1
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Ngo K, Lopez Mateos D, Han Y, Rouen KC, Ahn SH, Wulff H, Clancy CE, Yarov-Yarovoy V, Vorobyov I. Elucidating molecular mechanisms of protoxin-II state-specific binding to the human NaV1.7 channel. J Gen Physiol 2024; 156:e202313368. [PMID: 38127314 PMCID: PMC10737443 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202313368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human voltage-gated sodium (hNaV) channels are responsible for initiating and propagating action potentials in excitable cells, and mutations have been associated with numerous cardiac and neurological disorders. hNaV1.7 channels are expressed in peripheral neurons and are promising targets for pain therapy. The tarantula venom peptide protoxin-II (PTx2) has high selectivity for hNaV1.7 and is a valuable scaffold for designing novel therapeutics to treat pain. Here, we used computational modeling to study the molecular mechanisms of the state-dependent binding of PTx2 to hNaV1.7 voltage-sensing domains (VSDs). Using Rosetta structural modeling methods, we constructed atomistic models of the hNaV1.7 VSD II and IV in the activated and deactivated states with docked PTx2. We then performed microsecond-long all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the systems in hydrated lipid bilayers. Our simulations revealed that PTx2 binds most favorably to the deactivated VSD II and activated VSD IV. These state-specific interactions are mediated primarily by PTx2's residues R22, K26, K27, K28, and W30 with VSD and the surrounding membrane lipids. Our work revealed important protein-protein and protein-lipid contacts that contribute to high-affinity state-dependent toxin interaction with the channel. The workflow presented will prove useful for designing novel peptides with improved selectivity and potency for more effective and safe treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa Ngo
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Diego Lopez Mateos
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yanxiao Han
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kyle C. Rouen
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Surl-Hee Ahn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Colleen E. Clancy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Precision Medicine and Data Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Igor Vorobyov
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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2
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Achimba F, Faezov B, Cohen B, Dunbrack R, Holford M. Targeting Dysregulated Ion Channels in Liver Tumors with Venom Peptides. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:139-147. [PMID: 38015557 PMCID: PMC10831335 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of cellular processes by ion channels has become central to the study of cancer mechanisms. Designing molecules that can modify ion channels specific to tumor cells is a promising area of targeted drug delivery and therapy. Despite their potential in drug discovery, venom peptides-a group of natural products-have largely remained understudied and under-characterized. In general, venom peptides display high specificity and selectivity for their target ion channels. Therefore, they may represent an effective strategy for selectively targeting the dysregulation of ion channels in tumor cells. This review examines existing venom peptide therapies for different cancer types and focuses on the application of snail venom peptides in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer worldwide. We provide insights into the mode of action of venom peptides that have been shown to target tumors. We also explore the benefit of using new computational methods like de novo protein structure prediction to screen venom peptides and identify potential druggable candidates. Finally, we summarize the role of cell culture, animal, and organoid models in developing effective therapies against HCC and highlight the need for creating models that represent the most disproportionately affected ethnicities in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Favour Achimba
- The PhD Program in Biochemistry, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York
- Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Bulat Faezov
- Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - Brandon Cohen
- Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Roland Dunbrack
- Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mandë Holford
- The PhD Program in Biochemistry, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York
- Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York
- The PhD Program in Chemistry, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York
- The PhD Program in Biology, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, The American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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3
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Xia Z, He D, Wu Y, Kwok HF, Cao Z. Scorpion venom peptides: Molecular diversity, structural characteristics, and therapeutic use from channelopathies to viral infections and cancers. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106978. [PMID: 37923027 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venom is an important evolutionary innovation in nature. As one of the most representative animal venoms, scorpion venom contains an extremely diverse set of bioactive peptides. Scorpion venom peptides not only are 'poisons' that immobilize, paralyze, kill, or dissolve preys but also become important candidates for drug development and design. Here, the review focuses on the molecular diversity of scorpion venom peptides, their typical structural characteristics, and their multiple therapeutic or pharmaceutical applications in channelopathies, viral infections and cancers. Especially, the group of scorpion toxin TRPTx targeting transient receptor potential (TRP) channels is systematically summarized and worthy of attention because TRP channels play a crucial role in the regulation of homeostasis and the occurrence of diseases in human. We also further establish the potential relationship between the molecular characteristics and functional applications of scorpion venom peptides to provide a research basis for modern drug development and clinical utilization of scorpion venom resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xia
- School of Biological and Food Processing Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Dangui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao.
