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Li T, Ginkel M, Yee AX, Foster L, Chen J, Heyse S, Steigele S. An efficient and scalable data analysis solution for automated electrophysiology platforms. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2022; 27:278-285. [PMID: 35058183 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels are drug targets for neurologic, cardiac, and immunologic diseases. Many disease-associated mutations and drugs modulate voltage-gated ion channel activation and inactivation, suggesting that characterizing state-dependent effects of test compounds at an early stage of drug development can be of great benefit. Historically, the effects of compounds on ion channel biophysical properties and voltage-dependent activation/inactivation could only be assessed by using low-throughput, manual patch clamp recording techniques. In recent years, automated patch clamp (APC) platforms have drastically increased in throughput. In contrast to their broad utilization in compound screening, APC platforms have rarely been used for mechanism of action studies, in large part due to the lack of sophisticated, scalable analysis methods for processing the large amount of data generated by APC platforms. In the current study, we developed a highly efficient and scalable software workflow to overcome this challenge. This method, to our knowledge the first of its kind, enables automated curve fitting and complex analysis of compound effects. Using voltage-gated sodium channels as an example, we were able to immediately assess the effects of test compounds on a spectrum of biophysical properties, including peak current, voltage-dependent steady state activation/inactivation, and time constants of activation and fast inactivation. Overall, this automated data analysis method provides a novel solution for in-depth analysis of large-scale APC data, and thus will significantly impact ion channel research and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianbo Li
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Jun Chen
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
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V V, Achar RR, M.U H, N A, T YS, Kameshwar VH, Byrappa K, Ramadas D. Venom peptides - A comprehensive translational perspective in pain management. Curr Res Toxicol 2021; 2:329-340. [PMID: 34604795 PMCID: PMC8473576 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Venom peptides have been evolving complex therapeutic interventions that potently and selectively modulate a range of targets such as ion channels, receptors, and signaling pathways of physiological processes making it potential therapeutic. Several venom peptides were deduced in vivo for clinical development targeting pain management, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, antimicrobial activity. Several contributions have been detailed for a clear perspective for a better understanding of venomous animals, their venom, and their pharmacological effects. Here we unravel and summarize the recent advances in wide venom peptides across varieties of species for their therapeutics prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya V
- K. S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be) University, Mangalore 575015, Karnataka, India
| | - Raghu Ram Achar
- Division of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, S.S. Nagar, Mysuru 570 015, Karnataka, India
| | - Himathi M.U
- Division of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, S.S. Nagar, Mysuru 570 015, Karnataka, India
| | - Akshita N
- Division of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, S.S. Nagar, Mysuru 570 015, Karnataka, India
| | - Yogish Somayaji T
- Department of Post Graduate Studies and Research in Biochemistry, St. Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangalore 575003, Karnataka, India
| | - Vivek Hamse Kameshwar
- School of Natural Science, Adichunchanagiri University, B.G. Nagara-571448, Nangamangala, Mandya, India
- School of Natural Sciences, ACU-CRI, Adichunchanagiri University, BGSIT Campus, B.G. Nagara-571448, Nagamangala, Mandya, India
| | - K. Byrappa
- School of Natural Sciences, ACU-CRI, Adichunchanagiri University, BGSIT Campus, B.G. Nagara-571448, Nagamangala, Mandya, India
- Center for Material Science and Technology, Vijnana Bhavan, University of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Dinesha Ramadas
- Adichunchanagiri Institute for Molecular Medicine, AIMS, Adichunchanagiri University, B.G. Nagara-571448, Nagamangala, Mandya, India
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Identification of Novel Toxin Genes from the Stinging Nettle Caterpillar Parasa lepida (Cramer, 1799): Insights into the Evolution of Lepidoptera Toxins. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12050396. [PMID: 33946702 PMCID: PMC8145965 DOI: 10.3390/insects12050396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Many caterpillar species can produce toxins that cause harmful reactions to humans, varying from mild irritation to death. Currently, there is very limited knowledge about caterpillar toxin diversity, because only a few species have been investigated. We used the transcriptome technique to identify candidate toxin genes from the nettle caterpillar Parasa lepida (Cramer, 1799). It is a common pest of oil palm, coconut, and mango in South and South-East Asia, which can cause severe pain and allergic responses to those in contact with them. We reported 168 candidate toxin genes. Most of them are members of the toxin genes families commonly recruited in animal venoms such as serine protease and serine protease inhibitors. However, we identified 21 novel genes encoding knottin-like peptides expressed at a high level in the transcriptome. Their predicted 3D structures are similar to neurotoxins in scorpion and tarantula. Our study suggests that P. lepida venom contains diverse toxin proteins that potentially cause allergic reactions and pain. This study sheds light on the hidden diversity of toxin proteins in caterpillar lineage, which could be future fruitful new drug sources. Abstract Many animal species can produce venom for defense, predation, and competition. The venom usually contains diverse peptide and protein toxins, including neurotoxins, proteolytic enzymes, protease inhibitors, and allergens. Some drugs for cancer, neurological disorders, and analgesics were developed based on animal toxin structures and functions. Several caterpillar species possess venoms that cause varying effects on humans both locally and systemically. However, toxins from only a few species have been investigated, limiting the full understanding of the Lepidoptera toxin diversity and evolution. We used the RNA-seq technique to identify toxin genes from the stinging nettle caterpillar, Parasa lepida (Cramer, 1799). We constructed a transcriptome from caterpillar urticating hairs and reported 34,968 unique transcripts. Using our toxin gene annotation pipeline, we identified 168 candidate toxin genes, including protease inhibitors, proteolytic enzymes, and allergens. The 21 P. lepida novel Knottin-like peptides, which do not show sequence similarity to any known peptide, have predicted 3D structures similar to tarantula, scorpion, and cone snail neurotoxins. We highlighted the importance of convergent evolution in the Lepidoptera toxin evolution and the possible mechanisms. This study opens a new path to understanding the hidden diversity of Lepidoptera toxins, which could be a fruitful source for developing new drugs.
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Hamad MK, He K, Abdulrazeq HF, Mustafa AM, Luceri R, Kamal N, Ali M, Nakhla J, Herzallah MM, Mammis A. Potential Uses of Isolated Toxin Peptides in Neuropathic Pain Relief: A Literature Review. World Neurosurg 2018; 113:333-347.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.01.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Wingerd JS, Mozar CA, Ussing CA, Murali SS, Chin YKY, Cristofori-Armstrong B, Durek T, Gilchrist J, Vaughan CW, Bosmans F, Adams DJ, Lewis RJ, Alewood PF, Mobli M, Christie MJ, Rash LD. The tarantula toxin β/δ-TRTX-Pre1a highlights the importance of the S1-S2 voltage-sensor region for sodium channel subtype selectivity. Sci Rep 2017; 7:974. [PMID: 28428547 PMCID: PMC5430537 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01129-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are essential for the transmission of pain signals in humans making them prime targets for the development of new analgesics. Spider venoms are a rich source of peptide modulators useful to study ion channel structure and function. Here we describe β/δ-TRTX-Pre1a, a 35-residue tarantula peptide that selectively interacts with neuronal NaV channels inhibiting peak current of hNaV1.1, rNaV1.2, hNaV1.6, and hNaV1.7 while concurrently inhibiting fast inactivation of hNaV1.1 and rNaV1.3. The DII and DIV S3-S4 loops of NaV channel voltage sensors are important for the interaction of Pre1a with NaV channels but cannot account for its unique subtype selectivity. Through analysis of the binding regions we ascertained that the variability of the S1-S2 loops between NaV channels contributes substantially to the selectivity profile observed for Pre1a, particularly with regards to fast inactivation. A serine residue on the DIV S2 helix was found to be sufficient to explain Pre1a’s potent and selective inhibitory effect on the fast inactivation process of NaV1.1 and 1.3. This work highlights that interactions with both S1-S2 and S3-S4 of NaV channels may be necessary for functional modulation, and that targeting the diverse S1-S2 region within voltage-sensing domains provides an avenue to develop subtype selective tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Wingerd
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Christine A Mozar
- Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Christine A Ussing
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.,Novo Nordisk A/S, Copenhagen Area, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Swetha S Murali
- Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Harvard Medical School, Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Yanni K-Y Chin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ben Cristofori-Armstrong
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - John Gilchrist
- Department of Physiology and Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Christopher W Vaughan
- Pain Management Research Institute, University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Frank Bosmans
- Department of Physiology and Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mobli
- Centre for Advanced Imaging & School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Macdonald J Christie
- Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Lachlan D Rash
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072, QLD, Australia.
