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Erkoc P, Schiffmann S, Ulshöfer T, Henke M, Marner M, Krämer J, Predel R, Schäberle TF, Hurka S, Dersch L, Vilcinskas A, Fürst R, Lüddecke T. Determining the pharmacological potential and biological role of linear pseudoscorpion toxins via functional profiling. iScience 2024; 27:110209. [PMID: 39021791 PMCID: PMC11253529 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Arthropod venoms contain bioactive molecules attractive for biomedical applications. However, few of these have been isolated, and only a tiny number has been characterized. Pseudoscorpions are small arachnids whose venom has been largely overlooked. Here, we present the first structural and functional assessment of the checacin toxin family, discovered in the venom of the house pseudoscorpion (Chelifer cancroides). We combined in silico and in vitro analyses to establish their bioactivity profile against microbes and various cell lines. This revealed inhibitory effects against bacteria and fungi. We observed cytotoxicity against specific cell types and effects involving second messengers. Our work provides insight into the biomedical potential and evolution of pseudoscorpion venoms. We propose that plesiotypic checacins evolved to defend the venom gland against infection, whereas apotypic descendants evolved additional functions. Our work highlights the importance of considering small and neglected species in biodiscovery programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Erkoc
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Susanne Schiffmann
- LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Ulshöfer
- LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Marina Henke
- LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Michael Marner
- Branch of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME-BR), 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Jonas Krämer
- Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Strasse 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26–32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Reinhard Predel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Strasse 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Till F. Schäberle
- Branch of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME-BR), 35392 Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26–32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Hurka
- LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Branch of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME-BR), 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Ludwig Dersch
- LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Branch of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME-BR), 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Branch of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME-BR), 35392 Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26–32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Robert Fürst
- LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmacy – Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Tim Lüddecke
- LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Branch of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME-BR), 35392 Giessen, Germany
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2
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Kröner L, Lötters S, Hopp MT. Insights into caudate amphibian skin secretions with a focus on the chemistry and bioactivity of derived peptides. Biol Chem 2024; 0:hsz-2024-0035. [PMID: 38766708 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2024-0035] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Amphibians are well-known for their ability to produce and secrete a mixture of bioactive substances in specialized skin glands for the purpose of antibiotic self-protection and defense against predators. Some of these secretions contain various small molecules, such as the highly toxic batrachotoxin, tetrodotoxin, and samandarine. For some time, the presence of peptides in amphibian skin secretions has attracted researchers, consisting of a diverse collection of - to the current state of knowledge - three to 104 amino acid long sequences. From these more than 2000 peptides many are known to exert antimicrobial effects. In addition, there are some reports on amphibian skin peptides that can promote wound healing, regulate immunoreactions, and may serve as antiparasitic and antioxidative substances. So far, the focus has mainly been on skin peptides from frogs and toads (Anura), eclipsing the research on skin peptides of the ca. 700 salamanders and newts (Caudata). Just recently, several novel observations dealing with caudate peptides and their structure-function relationships were reported. This review focuses on the chemistry and bioactivity of caudate amphibian skin peptides and their potential as novel agents for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Kröner
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, 38899 University of Koblenz , D-56070 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Stefan Lötters
- Department of Biogeography, University of Trier, D-54286 Trier, Germany
| | - Marie-T Hopp
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, 38899 University of Koblenz , D-56070 Koblenz, Germany
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3
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Barros ALAN, Silva VC, Ribeiro-Junior AF, Cardoso MG, Costa SR, Moraes CB, Barbosa CG, Coleone AP, Simões RP, Cabral WF, Falcão RM, Vasconcelos AG, Rocha JA, Arcanjo DDR, Batagin-Neto A, Borges TKS, Gonçalves J, Brand GD, Freitas-Junior LHG, Eaton P, Marani M, Kato MJ, Plácido A, Leite JRSA. Antiviral Action against SARS-CoV-2 of a Synthetic Peptide Based on a Novel Defensin Present in the Transcriptome of the Fire Salamander ( Salamandra salamandra). Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:190. [PMID: 38399250 PMCID: PMC10892092 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020190] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The potential emergence of zoonotic diseases has raised significant concerns, particularly in light of the recent pandemic, emphasizing the urgent need for scientific preparedness. The bioprospection and characterization of new molecules are strategically relevant to the research and development of innovative drugs for viral and bacterial treatment and disease management. Amphibian species possess a diverse array of compounds, including antimicrobial peptides. This study identified the first bioactive peptide from Salamandra salamandra in a transcriptome analysis. The synthetic peptide sequence, which belongs to the defensin family, was characterized through MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Molecular docking assays hypothesized the interaction between the identified peptide and the active binding site of the spike WT RBD/hACE2 complex. Although additional studies are required, the preliminary evaluation of the antiviral potential of synthetic SS-I was conducted through an in vitro cell-based SARS-CoV-2 infection assay. Additionally, the cytotoxic and hemolytic effects of the synthesized peptide were assessed. These preliminary findings highlighted the potential of SS-I as a chemical scaffold for drug development against COVID-19, hindering viral infection. The peptide demonstrated hemolytic activity while not exhibiting cytotoxicity at the antiviral concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luisa A N Barros