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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4
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Riva A, D'Onofrio G, Amadori E, Tripodi D, Balagura G, Iurilli V, Vari MS, Verrotti A, Striano P. Current and promising therapeutic options for Dravet syndrome. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1727-1736. [PMID: 36124778 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2127089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy carrying high-level psychobehavioral burdens. Although the disease has been known for almost 4 decades, and despite significant progress in the understanding of its physiopathology and natural course, the pharmacological treatment leaves patients and caregivers with significant unmet needs. This review provides a summary of the current and promising therapeutic options for DS. AREAS COVERED PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were screened using 'Dravet Syndrome' OR 'DS,' AND 'pharmacotherapy,' AND 'treatments.' Randomized clinical trials, structured reviews, and meta-analyses were selected for in-human application of well-known anti-seizure medications; while in-vivo experiments on models of DS were selected to evaluate the potential of new therapeutic strategies. EXPERT OPINION The search for new pharmacological treatment options is led by the need for care and defeat of the natural course of the disease, an aspect still largely neglected by the available therapeutic strategies. Yet, the last 6 years have led to a climate of increased interest and availability of clinical trials. Particularly, gene therapy could hopefully prevent DS evolution by directly relieving the specific genetic defect, although the possibility of off-target editing, and the uneasy administration route have still largely prevented its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Riva
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca D'Onofrio
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Amadori
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Domenico Tripodi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ganna Balagura
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit (VU), de Boelelaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Maria Stella Vari
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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5
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Lima LSD, Loyola V, Bicca JVML, Faro L, Vale CLC, Lotufo Denucci B, Mortari MR. Innovative treatments for epilepsy: Venom peptides, cannabinoids, and neurostimulation. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1969-1986. [PMID: 35934922 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Antiepileptic drugs have been successfully treating epilepsy and providing individuals sustained seizure freedom. However, about 30% of the patients with epilepsy present drug resistance, which means they are not responsive to the pharmacological treatment. Considering this, it becomes extremely relevant to pursue alternative therapeutic approaches, in order to provide appropriate treatment for those patients and also improve their quality of life. In the light of that, this review aims to discuss some innovative options for the treatment of epilepsy, which are currently under investigation, addressing strategies that go from therapeutic compounds to clinical procedures. For instance, peptides derived from animal venoms, such as wasps, spiders, and scorpions, demonstrate to be promising antiepileptic molecules, acting on a variety of targets. Other options are cannabinoids and compounds that modulate the endocannabinoid system, since it is now known that this network is involved in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Furthermore, neurostimulation is another strategy, being an alternative clinical procedure for drug-resistant patients who are not eligible for palliative surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Silva de Lima
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Loyola
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - João Victor Montenegro Luzardo Bicca
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Lucas Faro
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Camilla Lepesqueur Costa Vale
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Bruna Lotufo Denucci
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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6
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Therapeutic potential of viral vectors that express venom peptides for neurological diseases. Med Hypotheses 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2022.110809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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7
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Chronic partial TrkB activation reduces seizures and mortality in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2022726119. [PMID: 35165147 PMCID: PMC8851461 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2022726119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe childhood epileptic encephalopathy characterized by intractable seizures and comorbidities, including a high rate of premature mortality. DS is mainly caused by loss-of-function mutations of the Scn1a gene encoding sodium channel Nav1.1 that is predominantly expressed in inhibitory parvalbumin-containing (PV) interneurons. Decreased Nav1.1 impairs PV cell function, causing DS phenotypes. Effective pharmacological therapy targeting defective PV interneurons is currently not available. This study demonstrated that early treatment with a partial TrkB receptor agonist, LM22A-4, increased Nav1.1 expression, improved PV interneuron function, and reduced seizure occurrence and mortality rate in DS mice, suggesting a potential therapy for DS. Dravet syndrome (DS) is one of the most severe childhood epilepsies, characterized by intractable seizures and comorbidities including cognitive and social dysfunction and high premature mortality. DS is mainly caused by loss-of-function mutations in the Scn1a gene encoding Nav1.1 that is predominantly expressed in inhibitory parvalbumin-containing (PV) interneurons. Decreased Nav1.1 impairs PV cell function, contributing to DS phenotypes. Effective pharmacological therapy that targets defective PV interneurons is not available. The known role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the development and maintenance of interneurons, together with our previous results showing improved PV interneuronal function and antiepileptogenic effects of a TrkB receptor agonist in a posttraumatic epilepsy model, led to the hypothesis that early treatment with a TrkB receptor agonist might prevent or reduce seizure activity in DS mice. To test this hypothesis, we treated DS mice with LM22A-4 (LM), a partial agonist at the BDNF TrkB receptor, for 7 d starting at postnatal day 13 (P13), before the onset of spontaneous seizures. Results from immunohistochemistry, Western blot, whole-cell patch-clamp recording, and in vivo seizure monitoring showed that LM treatment increased the number of perisomatic PV interneuronal synapses around cortical pyramidal cells in layer V, upregulated Nav1.1 in PV neurons, increased inhibitory synaptic transmission, and decreased seizures and the mortality rate in DS mice. The results suggest that early treatment with a partial TrkB receptor agonist may be a promising therapeutic approach to enhance PV interneuron function and reduce epileptogenesis and premature death in DS.
