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Offor BC, Piater LA. A comparison of the venom proteomes and potential therapeutics of 3 African naja subgenera. Toxicon 2024; 245:107792. [PMID: 38838860 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107792] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
African cobras (Naja species) represent one of the most encountered medically important snakes in Africa. They are classified as African spitting (Afronaja subgenus) and non-spitting cobras (Uraeus and Boulengerina subgenera) with similar and different characteristics. Snake venom toxins including three-finger toxin (3FTx), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP) cause snakebite envenomation leading to morbidity and mortality. The profile of the proteome of African cobra venoms will help to develop safer and more effective antivenoms. The approval of Captopril by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, has led to intensified research towards possible use of venom toxins as therapeutics. In this review, we compare the venom proteome profile of 3 African Naja subgenera. In both Afronaja and Boulengerina subgenera, 3FTx (Afronaja-69.79%; Boulengerina-60.56%) followed by PLA2 (Afronaja-21.15%; Boulengerina-20.21%) dominated the venoms compared to the Uraeus subgenus dominated by 3FTx (84.55%) with little to no PLA2 abundance (0.8%). The venom of subgenus Uraeus was distinct from the other two subgenera by the almost total absence of PLA2, thus indicating little or no contribution of PLA2 in the envenomation caused by Uraeus compared to Afronaja and Boulengerina. Furthermore, we report studies on the experimental testing of African cobra venoms and toxins against diseases including anti-cancer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict C Offor
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa
| | - Lizelle A Piater
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa.
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2
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Pinto AV, Ferreira P, Cunha AV, Havenith RWA, Magalhães AL, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. Revisiting the reaction pathways for phospholipid hydrolysis catalyzed by phospholipase A2 with QM/MM methods. Chem Sci 2024; 15:9793-9805. [PMID: 38939148 PMCID: PMC11206408 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc02315c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is a Ca2+-dependent, widely distributed enzyme superfamily in almost all mammalian tissues and bacteria. It is also a critical component of the venom of nearly all snakes, as well as many invertebrate species. In non-venomous contexts, sPLA2 assumes significance in cellular signaling pathways by binding cell membranes and catalyzing ester bond hydrolysis at the sn-2 position of phospholipids. Elevated levels of GIIA sPLA2 have been detected in the synovial fluid of arthritis patients, where it exhibits a pro-inflammatory function. Consequently, identifying sPLA2 inhibitors holds promise for creating highly effective pharmaceutical treatments. Beyond arthritis, the similarities among GIIA sPLA2s offer an opportunity for developing treatments against snakebite envenoming, the deadliest neglected tropical disease. Despite decades of study, the details of PLA2 membrane-binding, substrate-binding, and reaction mechanism remain elusive, demanding a comprehensive understanding of the sPLA2 catalytic mechanism. This study explores two reaction mechanism hypotheses, involving one or two water molecules, and distinct roles for the Ca2+ cofactor. Our research focuses on the human synovial sPLA2 enzyme bound to lipid bilayers of varying phospholipid compositions, and employing adiabatic QM/MM and QM/MM MD umbrella sampling methods to energetically and geometrically characterize the structures found along both reaction pathways. Our studies demonstrate the higher frequency of productive conformations within the single-water pathway, also revealing a lower free energy barrier for hydrolyzing POPC. Furthermore, we observe that the TS of this concerted one-step reaction closely resembles transition state geometries observed in X-ray crystallography complexes featuring high-affinity transition state analogue inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre V Pinto
- LAQV/Requimte, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n 4169-007 Porto Portugal
| | - Pedro Ferreira
- LAQV/Requimte, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n 4169-007 Porto Portugal
| | - Ana V Cunha
- MolSpec, Departement Chemie, Universiteit Antwerpen Groenenborgerlaan 171 2020 Antwerpen Belgium
| | - Remco W A Havenith
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry and Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen Netherlands
- The Netherlands and Ghent Quantum Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, Ghent University Krijgslaan 281 (S3) B-9000 Gent Belgium
| | - Alexandre L Magalhães
- LAQV/Requimte, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n 4169-007 Porto Portugal
| | - Maria J Ramos
- LAQV/Requimte, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n 4169-007 Porto Portugal
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- LAQV/Requimte, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n 4169-007 Porto Portugal
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Bujalance-Fernández J, Jurado-Sánchez B, Escarpa A. Molecular Memory Micromotors for Fast Snake Venom Toxin Dynamic Detection. Anal Chem 2024. [PMID: 38914924 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The analysis and detection of snake venom toxins are a matter of great importance in clinical diagnosis for fast treatment and the discovery of new pharmaceutical products. Current detection methods have high associated costs and require the use of sophisticated bioreceptors, which in some cases are difficult to obtain. Herein, we report the synthesis of template-based molecularly imprinted micromotors for dynamic detection of α-bungarotoxin as a model toxin present in the venom of many-banded krait (Bungarus multicinctus). The specific recognition sites are built-in in the micromotors by incubation of the membrane template with the target toxin, followed by a controlled electrodeposition