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Shaikh NY, Sunagar K. The deep-rooted origin of disulfide-rich spider venom toxins. eLife 2023; 12:83761. [PMID: 36757362 PMCID: PMC10017107 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Spider venoms are a complex concoction of enzymes, polyamines, inorganic salts, and disulfide-rich peptides (DRPs). Although DRPs are widely distributed and abundant, their bevolutionary origin has remained elusive. This knowledge gap stems from the extensive molecular divergence of DRPs and a lack of sequence and structural data from diverse lineages. By evaluating DRPs under a comprehensive phylogenetic, structural and evolutionary framework, we have not only identified 78 novel spider toxin superfamilies but also provided the first evidence for their common origin. We trace the origin of these toxin superfamilies to a primordial knot - which we name 'Adi Shakti', after the creator of the Universe according to Hindu mythology - 375 MYA in the common ancestor of Araneomorphae and Mygalomorphae. As the lineages under evaluation constitute nearly 60% of extant spiders, our findings provide fascinating insights into the early evolution and diversification of the spider venom arsenal. Reliance on a single molecular toxin scaffold by nearly all spiders is in complete contrast to most other venomous animals that have recruited into their venoms diverse toxins with independent origins. By comparatively evaluating the molecular evolutionary histories of araneomorph and mygalomorph spider venom toxins, we highlight their contrasting evolutionary diversification rates. Our results also suggest that venom deployment (e.g. prey capture or self-defense) influences evolutionary diversification of DRP toxin superfamilies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naeem Yusuf Shaikh
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science BangaloreBengaluruIndia
| | - Kartik Sunagar
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science BangaloreBengaluruIndia
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2
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Luan N, Shen W, Liu J, Wen B, Lin Z, Yang S, Lai R, Liu S, Rong M. A Combinational Strategy upon RNA Sequencing and Peptidomics Unravels a Set of Novel Toxin Peptides in Scorpion Mesobuthus martensii. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8100286. [PMID: 27782050 PMCID: PMC5086646 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom is deemed to contain many toxic peptides as an important source of natural compounds. Out of the two hundred proteins identified in Mesobuthus martensii (M. martensii), only a few peptide toxins have been found so far. Herein, a combinational approach based upon RNA sequencing and Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS) was employed to explore the venom peptides in M. martensii. A total of 153 proteins were identified from the scorpion venom, 26 previously known and 127 newly identified. Of the novel toxins, 97 proteins exhibited sequence similarities to known toxins, and 30 were never reported. Combining peptidomic and transcriptomic analyses, the peptide sequence of BmKKx1 was reannotated and four disulfide bridges were confirmed within it. In light of the comparison of conservation and variety of toxin amino acid sequences, highly conserved and variable regions were perceived in 24 toxins that were parts of two sodium channel and two potassium channel toxins families. Taking all of this evidences together, the peptidomic analysis on M. martensii indeed identified numerous novel scorpion peptides, expanded our knowledge towards the venom diversity, and afforded a set of pharmaceutical candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Luan
- Life Sciences College of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wang Shen
- Life Sciences College of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jie Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- China National GeneBank-Shenzhen, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China.
| | - Bo Wen
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- China National GeneBank-Shenzhen, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China.
| | - Zhilong Lin
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- China National GeneBank-Shenzhen, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China.
| | - Shilong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China.
- United Laboratory of Natural Peptide of University of Science and Technology of China & Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China.
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China.
| | - Ren Lai
- Life Sciences College of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China.
- United Laboratory of Natural Peptide of University of Science and Technology of China & Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China.
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China.
| | - Siqi Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- China National GeneBank-Shenzhen, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China.
| | - Mingqiang Rong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China.
- United Laboratory of Natural Peptide of University of Science and Technology of China & Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China.
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China.
