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Nonkhwao S, Plettner E, Daduang S. Protein-Ligand Binding and Structural Modelling Studies of Pheromone-Binding Protein-like Sol g 2.1 from Solenopsis geminata Fire Ant Venom. Molecules 2024; 29:1033. [PMID: 38474545 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sol g 2 is the major protein in Solenopsis geminata fire ant venom. It shares the highest sequence identity with Sol i 2 (S. invicta) and shares high structural homology with LmaPBP (pheromone-binding protein (PBP) from the cockroach Leucophaea maderae). We examined the specific Sol g 2 protein ligands from fire ant venom. The results revealed that the protein naturally formed complexes with hydrocarbons, including decane, undecane, dodecane, and tridecane, in aqueous venom solutions. Decane showed the highest affinity binding (Kd) with the recombinant Sol g 2.1 protein (rSol g 2.1). Surprisingly, the mixture of alkanes exhibited a higher binding affinity with the rSol g 2.1 protein compared to a single one, which is related to molecular docking simulations, revealing allosteric binding sites in the Sol g 2.1 protein model. In the trail-following bioassay, we observed that a mixture of the protein sol g 2.1 and hydrocarbons elicited S. geminata worker ants to follow trails for a longer time and distance compared to a mixture containing only hydrocarbons. This suggests that Sol g 2.1 protein may delay the evaporation of the hydrocarbons. Interestingly, the piperidine alkaloids extracted have the highest attraction to the ants. Therefore, the mixture of hydrocarbons and piperidines had a synergistic effect on the trail-following of ants when both were added to the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriporn Nonkhwao
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Erika Plettner
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Sakda Daduang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
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2
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Nonkhwao S, Rungsa P, Buraphaka H, Klaynongsruang S, Daduang J, Kornthong N, Daduang S. Characterization and Localization of Sol g 2.1 Protein from Solenopsis geminata Fire Ant Venom in the Central Nervous System of Injected Crickets ( Acheta domestica). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14814. [PMID: 37834262 PMCID: PMC10573061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Solenopsis geminata is recognized for containing the allergenic proteins Sol g 1, 2, 3, and 4 in its venom. Remarkably, Sol g 2.1 exhibits hydrophobic binding and has a high sequence identity (83.05%) with Sol i 2 from S. invicta. Notably, Sol g 2.1 acts as a mediator, causing paralysis in crickets. Given its structural resemblance and biological function, Sol g 2.1 may play a key role in transporting hydrophobic potent compounds, which induce paralysis by releasing the compounds through the insect's nervous system. To investigate this further, we constructed and characterized the recombinant Sol g 2.1 protein (rSol g 2.1), identified with LC-MS/MS. Circular dichroism spectroscopy was performed to reveal the structural features of the rSol g 2.1 protein. Furthermore, after treating crickets with S. geminata venom, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting results revealed that the Sol g 2.1 protein primarily localizes to the neuronal cell membrane of the brain and thoracic ganglia, with distribution areas related to octopaminergic neuron cell patterns. Based on protein-protein interaction predictions, we found that the Sol g 2.1 protein can interact with octopamine receptors (OctRs) in neuronal cell membranes, potentially mediating Sol g 2.1's localization within cricket central nervous systems. Here, we suggest that Sol g 2.1 may enhance paralysis in crickets by acting as carriers of active molecules and releasing them onto target cells through pH gradients. Future research should explore the binding properties of Sol g 2.1 with ligands, considering its potential as a transporter for active molecules targeting pest nervous systems, offering innovative pest control prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriporn Nonkhwao
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.N.); (P.R.); (H.B.)
| | - Prapenpuksiri Rungsa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.N.); (P.R.); (H.B.)
| | - Hathairat Buraphaka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.N.); (P.R.); (H.B.)
| | - Sompong Klaynongsruang
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Jureerut Daduang
- Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Napamanee Kornthong
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand;
| | - Sakda Daduang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.N.); (P.R.); (H.B.)