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical, PGMT, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Vladimir C Silva
- Laboratório de Vigilância Genômica e Biologia Molecular-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Piauí, Teresina 64001-350, PI, Brazil
| | - Atvaldo F Ribeiro-Junior
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Miguel G Cardoso
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
- imed.ULisboa-Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Samuel R Costa
- Instituto de Química, IQ, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Carolina B Moraes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil
| | - Cecília G Barbosa
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Alex P Coleone
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia de Materiais (POSMAT), School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael P Simões
- School of Agriculture, Department of Bioprocess and Biotechnology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil
| | - Wanessa F Cabral
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Raul M Falcão
- Bioinformatics Postgraduate Program, Metrópole Digital Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, RN, Brazil
| | - Andreanne G Vasconcelos
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
- People&Science Pesquisa Desenvolvimento e Inovação LTDA, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico (CDT), Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Jefferson A Rocha
- Campus São Bernardo, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, UFMA, São Bernardo 65550-000, MA, Brazil
| | - Daniel D R Arcanjo
- Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil
| | - Augusto Batagin-Neto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia de Materiais (POSMAT), School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
- Institute of Sciences and Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Itapeva 18409-010, SP, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Karla S Borges
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - João Gonçalves
- imed.ULisboa-Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Guilherme D Brand
- Instituto de Química, IQ, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Lucio H G Freitas-Junior
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Peter Eaton
- Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde/Rede de Química e Tecnologia (LAQV/REQUIMTE), Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- School of Chemistry, The Bridge, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7EL, UK
| | - Mariela Marani
- IPEEC-CONICET, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Puerto Madryn 9120, Argentina
| | - Massuo J Kato
- Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandra Plácido
- Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde/Rede de Química e Tecnologia (LAQV/REQUIMTE), Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Roberto S A Leite
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
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Nagy AL, Ardelean S, Chapuis RJJ, Bouillon J, Pivariu D, De Felice B, Bertazzo M, Fossati P, Spicer LJ, Dreanca AI, Caloni F. Zootoxins and Domestic Animals: A European View. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:48. [PMID: 38251264 PMCID: PMC10818608 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Zootoxins are produced by venomous and poisonous species and are an important cause of poisoning in companion animals and livestock in Europe. Little information about the incidence of zootoxin poisoning is available in Europe, with only a few case reports and review papers being published. This review presents the most important zootoxins produced by European venomous and poisonous animal species responsible for poisoning episodes in companion animals and livestock. The main zootoxin-producing animal species, components of the toxins/venoms and their clinical effects are presented. The most common zootoxicoses involve terrestrial zootoxins excreted by the common toad, the fire salamander, the pine processionary caterpillar, and vipers. The lack of a centralized reporting/poison control system in Europe makes the evaluation of the epidemiology of zootoxin-induced poisonings extremely difficult. Even if there are many anecdotal reports in the veterinary community about the exposure of domestic animals to terrestrial and marine zootoxins, the number of published papers regarding these toxicoses is low. Climate change and its consequences regarding species distribution and human-mediated transportation are responsible for the emerging nature of some intoxications in which zootoxins are involved. Although new venomous or poisonous animal species have emerged in regions where they were previously unreported, zootoxins produced by native species remain the main concern in Europe. The diversity of poisonous and venomous animal species and the emerging nature of certain poisonings warrant the continuous update to such knowledge by veterinary professionals and animal owners. This review offers an overview about zootoxin-related poisonings in domestic animals in Europe and also provides important information from a health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras-Laszlo Nagy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (A.-L.N.); (R.J.J.C.)
| | - Sabrina Ardelean
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (S.A.); (J.B.)
| | - Ronan J. J. Chapuis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (A.-L.N.); (R.J.J.C.)
| | - Juliette Bouillon
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (S.A.); (J.B.)
| | - Dalma Pivariu
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.P.); (A.I.D.)
| | - Beatrice De Felice
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (B.D.F.); (M.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Mirko Bertazzo
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (B.D.F.); (M.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Paola Fossati
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (B.D.F.); (M.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Leon J. Spicer
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA;
| | - Alexandra Iulia Dreanca
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.P.); (A.I.D.)
| | - Francesca Caloni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (B.D.F.); (M.B.); (P.F.)