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3
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Chen L, Zhang J, Xu J, Wan L, Teng K, Xiang J, Zhang R, Huang Z, Liu Y, Li W, Liu X. rBmαTX14 Increases the Life Span and Promotes the Locomotion of Caenorhabditis Elegans. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161847. [PMID: 27611314 PMCID: PMC5017660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The scorpion has been extensively used in various pharmacological profiles or as food supplies. The exploration of scorpion venom has been reported due to the presence of recombinant peptides. rBmαTX14 is an α-neurotoxin extracted from the venom gland of the East Asian scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch and can affect ion channel conductance. Here, we investigated the functions of rBmαTX14 using the Caenorhabditis elegans model. Using western blot analysis, rBmαTX14 was shown to be expressed both in the cytoplasm and inclusion bodies in the E.coli Rosetta (DE3) strain. Circular dichroism spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that purified rBmαTX14 retained its biological structures. Next, feeding nematodes with E.coli Rosetta (DE3) expressing rBmαTX14 caused extension of the life span and promoted the locomotion of the nematodes. In addition, we identified several genes that play various roles in the life span and locomotion of C. elegans through microarray analysis and quantitative real-time PCR. Furthermore, if the amino acid site H15 of rBmαTX14 was mutated, rBmαTX14 no longer promoted the C. elegans life span. In conclusion, the results not only demonstrated the functions and mechanism of rBmαTX14 in C. elegans, but also provided the new sight in the utility of recombinant peptides from scorpion venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ju Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Lu Wan
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Kaixuan Teng
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jin Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zebo Huang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yongmei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wenhua Li
- School of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- * E-mail:
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4
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He Y, Zou X, Li X, Chen J, Jin L, Zhang F, Yu B, Cao Z. Activation of sodium channels by α-scorpion toxin, BmK NT1, produced neurotoxicity in cerebellar granule cells: an association with intracellular Ca 2+ overloading. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:935-948. [PMID: 27318804 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1755-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are responsible for the action potential generation in excitable cells including neurons and involved in many physiological and pathological processes. Scorpion toxins are invaluable tools to explore the structure and function of ion channels. BmK NT1, a scorpion toxin from Buthus martensii Karsch, stimulates sodium influx in cerebellar granule cells (CGCs). In this study, we characterized the mode of action of BmK NT1 on the VGSCs and explored the cellular response in CGC cultures. BmK NT1 delayed the fast inactivation of VGSCs, increased the Na+ currents, and shifted the steady-state activation and inactivation to more hyperpolarized membrane potential, which was similar to the mode of action of α-scorpion toxins. BmK NT1 stimulated neuron death (EC50 = 0.68 µM) and produced massive intracellular Ca2+ overloading (EC50 = 0.98 µM). TTX abrogated these responses, suggesting that both responses were subsequent to the activation of VGSCs. The Ca2+ response of BmK NT1 was primary through extracellular Ca2+ influx since reducing the extracellular Ca2+ concentration suppressed the Ca2+ response. Further pharmacological evaluation demonstrated that BmK NT1-induced Ca2+ influx and neurotoxicity were partially blocked either by MK-801, an NMDA receptor blocker, or by KB-R7943, an inhibitor of Na+/Ca2+ exchangers. Nifedipine, an L-type Ca2+ channel inhibitor, slightly suppressed both Ca2+ response and neurotoxicity. A combination of these three inhibitors abrogated both responses. Considered together, these data ambiguously demonstrated that activation of VGSCs by an α-scorpion toxin was sufficient to produce neurotoxicity which was associated with intracellular Ca2+ overloading through both NMDA receptor- and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger-mediated Ca2+ influx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohan Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xichun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,School of Biological Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Boyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengyu Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Xu X, Duan Z, Di Z, He Y, Li J, Li Z, Xie C, Zeng X, Cao Z, Wu Y, Liang S, Li W. Proteomic analysis of the venom from the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii. J Proteomics 2014; 106:162-80. [PMID: 24780724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The scorpion Mesobuthus martensii is the most populous species in eastern Asian countries, and several toxic components have been identified from their venoms. Nevertheless, a complete proteomic profile of the venom of M. martensii is still not available. In this study, the venom of M. martensii was analyzed by comprehensive proteomic approaches. 153 fractions were isolated from the M. martensii venom by 2-DE, SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC. The ESI-Q-TOF MS results of all fractions were used to search the scorpion genomic and transcriptomic databases. Totally, 227 non-redundant protein sequences were unambiguously identified, composed of 134 previously known and 93 previously unknown proteins. Among 134 previously known proteins, 115 proteins were firstly confirmed from the M. martensii crude venom and 19 toxins were confirmed once again, involving 43 typical toxins, 7 atypical toxins, 12 venom enzymes and 72 cell associated proteins. In typical toxins, 7 novel-toxin sequences were identified, including 3 Na(+)-channel toxins, 3K(+)-channel toxins and 1 no-annotation toxin. These results increased 230% (115/50) venom components compared with previous studies from the M. martensii venom, especially 50% (24/48) typical toxins. Additionally, a mass fingerprint obtained by MALDI-TOF MS indicated that the scorpion venom contained more than 200 different molecular mass components. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE This work firstly gave a systematic investigation of the M. martensii venom by combined proteomics strategy coupled with genomics and transcriptomics. A large number of protein components were unambiguously identified from the venom of M. martensii, most of which were confirmed for the first time. We also contributed 7 novel-toxin sequences and 93 protein sequences previously unknown to be part of the venom, for which we assigned potential biological functions. Besides, we obtained a mass fingerprint of the M. martensii venom. Together, our study not only provides the most comprehensive catalog of the molecular diversity of the M. martensii venom at the proteomic level, but also enriches the composition information of scorpion venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Zhigui Duan
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Education Ministry of China, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, PR China
| | - Zhiyong Di
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Yawen He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Jianglin Li
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Education Ministry of China, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, PR China
| | - Zhongjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Chunliang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Education Ministry of China, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, PR China
| | - Xiongzhi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Education Ministry of China, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, PR China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Songping Liang
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Education Ministry of China, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, PR China.
