1
|
Chiappa G, Fassio G, Modica MV, Oliverio M. Potential Ancestral Conoidean Toxins in the Venom Cocktail of the Carnivorous Snail Raphitoma purpurea (Montagu, 1803) (Neogastropoda: Raphitomidae). Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:348. [PMID: 39195758 PMCID: PMC11359391 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16080348] [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: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Venomous marine gastropods of the superfamily Conoidea possess a rich arsenal of toxins, including neuroactive toxins. Venom adaptations might have played a fundamental role in the radiation of conoideans; nevertheless, there is still no knowledge about the venom of the most diversified family of the group: Raphitomidae Bellardi, 1875. In this study, transcriptomes were produced from the carcase, salivary glands, and proximal and distal venom ducts of the northeastern Atlantic species Raphitoma purpurea (Montagu, 1803). Using a gut barcoding approach, we were also able to report, for the first time, molecular evidence of a vermivorous diet for the genus. Transcriptomic analyses revealed over a hundred putative venom components (PVC), including 69 neurotoxins. Twenty novel toxin families, including some with high levels of expansion, were discovered. No significant difference was observed between the distal and proximal venom duct secretions. Peptides related to cone snail toxins (Cerm06, Pgam02, and turritoxin) and other venom-related proteins (disulfide isomerase and elevenin) were retrieved from the salivary glands. These salivary venom components may constitute ancestral adaptations for venom production in conoideans. Although often neglected, salivary gland secretions are of extreme importance for understanding the evolutionary history of conoidean venom.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Chiappa
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 32, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (M.O.)
| | - Giulia Fassio
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 32, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (M.O.)
| | - Maria Vittoria Modica
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Gregorio Allegri 1, 00198 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marco Oliverio
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 32, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (M.O.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Roller L, Daubnerová I, Mizoguchi A, Satake H, Tanaka Y, Stano M, Klucar L, Žitňan D. Expression analysis of peptidergic enteroendocrine cells in the silkworm Bombyx mori. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 389:385-407. [PMID: 35829810 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03666-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Enteroendocrine cells (ECs) in the insect midgut respond to physiological changes in the intestine by releasing multiple peptides to control food intake, gastrointestinal activity and systemic metabolism. Here, we performed a comprehensive mapping of ECs producing different regulatory peptides in the larval midgut of Bombyx mori. In total, we identified 20 peptide genes expressed in different ECs in specific regions of the midgut. Transcript-specific in situ hybridisation combined with antibody staining revealed approximately 30 subsets of ECs, each producing a unique peptide or a combination of several different peptides. Functional significance of this diversity and specific roles of different enteroendocrine peptides are largely unknown. Results of this study highlight the importance of the midgut as a major endocrine/paracrine source of regulatory molecules in insects and provide important information to clarify functions of ECs during larval feeding and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ladislav Roller
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences SAS, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Ivana Daubnerová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Akira Mizoguchi
- Division of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Aichi Gakuin University, Nisshin, Aichi, Japan
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Tanaka
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Matej Stano
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lubos Klucar
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Dušan Žitňan
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fernandes FF, Moraes JR, Santos JLD, Soares TG, Gouveia VJP, Matavel ACS, Borges WDC, Cordeiro MDN, Figueiredo SG, Borges MH. Comparative venomic profiles of three spiders of the genus Phoneutria. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20210042. [PMID: 35283937 PMCID: PMC8875809 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Spider venoms induce different physio-pharmacological effects by binding
with high affinity on molecular targets, therefore being of biotechnological
interest. Some of these toxins, acting on different types of ion channels,
have been identified in the venom of spiders of the genus
Phoneutria, mainly from P.
nigriventer. In spite of the pharmaceutical potential demonstrated
by P. nigriventer toxins, there is limited information on
molecules from venoms of the same genus, as their toxins remain poorly
characterized. Understanding this diversity and clarifying the differences
in the mechanisms of action of spider toxins is of great importance for
establishing their true biotechnological potential. This prompted us to
compare three different venoms of the Phoneutria genus:
P. nigriventer (Pn-V), P. eickstedtae
(Pe-V) and P. pertyi (Pp-V). Methods: Biochemical and functional comparison of the venoms were carried out by
SDS-PAGE, HPLC, mass spectrometry, enzymatic activities and
electrophysiological assays (whole-cell patch clamp). Results: The employed approach revealed that all three venoms had an overall
similarity in their components, with only minor differences. The presence of
a high number of similar proteins was evident, particularly toxins in the
mass range of ~6.0 kDa. Hyaluronidase and proteolytic activities were
detected in all venoms, in addition to isoforms of the toxins Tx1 and Tx2-6.
All Tx1 isoforms blocked Nav1.6 ion currents, with slight differences. Conclusion: Our findings showed that Pn-V, Pe-V and Pp-V are highly similar concerning
protein composition and enzymatic activities, containing isoforms of the
same toxins sharing high sequence homology, with minor modifications.
However, these structural and functional variations are very important for
venom diversity. In addition, our findings will contribute to the
comprehension of the molecular diversity of the venoms of the other species
from Phoneutria genus, exposing their biotechnological
potential as a source for searching for new active molecules.