of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) polymeric layer, a magnetic Ni layer to promote magnetic guidance and facilitate washing steps, and a Pt layer for autonomous propulsion in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The enhanced fluid mixing and autonomous propulsion increase the likelihood of interactions with the target analyte as compared with static counterparts, retaining the tetramethylrhodamine-labeled α-bungarotoxin on the micromotor surface with extremely fast dynamic sensor response (after just 20 s navigation) in only 3 μL of water, urine, or serum samples. The sensitivity achieved meets the clinically relevant concentration postsnakebite (from 0.1 to 100 μg/mL), illustrating the feasibility of the approach for practical applications. The selectivity of the protocol is very high, as illustrated by the absence of fluorescence in the micromotor surface in the presence of α-cobratoxin as a representative toxin with a size and structure similar to those of α-bungarotoxin. Recoveries higher than 95% are obtained in the analysis of urine- and serum-fortified samples. The new strategy holds considerable promise for fast, inexpensive, and even onsite detection of several toxins using multiple molecularly imprinted micromotors with tailored recognition abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Bujalance-Fernández
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcala, Alcala de Henares, E-28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Jurado-Sánchez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcala, Alcala de Henares, E-28805 Madrid, Spain
- Chemical Research Institute "Andres M. del Rio", Universidad de Alcala, E-28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Escarpa
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcala, Alcala de Henares, E-28805 Madrid, Spain
- Chemical Research Institute "Andres M. del Rio", Universidad de Alcala, E-28805 Madrid, Spain
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Bialves TS, Bastos LL, Parra JAA, Moysés MN, Marques E, de Castro Pimenta AM, Quintela FM, Mariano DCB, Carvalho FC, de Melo-Minardi RC, Boyle RT. Interaction of DisBa01 peptide from Bothrops alternatus venom with BRAF melanoma receptors: Modeling and molecular docking. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 274:133283. [PMID: 38909731 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133283] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is highly aggressive and challenging, often leading to a grim prognosis. Its progression is swift, especially when mutations like BRAFV600E continuously activate pathways vital for cell growth and survival. Although several treatments target this mutation, resistance typically emerges over time. In recent decades, research has underscored the potential of snake venoms and peptides as bioactive substances for innovative drugs, including anti-coagulants, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer agents. Leveraging this knowledge, we propose employing a bioinformatics simulation approach to: a) Predict how well a peptide (DisBa01) from Bothrops alternatus snake venom binds to the melanoma receptor BRAFV600E via Molecular Docking. b) Identify the specific peptide binding sites on receptors and analyze their proximity to active receptor sites. c) Evaluate the behavior of resulting complexes through molecular dynamics simulations. d) Assess whether this peptide qualifies as a candidate for anti-melanoma therapy. Our findings reveal that DisBa01 enhances stability in the BRAFV600E melanoma receptor structure by binding to its RGD motif, an interaction absent in the BRAF WT model. Consequently, both docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that DisBa01 shows promise as a BRAFV600E inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane Senna Bialves
- Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PPGCF), Federal University of Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Italy, s/n - km 8 - Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Luana Luiza Bastos
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems, Institute of Exact Sciences, Department of Computer Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - John Alexanders Amaya Parra
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Immunology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Maurício Nogueira Moysés
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Immunology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Edleusa Marques
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Immunology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Adriano Monteiro de Castro Pimenta
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Immunology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernando Marques Quintela
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas do Pantanal- Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Av. Magalhães Barata, 376, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Diego César Batista Mariano
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems, Institute of Exact Sciences, Department of Computer Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Frederico Chaves Carvalho
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems, Institute of Exact Sciences, Department of Computer Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Raquel C de Melo-Minardi
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems, Institute of Exact Sciences, Department of Computer Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Robert Tew Boyle
- Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences (PPGCF), Federal University of Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Italy, s/n - km 8 - Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Lin MZ, Bi YH, Li SQ, Xie JH, Zhou ZG. The enzyme encoded by Myrmecia incisa, a green microalga, phospholipase A 2 gene preferentially hydrolyzes arachidonic acid at the sn-2 position of phosphatidylcholine. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 213:108806. [PMID: 38861822 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The enzyme phospholipase A2 (PLA2) plays a crucial role in acyl remodeling of phospholipids via the Lands' cycle, and consequently alters fatty acid compositions in triacylglycerol (TAG). In this study, a full-length cDNA sequence coding Myrmecia incisa phospholipase A2 (MiPLA2) was cloned using the technique of rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Comparison of the 1082-bp cDNA with its corresponding cloned DNA sequence revealed that MiPLA2 contained 3 introns. Mature MiPLA2 (mMiPLA2) had a conserved Ca2+-binding loop and a catalytic site motif that has been recognized in plant secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) proteins. Correspondingly, phylogenetic analysis illustrated that MiPLA2 was clustered within GroupXIA of plant sPLA2 proteins. To ascertain the function of MiPLA2, the cDNA coding for mMiPLA2 was subcloned into the vector pET-32a to facilitate the production of recombinant mMiPLA2 in Escherichia coli. Recombinant mMiPLA2 was purified and used for the in vitro enzyme reaction. Thin-layer chromatography profiles of the catalytic products generated by recombinant mMiPLA2 indicated a specificity for cleaving sn-2 acyl chains from phospholipids, thereby functionally characterizing MiPLA2. Although recombinant mMiPLA2 displayed a strong preference for phosphatidylethanolamine, it preferentially hydrolyzes arachidonic acid (ArA) at the sn-2 position of phosphatidylcholine. Results from the fused expression of p1300-sp-EGFP-mMiPLA2 illustrated that MiPLA2 was localized in the intercellular space of onion epidermis. Furthermore, the positive correlation between MiPLA2 transcription and free ArA levels were established. Consequently, the role of mMiPLA2 in the biosynthesis of ArA-rich TAG was elucidated. This study helps to understand how M. incisa preferentially uses ArA to synthesize TAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Zhi Lin
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources Conferred by Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, No. 999 Huchenghuan Road, Nanhui New City, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yan-Hui Bi
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources Conferred by Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, No. 999 Huchenghuan Road, Nanhui New City, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Si-Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources Conferred by Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, No. 999 Huchenghuan Road, Nanhui New City, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Jin-Hai Xie
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources Conferred by Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, No. 999 Huchenghuan Road, Nanhui New City, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Zhou
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences Conferred by Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, No. 999 Huchenghuan Road, Nanhui New City, Shanghai, 201306, China.
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6
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Sandesha VD, Naveen P, Manikanta K, Mahalingam SS, Girish KS, Kemparaju K. Hump-Nosed Pit Viper ( Hypnale hypnale) Venom-Induced Irreversible Red Blood Cell Aggregation, Inhibition by Monovalent Anti-Venom and N-Acetylcysteine. Cells 2024; 13:994. [PMID: 38920625 PMCID: PMC11201549 DOI: 10.3390/cells13120994] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Envenomation by the Hypnale hypnale in the Western Ghats of India (particularly in the Malabar region of Kerala) and the subcontinent island nation of Sri Lanka is known to inflict devastating mortality and morbidity. Currently, H. hypnale bites in India are devoid of anti-venom regimens. A detailed characterization of the venom is essential to stress the need for therapeutic anti-venom. Notably, the deleterious effects of this venom on human blood cells have largely remained less explored. Therefore, in continuation of our previous study, in the present study, we envisioned investigating the effect of venom on the morphological and physiological properties of red blood cells (RBCs). The venom readily induced deleterious morphological changes and, finally, the aggregation of washed RBCs. The aggregation process was independent of the ROS and the intracellular Ca2+ ion concentration. Confocal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed the loss of biconcave morphology and massive cytoskeletal disarray. Crenation or serrated plasma membrane projections were evenly distributed on the surface of the RBCs. The venom did not cause the formation of methemoglobin in washed RBCs but was significantly induced in whole blood. Venom did not affect glucose uptake and Na+/K+ -ATPase activity but inhibited glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase activity and decreased the fluidity of the plasma membrane. Venom-induced RBC aggregates exhibited pro-coagulant activity but without affecting platelet aggregation. In pre-incubation or co-treatment studies, none of the bioactive compounds, such as melatonin, curcumin, fisetin, berberine, and quercetin, sugars such as mannose and galactose, and therapeutic polyvalent anti-venoms (Bharat and VINS) were inhibited, whereas only N-acetylcysteine and H. hypnale monovalent anti-venom could inhibit venom-induced deleterious morphological changes and aggregation of RBCs. In post-treatment studies, paradoxically, none of the bioactives and anti-venoms, including N-acetylcysteine and H. hypnale monovalent anti-venom, reversed the venom-induced RBC aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaddaragudisalu D. Sandesha
- Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India; (V.D.S.); (P.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Puttaswamy Naveen
- Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India; (V.D.S.); (P.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Kurnegala Manikanta
- Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India; (V.D.S.); (P.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Shanmuga S. Mahalingam
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
| | - Kesturu S. Girish
- Department of Studies and Research in Biochemistry, Tumkur University, Tumakuru 572103, Karnataka, India
| | - Kempaiah Kemparaju
- Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India; (V.D.S.); (P.N.); (K.M.)