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China.
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6
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Cao Z, Di Z, Wu Y, Li W. Overview of scorpion species from China and their toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:796-815. [PMID: 24577583 PMCID: PMC3968362 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6030796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpions are one of the most ancient groups of terrestrial animals. They have maintained a steady morphology over more than 400 million years of evolution. Their venom arsenals for capturing prey and defending against predators may play a critical role in their ancient and conservative appearance. In the current review, we present the scorpion fauna of China: 53 species covering five families and 12 genera. We also systematically list toxins or genes from Chinese scorpion species, involving eight species covering four families. Furthermore, we review the diverse functions of typical toxins from Chinese scorpion species, involving Na+ channel modulators, K+ channel blockers, antimicrobial peptides and protease inhibitors. Using scorpion species and their toxins from China as an example, we build the bridge between scorpion species and their toxins, which helps us to understand the molecular and functional diversity of scorpion venom arsenal, the dynamic and functional evolution of scorpion toxins, and the potential relationships of scorpion species and their toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Zhiyong Di
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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7
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Seufi AM, Galal FH, Hafez EE. Characterization of multisugar-binding C-type lectin (SpliLec) from a bacterial-challenged cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42795. [PMID: 22916161 PMCID: PMC3423437 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Various proteins that display carbohydrate-binding activity in a Ca2+-dependent manner are classified into the C-type lectin family. They have one or two C-type carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) composed of 110–130 amino acid residues in common. C-type lectins mediate cell adhesion, non-self recognition, and immuno-protection processes in immune responses and thus play significant roles in clearance of invaders, either as cell surface receptors for microbial carbohydrates or as soluble proteins existing in tissue fluids. The lectin of Spodoptera littoralis is still uncharacterized. Methodology A single orf encoding a deduced polypeptide consisting of an 18-residue signal peptide and a 291-residue mature peptide, termed SpliLec, was isolated from the haemolymph of the cotton leafworm, S. littoralis, after bacterial challenge using RACE-PCR. Sequence analyses of the data revealed that SpliLec consists of two CRDs. Short-form CRD1 and long-form CRD2 are stabilized by two and three highly conserved disulfide bonds, respectively. SpliLec shares homology with some dipteran lectins suggesting possible common ancestor. The purified SpliLec exhibited a 140-kDa molecular mass with a subunit molecular mass of 35 kDa. The hemagglutination assays of the SpliLec confirmed a thermally stable, multisugar-binding C-type lectin that binds different erythrocytes. The purified SpliLec agglutinated microorganisms and exhibited comparable antimicrobial activity against gram (+) and gram (−) bacteria too. Conclusions Our results suggested an important role of the SpliLec gene in cell adhesion and non-self recognition. It may cooperate with other AMPs in clearance of invaders of Spodoptera littoralis.