Collapse
|
4
|
Thiel D, Guerra LAY, Franz-Wachtel M, Hejnol A, Jékely G. Nemertean, brachiopod and phoronid neuropeptidomics reveals ancestral spiralian signalling systems. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:4847-4866. [PMID: 34272863 PMCID: PMC8557429 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides are diverse signaling molecules in animals commonly acting through G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Neuropeptides and their receptors underwent extensive diversification in bilaterians and the relationships of many peptide–receptor systems have been clarified. However, we lack a detailed picture of neuropeptide evolution in lophotrochozoans as in-depth studies only exist for mollusks and annelids. Here, we analyze peptidergic systems in Nemertea, Brachiopoda, and Phoronida. We screened transcriptomes from 13 nemertean, 6 brachiopod, and 4 phoronid species for proneuropeptides and neuropeptide GPCRs. With mass spectrometry from the nemertean Lineus longissimus, we validated several predicted peptides and identified novel ones. Molecular phylogeny combined with peptide-sequence and gene-structure comparisons allowed us to comprehensively map spiralian neuropeptide evolution. We found most mollusk and annelid peptidergic systems also in nemerteans, brachiopods, and phoronids. We uncovered previously hidden relationships including the orthologies of spiralian CCWamides to arthropod agatoxin-like peptides and of mollusk APGWamides to RGWamides from annelids, with ortholog systems in nemerteans, brachiopods, and phoronids. We found that pleurin neuropeptides previously only found in mollusks are also present in nemerteans and brachiopods. We also identified cases of gene family duplications and losses. These include a protostome-specific expansion of RFamide/Wamide signaling, a spiralian expansion of GnRH-related peptides, and duplications of vasopressin/oxytocin before the divergence of brachiopods, phoronids, and nemerteans. This analysis expands our knowledge of peptidergic signaling in spiralians and other protostomes. Our annotated data set of nearly 1,300 proneuropeptide sequences and 600 GPCRs presents a useful resource for further studies of neuropeptide signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Thiel
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, UK.,Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Mirita Franz-Wachtel
- Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Hejnol
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, 5006, Norway
| | - Gáspár Jékely
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hull JJ, Gross RJ, Brent CS, Christie AE. Filling in the gaps: A reevaluation of the Lygus hesperus peptidome using an expanded de novo assembled transcriptome and molecular cloning. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 303:113708. [PMID: 33388363 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Peptides are the largest and most diverse class of molecules modulating physiology and behavior. Previously, we predicted a peptidome for the western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus, using transcriptomic data produced from whole individuals. A potential limitation of that analysis was the masking of underrepresented genes, in particular tissue-specific transcripts. Here, we reassessed the L. hesperus peptidome using a more comprehensive dataset comprised of the previous transcriptomic data as well as tissue-specific reads produced from heads and accessory glands. This augmented assembly significantly improves coverage depth providing confirmatory transcripts for essentially all of the previously identified families and new transcripts encoding a number of new peptide precursors corresponding to 14 peptide families. Several families not targeted in our initial study were identified in the expanded assembly, including agatoxin-like peptide, CNMamide, neuropeptide-like precursor 1, and periviscerokinin. To increase confidence in the in silico data, open reading frames of a subset of the newly identified transcripts were amplified using RT-PCR and sequence validated. Further PCR-based profiling of the putative L. hesperus agatoxin-like peptide precursor revealed evidence of alternative splicing with near ubiquitous expression across L. hesperus development, suggesting the peptide serves functional roles beyond that of a toxin. The peptides predicted here, in combination with those identified in our earlier study, expand the L. hesperus peptidome to 42 family members and provide an improved platform for initiating molecular and physiological investigations into peptidergic functionality in this non-model agricultural pest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Joe Hull
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA.
| | - Roni J Gross
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA
| | - Colin S Brent
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA
| | - Andrew E Christie
- Békésy Laboratory of Neurobiology, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1993 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alvarado D, Cardoso-Arenas S, Corrales-García LL, Clement H, Arenas I, Montero-Dominguez PA, Olamendi-Portugal T, Zamudio F, Csoti A, Borrego J, Panyi G, Papp F, Corzo G. A Novel Insecticidal Spider Peptide that Affects the Mammalian Voltage-Gated Ion Channel hKv1.5. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:563858. [PMID: 33597864 PMCID: PMC7883638 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.563858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider venoms include various peptide toxins that modify the ion currents, mainly of excitable insect cells. Consequently, scientific research on spider venoms has revealed a broad range of peptide toxins with different pharmacological properties, even for mammal species. In this work, thirty animal venoms were screened against hKv1.5, a potential target for atrial fibrillation therapy. The whole venom of the spider Oculicosa supermirabilis, which is also insecticidal to house crickets, caused voltage-gated potassium ion channel modulation in hKv1.5. Therefore, a peptide from the spider O. supermirabilis venom, named Osu1, was identified through HPLC reverse-phase fractionation. Osu1 displayed similar biological properties as the whole venom; so, the primary sequence of Osu1 was elucidated by both of N-terminal degradation and endoproteolytic cleavage. Based on its primary structure, a gene that codifies for Osu1 was constructed de novo from protein to DNA by reverse translation. A recombinant Osu1 was expressed using a pQE30 vector inside the E. coli SHuffle expression system. recombinant Osu1 had voltage-gated potassium ion channel modulation of human hKv1.5, and it was also as insecticidal as the native toxin. Due to its novel primary structure, and hypothesized disulfide pairing motif, Osu1 may represent a new family of spider toxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Alvarado
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Samuel Cardoso-Arenas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Ligia-Luz Corrales-García
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
- Departamento de Alimentos, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Herlinda Clement
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Iván Arenas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Pavel Andrei Montero-Dominguez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Timoteo Olamendi-Portugal
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Fernando Zamudio
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Agota Csoti
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Jesús Borrego
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Papp
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Christie AE, Rivera CD, Call CM, Dickinson PS, Stemmler EA, Hull JJ. Multiple transcriptome mining coupled with tissue specific molecular cloning and mass spectrometry provide insights into agatoxin-like peptide conservation in decapod crustaceans. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 299:113609. [PMID: 32916171 PMCID: PMC7747469 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, in silico genome and transcriptome mining has led to the identification of many new crustacean peptide families, including the agatoxin-like peptides (ALPs), a group named for their structural similarity to agatoxin, a spider venom component. Here, analysis of publicly accessible transcriptomes was used to expand our understanding of crustacean ALPs. Specifically, transcriptome mining was used to investigate the phylogenetic/structural conservation, tissue localization, and putative functions of ALPs in decapod species. Transcripts encoding putative ALP precursors were identified from one or more members of the Penaeoidea (penaeid shrimp), Sergestoidea (sergestid shrimps), Caridea (caridean shrimp), Astacidea (clawed lobsters and freshwater crayfish), Achelata (spiny/slipper lobsters), and Brachyura (true crabs), suggesting a broad, and perhaps ubiquitous, conservation of ALPs in decapods. Comparison of the predicted mature structures of decapod ALPs revealed high levels of amino acid conservation, including eight identically conserved cysteine residues that presumably allow for the formation of four identically positioned disulfide bridges. All decapod ALPs are predicted to have amidated carboxyl-terminals. Two isoforms of ALP appear to be present in most decapod species, one 44 amino acids long and the other 42 amino acids in length, both likely generated by alternative splicing of a single gene. In carideans, a gene or terminal exon duplication appears to have occurred, with alternative splicing producing four ALPs, two 44 and two 42 amino acid isoforms. The identification of ALP precursor-encoding transcripts in nervous system-specific transcriptomes (e.g., Homarus americanus brain, eyestalk ganglia, and cardiac ganglion assemblies, finding confirmed using RT-PCR) suggests that members of this peptide family may serve as locally-released and/or hormonally-delivered neuromodulators in decapods. Their detection in testis- and hepatopancreas-specific transcriptomes suggests that members of the ALP family may also play roles in male reproduction and innate immunity/detoxification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Christie