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
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3
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Lactobacillus for ribosome peptide editing cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:1522-1544. [PMID: 36694080 PMCID: PMC9873400 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-03066-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This study reviews newly discovered insect peptide point mutations as new possible cancer research targets. To interpret newly discovered peptide point mutations in insects as new possible cancer research targets, we focused on the numerous peptide changes found in the 'CSP' family on the sex pheromone gland of the female silkworm moth Bombyx mori. We predict that the Bombyx peptide modifications will have a significant effect on cancer CUP (cancers of unknown primary) therapy and that bacterial peptide editing techniques, specifically Lactobacillus combined to CRISPR, will be used to regulate ribosomes and treat cancer in humans.
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Li LL, Xu BQ, Li CQ, Li BL, Luo K, Li GW, Chen XL. Functional disparity of four pheromone-binding proteins from the plum fruit moth Grapholita funebrana Treitscheke in detection of sex pheromone components. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 225:1267-1279. [PMID: 36423808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.11.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Grapholita funebrana, also known as the plum fruit moth, is an oligophagous pest species that causes enormous economic losses of the fruits of Rosaceae. An eco-friendly method for the control of G. funebrana besides chemical control has not yet been developed. The sex pheromone communication system plays an important role in moth courtship and mating, in which pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) are critical. In this research, we identified four PBPs, namely, GfunPBP1.1, GfunPBP1.2, GfunPBP2, and GfunPBP3, from the antennae of G. funebrana. The results of real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) showed that all four GfunPBPs were overwhelmingly expressed in the antennae and that GfunPBP1.2 and GfunPBP2 showed male-biased expression patterns, whereas GfunPBP1.1 and GfunPBP3 were equally expressed between sexes. The results of ligand-binding assays illustrated that although all four recombinant GfunPBPs (rGfunPBPs) had binding activity with the tested sex pheromone compounds, their preferred ligands were significantly different. rGfunPBP2 had the strongest binding affinity to Z8-12:Ac and Z8-12:OH; rGfunPBP1.1 preferred to bind Z8-14:Ac, Z10-14:Ac, and 12:OH more than to the other three GfunPBPs; and rGfunPBP1.2 exhibited stronger binding affinity to E8-12:Ac than to the other rGfunPBPs. Molecular docking results demonstrated that hydrophobic forces, especially van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds, were the most important forces that maintained GfunPBP-pheromone ligand complexes. This study will improve our understanding of the sex pheromone recognition mechanisms of G. funebrana and promote the development of novel strategies for controlling G. funebrana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Lin Li
- Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Jujube, College of Life Science, Yan'an University, Yan'an 716000, China
| | - Bing-Qiang Xu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumchi 830091, China
| | - Chun-Qin Li
- Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Jujube, College of Life Science, Yan'an University, Yan'an 716000, China
| | - Bo-Liao Li
- Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Jujube, College of Life Science, Yan'an University, Yan'an 716000, China
| | - Kun Luo
- Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Jujube, College of Life Science, Yan'an University, Yan'an 716000, China
| | - Guang-Wei Li
- Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Jujube, College of Life Science, Yan'an University, Yan'an 716000, China.
| | - Xiu-Lin Chen
- Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Jujube, College of Life Science, Yan'an University, Yan'an 716000, China.