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Affiliation(s)
- AlaaEddeen M Seufi
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
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8
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Zhang HK, Cao GL, Zhang XR, Wang XJ, Xue RY, Gong CL. Effects of BmKIT 3 R gene transfer on pupal development of Bombyx mori Linnaeus using a Gal4/UAS binary transgenic system. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2012; 60:3173-3179. [PMID: 22429285 DOI: 10.1021/jf300172u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The pupal stage of the silkworm Bombyx mori Linnaeus lasts for approximately two weeks. However, prolongation of pupal duration would reduce the labor required to process and dry fresh cocoons. This study investigated the effects of BmKIT(3)(R) gene (from the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch) transfer on the pupal development of B. mori using a Gal4/UAS binary transgenic system. Gal4 driven by a pupa-specific promoter BmWCP4 (from a B. mori wing-cuticle protein gene) or PDP (from a B. mori cocoonase gene), and BmKIT(3)(R) driven by a UAS cis-acting element were used to construct novel piggyBac-derived plasmids containing a neomycin-resistance gene (neo) controlled by the Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) ie-1 (immediate-early gene) promoter and a green fluorescent protein gene (gfp) under the control of the B. mori actin 3 (A3) promoter. The vector was transferred into silkworm eggs by sperm-mediated gene transfer. Transgenic silkworms were produced after screening for neo and gfp genes, and gene transfer was verified by polymerase chain reaction and dot-blot hybridization. The larval development of the hybrid progeny of Gal4- and UAS-transgenic silkworms was similar to that of normal silkworms, but some pupae failed to metamorphose into moths, and the development of surviving pupae was arrested as a result of BmKIT(3)(R) expression. Moreover, Gal4 driven by the BmWCP4 promoter delayed pupal development more effectively than that driven by the PDP promoter in the Gal4/UAS binary transgenic system. Pupal durations of hybrid transgenic silkworm progeny with BmWCP4 and PDP promoters were approximately 5, 2, and 4 days longer, respectively, compared to corresponding normal silkworms, BmWCP4/Gal4, and UAS/BmKIT(3)(R) transgenic silkworms, respectively. These results suggest new avenues of research for prolonging the pupal duration of silkworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Kun Zhang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
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9
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Gao B, Zhu L, Zhu S. A naturally-occurring carboxyl-terminally truncated α-scorpion toxin is a blocker of sodium channels. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 411:673-8. [PMID: 21763288 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.06.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 06/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
α-Scorpion toxins constitute a multigene family of evolutionarily conserved venom peptides that inhibit sodium channel inactivation and increase its peak current. Here, we describe the characterization of a new α-scorpion toxin gene expressed in the venom gland of Mesobuthus eupeus that encodes a carboxyl-terminally truncated product of 38 residues (named MeuNaTxα(NT)-1). Synthetic MeuNaTxα(NT)-1 was oxidized to form two disulfide bridges in an alkaline environment and the refolded peptide exhibits different structure and function from the classical α-scorpion toxin. MeuNaTxα(NT)-1 blocks sodium channels on rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons without impact on the inactivation of the channels. This work provides a clue for evolution-guided design of channel blockers for therapeutic aims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Gao
- Group of Animal Innate Immunity, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
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10
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Zhang NX, Wu G, Wang ZH, Wu HM. Purification, characterization and 1H NMR resonance assignment of an α-like neurotoxin BmK 16 from the venom of chinese scorpion Buthus martensii karsch. CHINESE J CHEM 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.20030211029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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11
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Cao Z, Mao X, Xu X, Sheng J, Dai C, Wu Y, Luo F, Sha Y, Jiang D, Li W. Adaptive evolution after gene duplication in alpha-KT x 14 subfamily from Buthus martensii Karsch. IUBMB Life 2006; 57:513-21. [PMID: 16081373 DOI: 10.1080/15216540500149870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A series of isoforms of alpha-KT x 14 (short chain potassium channel scorpion toxins) were isolated from the venom of Buthus martensii Karsch by RACE and screening cDNA library methods. These isoforms adding BmKK1--3 and BmSKTx1--2 together shared high homology (more than 97%) with each other. The result of genomic sequence analysis showed that a length 79 bp intron is inserted Ala codes between the first and the second base at the 17th amino acid of signal peptide. The introns of these isoforms also share high homology with those of BmKK2 and BmSKT x 1 reported previously. Sequence analysis of many clones of cDNA and genomic DNA showed that a species population or individual polymorphism of alpha-KT x 14 genes took place in scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch and accelerated evolution played an important role in the forming process of alpha-KT x 14 scorpion toxins subfamily. The result of southern hybridization indicated that alpha-KT x 14 toxin genes existed in scorpion chromosome with multicopies. All findings maybe provided an important evidence for an extensive evolutionary process of the scorpion "pharmacological factory": at the early course of evolution, the ancestor toxic gene duplicated into a series of multicopy genes integrated at the different chromosome; at the late course of evolution, subsequent functional divergence of duplicate genes was generated by mutations, deletions and insertion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