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Saez NJ, Cristofori-Armstrong B, Anangi R, King GF. A Strategy for Production of Correctly Folded Disulfide-Rich Peptides in the Periplasm of E. coli. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1586:155-180. [PMID: 28470604 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6887-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant expression of disulfide-reticulated peptides and proteins is often challenging. We describe a method that exploits the periplasmic disulfide-bond forming machinery of Escherichia coli and combines this with a cleavable, solubility-enhancing fusion tag to obtain higher yields of correctly folded target protein than is achievable via cytoplasmic expression. The protocols provided herein cover all aspects of this approach, from vector construction and transformation to purification of the cleaved target protein and subsequent quality control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J Saez
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St. Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia.
| | - Ben Cristofori-Armstrong
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St. Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Raveendra Anangi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St. Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St. Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia.
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7
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Synthesis and biological characterization of synthetic analogs of Huwentoxin-IV (Mu-theraphotoxin-Hh2a), a neuronal tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium channel inhibitor. Toxicon 2013; 71:57-65. [PMID: 23726857 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 05/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Huwentoxin-IV (HWTX-IV, also named Mu-theraphotoxin-Hh2a) is a typical inhibitor cystine knot peptide isolated from the venom of Chinese tarantula Ornithoctonus huwena and is found to inhibit tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) sodium channels from mammalian sensory neurons. This peptide binds to neurotoxin receptor site 4 located at the extracellular S3-S4 linker of domain II in neuronal sodium channels. However, the molecular surface of HWTX-IV interaction with sodium channels remains unknown. In this study, we synthesized HWTX-IV and three mutants (T28D, R29A and Q34D) and characterized their functions on TTX-S sodium channels from adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Analysis of liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and circular dichroism spectrum indicated that all four synthetic peptides are properly folded. Synthetic HWTX-IV exhibited the same activity as native HWTX-IV, while three mutations reduced toxin binding affinities by 10-200 fold, indicating that the basic or vicinal polar residues Thr²⁸, Arg²⁹, and Gln³⁴ in C-terminus might play critical roles in the interaction of HWTX-IV with TTX-S sodium channels.
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Klint JK, Senff S, Saez NJ, Seshadri R, Lau HY, Bende NS, Undheim EAB, Rash LD, Mobli M, King GF. Production of recombinant disulfide-rich venom peptides for structural and functional analysis via expression in the periplasm of E. coli. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63865. [PMID: 23667680 PMCID: PMC3646780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Disulfide-rich peptides are the dominant component of most animal venoms. These peptides have received much attention as leads for the development of novel therapeutic agents and bioinsecticides because they target a wide range of neuronal receptors and ion channels with a high degree of potency and selectivity. In addition, their rigid disulfide framework makes them particularly well suited for addressing the crucial issue of in vivo stability. Structural and functional characterization of these peptides necessitates the development of a robust, reliable expression system that maintains their native disulfide framework. The bacterium Escherichia coli has long been used for economical production of recombinant proteins. However, the expression of functional disulfide-rich proteins in the reducing environment of the E. coli cytoplasm presents a significant challenge. Thus, we present here an optimised protocol for the expression of disulfide-rich venom peptides in the periplasm of E. coli, which is where the endogenous machinery for production of disulfide-bonds is located. The parameters that have been investigated include choice of media, induction conditions, lysis methods, methods of fusion protein and peptide purification, and sample preparation for NMR studies. After each section a recommendation is made for conditions to use. We demonstrate the use of this method for the production of venom peptides ranging in size from 2 to 8 kDa and containing 2-6 disulfide bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie K. Klint
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Sebastian Senff
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Natalie J. Saez
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Radha Seshadri
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Ho Yee Lau
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Niraj S. Bende
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Eivind A. B. Undheim
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Lachlan D. Rash
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mobli