- Békésy Laboratory of Neurobiology, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1993 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Cindy D Rivera
- Department of Chemistry, Bowdoin College, 6600 College Station, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
| | - Catherine M Call
- Department of Chemistry, Bowdoin College, 6600 College Station, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
| | - Patsy S Dickinson
- Department of Biology, Bowdoin College, 6500 College Station, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Stemmler
- Department of Chemistry, Bowdoin College, 6600 College Station, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
| | - J Joe Hull
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schendel V, Rash LD, Jenner RA, Undheim EAB. The Diversity of Venom: The Importance of Behavior and Venom System Morphology in Understanding Its Ecology and Evolution. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E666. [PMID: 31739590 PMCID: PMC6891279 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11110666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms are one of the most convergent of animal traits known, and encompass a much greater taxonomic and functional diversity than is commonly appreciated. This knowledge gap limits the potential of venom as a model trait in evolutionary biology. Here, we summarize the taxonomic and functional diversity of animal venoms and relate this to what is known about venom system morphology, venom modulation, and venom pharmacology, with the aim of drawing attention to the importance of these largely neglected aspects of venom research. We find that animals have evolved venoms at least 101 independent times and that venoms play at least 11 distinct ecological roles in addition to predation, defense, and feeding. Comparisons of different venom systems suggest that morphology strongly influences how venoms achieve these functions, and hence is an important consideration for understanding the molecular evolution of venoms and their toxins. Our findings also highlight the need for more holistic studies of venom systems and the toxins they contain. Greater knowledge of behavior, morphology, and ecologically relevant toxin pharmacology will improve our understanding of the evolution of venoms and their toxins, and likely facilitate exploration of their potential as sources of molecular tools and therapeutic and agrochemical lead compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Schendel
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Lachlan D. Rash
- School of Biomedical Sciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Ronald A. Jenner
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK;
| | - Eivind A. B. Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Spider Venom: Components, Modes of Action, and Novel Strategies in Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11100611. [PMID: 31652611 PMCID: PMC6832493 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This review gives an overview on the development of research on spider venoms with a focus on structure and function of venom components and techniques of analysis. Major venom component groups are small molecular mass compounds, antimicrobial (also called cytolytic, or cationic) peptides (only in some spider families), cysteine-rich (neurotoxic) peptides, and enzymes and proteins. Cysteine-rich peptides are reviewed with respect to various structural motifs, their targets (ion channels, membrane receptors), nomenclature, and molecular binding. We further describe the latest findings concerning the maturation of antimicrobial, and cysteine-rich peptides that are in most known cases expressed as propeptide-containing precursors. Today, venom research, increasingly employs transcriptomic and mass spectrometric techniques. Pros and cons of venom gland transcriptome analysis with Sanger, 454, and Illumina sequencing are discussed and an overview on so far published transcriptome studies is given. In this respect, we also discuss the only recently described cross contamination arising from multiplexing in Illumina sequencing and its possible impacts on venom studies. High throughput mass spectrometric analysis of venom proteomes (bottom-up, top-down) are reviewed.
Collapse
|
10
|
Affiliation(s)
- Olena Filchakova
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu K, Wang M, Jiang L, Tang X, Liu Z, Zhou Z, Hu W, Duan Z, Liang S. Structural Foundation for Insect-Selective Activity of Acylpolyamine Toxins from Spider Araneus ventricosus. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:659-667. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.8b00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Liping Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Xing Tang
- College of Life Science and Environment, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang 421002, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Neurobiology and therapeutic applications of neurotoxins targeting transmitter release. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 193:135-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
13
|
Monge-Fuentes V, Arenas C, Galante P, Gonçalves JC, Mortari MR, Schwartz EF. Arthropod toxins and their antinociceptive properties: From venoms to painkillers. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 188:176-185. [PMID: 29605457 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The complex process of pain control commonly involves the use of systemic analgesics; however, in many cases, a more potent and effective polypharmacological approach is needed to promote clinically significant improvement. Additionally, considering side effects caused by current painkillers, drug discovery is once more turning to nature as a source of more efficient therapeutic alternatives. In this context, arthropod venoms contain a vast array of bioactive substances that have evolved to selectively bind to specific pharmacological targets involved in the pain signaling pathway, playing an important role as pain activators or modulators, the latter serving as promising analgesic agents. The current review explores how the pain pathway works and surveys neuroactive compounds obtained from arthropods' toxins, which function as pain modulators through their interaction with specific ion channels and membrane receptors, emerging as promising candidates for drug design and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Monge-Fuentes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Claudia Arenas
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Galante
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Coimbra Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sturm S, Ramesh D, Brockmann A, Neupert S, Predel R. Agatoxin-like peptides in the neuroendocrine system of the honey bee and other insects. J Proteomics 2016; 132:77-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|
15
|
Aksenov AV, Aksenov NA, Dzhandigova ZV, Aksenov DA, Voskressensky LG, Nenajdenko VG, Rubin M. Direct reductive coupling of indoles to nitrostyrenes en route to (indol-3-yl)acetamides. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra21399e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A highly efficient one-pot method for the reductive coupling of indoles to nitrostyrenes in PPA doped with PCl3 was developed. This method allows direct access to primary (indol-3-yl)acetamides, interesting as anti-cancer drug candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V. Aksenov
- Department of Chemistry
- North Caucasus Federal University
- Stavropol 355009
- Russian Federation
| | - Nicolai A. Aksenov
- Department of Chemistry
- North Caucasus Federal University
- Stavropol 355009
- Russian Federation
- Department of Organic Chemistry
| | - Zarema V. Dzhandigova
- Department of Chemistry
- North Caucasus Federal University
- Stavropol 355009
- Russian Federation
| | - Dmitrii A. Aksenov
- Department of Chemistry
- North Caucasus Federal University
- Stavropol 355009
- Russian Federation
| | - Leonid G. Voskressensky
- Department of Organic Chemistry
- People's Friendship University of Russia
- Moscow
- Russian Federation
| | | | - Michael Rubin
- Department of Chemistry
- North Caucasus Federal University
- Stavropol 355009
- Russian Federation
- Department of Chemistry
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
ω-Tbo-IT1-New Inhibitor of Insect Calcium Channels Isolated from Spider Venom. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17232. [PMID: 26611444 PMCID: PMC4661699 DOI: 10.1038/srep17232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel disulfide-containing polypeptide toxin was discovered in the venom of the Tibellus oblongus spider. We report on isolation, spatial structure determination and electrophysiological characterization of this 41-residue toxin, called ω-Tbo-IT1. It has an insect-toxic effect with LD50 19 μg/g in experiments on house fly Musca domestica larvae and with LD50 20 μg/g on juvenile Gromphadorhina portentosa cockroaches. Electrophysiological experiments revealed a reversible inhibition of evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents in blow fly Calliphora vicina neuromuscular junctions, while parameters of spontaneous ones were not affected. The inhibition was concentration dependent, with IC50 value 40 ± 10 nM and Hill coefficient 3.4 ± 0.3. The toxin did not affect frog neuromuscular junctions or glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission in rat brains. Ca(2+) currents in Calliphora vicina muscle were not inhibited, whereas in Periplaneta americana cockroach neurons at least one type of voltage gated Ca(2+) current was inhibited by ω-Tbo-IT1. Thus, the toxin apparently acts as an inhibitor of presynaptic insect Ca(2+) channels. Spatial structure analysis of the recombinant ω-Tbo-IT1 by NMR spectroscopy in aqueous solution revealed that the toxin comprises the conventional ICK fold containing an extended β-hairpin loop and short β-hairpin loop which are capable of making "scissors-like mutual motions".