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12
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Zhu S, Gao B. Molecular characterization of a possible progenitor sodium channel toxin from the Old World scorpion Mesobuthus martensii. FEBS Lett 2006; 580:5979-87. [PMID: 17054952 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2006.09.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2006] [Revised: 09/26/2006] [Accepted: 09/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxins affecting sodium channels widely exist in the venoms of scorpions throughout the world. These molecules comprise an evolutionarily related peptide family with three shared features including conserved three-dimensional structure and gene organization, and similar function. Based on different pharmacological profiles and binding properties, scorpion sodium channel toxins are divided into alpha- and beta-groups. However, their evolutionary relationship is not yet established. Here, we report a gene isolated from the venom gland of scorpion Mesobuthus martensii which encodes a novel sodium channel toxin-like peptide of 64 amino acids, named Mesotoxin. The Mesotoxin gene is organized into three exons and two introns with the second intron location conserved across the family. This peptide is unusual in that it has only three disulfides and a long cysteine-free tail with loop size and structural characteristics close to beta-toxins. Evolutionary analysis favors its basal position in the origin of scorpion sodium channel toxins as a progenitor. The discovery of Mesotoxin will assist investigations into the key issue regarding the origin and evolution of scorpion toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zhu
- Group of Animal Innate Immunity, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 25 Beisihuan-Xi Road, Beijing 100080, PR China.
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13
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Wang K, Yin SJ, Lu M, Yi H, Dai C, Xu XJ, Cao ZJ, Wu YL, Li WX. Functional analysis of the α-neurotoxin, BmαTX14, derived from the Chinese scorpion, Buthus martensii Karsch. Biotechnol Lett 2006; 28:1767-72. [PMID: 16912922 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-006-9155-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2006] [Accepted: 07/04/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The gene encoding the BmalphaTX14 (alpha-neurotoxin TX14) protein, derived from the cDNA library of the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch, was expressed in Pichia pastoris. The recombinant protein was purified by metal chelate affinity chromatography and gel filtration chromatography. Using patch-clamp technique, electrophysiological activity of rBmalphaTX14 was identified. In the neurons isolated from mice trigeminal root ganglion, the Na+ current amplitude was reduced by 80% under whole cell patch-clamp recording. There were no apparent modifications to the gating mechanism in the presence of rBmalphaTX14. Although BmalphaTX14 shared a high amino acid sequence similarity with other typical alpha-toxins, it has different effects on neurons. Further electrophysiological analysis suggested that rBmalphaTX14 selectively blocked Na+ channels and is a member of a new group of scorpion toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, P.R. China
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14
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Zhijian C, Yun X, Chao D, Shunyi Z, Shijin Y, Yingliang W, Wenxin L. Cloning and characterization of a novel calcium channel toxin-like gene BmCa1 from Chinese scorpion Mesobuthus martensii Karsch. Peptides 2006; 27:1235-40. [PMID: 16298458 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2005] [Revised: 10/08/2005] [Accepted: 10/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have been carried on peptides and genes encoding scorpion toxins from the venom of Mesobuthus martensii Karsch (synonym: Buthus martensii Karsch, BmK), such as Na+, K+ and Cl- channel modulators. In this study, a novel calcium channel toxin-like gene BmCa1 was isolated and characterized from the venom of Mesobuthus martensii Karsch. First, a partial cDNA sequence of the Ca2+ channel toxin-like gene was identified by random sequencing method from a venomous gland cDNA library of Mesobuthus martensii Karsch. The full-length sequence of BmCa1 was then obtained by 5'RACE technique. The peptide deduced from BmCa1 precursor nucleotide sequence contains a 27-residue signal peptide and a 37-residue mature peptide. Although BmCa1 and other scorpion toxins are different at the gene and protein primary structure levels, BmCa1 has the same precursor nucleotide organization and cysteine arrangement as that of the first subfamily members of calcium channel scorpion toxins. Genomic DNA sequence of BmCa1 was also cloned by PCR. Sequence analysis showed that BmCa1 gene consists of three exons separated by two introns of 72 bp and 1076 bp in length, respectively. BmCa1 is the first calcium channel toxin-like gene cloned from the venom of Mesobuthus martensii Karsch and potentially represents a novel class of calcium channel toxins in scorpion venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cao Zhijian
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China.
