in each of three contexts of usage: (i) predation, (ii) defense and (iii) sexual contests. In the latter context, we will also discuss their usage in mating. We first provide a comparative background for each of these contexts of usage by giving examples of other weapon systems from across the animal kingdom. Then, we discuss the pertinent aspects of the anatomy of the weapon systems, particularly those aspects relevant to their functioning in their ecological roles. The literature on the functioning and ecological role of both the chelae and the telson is discussed in detail, again organized by context of usage. Particular emphasis is given on the differences in morphology or usage between species or higher taxonomic groups, or between genders, as such cases are most insightful to understand the roles of each of the two distinct weapon systems of the scorpions and their evolutionary interactions. We aimed to synthesize the literature while minimizing conjecture, but also to point out gaps in the literature and potential future research opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Simone
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Porto, Portugal
| | - Arie van der Meijden
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Porto, Portugal
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17
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Rádis-Baptista G. Cell-Penetrating Peptides Derived from Animal Venoms and Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:147. [PMID: 33671927 PMCID: PMC7919042 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) comprise a class of short polypeptides that possess the ability to selectively interact with the cytoplasmic membrane of certain cell types, translocate across plasma membranes and accumulate in the cell cytoplasm, organelles (e.g., the nucleus and mitochondria) and other subcellular compartments. CPPs are either of natural origin or de novo designed and synthesized from segments and patches of larger proteins or designed by algorithms. With such intrinsic properties, along with membrane permeation, translocation and cellular uptake properties, CPPs can intracellularly convey diverse substances and nanomaterials, such as hydrophilic organic compounds and drugs, macromolecules (nucleic acids and proteins), nanoparticles (nanocrystals and polyplexes), metals and radionuclides, which can be covalently attached via CPP N- and C-terminals or through preparation of CPP complexes. A cumulative number of studies on animal toxins, primarily isolated from the venom of arthropods and snakes, have revealed the cell-penetrating activities of venom peptides and toxins, which can be harnessed for application in biomedicine and pharmaceutical biotechnology. In this review, I aimed to collate examples of peptides from animal venoms and toxic secretions that possess the ability to penetrate diverse types of cells. These venom CPPs have been chemically or structurally modified to enhance cell selectivity, bioavailability and a range of target applications. Herein, examples are listed and discussed, including cysteine-stabilized and linear, α-helical peptides, with cationic and amphipathic character, from the venom of insects (e.g., melittin, anoplin, mastoparans), arachnids (latarcin, lycosin, chlorotoxin, maurocalcine/imperatoxin homologs and wasabi receptor toxin), fish (pardaxins), amphibian (bombesin) and snakes (crotamine and cathelicidins).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil
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18
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Miyashita M, Mitani N, Kitanaka A, Yakio M, Chen M, Nishimoto S, Uchiyama H, Sue M, Hotta H, Nakagawa Y, Miyagawa H. Identification of an antiviral component from the venom of the scorpion Liocheles australasiae using transcriptomic and mass spectrometric analyses. Toxicon 2020; 191:25-37. [PMID: 33340503 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains a variety of biologically active peptides. Among them, neurotoxins are major components in the venom, but it also contains peptides that show antimicrobial activity. Previously, we identified three insecticidal peptides from the venom of the Liocheles australasiae scorpion, but activities and structures of other venom components remained unknown. In this study, we performed a transcriptome analysis of the venom gland of the scorpion L. australasiae to gain a comprehensive understanding of its venom components. The result shows that potassium channel toxin-like peptides were the most diverse, whereas only a limited number of sodium channel toxin-like peptides were observed. In addition to these neurotoxin-like peptides, many non-disulfide-bridged peptides were identified, suggesting that these components have some critical roles in the L. australasiae venom. In this study, we also isolated a component with antiviral activity against hepatitis C virus using a bioassay-guided fractionation approach. By integrating mass spectrometric and transcriptomic data, we successfully identified LaPLA2-1 as an anti-HCV component. LaPLA2-1 is a phospholipase A2 having a heterodimeric structure that is N-glycosylated at the N-terminal region. Since the antiviral activity of LaPLA2-1 was inhibited by a PLA2 inhibitor, the enzymatic activity of LaPLA2-1 is likely to be involved in its antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Miyashita