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Dahal SR, Lewellen JL, Ayyappan S, Chaudhary BP, Nukala V, Mohanty S. Ostrinia furnacalis PBP2 solution NMR structure: Insight into ligand binding and release mechanisms. Protein Sci 2022; 31:e4438. [PMID: 36173163 PMCID: PMC9514217 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ostrinia furnacalis is an invasive lepidopteran agricultural pest that relies on olfaction for mating and reproduction. Male moths have an extremely sensitive olfactory system that can detect the sex pheromones emitted by females over a great distance. Pheromone-binding proteins present in the male moth antenna play a key role in the pheromone uptake, transport, and release at the dendritic membrane of the olfactory neuron. Here, we report the first high-resolution NMR structure of a pheromone-binding protein from an Ostrinia species at pH 6.5. The core of the Ostrinia furnacalis PBP2 (OfurPBP2) consists of six helices, α1a (2-14), α1b (16-22), α2 (27-37), α3 (46-60), α4 (70-80), α5 (84-100), and α6 (107-124) surrounding a large hydrophobic pocket. The structure is stabilized by three disulfide bridges, 19-54, 50-108, and 97-117. In contrast to the unstructured C-terminus of other lepidopteran PBPs, the C-terminus of OfurPBP2 folds into an α-helix (α7) at pH 6.5. The protein has nanomolar affinity towards both pheromone isomers. Molecular docking of both pheromones, E-12 and Z-12-tetradecenyl acetate, to OfurPBP2 revealed that the residues Met5, Lys6, Met8, Thr9, Phe12, Phe36, Trp37, Phe76, Ser115, Phe118, Lys119, Ile122, His123, and Ala128 interact with both isomers, while Thr9 formed a hydrogen bond with the acetate head group. NMR structure and thermal unfolding studies with CD suggest that ligand release at pH 4.5 is likely due to the partial unfolding of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salik R. Dahal
- Department of ChemistryOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOklahomaUSA
| | - Jacob L. Lewellen
- Department of ChemistryOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOklahomaUSA
| | - Shine Ayyappan
- Department of ChemistryOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOklahomaUSA
| | | | - Viswanath Nukala
- Department of ChemistryOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOklahomaUSA
| | - Smita Mohanty
- Department of ChemistryOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOklahomaUSA
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Sims C, Birkett MA, Withall DM. Enantiomeric Discrimination in Insects: The Role of OBPs and ORs. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13040368. [PMID: 35447810 PMCID: PMC9030700 DOI: 10.3390/insects13040368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Olfaction is a complex recognition process that is critical for chemical communication in insects. Though some insect species are capable of discrimination between compounds that are structurally similar, little is understood about how this high level of discrimination arises. Some insects rely on discriminating between enantiomers of a compound, demonstrating an ability for highly selective recognition. The role of two major peripheral olfactory proteins in insect olfaction, i.e., odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and odorant receptors (ORs) has been extensively studied. OBPs and ORs have variable discrimination capabilities, with some found to display highly specialized binding capability, whilst others exhibit promiscuous binding activity. A deeper understanding of how odorant-protein interactions induce a response in an insect relies on further analysis such as structural studies. In this review, we explore the potential role of OBPs and ORs in highly specific recognition, specifically enantiomeric discrimination. We summarize the state of research into OBP and OR function and focus on reported examples in the literature of clear enantiomeric discrimination by these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassie Sims
- Biointeractions and Crop Protection Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, UK; (C.S.); (M.A.B.)
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Michael A. Birkett
- Biointeractions and Crop Protection Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, UK; (C.S.); (M.A.B.)
| | - David M. Withall
- Biointeractions and Crop Protection Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, UK; (C.S.); (M.A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)-1582-938201
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Al-Danoon O, Mazumder S, Chaudhary BP, Nukala V, Bishop B, Cahoon G, Mohanty S. Structural and Functional Characterization of European Corn Borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, Pheromone Binding Protein 3. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:14013-14023. [PMID: 34758619 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c03775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ostrinia nubilalis, a lepidopteran moth, also known as the European corn borer, has a major impact on the production of economically important crops in the United States and Europe. The female moth invites the male moth for mating through the release of pheromones, a volatile chemical signal. Pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) present in the male moth antennae are believed to pick up the pheromones, transport them across the aqueous sensillum lymph, and deliver them to the olfactory receptor neurons. Here we report for the first time the cloning, expression, refolding, purification, and structural characterization of Ostrinia nubilalis PBP3 (OnubPBP3). The recombinant protein showed nanomolar affinity to each isomer of the Ostrinia pheromones, E- and Z-11-tetradecenyl acetate. In a pH titration study by nuclear magnetic resonance, the protein exhibited an acid-induced unfolding at pH below 5.5. The molecular dynamics simulation study demonstrated ligand-induced conformational changes in the protein with both E- and Z-isomers of the Ostrinia pheromone. The simulation studies showed that while protein flexibility decreases upon binding to E-pheromone, it increases when bound to Z-pheromone. This finding suggests that the OnubPBP3 complex with E-pheromone is more stable than with Z-pheromone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Al-Danoon