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8
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Cardenal-Muñoz E, Auvin S, Villanueva V, Cross JH, Zuberi SM, Lagae L, Aibar JÁ. Guidance on Dravet syndrome from infant to adult care: Road map for treatment planning in Europe. Epilepsia Open 2021; 7:11-26. [PMID: 34882995 PMCID: PMC8886070 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe, rare, and complex developmental and epileptic encephalopathy affecting 1 in 16 000 live births and characterized by a drug‐resistant epilepsy, cognitive, psychomotor, and language impairment, and behavioral disorders. Evidence suggests that optimal treatment of seizures in DS may improve outcomes, even though neurodevelopmental impairments are the likely result of both the underlying genetic variant and the epilepsy. We present an updated guideline for DS diagnosis and treatment, taking into consideration care of the adult patient and nonpharmaceutical therapeutic options for this disease. This up‐to‐date guideline, which is based on an extensive review of the literature and culminates with a new treatment algorithm for DS, is a European consensus developed through a survey involving 29 European clinical experts in DS. This guideline will serve professionals in their clinical practice and, as a consequence, will benefit DS patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cardenal-Muñoz
- Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain, Member of the EpiCARE ePAG Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stéphane Auvin
- APHP. Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France.,INSERM NeuroDiderot, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Vicente Villanueva
- Refractory Epilepsy Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Valencia, Spain
| | - J Helen Cross
- Department of Developmental Neurosciences, UCL NIHR BRC Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, London, UK
| | - Sameer M Zuberi
- Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group, Royal Hospital for Children, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Glasgow, UK.,Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Leuven, Belgium
| | - José Ángel Aibar
- Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain, Member of the EpiCARE ePAG Group, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Schwalen C, Babu C, Phulera S, Hao Q, Wall D, Nettleton DO, Pathak TP, Siuti P. Scalable Biosynthetic Production of Knotted Peptides Enables ADME and Thermodynamic Folding Studies. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:29555-29566. [PMID: 34778627 PMCID: PMC8582066 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c03707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Knotted peptides present a wealth of structurally diverse, biologically active molecules, with the inhibitor cystine knot/knottin class among the most ecologically common ones. Many of these natural products interact with extracellular targets such as voltage-gated ion channels with exquisite selectivity and potency, making them intriguing therapeutic modalities. Such compounds are often produced in low concentrations by intractable organisms, making structural and biological characterization challenging, which is frequently overcome by various expression strategies. Here, we sought to test a biosynthetic route for the expression and study of knotted peptides. We screened expression constructs for a biosynthesized knotted peptide to determine the most influential parameters for successful disulfide folding and used NMR spectroscopic fingerprinting to validate topological structures. We performed pharmacokinetic characterization, which indicated that the interlocking disulfide structure minimizes liabilities of linear peptide sequences, and propose a mechanism by which knotted peptides are cleared. We then developed an assay to monitor solution folding in real time, providing a strategy for studying the folding process during maturation, which provided direct evidence for the importance of backbone organization as the driving force for topology formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher
J. Schwalen
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Charles Babu
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Swastik Phulera
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for Biomedical Research, Cambridge Massachusetts, 02139, United States
| | - Qin Hao
- Pharmacokinetic
Sciences, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical
Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Daniel Wall
- Pharmacokinetic
Sciences, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical
Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - David O. Nettleton
- Pharmacokinetic
Sciences, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical
Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Tejas P. Pathak
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Piro Siuti
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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10
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Bell DC, Dallas ML. Advancing Ion Channel Research with Automated Patch Clamp (APC) Electrophysiology Platforms. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1349:21-32. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-4254-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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11
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Peschel A, Cardoso FC, Walker AA, Durek T, Stone MRL, Braga Emidio N, Dawson PE, Muttenthaler M, King GF. Two for the Price of One: Heterobivalent Ligand Design Targeting Two Binding Sites on Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels Slows Ligand Dissociation and Enhances Potency. J Med Chem 2020; 63:12773-12785. [PMID: 33078946 PMCID: PMC7667638 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Voltage-gated
sodium (NaV) channels are pore-forming
transmembrane proteins that play essential roles in excitable cells,
and they are key targets for antiepileptic, antiarrhythmic, and analgesic
drugs. We implemented a heterobivalent design strategy to modulate
the potency, selectivity, and binding kinetics of NaV channel
ligands. We conjugated μ-conotoxin KIIIA, which occludes the
pore of the NaV channels, to an analogue of huwentoxin-IV,
a spider-venom peptide that allosterically modulates channel gating.