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Mozhaeva VA, Starkov VG, Kudryavtsev DS, Prokhorov KA, Garnov SV, Utkin YN. Analysis of intra-specific variations in the venom of individual snakes based on Raman spectroscopy. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 314:124239. [PMID: 38579426 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The knowledge of variations in the composition of venoms from different snakes is important from both theoretical and practical points of view, in particular, at developing and selecting an antivenom. Many studies on this topic are conducted with pooled venoms, while the existence and significance of variations in the composition of venoms between individual snakes of the same species are emphasized by many authors. It is important to study both inter- and intra-specific, including intra-population, venom variations, because intra-specific variations in the venom composition may affect the effectiveness of antivenoms as strongly as inter-specific. In this work, based on venom Raman spectroscopy with principal component analysis, we assessed the variations in venoms of individual snakes of the Vipera nikolskii species from two populations and compared these intra-specific variations with inter-specific variations (with regard to the other related species). We demonstrated intra-specific (inter- and intra-population) differences in venom compositions which are smaller than inter-specific variations. We also assessed the compositions of V. nikolskii venoms from two populations to explain inter-population differences. The method used is rapid and requires virtually no preparation of samples, used in extremely small quantities, allowing the venoms of individual snakes to be analyzed. In addition, the method is informative and capable of detecting fairly subtle differences in the composition of venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera A Mozhaeva
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia.
| | - Vladislav G Starkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia
| | - Denis S Kudryavtsev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia; Department of Biology and General Genetics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Russia
| | - Kirill A Prokhorov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia
| | - Sergey V Garnov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia
| | - Yuri N Utkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia
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Vitayathikornnasak S, Rattanapisit K, Malla A, Suwanchaikasem P, Strasser R, Khorattanakulchai N, Pothisamutyothin K, Arunmanee W, Phoolcharoen W. Characterization of plant produced V HH antibodies against cobra venom toxins for antivenom therapy. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 42:e00841. [PMID: 38707206 PMCID: PMC11066514 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2024.e00841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Cobra (Naja kaouthia) venom contains many toxins including α-neurotoxin (αNTX) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which can cause neurodegeneration, respiratory failure, and even death. The traditional antivenom derived from animal serum faces many challenges and limitations. Heavy-chain-only antibodies (HCAb), fusing VHH with human IgG Fc region, offer advantages in tissue penetration, antigen binding, and extended half-life. This research involved the construction and transient expression of two types of VHH-FC which are specific to α-Neurotoxin (VHH-αNTX-FC) and Phospholipase A2 (VHH-PLA2-FC) in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The recombinant HCAbs were incubated for up to six days to optimize expression levels followed by purification by affinity chromatography and characterization using LC/Q-TOF mass spectrometry (MS). Purified proteins demonstrated over 92 % sequence coverage and an average mass of around 82 kDa with a high-mannose N-glycan profile. An antigen binding assay showed that the VHH-αNTX-Fc has a greater ability to bind to crude venom than VHH-PLA2-Fc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Kanokporn Pothisamutyothin
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wanatchaporn Arunmanee
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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9
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Guo X, Fu Y, Peng J, Fu Y, Dong S, Ding RB, Qi X, Bao J. Emerging anticancer potential and mechanisms of snake venom toxins: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:131990. [PMID: 38704067 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131990] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Animal-derived venom, like snake venom, has been proven to be valuable natural resources for the drug development. Previously, snake venom was mainly investigated in its pharmacological activities in regulating coagulation, vasodilation, and cardiovascular function, and several marketed cardiovascular drugs were successfully developed from snake venom. In recent years, snake venom fractions have been demonstrated with anticancer properties of inducing apoptotic and autophagic cell death, restraining proliferation, suppressing angiogenesis, inhibiting cell adhesion and migration, improving immunity, and so on. A number of active anticancer enzymes and peptides have been identified from snake venom toxins, such as L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), metalloproteinases (MPs), three-finger toxins (3FTxs), serine proteinases (SPs), disintegrins, C-type lectin-like proteins (CTLPs), cell-penetrating peptides, cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs). In this review, we focus on summarizing these snake venom-derived anticancer components on their anticancer activities and underlying mechanisms. We will also discuss their potential to be developed as anticancer drugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yuanfeng Fu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Junbo Peng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Ying Fu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Ren-Bo Ding
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
| | - Xingzhu Qi
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Jiaolin Bao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China.