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - Suman Mazumder
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - Bharat P Chaudhary
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - Viswanath Nukala
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - Benton Bishop
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - Gage Cahoon
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - Smita Mohanty
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
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Guo X, Xuan N, Liu G, Xie H, Lou Q, Arnaud P, Offmann B, Picimbon JF. An Expanded Survey of the Moth PBP/GOBP Clade in Bombyx mori: New Insight into Expression and Functional Roles. Front Physiol 2021; 12:712593. [PMID: 34776998 PMCID: PMC8582636 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.712593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We studied the expression profile and ontogeny (from the egg stage through the larval stages and pupal stages, to the elderly adult age) of four OBPs from the silkworm moth Bombyx mori. We first showed that male responsiveness to female sex pheromone in the silkworm moth B. mori does not depend on age variation; whereas the expression of BmorPBP1, BmorPBP2, BmorGOBP1, and BmorGOBP2 varies with age. The expression profile analysis revealed that the studied OBPs are expressed in non-olfactory tissues at different developmental stages. In addition, we tested the effect of insecticide exposure on the expression of the four OBPs studied. Exposure to a toxic macrolide insecticide endectocide molecule (abamectin) led to the modulated expression of all four genes in different tissues. The higher expression of OBPs was detected in metabolic tissues, such as the thorax, gut, and fat body. All these data strongly suggest some alternative functions for these proteins other than olfaction. Finally, we carried out ligand docking studies and reported that PBP1 and GOBP2 have the capacity of binding vitamin K1 and multiple different vitamins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Guo
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Ning Xuan
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Guoxia Liu
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Hongyan Xie
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Qinian Lou
- Shandong Silkworm Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yantai, China
| | - Philippe Arnaud
- Protein Engineering and Functionality Unit, UMR CNRS 6286, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Bernard Offmann
- Protein Engineering and Functionality Unit, UMR CNRS 6286, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Jean-François Picimbon
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China.,School of Bioengineering, QILU University of Technology, Jinan, China
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Pinnelli GR, Plettner E. Design and Synthesis of Fluorophore-Tagged Disparlure Enantiomers to Study Pheromone Enantiomer Discrimination in the Pheromone-Binding Proteins from the Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar. J Chem Ecol 2021; 48:312-322. [PMID: 34633629 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-021-01318-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescent analogues of the gypsy moth sex pheromone (+)-disparlure (1) and its enantiomer (-)-disparlure (ent-1) were designed, synthesized, and characterized. The fluorescently labelled analogues 6-FAM (+)-disparlure and 1a 6-FAM (-)-disparlure ent-1a were prepared by copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition of disparlure alkyne and 6-FAM azide. These fluorescent disparlure analogues 1a and ent-1a were used to measure disparlure binding to two pheromone-binding proteins from the gypsy moth, LdisPBP1 and LdisPBP2. The fluorescence binding assay showed that LdisPBP1 has a stronger affinity for 6-FAM (-)-disparlure ent-1a, whereas LdisPBP2 has a stronger affinity for 6-FAM (+)-disparlure 1a, consistent with findings from previous studies with disparlure enantiomers. The 6-FAM disparlure enantiomers appeared to be much stronger ligands for LdisPBPs, with binding constants (Kd) in the nanomolar range, compared to the fluorescent reporter 1-NPN (which had Kd values in the micromolar range). Fluorescence competitive binding assays were used to determine the displacement constant (Ki) for the disparlure enantiomers in competition with fluorescent disparlure analogues binding to LdisPBP1 and LdisPBP2. The Ki data show that disparlure enantiomers can effectively displace the fluorescent disparlure from the binding pocket of LdisPBPs and, therefore, occupy the same binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govardhana R Pinnelli
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Erika Plettner
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.
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