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
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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]
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Wang RL, Yi S, Liang SP. Mechanism of action of two insect toxins huwentoxin-III and hainantoxin-VI on voltage-gated sodium channels. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2010; 11:451-7. [PMID: 20506577 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b0900393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Selenocosmia huwena and Selenocosmia hainana are two tarantula species found in southern China. Their venoms contain abundant peptide toxins. Two new neurotoxic peptides, huwentoxin-III (HWTX-III) and hainantoxin-VI (HNTX-VI), were obtained from the venom using ion-exchange chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The mechanism of action of HWTX-III and HNTX-VI on insect neuronal voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) was studied via whole-cell patch clamp techniques. In a fashion similar to delta-atracotoxins, HNTX-VI can induce a slowdown of current inactivation of the VGSC and reduction in the peak of Na+ current in cockroach dorsal unpaired median (DUM) neurons. Meanwhile, 10 micromol/L HNTX-IV caused a positive shift of steady-state inactivation of sodium channel. HWTX-III inhibited VGSCs on DUM neurons (concentration of toxin at half-maximal inhibition (IC(50)) approximately 1.106 micromol/L) in a way much similar to tetrodotoxin (TTX). HWTX-III had no effect on the kinetics of activation and inactivation. The shift in the steady-state inactivation curve was distinct from other depressant spider toxins. The diverse effect and the mechanism of action of the two insect toxins illustrate the diverse biological activities of spider toxins and provide a fresh theoretical foundation to design and develop novel insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-lan Wang
- Department of Food Science, Guangdong Food and Drug Vocational College, Guangzhou 510520, China.
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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.
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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
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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]
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You D, Hong J, Rong M, Yu H, Liang S, Ma Y, Yang H, Wu J, Lin D, Lai R. The first gene-encoded amphibian neurotoxin. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:22079-22086. [PMID: 19535333 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.013276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Many gene-encoded neurotoxins with various functions have been discovered in fish, reptiles, and mammals. A novel 60-residue neurotoxin peptide (anntoxin) that inhibited tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) was purified and characterized from the skin secretions of the tree frog Hyla annectans (Jerdon). This is the first gene-encoded neurotoxin found in amphibians. The IC50 of anntoxin for the TTX-S channel was about 3.4 microM. Anntoxin shares sequence homology with Kunitz-type toxins but contains only two of three highly conserved cysteine bridges, which are typically found in these small, basic neurotoxin modules, i.e. snake dendrotoxins. Anntoxin showed an inhibitory ability against trypsin with an inhibitory constant (Ki) of 0.025 microM. Anntoxin was distributed in skin, brain, stomach, and liver with a concentration of 25, 7, 3, and 2 microg/g wet tissue, respectively. H. annectans lives on trees or other plants for its entire life cycle, and its skin contains the largest amount of anntoxin, which possibly helps defend against various aggressors or predators. A low dose of anntoxin was found to induce lethal toxicity for several potential predators, including the insect, snake, bird, and mouse. The tissue distribution and functional properties of the current toxin may provide insights into the ecological adaptation of tree-living amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dewen You
- Biotoxin Units of Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, Yunnan; Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100009, China
| | - Jing Hong
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100009, China; Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203
| | - Mingqiang Rong
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081
| | - Haining Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050016, Hebei
| | - Songping Liang
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081
| | - Yufang Ma
- Biotoxin Units of Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, Yunnan; Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100009, China
| | - Hailong Yang
- Biotoxin Units of Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, Yunnan; Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100009, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Biotoxin Units of Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, Yunnan; Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100009, China
| | - Donghai Lin
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203
| | - Ren Lai
- Biotoxin Units of Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, Yunnan