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Xiang ML, Hu BY, Qi ZH, Wang XN, Xie TZ, Wang ZJ, Ma DY, Zeng Q, Luo XD. Chemistry and bioactivities of natural steroidal alkaloids. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2022; 12:23. [PMID: 35701630 PMCID: PMC9198197 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-022-00345-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Steroidal alkaloids possess the basic steroidal skeleton with a nitrogen atom in rings or side chains incorporated as an integral part of the molecule. They have demonstrated a wide range of biological activities, and some of them have even been developed as therapeutic drugs, such as abiraterone acetate (Zytiga®), a blockbuster drug, which has been used for the treatment of prostate cancer. Structurally diverse natural steroidal alkaloids present a wide spectrum of biological activities, which are attractive for natural product chemistry and medicinal chemistry communities. This review comprehensively covers the structural classification, isolation and various biological activities of 697 natural steroidal alkaloids discovered from 1926 to October 2021, with 363 references being cited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Ling Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Provincial Center for Research & Development of Natural Products, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin-Yuan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Provincial Center for Research & Development of Natural Products, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Heng Qi
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Provincial Center for Research & Development of Natural Products, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Na Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Provincial Center for Research & Development of Natural Products, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Zhen Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Provincial Center for Research & Development of Natural Products, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Provincial Center for Research & Development of Natural Products, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan-Yu Ma
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Provincial Center for Research & Development of Natural Products, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Provincial Center for Research & Development of Natural Products, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Dong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Provincial Center for Research & Development of Natural Products, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, People's Republic of China.
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Barros ALAN, Hamed A, Marani M, Moreira DC, Eaton P, Plácido A, Kato MJ, Leite JRSA. The Arsenal of Bioactive Molecules in the Skin Secretion of Urodele Amphibians. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:810821. [PMID: 35095522 PMCID: PMC8795703 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.810821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Urodele amphibians (∼768 spp.), salamanders and newts, are a rich source of molecules with bioactive properties, especially those isolated from their skin secretions. These include pharmacological attributes, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, vasoactive, immune system modulation, and dermal wound healing activities. Considering the high demand for new compounds to guide the discovery of new drugs to treat conventional and novel diseases, this review summarizes the characteristics of molecules identified in the skin of urodele amphibians. We describe urodele-derived peptides and alkaloids, with emphasis on their biological activities, which can be considered new scaffolds for the pharmaceutical industry. Although much more attention has been given to anurans, bioactive molecules produced by urodeles have the potential to be used for biotechnological purposes and stand as viable alternatives for the development of therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L A N Barros
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical, PPGMT, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, NMT, Faculdade de Medicina, UnB, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Abdelaaty Hamed
- Instituto de Química, IQ, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City-Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mariela Marani
- IPEEC-CONICET, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Puerto Madryn, Argentina
| | - Daniel C Moreira
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Peter Eaton
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Joseph Banks Laboratories, The Bridge, School of Chemistry, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Plácido
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Bioprospectum, Lda, UPTEC, Porto, Portugal
| | - Massuo J Kato
- Instituto de Química, IQ, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Roberto S A Leite
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical, PPGMT, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, NMT, Faculdade de Medicina, UnB, Brasília, Brazil.,Bioprospectum, Lda, UPTEC, Porto, Portugal
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Hanifin CT, Kudo Y, Yotsu-Yamashita M. Chemical Ecology of the North American Newt Genera Taricha and Notophthalmus. PROGRESS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 118:101-130. [PMID: 35416518 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92030-2_3] [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
The North American newt genera Taricha and Notophthalmus (order Caudata) are well known for the combination of potent toxicity, aposematic coloration, and striking defense postures that protects these animals from predation. This suite of traits is centered around the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin, which causes paralysis and death in metazoans by disrupting the initiation and propagation of electrical signals in the nerves and muscles. Tetrodotoxin defends newts from predation across multiple life history stages and its role in generating arms-race coevolution between Taricha newts and garter snake (genus Thamnophis) predators is well studied. However, understanding the broader picture of chemical defenses in Taricha and Notophthalmus requires an expanded comprehension of the defensive chemical ecology of tetrodotoxin that includes possible coevolutionary interactions with insect egg predators, protection against parasites, as well as mimicry complexes associated with tetrodotoxin and aposematic coloration in both genera. Herein the authors review what is known about the structure, function, and pharmacology of tetrodotoxin to explore its evolution and chemical ecology in the North American newt. Focus is made specifically on the origin and possible biosynthesis of tetrodotoxin in these taxa as well as providing an expanded picture of the web of interactions that contribute to landscape level patterns of toxicity and defense in Taricha and Notophthalmus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles T Hanifin
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, 320 N. Aggie Blvd, Vernal, UT, 84078, USA.