Collapse
|
17
|
Aboye TL, Strömstedt AA, Gunasekera S, Bruhn JG, El-Seedi H, Rosengren KJ, Göransson U. A Cactus-Derived Toxin-Like Cystine Knot Peptide with Selective Antimicrobial Activity. Chembiochem 2015; 16:1068-77. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201402704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
18
|
Zhang YY, Huang Y, He QZ, Luo J, Zhu L, Lu SS, Liu JY, Huang PF, Zeng XZ, Liang SP. Structural and Functional Diversity of Peptide Toxins from Tarantula Haplopelma hainanum (Ornithoctonus hainana) Venom Revealed by Transcriptomic, Peptidomic, and Patch Clamp Approaches. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:14192-207. [PMID: 25770214 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.635458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider venom is a complex mixture of bioactive peptides to subdue their prey. Early estimates suggested that over 400 venom peptides are produced per species. In order to investigate the mechanisms responsible for this impressive diversity, transcriptomics based on second generation high throughput sequencing was combined with peptidomic assays to characterize the venom of the tarantula Haplopelma hainanum. The genes expressed in the venom glands were identified, and the bioactivity of their protein products was analyzed using the patch clamp technique. A total of 1,136 potential toxin precursors were identified that clustered into 90 toxin groups, of which 72 were novel. The toxin peptides clustered into 20 cysteine scaffolds that included between 4 and 12 cysteines, and 14 of these groups were newly identified in this spider. Highly abundant toxin peptide transcripts were present and resulted from hypermutation and/or fragment insertion/deletion. In combination with variable post-translational modifications, this genetic variability explained how a limited set of genes can generate hundreds of toxin peptides in venom glands. Furthermore, the intraspecies venom variability illustrated the dynamic nature of spider venom and revealed how complex components work together to generate diverse bioactivities that facilitate adaptation to changing environments, types of prey, and milking regimes in captivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ya Zhang
- From the Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China and
| | - Yong Huang
- the State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 Dong-Da Street, Fengtai District, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Quan-Ze He
- From the Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China and
| | - Ji Luo
- From the Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China and
| | - Li Zhu
- From the Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China and
| | - Shan-Shan Lu
- From the Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China and
| | - Jin-Yan Liu
- From the Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China and
| | - Peng-Fei Huang
- From the Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China and
| | - Xiong-Zhi Zeng
- From the Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China and
| | - Song-Ping Liang
- From the Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China and
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Berkut AA, Peigneur S, Myshkin MY, Paramonov AS, Lyukmanova EN, Arseniev AS, Grishin EV, Tytgat J, Shenkarev ZO, Vassilevski AA. Structure of membrane-active toxin from crab spider Heriaeus melloteei suggests parallel evolution of sodium channel gating modifiers in Araneomorphae and Mygalomorphae. J Biol Chem 2014; 290:492-504. [PMID: 25352595 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.595678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a structural and functional study of a sodium channel activation inhibitor from crab spider venom. Hm-3 is an insecticidal peptide toxin consisting of 35 amino acid residues from the spider Heriaeus melloteei (Thomisidae). We produced Hm-3 recombinantly in Escherichia coli and determined its structure by NMR spectroscopy. Typical for spider toxins, Hm-3 was found to adopt the so-called "inhibitor cystine knot" or "knottin" fold stabilized by three disulfide bonds. Its molecule is amphiphilic with a hydrophobic ridge on the surface enriched in aromatic residues and surrounded by positive charges. Correspondingly, Hm-3 binds to both neutral and negatively charged lipid vesicles. Electrophysiological studies showed that at a concentration of 1 μm Hm-3 effectively inhibited a number of mammalian and insect sodium channels. Importantly, Hm-3 shifted the dependence of channel activation to more positive voltages. Moreover, the inhibition was voltage-dependent, and strong depolarizing prepulses attenuated Hm-3 activity. The toxin is therefore concluded to represent the first sodium channel gating modifier from an araneomorph spider and features a "membrane access" mechanism of action. Its amino acid sequence and position of the hydrophobic cluster are notably different from other known gating modifiers from spider venom, all of which are described from mygalomorph species. We hypothesize parallel evolution of inhibitor cystine knot toxins from Araneomorphae and Mygalomorphae suborders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonina A Berkut
- From the M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 117303 Moscow, Russia, and
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mikhail Yu Myshkin
- From the M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 117303 Moscow, Russia, and
| | - Alexander S Paramonov
- From the M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina N Lyukmanova
- From the M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander S Arseniev
- From the M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 117303 Moscow, Russia, and
| | - Eugene V Grishin
- From the M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zakhar O Shenkarev
- From the M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- From the M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nørager NG, Poulsen MH, Jensen AG, Jeppesen NS, Kristensen AS, Strømgaard K. Structure–Activity Relationship Studies of N-Methylated and N-Hydroxylated Spider Polyamine Toxins as Inhibitors of Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors. J Med Chem 2014; 57:4940-9. [DOI: 10.1021/jm5004705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Niels G. Nørager
- Department of Drug Design
and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette H. Poulsen
- Department of Drug Design
and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna G. Jensen
- Department of Drug Design
and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nanna S. Jeppesen
- Department of Drug Design
and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders S. Kristensen
- Department of Drug Design
and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Strømgaard
- Department of Drug Design
and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Venoms are evolutionarily fine-tuned mixtures of small molecules, peptides, and proteins-referred to as toxins-that have evolved to specifically modulate and interfere with the function of diverse molecular targets within the envenomated animal. Many of the identified toxin targets are membrane receptors and ion channels. Due to their high specificity, toxins have emerged as an invaluable tool set for the molecular characterization of ion channels, and a selected group of toxins even have been developed into therapeutics. More recently, TRP ion channels have been included as targets for venomous toxins. In particular, a number of apparently unrelated peptide toxins target the capsaicin receptor TRPV1 to produce inflammatory pain. These toxins have turned out to be invaluable for structural and functional characterizations of the capsaicin receptor. If toxins will serve similar roles for other TRP ion channels, only future will tell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Siemens
- Department of Pharmacology, University Clinic Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany,