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Chen J, Zhang Y, Rong M, Zhao L, Jiang L, Zhang D, Wang M, Xiao Y, Liang S. Expression and characterization of jingzhaotoxin-34, a novel neurotoxin from the venom of the tarantula Chilobrachys jingzhao. Peptides 2009; 30:1042-8. [PMID: 19463735 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2009] [Revised: 02/23/2009] [Accepted: 02/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Jingzhaotoxin-34 (JZTX-34) is a 35-residue polypeptide from the venom of Chinese tarantula Chilobrachys jingzhao. Our previous work reported its full-length cDNA sequence encoding a precursor with 87 residues. In this study we report the protein expression and biological function characterization. The toxin was efficiently expressed by the secretary pathway in yeast. Under whole-cell patch-clamp mode, the expressed JZTX-34 was able to inhibit tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) sodium currents (IC(50) approximately 85 nM) while having no significant effects on tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) sodium currents on rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. The inhibition of TTX-S sodium channels was completely reversed by strong depolarization (+120 mV). Toxin treatment altered neither channel activation and inactivation kinetics nor recovery rate from inactivation. However, it is interesting to note that in contrast to huwentoxin-IV, a recently identified receptor site-4 toxin from Ornithoctonus huwena venom, 100 nM JZTX-34 caused a negative shift of steady-state inactivation curve of TTX-S sodium channels by approximately 10 mV. The results indicated that JZTX-34 might inhibit mammalian sensory neuronal sodium channels through a mechanism similar to HWTX-IV by trapping the IIS4 voltage sensor in the resting conformation, but their binding sites should not overlay completely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjun Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, PR China
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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]
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17
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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.
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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.
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Escoubas P. Molecular diversification in spider venoms: a web of combinatorial peptide libraries. Mol Divers 2006; 10:545-54. [PMID: 17096075 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-006-9050-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2004] [Accepted: 03/28/2006] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Spider venoms are a rich source of novel pharmacologically and agrochemically interesting compounds that have received increased attention from pharmacologists and biochemists in recent years. The application of technologies derived from genomics and proteomics have led to the discovery of the enormous molecular diversity of those venoms, which consist mainly of peptides and proteins. The molecular diversity of spider peptides has been revealed by mass spectrometry and appears to be based on a limited set of structural scaffolds. Genetic analysis has led to a further understanding of the molecular evolution mechanisms presiding over the generation of these combinatorial peptide libraries. Gene duplication and focal hypermutation, which has been described in cone snails, appear to be common mechanisms to venomous mollusks and spiders. Post-translational modifications, fine structural variations and new molecular scaffolds are other potential mechanisms of toxin diversification, leading to the pharmacologically complex cocktails used for predation and defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Escoubas
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC) CNRS UMR 6097, 660 Route des Lucioles, Valbonne, France.
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Priest BT, Blumenthal KM, Smith JJ, Warren VA, Smith MM. ProTx-I and ProTx-II: gating modifiers of voltage-gated sodium channels. Toxicon 2006; 49:194-201. [PMID: 17087985 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The tarantula venom peptides ProTx-I and ProTx-II inhibit voltage-gated sodium channels by shifting their voltage dependence of activation to a more positive potential, thus acting by a mechanism similar to that of potassium channel gating modifiers such as hanatoxin and VSTX1. ProTx-I and ProTx-II inhibit all sodium channel (Nav1) subtypes tested with similar potency and represent the first potent peptidyl inhibitors of TTX-resistant sodium channels. Like gating modifiers of potassium channels, ProTx-I and ProTx-II conform to the inhibitory cystine knot motif, and ProTx-II was demonstrated to bind to sodium channels in the closed state. Both toxins have been synthesized chemically, and ProTx-II, produced by recombinant means, has been used to map the interaction surface of the peptide with the Nav1.5 channel. In comparison, beta-scorpion toxins activate sodium channels by shifting the voltage dependence of activation to more negative potentials, and together these peptides represent valuable tools for exploring the gating mechanism of sodium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit T Priest
- Merck Research Laboratories, P.O. Box 2000, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
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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.
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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.