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10
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Lan Y, Qiu X, Xu Y. Expression, Purification and Characterization of Recombinant Disintegrin from Gloydius Brevicaudus Venom in Escherichia Coli. Protein J 2024; 43:603-612. [PMID: 38734856 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-024-10198-w] [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] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Disintegrins, a family of snake venom protein, which are capable of modulating the activity of integrins that play a fundamental role in the regulation of many physiological and pathological processes. The main purpose of this study is to obtain the recombinant disintegrin (r-DI) and evaluate its biological activity. In this study, we explored a high-level expression prokaryotic system and purification strategy for r-DI. Then, r-DI was treated to assay effects on cell growth, migration, and invasion. The affinity for the interactions of r-DI with integrin was determined using Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analyses. The r-DI can be expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by one-step chromatography. The r-DI can inhibit B16F10 cells proliferation, migration, and invasion. Also, we found that r-DI could interact with the integrin αIIbβ3 (GPIIb/IIIa). The r-DI can be expressed, purified, characterized through functional assays, and can also maintain strong biological activities. Thus, this study showed potential therapeutic effects of r-DI for further functional and structural studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinxiang Lan
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Children's Hospital (Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center), College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, FuJian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xiuliang Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yunlu Xu
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
- Center of Translational Hematology of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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11
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Zhong XJ, Wang CE, Li YN, Zhang QY, Sun QY. Atrase A, a P-III class metalloproteinase purified from cobra venom, exhibits potent anticoagulant activity by inhibiting coagulation pathway and activating the fibrinolytic system. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30969. [PMID: 38813202 PMCID: PMC11133756 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30969] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms, comprising a complex array of protein-rich components, an important part of which are snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs). These SVMPs, which are predominantly isolated from viperid venoms, are integral to the pathology of snakebites. However, SVMPs derived from elapid venoms have not been extensively explored, and only a handful of SVMPs have been characterized to date. Atrase A, a nonhemorrhagic P-III class metalloproteinase from Naja atra venom, exhibits weak proteolytic activity against fibrinogen in vitro but has pronounced anticoagulant effects in vivo. This contrast spurred investigations into its anticoagulant mechanisms. Research findings indicate that atrase A notably extends the activated partial thromboplastin time, diminishes fibrinogen levels, and impedes platelet aggregation. The anticoagulant action of atrase A primarily involves inhibiting coagulation factor VIII and activating the endogenous fibrinolytic system, which in turn lowers fibrinogen levels. Additionally, its effect on platelet aggregation further contributes to its anticoagulant profile. This study unveils a novel anticoagulant mechanism of atrase A, significantly enriching the understanding of the roles of cobra venom metalloproteinases in snake venom. Furthermore, these findings underscore the potential of atrase A as a novel anticoagulant drug, offering insights into the functional evolutions of cobra venom metalloproteinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Jie Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
| | - Cai-E Wang
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Ya-Nan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
| | - Qi-Yun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
| | - Qian-Yun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
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12
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Oganesyan I, Jenkins TP, Laustsen AH, Zenobi R, Harrison JA. Streamlining the Analysis of Proteins from Snake Venom. J Proteome Res 2024. [PMID: 38814071 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Investigating snake venom is necessary for developing new treatments for envenoming and harnessing the therapeutic potential that lies within venom toxins. Despite considerable efforts in previous research, several technical challenges remain for characterizing the individual components within such complex mixtures. Here, we present native and top-down mass spectrometry (MS) workflows that enable the analysis of individual venom proteins within complex mixtures and showcase the utility of these methodologies on King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom. First, we coupled ion mobility spectrometry for separation and electron capture dissociation for charge reduction to resolve highly convoluted mass spectra containing multiple proteins with masses ranging from 55 to 127 kDa. Next, we performed a top-down glycomic analysis of a 25.5 kDa toxin, showing that this protein contains a fucosylated complex glycan. Finally, temperature-controlled nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry facilitated the top-down sequence analysis of a β-cardiotoxin, which cannot be fragmented by collisional energy due to its disulfide bond pattern. The work presented here demonstrates the applicability of new and promising MS methods for snake venom analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Oganesyan