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
A novel ICK peptide from the Loxosceles intermedia (brown spider) venom gland: Cloning, heterologous expression and immunological cross-reactivity approaches. Toxicon 2013; 71:147-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
23
|
Klint JK, Senff S, Rupasinghe DB, Er SY, Herzig V, Nicholson GM, King GF. Spider-venom peptides that target voltage-gated sodium channels: Pharmacological tools and potential therapeutic leads. Toxicon 2012; 60:478-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.04.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 04/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
24
|
Abstract
Venoms and toxins are of significant interest due to their ability to cause a wide range of pathophysiological conditions that can potentially result in death. Despite their wide distribution among plants and animals, the biochemical pathways associated with these pathogenic agents remain largely unexplored. Impoverished and underdeveloped regions appear especially susceptible to increased incidence and severity due to poor socioeconomic conditions and lack of appropriate medical treatment infrastructure. To facilitate better management and treatment of envenomation victims, it is essential that the biochemical mechanisms of their action be elucidated. This review aims to characterize downstream envenomation mechanisms by addressing the major neuro-, cardio-, and hemotoxins as well as ion-channel toxins. Because of their use in folk and traditional medicine, the biochemistry behind venom therapy and possible implications on conventional medicine will also be addressed.
Collapse
|
25
|
Schwartz EF, Mourão CBF, Moreira KG, Camargos TS, Mortari MR. Arthropod venoms: A vast arsenal of insecticidal neuropeptides. Biopolymers 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.22100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
26
|
Sphingomyelinase D in sicariid spider venom is a potent insecticidal toxin. Toxicon 2012; 60:265-71. [PMID: 22561243 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.04.350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Spider venoms have evolved over hundreds of millions of years with a primary role of immobilizing prey. Sphingomyelinase D (SMase D) and homologs in the SicTox gene family are the most abundantly expressed toxic protein in venoms of Loxosceles and Sicarius spiders (Sicariidae). While SMase D is well known to cause dermonecrotic lesions in mammals, little work has investigated the bioactivity of this enzyme in its presumed natural role of immobilizing insect prey. We expressed and purified recombinant SMase D from Loxosceles arizonica (Laz-SMase D) and compared its enzymatic and insecticidal activity to that of crude venom. SMase D enzymatic activities of purified protein and crude venom from the same species were indistinguishable. In addition, SMase D and crude venom have comparable and high potency in immobilization assays on crickets. These data indicate that SMase D is a potent insecticidal toxin, the role for which it presumably evolved.
Collapse
|
27
|
Windley MJ, Herzig V, Dziemborowicz SA, Hardy MC, King GF, Nicholson GM. Spider-venom peptides as bioinsecticides. Toxins (Basel) 2012; 4:191-227. [PMID: 22741062 PMCID: PMC3381931 DOI: 10.3390/toxins4030191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Revised: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 10,000 arthropod species are currently considered to be pest organisms. They are estimated to contribute to the destruction of ~14% of the world's annual crop production and transmit many pathogens. Presently, arthropod pests of agricultural and health significance are controlled predominantly through the use of chemical insecticides. Unfortunately, the widespread use of these agrochemicals has resulted in genetic selection pressure that has led to the development of insecticide-resistant arthropods, as well as concerns over human health and the environment. Bioinsecticides represent a new generation of insecticides that utilise organisms or their derivatives (e.g., transgenic plants, recombinant baculoviruses, toxin-fusion proteins and peptidomimetics) and show promise as environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional agrochemicals. Spider-venom peptides are now being investigated as potential sources of bioinsecticides. With an estimated 100,000 species, spiders are one of the most successful arthropod predators. Their venom has proven to be a rich source of hyperstable insecticidal mini-proteins that cause insect paralysis or lethality through the modulation of ion channels, receptors and enzymes. Many newly characterized insecticidal spider toxins target novel sites in insects. Here we review the structure and pharmacology of these toxins and discuss the potential of this vast peptide library for the discovery of novel bioinsecticides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique J. Windley
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Broadway NSW 2007, Australia; (M.J.W.); (S.A.D.)
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia; (V.H.); (M.C.H.)
| | - Sławomir A. Dziemborowicz
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Broadway NSW 2007, Australia; (M.J.W.); (S.A.D.)
| | - Margaret C. Hardy
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia; (V.H.); (M.C.H.)
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia; (V.H.); (M.C.H.)
| | - Graham M. Nicholson
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Broadway NSW 2007, Australia; (M.J.W.); (S.A.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Olsen CA, Kristensen AS, Strømgaard K. Niedermolekulare Verbindungen aus Spinnen als chemische Sensoren. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201101599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
29
|
Olsen CA, Kristensen AS, Strømgaard K. Small molecules from spiders used as chemical probes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2011; 50:11296-311. [PMID: 22034051 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201101599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Spiders are important species in ecological systems and as major predators of insects they are endowed with a plethora of low-molecular-weight natural products having intriguing biological activities. The isolation and biological characterization of these entities are well established, however, only very recently have these compounds been used as templates for the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of synthetic analogues. In contrast, the investigation of compounds responsible for chemical communication between spiders is far less developed, but recently new light has been shed onto the area of pheromones and allomones from spiders. Herein, we recapitulate these recent results, put them into perspective with previous findings, and provide an outlook for future studies of these chemotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian A Olsen
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Peptide neurotoxins that affect voltage-gated calcium channels: a close-up on ω-agatoxins. Toxins (Basel) 2011; 3:17-42. [PMID: 22069688 PMCID: PMC3210452 DOI: 10.3390/toxins3010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2010] [Revised: 12/23/2010] [Accepted: 12/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide neurotoxins found in animal venoms have gained great interest in the field of neurotransmission. As they are high affinity ligands for calcium, potassium and sodium channels, they have become useful tools for studying channel structure and activity. Peptide neurotoxins represent the clinical potential of ion-channel modulators across several therapeutic fields, especially in developing new strategies for treatment of ion channel-related diseases. The aim of this review is to overview the latest updates in the domain of peptide neurotoxins that affect voltage-gated calcium channels, with a special focus on ω-agatoxins.