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15
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Zhijian C, Feng L, Yingliang W, Xin M, Wenxin L. Genetic mechanisms of scorpion venom peptide diversification. Toxicon 2006; 47:348-55. [PMID: 16387337 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2005.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2005] [Revised: 11/16/2005] [Accepted: 11/21/2005] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The diversity of scorpion venom peptides is well shown by the presence of about 400 such polypeptides with or without disulfide bonds. Scorpion toxins with disulfide bonds present a variety of sequence features and pharmacological functions by affecting different ion channels, while the venom peptides without disulfide bonds represent a new subfamily, having much lower sequence homology among each other and different functions (e.g. bradykinin-potentiating, antimicrobial, molecular cell signal initiating and immune modulating). Interestingly, all scorpion venom peptides with divergent functions may have evolved from a common ancestor gene. Over the lengthy evolutionary time, the diversification of scorpion venom peptides evolved through polymorphism, duplication, trans-splicing, or alternative splicing at the gene level. In order to completely clarify the diversity of scorpion toxins and toxin-like peptides, toxinomics (genomics and proteomics of scorpion toxins and toxin-like peptides) are expected to greatly advance in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cao Zhijian
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan Uiniversity, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Xu X, Cao Z, Sheng J, Wu W, Luo F, Sha Y, Mao X, Liu H, Jiang D, Li W. Genomic Sequence Analysis and Organization of BmKαTx11 and BmKαTx15 from Buthus martensii Karsch: Molecular Evolution of α-toxin genes. BMB Rep 2005; 38:386-90. [PMID: 16053704 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2005.38.4.386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on the reported cDNA sequences of BmKalphaTxs , the genes encoding toxin BmKalphaTx11 and BmKalphaTx15 were amplified by PCR from the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch genomic DNA employing synthetic oligonucleotides. Sequences analysis of nucleotide showed that an intron about 500 bp length interrupts signal peptide coding regions of BmKalphaTx11 and BmKalphaTx15. Using cDNA sequence of BmKalphaTx11 as probe, southern hybridization of BmK genome total DNA was performed. The result indicates that BmKalphaTx11 is multicopy genes or belongs to multiple gene family with high homology genes. The similarity of BmKalpha-toxin gene sequences and southern hybridization revealed the evolution trace of BmKalpha-toxins: BmKalpha-toxin genes evolve from a common progenitor, and the genes diversity is associated with a process of locus duplication and gene divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuling Xu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University,Wuhan 430072, Hubei Province, PR China
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17
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Zhu S, Huys I, Dyason K, Verdonck F, Tytgat J. Evolutionary trace analysis of scorpion toxins specific for K-channels. Proteins 2003; 54:361-70. [PMID: 14696198 DOI: 10.1002/prot.10588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion alpha-K(+) channel toxins are a large family of polypeptides with a similar structure but diverse pharmacological activities. Despite many structural and functional data available at present, little progress has been made in understanding the toxin's molecular basis responsible for the functional diversification. In this paper, we report the first complete cDNA sequences of toxins belonging to subfamily 6 and identify five new members, called alpha-KTx 6.6-6.10. By analyzing the rates of mutations that occurred in the corresponding cDNAs, we suggest that accelerated evolution in toxin-coding regions may be associated with the functional diversification of this subfamily. To pinpoint sites probably involved in the functional diversity of alpha-KTx family, we analyzed this family of sequences using the evolutionary trace method. This analysis highlighted one channel-binding surface common for all the members. This surface is composed of one conserved lysine residue at position 29 assisted by other residues at positions 10, 26, 27, 32, 34, and 36. Of them, the positions 29, 32, and 34 have been reported to be the most major determinants of channel specificity. Interestingly, another contrary surface was also observed at a higher evolutionary time cut-off value, which may be involved in the binding of ERG (ether-a-go-go-related gene) channel-specific toxins. The good match between the trace residues and the functional epitopes of the toxins suggested that the evolutionary trace results reported here can be applied to predict channel-binding sites of the toxins. Because, the side-chain variation in the trace positions is strongly linked with the functional alteration and channel-binding surface transfer of alpha-KTx family, we conclude that our findings should also be important for the rational design of new toxins targeting a given potassium channel with high selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunyi Zhu