| | - Yuta Kudo
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8572, Japan
| | - Mari Yotsu-Yamashita
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science & Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8572, Japan
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Vasconcelos IAD, Souza JOD, de Castro JS, Santana CJCD, Magalhães ACM, Castro MDS, Pires Júnior OR. Salamanders and caecilians, neglected from the chemical point of view. TOXIN REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2021.1977326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Carlos José Correia de Santana
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana de Souza Castro
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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Lüddecke T, Herzig V, von Reumont BM, Vilcinskas A. The biology and evolution of spider venoms. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:163-178. [PMID: 34453398 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Spiders are diverse, predatory arthropods that have inhabited Earth for around 400 million years. They are well known for their complex venom systems that are used to overpower their prey. Spider venoms contain many proteins and peptides with highly specific and potent activities suitable for biomedical or agrochemical applications, but the key role of venoms as an evolutionary innovation is often overlooked, even though this has enabled spiders to emerge as one of the most successful animal lineages. In this review, we discuss these neglected biological aspects of spider venoms. We focus on the morphology of spider venom systems, their major components, biochemical and chemical plasticity, as well as ecological and evolutionary trends. We argue that the effectiveness of spider venoms is due to their unprecedented complexity, with diverse components working synergistically to increase the overall potency. The analysis of spider venoms is difficult to standardize because they are dynamic systems, fine-tuned and modified by factors such as sex, life-history stage and biological role. Finally, we summarize the mechanisms that drive spider venom evolution and highlight the need for genome-based studies to reconstruct the evolutionary history and physiological networks of spider venom compounds with more certainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Lüddecke
- Department for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, Gießen, 35392, Germany.,LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main, 60325, Germany
| | - Volker Herzig
- GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia.,School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia
| | - Björn M von Reumont
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main, 60325, Germany.,Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, Gießen, 35392, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Department for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, Gießen, 35392, Germany.,LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main, 60325, Germany.,Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, Gießen, 35392, Germany
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Visible-light induced generation of bifunctional nitrogen-centered radicals: a concise synthetic strategy to construct bicyclo[3.2.1] octane and azepane cores. Sci China Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11426-020-9852-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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11
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DE Meester G, Šunje E, Prinsen E, Verbruggen E, VAN Damme R. Toxin variation among salamander populations: discussing potential causes and future directions. Integr Zool 2020; 16:336-353. [PMID: 32965720 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Amphibians produce defensive chemicals which provide protection against both predators and infections. Within species, populations can differ considerably in the composition and amount of these chemical defenses. Studying intraspecific variation in toxins and linking it to environmental variables may help us to identify the selective drivers of toxin evolution, such as predation pressure and infection risk. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in the unique toxins produced by salamanders from the genus Salamandra: the samandarines. Despite this attention, intraspecific variation has largely been ignored within Salamandra-species. The aim of this study was to investigate whether geographic variation in profiles of samandarines exists, by sampling 4 populations of Salamandra atra over its range in the Dinaric Alps. In addition, we preliminary explored whether potential variation could be explained by predation (counting the number of snake species) and infection risk (cultivation and genomic analyses of collected soil samples). Salamanders from the 4 populations differed in toxin composition and in the size of their poison glands, although not in overall toxin quantity. Nor predation nor infection risk could explain this variation, as populations barely differed in these variables. Sampling over a much broader geographic range, using better estimators for predation and infection risk, will contribute to an improved understanding of how environment may shape variation in chemical defenses. Nevertheless, as the 4 populations of S. atra did differ in their toxin profiles, we propose that this species provides an interesting opportunity for further ecological and evolutionary studies on amphibian toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles DE Meester
- Department of Biology, Functional Morphology Group, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Emina Šunje
- Department of Biology, Functional Morphology Group, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Hercegovina.,Herpetological Association in Bosnia and Herzegovina: BHHU: ATRA, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Hercegovina
| | - Els Prinsen
- Department of Biology, Impress, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Erik Verbruggen
- Department of Biology, Plant and Ecosystems, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Raoul VAN Damme
- Department of Biology, Functional Morphology Group, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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