Bioorthogonal hydrazide and copper-assisted azide–alkyne cycloaddition
conjugation chemistries were employed to generate heterobivalent ligands
using polyethylene glycol linkers spanning 40–120 Å. The
ligand with an 80 Å linker had the most pronounced bivalent effects,
with a significantly slower dissociation rate and 4–24-fold
higher potency compared to those of the monovalent peptides for the
human NaV1.4 channel. This study highlights the power of
heterobivalent ligand design and expands the repertoire of pharmacological
probes for exploring the function of NaV channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Peschel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Fernanda C Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew A Walker
- 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
| | - M Rhia L Stone
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nayara Braga Emidio
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Philip E Dawson
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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12
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Walker AA, Robinson SD, Hamilton BF, Undheim EAB, King GF. Deadly Proteomes: A Practical Guide to Proteotranscriptomics of Animal Venoms. Proteomics 2020; 20:e1900324. [PMID: 32820606 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201900324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Animal venoms are renowned for their toxicity, biochemical complexity, and as a source of compounds with potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry. Polypeptides underlie much of the pharmacology of animal venoms, and elucidating these arsenals of polypeptide toxins-known as the venom proteome or venome-is an important step in venom research. Proteomics is used for the identification of venom toxins, determination of their primary structure including post-translational modifications, as well as investigations into the physiology underlying their production and delivery. Advances in proteomics and adjacent technologies has led to a recent upsurge in publications reporting venom proteomes. Improved mass spectrometers, better proteomic workflows, and the integration of next-generation sequencing of venom-gland transcriptomes and venomous animal genomes allow quicker and more accurate profiling of venom proteomes with greatly reduced starting material. Technologies such as imaging mass spectrometry are revealing additional insights into the mechanism, location, and kinetics of venom toxin production. However, these numerous new developments may be overwhelming for researchers designing venom proteome studies. Here, the field of venom proteomics is reviewed and some practical solutions for simplifying mass spectrometry workflows to study animal venoms are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Walker
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Samuel D Robinson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Brett F Hamilton
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, NTNU, Trondheim, 7491, Norway.,Department of Bioscience, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, 0316, Norway
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
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13
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Chow CY, Absalom N, Biggs K, King GF, Ma L. Venom-derived modulators of epilepsy-related ion channels. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114043. [PMID: 32445870 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is characterised by spontaneous recurrent seizures that are caused by an imbalance between neuronal excitability and inhibition. Since ion channels play fundamental roles in the generation and propagation of action potentials as well as neurotransmitter release at a subset of excitatory and inhibitory synapses, their dysfunction has been linked to a wide variety of epilepsies. Indeed, these unique proteins are the major biological targets for antiepileptic drugs. Selective targeting of a specific ion channel subtype remains challenging for small molecules, due to the high level of homology among members of the same channel family. As a consequence, there is a growing trend to target ion channels with biologics. Venoms are the best known natural source of ion channel modulators, and venom peptides are increasingly recognised as potential therapeutics due to their high selectivity and potency gained through millions of years of evolutionary selection pressure. Here we describe the major ion channel families involved in the pathogenesis of various types of epilepsy, including voltage-gated Na+, K+, Ca2+ channels, Cys-loop receptors, ionotropic glutamate receptors and P2X receptors, and currently available venom-derived peptides that target these channel proteins. Although only a small number of venom peptides have successfully progressed to the clinic, there is reason to be optimistic about their development as antiepileptic drugs, notwithstanding the challenges associated with development of any class of peptide drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yuen Chow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nathan Absalom
- Brain and Mind Centre, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Kimberley Biggs
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Linlin Ma
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia.
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Ahmadi S, Knerr JM, Argemi L, Bordon KCF, Pucca MB, Cerni FA, Arantes EC, Çalışkan F, Laustsen AH. Scorpion Venom: Detriments and Benefits. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8050118. [PMID: 32408604 PMCID: PMC7277529 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom may cause severe medical complications and untimely death if injected into the human body. Neurotoxins are the main components of scorpion venom that are known to be responsible for the pathological manifestations of envenoming. Besides neurotoxins, a wide range of other bioactive molecules can be found in scorpion venoms. Advances in separation, characterization, and biotechnological approaches have enabled not only the development of more effective treatments against scorpion envenomings, but have also led to the discovery of several scorpion venom peptides with interesting therapeutic properties. Thus, scorpion venom may not only be a medical threat to human health, but could prove to be a valuable source of bioactive molecules that may serve as leads for the development of new therapies against current and emerging diseases. This review presents both the detrimental and beneficial properties of scorpion venom toxins and discusses the newest advances within the development of novel therapies against scorpion envenoming and the therapeutic perspectives for scorpion toxins in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
| | - Julius M. Knerr
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Lídia Argemi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Karla C. F. Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Roraima 69310-000, Brazil
| | - Felipe A. Cerni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Eliane C. Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Figen Çalışkan
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
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