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- VenomAid Diagnostics ApS, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Renato Zenobi
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julian A Harrison
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Chary PS, Shaikh S, Rajana N, Bhavana V, Mehra NK. Unlocking nature's arsenal: Nanotechnology for targeted delivery of venom toxins in cancer therapy. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 162:213903. [PMID: 38824828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the present review is to shed light on the nanotechnological approaches adopted to overcome the shortcomings associated with the delivery of venom peptides which possess inherent anti-cancer properties. BACKGROUND Venom peptides although have been reported to demonstrate anti-cancer effects, they suffer from several disadvantages such as in vivo instability, off-target adverse effects, limited drug loading and low bioavailability. This review presents a comprehensive compilation of different classes of nanocarriers while underscoring their advantages, disadvantages and potential to carry such peptide molecules for in vivo delivery. It also discusses various nanotechnological aspects such as methods of fabrication, analytical tools to assess these nanoparticulate formulations, modulation of nanocarrier polymer properties to enhance loading capacity, stability and improve their suitability to carry toxic peptide drugs. CONCLUSION Nanotechnological approaches bear great potential in delivering venom peptide-based molecules as anticancer agents by enhancing their bioavailability, stability, efficacy as well as offering a spatiotemporal delivery approach. However, the challenges associated with toxicity and biocompatibility of nanocarriers must be duly addressed. PERSPECTIVES The everlasting quest for new breakthroughs for safer delivery of venom peptides in human subjects is fuelled by unmet clinical needs in the current landscape of chemotherapy. In addition, exhaustive efforts are required in obtaining and purifying the venom peptides followed by designing and optimizing scale up technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padakanti Sandeep Chary
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Samia Shaikh
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Naveen Rajana
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Valamla Bhavana
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Neelesh Kumar Mehra
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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14
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Saldarriaga-Córdoba M, Clavero-León C, Rey-Suarez P, Nuñez-Rangel V, Avendaño-Herrera R, Solano-González S, Alzate JF. Unveiling Novel Kunitz- and Waprin-Type Toxins in the Micrurus mipartitus Coral Snake Venom Gland: An In Silico Transcriptome Analysis. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:224. [PMID: 38787076 PMCID: PMC11126030 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16050224] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Kunitz-type peptide expression has been described in the venom of snakes of the Viperidae, Elapidae and Colubridae families. This work aimed to identify these peptides in the venom gland transcriptome of the coral snake Micrurus mipartitus. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a high diversity of venom-associated Kunitz serine protease inhibitor proteins (KSPIs). A total of eight copies of KSPIs were predicted and grouped into four distinctive types, including short KSPI, long KSPI, Kunitz-Waprin (Ku-WAP) proteins, and a multi-domain Kunitz-type protein. From these, one short KSPI showed high identity with Micrurus tener and Austrelaps superbus. The long KSPI group exhibited similarity within the Micrurus genus and showed homology with various elapid snakes and even with the colubrid Pantherophis guttatus. A third group suggested the presence of Kunitz domains in addition to a whey-acidic-protein-type four-disulfide core domain. Finally, the fourth group corresponded to a transcript copy with a putative 511 amino acid protein, formerly annotated as KSPI, which UniProt classified as SPINT1. In conclusion, this study showed the diversity of Kunitz-type proteins expressed in the venom gland transcriptome of M. mipartitus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Clavero-León
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad (CIRENYS), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Paola Rey-Suarez
- Grupo de Investigación en Toxinología, Alternativas Terapéuticas y Alimentarias, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia; (P.R.-S.); (V.N.-R.)
| | - Vitelbina Nuñez-Rangel
- Grupo de Investigación en Toxinología, Alternativas Terapéuticas y Alimentarias, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia; (P.R.-S.); (V.N.-R.)
- Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia
| | - Ruben Avendaño-Herrera
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida & Centro de Investigación Marina Quintay (CIMARQ), Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar 2531015, Chile;
| | - Stefany Solano-González
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática Aplicada, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 86-3000, Costa Rica
| | - Juan F. Alzate
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia;
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15
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Offor BC, Piater LA. Snake venom toxins: Potential anticancer therapeutics. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:666-685. [PMID: 37697914 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Snake venom contains a cocktail of compounds dominated by proteins and peptides, which make up the toxin. The toxin components of snake venom attack several targets in the human body including the neuromuscular system, kidney and blood coagulation system and cause pathologies. As such, the venom toxins can be managed and used for the treatment of these diseases. In this regard, Captopril used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases was the first animal venom toxin-based drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency. Cancers cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to side effects associated with the current cancer treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy and surgery, there is a need to improve the efficacy of current treatments and/or develop novel drugs from natural sources including animal toxin-based drugs. There is a long history of earlier and ongoing studies implicating snake venom toxins as potential anticancer therapies. Here, we review the role of crude snake venoms and toxins including phospholipase A2, L-amino acid oxidase, C-type lectin and disintegrin as potential anticancer agents tested in cancer cell lines and animal tumour models in comparison to normal cell lines. Some of the anti-tumour activities of snake venom toxins include induction of cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and inhibition of metastasis, angiogenesis and tumour growth. We thus propose the advancement of multidisciplinary approaches to more pre-clinical and clinical studies for enhanced bioavailability and targeted delivery of snake venom toxin-based anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict C Offor
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
| | - Lizelle A Piater
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
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16
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Machado Marinho AC, Chapeaurouge A, Dutra BM, Quintela BCSF, Pereira SS, Fernandes CFC. The role of venom proteomics and single-domain antibodies for antivenoms: Progress in snake envenoming treatment. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103967. [PMID: 38555033 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) hold promise for developing new biopharmaceuticals to treat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including snakebites, which are severe and occur frequently. In addition, limitations of conventional snakebite treatments, especially in terms of local action, and the global antivenom crisis incentivize the use of this biotechnological tool to design next-generation snakebite antivenoms. Conventional antivenoms for snakebite treatment are usually composed of immunoglobulin G or F(ab')2 fragments derived from the plasma of immunized animals. sdAbs, the smallest antigen-binding fragments, are derived from the variable domains of camelid heavy-chain antibodies. sdAbs may have some advantages over conventional antivenoms for local toxicity, such as better penetration into tissues due to their small size, and high solubility and affinity for venom antigens due to their unique antigen-binding loops and ability to access cryptic epitopes. We present an overview of current antivenom therapy in the context of sdAb development for toxin neutralization. Furthermore, strategies are presented for identifying snake venom's major toxins as well as for developing antisnake toxin sdAbs by employing proteomic tools for toxin neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carolina Machado Marinho
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceará, FIOCRUZ CE, Eusébio-CE, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, UFC, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Alexander Chapeaurouge
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceará, FIOCRUZ CE, Eusébio-CE, Brazil
| | - Brunheld Maia Dutra
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceará, FIOCRUZ CE, Eusébio-CE, Brazil
| | - Barbara Cibelle S F Quintela
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceará, FIOCRUZ CE, Eusébio-CE, Brazil
| | - Soraya S Pereira
- Laboratório de Engenharia de Anticorpos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondônia, FIOCRUZ RO, Porto Velho-RO, Brazil
| | - Carla Freire C Fernandes
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceará, FIOCRUZ CE, Eusébio-CE, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, UFC, Fortaleza, Brazil
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17