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Li D, Xiao Y, Xu X, Xiong X, Lu S, Liu Z, Zhu Q, Wang M, Gu X, Liang S. Structure-Activity Relationships of Hainantoxin-IV and Structure Determination of Active and Inactive Sodium Channel Blockers. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:37734-40. [PMID: 15201273 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m405765200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hainantoxin-IV (HNTX-IV) can specifically inhibit the neuronal tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium channels and defines a new class of depressant spider toxin. The sequence of native HNTX-IV is ECLGFGKGCNPSNDQCCKSSNLVCSRKHRWCKYEI-NH(2). In the present study, to obtain further insight into the primary and tertiary structural requirements of neuronal sodium channel blockers, we determined the solution structure of HNTX-IV as a typical inhibitor cystine knot motif and synthesized four mutants designed based on the predicted sites followed by structural elucidation of two inactive mutants. Pharmacological studies indicated that the S12A and R26A mutants had activities near that of native HNTX-IV, while K27A and R29A demonstrated activities reduced by 2 orders of magnitude. (1)H MR analysis showed the similar molecular conformations for native HNTX-IV and four synthetic mutants. Furthermore, in the determined structures of K27A and R29A, the side chains of residues 27 and 29 were located in the identical spatial position to those of native HNTX-IV. These results suggested that residues Ser(12), Arg(26), Lys(27), and Arg(29) were not responsible for stabilizing the distinct conformation of HNTX-IV, but Lys(27) and Arg(29) were critical for the bioactivities. The potency reductions produced by Ala substitutions were primarily due to the direct interaction of the essential residues Lys(27) and Arg(29) with sodium channels rather than to a conformational change. After comparison of these structures and activities with correlated toxins, we hypothesized that residues Lys(27), Arg(29), His(28), Lys(32), Phe(5), and Trp(30) clustered on one face of HNTX-IV were responsible for ligand binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongling Li
- College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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Abstract
Tarantula venoms represent a cornucopia of novel ligands for a variety of cell receptors and ion channels. The diversity of peptide toxin pharmacology has been barely explored as indicated by pharmacological, toxicological and mass spectrometry investigations on more than 55 tarantula venoms. MALDI-TOF MS analysis reveals that the pharmacological diversity is based on relatively small size peptides, which seem to fall into a limited number of structural patterns. Properties and biological activities of the 33 known peptide toxins from tarantula venoms are described. Most known toxins conform to the Inhibitory Cystine Knot (ICK) motif, with differences in the length of intercysteine loops. Recently described peptides show that tarantula toxins can fold according to an elaboration of the Disulfide-Directed beta-Hairpin (DDH) motif which is also the canonical motif for the ICK fold. The ICK fold itself offers many variations leading to differing toxin properties. Examination of pharmacological data gives insights on the possible conserved site of action of toxins acting on voltage-gated ion channels and other toxins acting by a pore-blocking mechanism. Structure-activity data shows the versatility of the toxin scaffolds and the importance of surface features in the selectivity and specificity of these toxins. Tarantulas appear to be a good model for the discovery of novel compounds with important therapeutic potential, and for the study of the molecular evolution of peptide toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Escoubas
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire-CNRS, 660 Route des Lucioles, Valbonne 06560, France.
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Li D, Xiao Y, Hu W, Xie J, Bosmans F, Tytgat J, Liang S. Function and solution structure of hainantoxin-I, a novel insect sodium channel inhibitor from the Chinese bird spider Selenocosmia hainana. FEBS Lett 2004; 555:616-22. [PMID: 14675784 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(03)01303-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hainantoxin-I is a novel peptide toxin, purified from the venom of the Chinese bird spider Selenocosmia hainana (=Ornithoctonus hainana). It includes 33 amino acid residues with a disulfide linkage of I-IV, II-V and III-VI, assigned by partial reduction and sequence analysis. Under two-electrode voltage-clamp conditions, hainantoxin-I can block rNa(v)1.2/beta(1) and the insect sodium channel para/tipE expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes with IC(50) values of 68+/-6 microM and 4.3+/-0.3 microM respectively. The three-dimensional solution structure of hainantoxin-I belongs to the inhibitor cystine knot structural family determined by two-dimensional (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. Structural comparison of hainantoxin-I with those of other toxins suggests that the combination of the charged residues and a vicinal hydrophobic patch should be responsible for ligand binding. This is the first report of an insect sodium channel blocker from spider venom and it provides useful information for the structure-function relationship studies of insect sodium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongling Li
- College of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, PR China
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