- Laboratory of Toxicology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Goudet C, Chi CW, Tytgat J. An overview of toxins and genes from the venom of the Asian scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch. Toxicon 2002; 40:1239-58. [PMID: 12220709 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-0101(02)00142-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Among the different scorpion species, Buthus martensi Karsch (BmK), a widely distributed scorpion species in Asia, has received a lot of attention. Indeed, over the past decade, more than 70 different peptides, toxins or homologues have been isolated and more peptides are probably still to be revealed. This review is focusing on the many peptides isolated from the venom of this scorpion, their targets, their genes and their structures. The aim is to give both a 'state of the art' view of the research on BmK venom and an illustration of the complexity of this scorpion venom. In the present manuscript, we have listed the different ion channel toxins and homologues isolated from the venom of BmK, either from the literature or from databases. We have described here 51 long-chain peptides related to the Na(+) channel toxins family: 34 related to the alpha-toxin family, four related to the excitatory insect toxin family, 10 related to the depressant insect toxin, one beta-like toxin plus two peptides, BmK AS and AS1, that act on ryanodine receptors. We also listed 18 peptides related to the K(+) channel toxin family: 14 short chain toxins or homologues, two long chain K(+) toxin homologues and two putative K(+) toxin precursors. Additionally, two chlorotoxin like peptides (Bm-12 and 12 b) have been isolated in the venom of BmK. Besides these ion channels toxins, two peptides without disulfide bridges (the bradykinin-potentiating peptide BmK bpp and BmK n1) and three peptides with no known functions have also been discovered in this venom. We have also taken the opportunity of this review to update the classification of scorpion K(+) toxins () which now presents 17 subfamilies instead of the 12 described earlier. The work on the venom of BmK led to the discovery of two new subfamilies, alpha-KT x 14 and alpha-KT x 17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Goudet
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Leuven, Van Evenstraat 4, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Zhu S, Li W. Precursors of three unique cysteine-rich peptides from the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2002; 131:749-56. [PMID: 11923087 DOI: 10.1016/s1096-4959(02)00020-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms contain a large number of small peptides with diverse primary structures and unique pharmacological functions. From a cDNA library prepared from venom glands of the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch, clones encoding precursors of three unique cysteine-rich peptides named BmTXKS3, BmTXLP2 and BmAP1 have been isolated and sequenced. These precursors are composed of 54, 94 and 89 amino acids, respectively, containing a signal peptide in their N-termini. Sequence analysis shows that BmTXKS3 and BmTXLP2 are two novel members of a scorpion toxin family sharing cysteine-stabilized alpha-helical folds. BmAP1 possesses a distinctive cystine framework, which is similar to some serine protease inhibitors and the segments of several extracellular proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunyi Zhu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei Province, PR China.
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Zhu SY, Li WX, Zeng XC. Precursor nucleotide sequence and genomic organization of BmTXKS1, a new scorpion toxin-like peptide from Buthus martensii Karsch. Toxicon 2001; 39:1291-6. [PMID: 11384716 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-0101(01)00078-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains a variety of small peptides, which can modulate Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Cl- channel conductance in excitable and non-excitable tissues. A novel full-length cDNA encoding a new toxin-like peptide (named BmTXKS1) was isolated from the venom gland cDNA library of Buthus martensii Karsch. The precursor consists of 60 amino acid residues, with a putative signal peptide of 28 residues and an extra residue, and a mature peptide of 31 residues with an amidated C-terminal. BmTXKS1 shared close homology with BmP01 in 5'UTR and the region encoding the putative signal peptide; especially, the positions of six cysteines are highly conserved among BmTXKS1, PbTX1 and P01-type subfamily of scorpion K+ channel toxins, suggesting that they all should present a common three-dimensional fold, namely the Cysteine-Stabilized alphabeta(CSalphabeta) motif. By PCR amplification of the genomic region encoding BmTXKS1, we have confirmed the identity of our cloned cDNA, and found that BmTXKS1 gene contains an intron, which is completely identical with that of the characterized scorpion K+-channel-ligands in the size, consensus junctions, putative branch point and A+T abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Zhu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, 430072, People's Republic of, Wuhan, China
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