Collapse
|
31
|
Vassilevski AA, Kozlov SA, Grishin EV. Molecular diversity of spider venom. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2010; 74:1505-34. [PMID: 20210706 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297909130069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spider venom, a factor that has played a decisive role in the evolution of one of the most successful groups of living organisms, is reviewed. Unique molecular diversity of venom components including substances of variable structure (from simple low molecular weight compounds to large multidomain proteins) with different functions is considered. Special attention is given to the structure, properties, and biosynthesis of toxins of polypeptide nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Billen B, Vassilevski A, Nikolsky A, Debaveye S, Tytgat J, Grishin E. Unique bell-shaped voltage-dependent modulation of Na+ channel gating by novel insect-selective toxins from the spider Agelena orientalis. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:18545-54. [PMID: 20385552 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.125211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider venoms provide a highly valuable source of peptide toxins that act on a wide diversity of membrane-bound receptors and ion channels. In this work, we report isolation, biochemical analysis, and pharmacological characterization of a novel family of spider peptide toxins, designated beta/delta-agatoxins. These toxins consist of 36-38 amino acid residues and originate from the venom of the agelenid funnel-web spider Agelena orientalis. The presented toxins show considerable amino acid sequence similarity to other known toxins such as mu-agatoxins, curtatoxins, and delta-palutoxins-IT from the related spiders Agelenopsis aperta, Hololena curta, and Paracoelotes luctuosus. beta/delta-Agatoxins modulate the insect Na(V) channel (DmNa(V)1/tipE) in a unique manner, with both the activation and inactivation processes being affected. The voltage dependence of activation is shifted toward more hyperpolarized potentials (analogous to site 4 toxins) and a non-inactivating persistent Na(+) current is induced (site 3-like action). Interestingly, both effects take place in a voltage-dependent manner, producing a bell-shaped curve between -80 and 0 mV, and they are absent in mammalian Na(V) channels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed report of peptide toxins with such a peculiar pharmacological behavior, clearly indicating that traditional classification of toxins according to their binding sites may not be as exclusive as previously assumed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bert Billen
- Laboratory of Toxicology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg O&N2, Herestraat 49, PO Box 922, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nikolsky AS, Billen B, Vassilevski AA, Filkin SY, Tytgat J, Grishin EV. Voltage-gated sodium channels are targets for toxins from the venom of the spider Heriaeus melloteei. BIOCHEMISTRY MOSCOW SUPPLEMENT SERIES A-MEMBRANE AND CELL BIOLOGY 2009. [DOI: 10.1134/s1990747809030027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
34
|
|
35
|
Matavel A, Fleury C, Oliveira LC, Molina F, de Lima ME, Cruz JS, Cordeiro MN, Richardson M, Ramos CHI, Beirão PSL. Structure and activity analysis of two spider toxins that alter sodium channel inactivation kinetics. Biochemistry 2009; 48:3078-88. [PMID: 19231838 DOI: 10.1021/bi802158p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this work, Phoneutria nigriventer toxins PnTx2-5 and PnTx2-6 were shown to markedly delay the fast inactivation kinetics of neuronal-type sodium channels. Furthermore, our data show that they have significant differences in their interaction with the channel. PnTx2-6 has an affinity 6 times higher than that of PnTx2-5, and its effects are not reversible within 10-15 min of washing. PnTx2-6 partially (59%) competes with the scorpion alpha-toxin AaHII, but not with the scorpion beta-toxin CssIV, thus suggesting a mode of action similar to that of site 3 toxins. However, PnTx2-6 is not removed by strong depolarizing pulses, as in the known site 3 toxins. We have also established the correct PnTx2-5 amino acid sequence and confirmed the sequence of PnTx2-6, in both cases establishing that the cysteines are in their oxidized form. A structural model of each toxin is proposed. They show structures with poor alpha-helix content. The model is supported by experimental and theoretical tests. A likely binding region on PnTx2-5 and PnTx2-6 is proposed on the basis of their different affinities and sequence differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Matavel
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Corzo G, Diego-García E, Clement H, Peigneur S, Odell G, Tytgat J, Possani LD, Alagón A. An insecticidal peptide from the theraposid Brachypelma smithi spider venom reveals common molecular features among spider species from different genera. Peptides 2008; 29:1901-8. [PMID: 18687374 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2008] [Revised: 07/07/2008] [Accepted: 07/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The soluble venom of the Mexican theraposid spider Brachypelma smithi was screened for insecticidal peptides based on toxicity to house crickets. An insecticidal peptide, named Bs1 (which stands for Brachypelma smithi toxin 1) was obtained in homogeneous form after the soluble venom was fractionated using reverse-phase and cation-exchange chromatography. It contains 41 amino acids cross-linked by three disulfide bridges. Its sequence is similar to an insecticidal peptide isolated from the theraposid spider Ornithoctonus huwena from China, and another from the hexathelid spider Macrothelegigas from Japan, indicating that they are phylogenetically related. A cDNA library was prepared from the venomous glands of B. smithi and the gene that code for Bs1 was cloned. Sequence analysis of the nucleotides of Bs1 showed similarities to that of the hexathelid spider from Japan proving additional evidence for close genetic relationship between these spider peptides. The mRNAs of these toxins code for signal peptides that are processed at the segment rich in acidic and basic residues. Their C-terminal amino acids are amidated. However, they contain only a glycine residue at the most C-terminal position, without the presence of additional basic amino acid residues, normally required for post-translation processing of other toxins reported in the literature. The possible mechanism of action of Bs1 was investigated using several ion channels as putative receptors. Bs1 had minor, but significant effects on the Para/tipE insect ion channel, which could indirectly correlate with the observed lethal activity to crickets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM. Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos 61500, Mexico.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
|
38
|
Cordeiro MDN, Richardson M, Gilroy J, Figueiredo SGD, Beirão PSL, Diniz CR. Properties of the Venom from the South American ‘‘Armed'’ Spider Phoneutria Nigriventer (Keyserling, 1891). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/15569549509019466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
39
|
|
40
|
Billen B, Vassilevski A, Nikolsky A, Tytgat J, Grishin E. Two novel sodium channel inhibitors from Heriaeus melloteei spider venom differentially interacting with mammalian channel's isoforms. Toxicon 2008; 52:309-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2008] [Revised: 05/20/2008] [Accepted: 05/30/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
41
|
King GF, Gentz MC, Escoubas P, Nicholson GM. A rational nomenclature for naming peptide toxins from spiders and other venomous animals. Toxicon 2008; 52:264-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2008] [Revised: 05/23/2008] [Accepted: 05/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
42
|
BINFORD GRETAJ. Differences in venom composition between orb-weaving and wandering Hawaiian Tetragnatha (Araneae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2001.tb01415.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
43
|
Abstract
Many plant and animal toxins cause aversive behaviors in animals due to their pungent or unpleasant taste or because they cause other unpleasant senstations like pain. This article reviews the current state of knowledge of toxins that act at the TRPV1 ion channel, which is expressed in primary sensory neurons, is activated by multiple painful stimuli and is thought to be a key pain sensor and integrator. The recent finding that painful peptide "vanillotoxin" components of tarantula toxin activate the TRPV1 ion channel to cause pain led us to survey what is known about toxins that act at this receptor. Toxins from plants, spiders and jellyfish are considered. Where possible, structural information about sites of interaction is considered in relation to toxin-binding sites on the Kv ion channel, for which more structural information exists. We discuss a developing model where toxin agonists such as resiniferatoxin and vanillotoxins are proposed to interact with a region of TRPV1 that is homologous to the "voltage sensor" in the Kv1.2 ion channel, to open the channel and activate primary sensory nerves, causing pain.