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
| | - Naoya Mitani
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kitanaka
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Mao Yakio
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Ming Chen
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Sachiko Nishimoto
- Faculty of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Konan Women's University, Kobe, 658-0001, Japan
| | - Hironobu Uchiyama
- NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sue
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Hak Hotta
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan; Faculty of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Konan Women's University, Kobe, 658-0001, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hisashi Miyagawa
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
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19
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A New Group II Phospholipase A2 from Walterinnesia aegyptia Venom with Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Cytotoxic Potential. Processes (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/pr8121560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many venomous species, especially snakes, contain a variety of secreted phospholipases A2 that contribute to venom toxicity and prey digestion. We characterized a novel highly toxic phospholipase A2 of group II, WaPLA2-II, from the snake venom of Saudi Walterinnesia aegyptia (W. aegyptia). The enzyme was purified using a reverse phase C18 column. It is a monomeric protein with a molecular weight of approximately 14 kDa and an NH2-terminal amino acid sequence exhibiting similarity to the PLA2 group II enzymes. WaPLA2-II, which contains 2.5% (w/w) glycosylation, reached a maximal specific activity of 1250 U/mg at pH 9.5 and 55 °C in the presence of Ca2+ and bile salts. WaPLA2-II was also highly stable over a large pH and temperature range. A strong correlation between antimicrobial and indirect hemolytic activities of WaPLA2 was observed. Additionally, WaPLA2-II was found to be significantly cytotoxic only on cancerous cells. However, chemical modification with para-Bromophenacyl bromide (p-BPB) inhibited WaPLA2-II enzymatic activity without affecting its antitumor effect, suggesting the presence of a separate ‘pharmacological site’ in snake venom phospholipase A2 via its receptor binding affinity. This enzyme is a candidate for applications including the treatment of phospholipid-rich industrial effluents and for the food production industry. Furthermore, it may represent a new therapeutic lead molecule for treating cancer and microbial infections.
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Evans ERJ, McIntyre L, Northfield TD, Daly NL, Wilson DT. Small Molecules in the Venom of the Scorpion Hormurus waigiensis. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E259. [PMID: 32751897 PMCID: PMC7459668 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8080259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite scorpion stings posing a significant public health issue in particular regions of the world, certain aspects of scorpion venom chemistry remain poorly described. Although there has been extensive research into the identity and activity of scorpion venom peptides, non-peptide small molecules present in the venom have received comparatively little attention. Small molecules can have important functions within venoms; for example, in some spider species the main toxic components of the venom are acylpolyamines. Other molecules can have auxiliary effects that facilitate envenomation, such as purines with hypotensive properties utilised by snakes. In this study, we investigated some non-peptide small molecule constituents of Hormurus waigiensis venom using LC/MS, reversed-phase HPLC, and NMR spectroscopy. We identified adenosine, adenosine monophosphate (AMP), and citric acid within the venom, with low quantities of the amino acids glutamic acid and aspartic acid also being present. Purine nucleosides such as adenosine play important auxiliary functions in snake venoms when injected alongside other venom toxins, and they may have a similar role within H. waigiensis venom. Further research on these and other small molecules in scorpion venoms may elucidate their roles in prey capture and predator defence, and gaining a greater understanding of how scorpion venom components act in combination could allow for the development of improved first aid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward R. J. Evans
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, AITHM, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.J.E.); (N.L.D.)
| | - Lachlan McIntyre
- Independent Researcher, P.O. Box 78, Bamaga, QLD 4876, Australia;
| | - Tobin D. Northfield
- Department of Entomology, Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, Washington State University, Wenatchee, WA 98801, USA;
| | - Norelle L. Daly
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, AITHM, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.J.E.); (N.L.D.)
| | - David T. Wilson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, AITHM, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.J.E.); (N.L.D.)
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