Collapse
|
44
|
De Lima ME, Figueiredo SG, Pimenta AMC, Santos DM, Borges MH, Cordeiro MN, Richardson M, Oliveira LC, Stankiewicz M, Pelhate M. Peptides of arachnid venoms with insecticidal activity targeting sodium channels. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2007; 146:264-279. [PMID: 17218159 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2006.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2006] [Revised: 10/19/2006] [Accepted: 10/21/2006] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Arachnids have a venom apparatus and secrete a complex chemical mixture of low molecular mass organic molecules, enzymes and polypeptide neurotoxins designed to paralyze or kill their prey. Most of these toxins are specific for membrane voltage-gated sodium channels, although some may also target calcium or potassium channels and other membrane receptors. Scorpions and spiders have provided the greatest number of the neurotoxins studied so far, for which, a good number of primary and 3D structures have been obtained. Structural features, comprising a folding that determines a similar spatial distribution of charged and hydrophobic side chains of specific amino acids, are strikingly common among the toxins from spider and scorpion venoms. Such similarities are, in turn, the key feature to target and bind these proteins to ionic channels. The search for new insecticidal compounds, as well as the study of their modes of action, constitutes a current approach to rationally design novel insecticides. This goal tends to be more relevant if the resistance to the conventional chemical products is considered. A promising alternative seems to be the biotechnological approach using toxin-expressing recombinant baculovirus. Spider and scorpion toxins having insecticidal activity are reviewed here considering their structures, toxicities and action mechanisms in sodium channels of excitable membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M E De Lima
- Lab. Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil; Núcleo de Biomoléculas - Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
| | - S G Figueiredo
- Centro de Ciências Fisiológicas, CBM - Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brasil
| | - A M C Pimenta
- Lab. Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil; Núcleo de Biomoléculas - Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - D M Santos
- Lab. Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil; Núcleo de Biomoléculas - Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - M H Borges
- Lab. Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil; Centro de Pesquisa Prof. Carlos R. Diniz, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - M N Cordeiro
- Centro de Pesquisa Prof. Carlos R. Diniz, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - M Richardson
- Centro de Pesquisa Prof. Carlos R. Diniz, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - L C Oliveira
- Departamento de Farmácia Bioquímica - Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, 39100-000, Diamantina, MG, Brasil
| | - M Stankiewicz
- Laboratory of Biophysics - Institute of General and Molecular Biology, N. Copernicus University, 87-100, Torun, Poland
| | - M Pelhate
- Lab. Récepteurs et Canaux Ioniques Membranaires, Université d'Angers, 49045, Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Nicholson GM. Insect-selective spider toxins targeting voltage-gated sodium channels. Toxicon 2007; 49:490-512. [PMID: 17223149 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2006] [Accepted: 11/17/2006] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium (Na(v)) channel is a target for a number of drugs, insecticides and neurotoxins. These bind to at least seven identified neurotoxin binding sites and either block conductance or modulate Na(v) channel gating. A number of peptide neurotoxins from the venoms of araneomorph and mygalomorph spiders have been isolated and characterized and determined to interact with several of these sites. These all conform to an 'inhibitor cystine-knot' motif with structural, but not sequence homology, to a variety of other spider and marine snail toxins. Of these, spider toxins several show phyla-specificity and are being considered as lead compounds for the development of biopesticides. Hainantoxin-I appears to target site-1 to block Na(v) channel conductance. Magi 2 and Tx4(6-1) slow Na(v) channel inactivation via an interaction with site-3. The delta-palutoxins, and most likely mu-agatoxins and curtatoxins, target site-4. However, their action is complex with the mu-agatoxins causing a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage-dependence of activation, an action analogous to scorpion beta-toxins, but with both delta-palutoxins and mu-agatoxins slowing Na(v) channel inactivation, a site-3-like action. In addition, several other spider neurotoxins, such as delta-atracotoxins, are known to target both insect and vertebrate Na(v) channels most likely as a result of the conserved structures within domains of voltage-gated ion channels across phyla. These toxins may provide tools to establish the molecular determinants of invertebrate selectivity. These studies are being greatly assisted by the determination of the pharmacophore of these toxins, but without precise identification of their binding site and mode of action their potential in the above areas remains underdeveloped.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham M Nicholson
- Neurotoxin Research Group, Department of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Pereira LS, Silva PI, Miranda MTM, Almeida IC, Naoki H, Konno K, Daffre S. Structural and biological characterization of one antibacterial acylpolyamine isolated from the hemocytes of the spider Acanthocurria gomesiana. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 352:953-9. [PMID: 17157805 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.11.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2006] [Accepted: 11/27/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We have isolated a 417Da antibacterial molecule, named mygalin, from the hemocytes of the spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana. The structure of mygalin was elucidated by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and by two spectroscopic techniques, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. Mygalin was identified as bis-acylpolyamine N1,N8-bis(2,5-dihydroxybenzoyl)spermidine, in which the primary amino groups of the spermidine are acylated with the carboxyl group of the 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. Mygalin was active against Escherichia coli at 85muM, being this activity inhibited completely by catalase. Therefore, the antibacterial activity of mygalin was attributed to its production of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). The putative mechanisms of formation of H(2)O(2) from mygalin are discussed. To our knowledge this is the first report of one bis-acylpolyamine with antibacterial activity purified from animal source.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lourivaldo S Pereira
- Parasitology Department, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo University, Av Prof Lineu Prestes, 1374, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) channels are proton-gated cationic channels mainly expressed in central and peripheric nervous system and related to the epithelial amiloride-sensitive Na(+) channels and to the degenerin family of ion channels. ASICs comprise four proteins forming functional channel subunits (ASIC1a, ASIC1b, ASIC2a, and ASIC3) and two proteins (ASIC2b and ASIC4) without yet known activators. Functional channels are activated by external pH variations ranging from pH(0.5) 6.8 to 4.0 and currents are characterized by either rapid kinetics of inactivation (ASIC1a, ASIC1b, ASIC3) or slow kinetics of inactivation (ASIC2a) and sometimes the presence of a plateau phase (ASIC3). ASIC1a and ASIC3, which are expressed in nociceptive neurons, have been implicated in inflammation and knockout mice studies support the role of ASIC3 in various pain processes. ASIC1a seems more related to synaptic plasticity, memory, learning and fear conditioning in the CNS. ASIC2a contributes to hearing in the cochlea, sour taste sensation, and visual transduction in the retina. The pharmacology of ASICs is limited to rather nonselective drugs such as amiloride, nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs, and neuropeptides. Recently, two peptides, PcTx1 and APETx2, isolated from a spider and a sea anemone, have been characterized as selective and high-affinity inhibitors for ASIC1a and ASIC3 channels, respectively. PcTx1 inhibits ASIC1a homomers with an affinity of 0.7 nM (IC(50)) without any effect on ASIC1a containing heteromers and thus helped to characterize ASIC1a homomeric channels in peripheric and central neurons. PcTx1 acts as a gating modifier since it shifts the channel from the resting to an inactivated state by increasing its affinity for H(+). APETx2 is less selective since it inhibits several ASIC3-containing channels (IC(50) from 63 nM to 2 microM) and to date its mode of action is unknown. Nevertheless, APETx2 structure is related to other sea anemone peptides, which act as gating modifiers on Nav and Kv channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Diochot
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sophia-Antipolis, 660 Route des Lucioles, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
The complex nature of venom from spider species offers a unique natural source of potential pharmacological tools and therapeutic leads. The increased interest in spider venom molecules requires reproducible and precise identification methods. The current taxonomy of the Australian Funnel-web spiders is incomplete, and therefore, accurate identification of these spiders is difficult. Here, we present a study of venom from numerous morphologically similar specimens of the Hadronyche infensa species group collected from a variety of geographic locations in southeast Queensland. Analysis of the crude venoms using online reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (rp-HPLC/ESI-MS) revealed that the venom profiles provide a useful means of specimen identification, from the species level to species variants. Tables defining the descriptor molecules for each group of specimens were constructed and provided a quick reference of the relationship between one specimen and another. The study revealed that the morphologically similar specimens from the southeast Queensland region are a number of different species/species variants. Furthermore, the study supports aspects of the current taxonomy with respect to the H. infensa species group. Analysis of Australian Funnel-web spider venom by rp-HPLC/ESI-MS provides a rapid and accurate method of species/species variant identification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Wilson
- Xenome Ltd, P.O. Box 6295, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Kozlov S, Grishin E. Classification of spider neurotoxins using structural motifs by primary structure features. Single residue distribution analysis and pattern analysis techniques. Toxicon 2005; 46:672-86. [PMID: 16169031 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2005.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2005] [Revised: 07/12/2005] [Accepted: 07/13/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years the data on the novel structures of spider toxins have been greatly increasing. The sequence data should be classified. We introduced two primary structure analysis techniques-single residue distribution analysis (SRDA) and pattern analysis for classifying spider polypeptide toxins with molecular weight less than 10kDa. For multiple sequence alignment, we also introduced three novel sequence representation formats named as a simple record, motif record and a pattern record, which can be useful for large-scale analysis of structures. About 300 sequences of spider toxins were analyzed and nine primary structure motifs were identified. New classification of spider toxins was proposed on the basis of previously described principal structural motif (PSM) and extra structural motif (ESM) [Kozlov, S.A., Malyavka, A.A., McCutchen, B., Lu, A., Schepers, E., Herrmann, R., Grishin, E.V., 2005. A novel strategy for the identification of toxin-like structures in spider venom. Proteins 59 (1), 131-140]. Five main structural classes were revealed, and for putative ion channel inhibitors from the most numerous classes 1, 2, and 3, five-digital personal ID numbers were introduced. A reference table with simple, motif and pattern representation sequence formats was created for all analyzed structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Kozlov
- Neuroreceptors and Neuroregulators Department, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kitaguchi T, Swartz KJ. An Inhibitor of TRPV1 Channels Isolated from Funnel Web Spider Venom†. Biochemistry 2005; 44:15544-9. [PMID: 16300403 DOI: 10.1021/bi051494l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Capsaicin receptor channels (TRPV1) are nonselective cation channels that integrate multiple noxious stimuli in sensory neurons. In an effort to identify new inhibitors of these channels we screened a venom library for activity against TRPV1 channels and found robust inhibitory activity in venom from Agelenopsis aperta, a north American funnel web spider. Fractionation of the venom using reversed-phase HPLC resulted in the purification of two acylpolyamine toxins, AG489 and AG505, which inhibit TRPV1 channels from the extracellular side of the membrane. The activity of AG489 was characterized further, and the toxin was found to inhibit TRPV1 channels with a K(i) of 0.3 microM at -40 mV. Inhibition of TRPV1 channels by AG489 is strongly voltage-dependent, with relief of inhibition at positive voltages, consistent with the toxin inhibiting the channel through a pore-blocking mechanism. We used scanning mutagenesis throughout the TM5-TM6 linker, a region thought to form the outer pore of TRPV1 channels, to identify pore mutations that alter toxin affinity. Four mutants dramatically decrease toxin affinity and several mutants increase toxin affinity, consistent with the notion that the TM5-TM6 linker forms the outer vestibule of TRPV1 channels and that AG489 is a pore blocker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Kitaguchi
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Section, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|