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Oliveira VQ, Santos LC, Teixeira SC, Correia TML, Andrade LOSB, Gimenes SNC, Colombini M, Marques LM, Jiménez-Charris E, Freitas-de-Sousa LA, Silva MJB, Magalhães Gusmão ACMD, Ferro EAV, Clissa PB, Melo Rodrigues VD, Lopes DS. Antiangiogenic properties of BthMP, a P-I metalloproteinase from Bothrops moojeni snake venom by VEGF pathway in endothelial cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 706:149748. [PMID: 38460450 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149748] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a process that is controlled by a delicate combination of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic molecules and can be disrupted in various illnesses, including cancer. Non-cancerous diseases can also have an abnormal or insufficient vascular growth, inflammation and hypoxia, which exacerbate angiogenesis. These conditions include atherosclerosis, psoriasis, endometriosis, asthma, obesity and AIDS. Based on that, the present work assessed the in vitro and ex vivo antiangiogenic properties stemming from BthMP, a P-I metalloproteinase from Bothrops moojeni snake venom, via the VEGF pathway. BthMP at a concentration of 5 and 40 μg/mL showed no toxicity to endothelial cells (HUVEC) in the MTT assay and was not able to induce necrosis and colony proliferation. Interestingly, BthMP inhibited adhesion, migration and invasion of HUVECs in Matrigel and arrested in vitro angiogenesis by reducing the average number of nodules in toxin-treated cells by 9.6 and 17.32 at 5 and 40 μg/mL, respectively, and the number of tubules by 15.9 at 5 μg/mL and 21.6 at 40 μg/mL in a VEGF-dependent way, an essential proangiogenic property. Furthermore, BthMP inhibited the occurrence of the angiogenic process in an ex vivo aortic ring test by decreasing new vessel formation by 52% at 5 μg/mL and by 66% at 40 μg/mL and by increasing the expression of an antiangiogenic gene, SFLT-1, and decreasing the expression of the proangiogenic genes VEGFA and ANGPT-1. Finally, this toxin reduces the production of nitric oxide, a marker that promotes angiogenesis and VEGF modulation, and decreases the protein expression of VEGFA in the supernatant of the HUVEC culture by about 30 %. These results suggest that BthMP has a promising antiangiogenic property and proves to be a biotechnological mechanism for understanding the antiangiogenic responses induced by snake venom metalloproteinases, which could be applied to a variety of diseases that exhibit an imbalance of angiogenesis mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Queiroz Oliveira
- Institute Multidisciplinary in Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil
| | - Luísa Carregosa Santos
- Institute Multidisciplinary in Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil
| | - Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Mônica Colombini
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Miranda Marques
- Institute Multidisciplinary in Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcelo José Barbosa Silva
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Veridiana de Melo Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), Uberlândia-MG, Brazil
| | - Daiana Silva Lopes
- Institute Multidisciplinary in Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil.
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18
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DU C, Yuan F, Duan X, Rong M, Meng E, Liu C. Isolation and structural identification of a potassium ion channel Kv4.1 inhibitor SsTx-P2 from centipede venom. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2024; 53:194-200. [PMID: 38268403 PMCID: PMC11057981 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2023-0430] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To isolate a potassium ion channel Kv4.1 inhibitor from centipede venom, and to determine its sequence and structure. METHODS Ion-exchange chromatography and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography were performed to separate and purify peptide components of centipede venom, and their inhibiting effect on Kv4.1 channel was determined by whole-cell patch clamp recording. The molecular weight of isolated peptide Kv4.1 channel inhibitor was identified with matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry; its primary sequence was determined by Edman degradation sequencing and two-dimensional mass spectrometry; its structure was established based on iterative thread assembly refinement online analysis. RESULTS A peptide SsTx-P2 was separated from centipede venom with the molecular weight of 6122.8, and its primary sequence consists of 53 amino acid residues NH2-ELTWDFVRTCCKLFPDKSECTKACATEFTGGDESRLKDVWPRKLRSGDSRLKD-OH. Peptide SsTx-P2 potently inhibited the current of Kv4.1 channel transiently transfected in HEK293 cell, with 1.0 μmol/L SsTx-P2 suppressing 95% current of Kv4.1 channel. Its structure showed that SsTx-P2 shared a conserved helical structure. CONCLUSIONS The study has isolated a novel peptide SsTx-P2 from centipede venom, which can potently inhibit the potassium ion channel Kv4.1 and displays structural conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canwei DU
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Fuchu Yuan
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Xinyi Duan
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, Hunan Province, China
| | - Mingqiang Rong
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Er Meng
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, Hunan Province, China
| | - Changjun Liu
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, Hunan Province, China.
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19
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Xiong X, Wang N, Zhang Y, Zhao W, Pang N, Fu K, Zhou N, Zhou X, Guo D. Long-Residence Time Peptide Antagonist for the Vasopressin V 2 Receptor to Treat Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5935-5944. [PMID: 38509003 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The dysregulated intracellular cAMP in the kidneys drives cystogenesis and progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Mounting evidence supports that vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R) antagonism effectively reduces cAMP levels, validating this receptor as a therapeutic target. Tolvaptan, an FDA-approved V2R antagonist, shows limitations in its clinical efficacy for ADPKD treatment. Therefore, the pursuit of better-in-class V2R antagonists with an improved efficacy remains pressing. Herein, we synthesized a set of peptide V2R antagonists. Peptide 33 exhibited a high binding affinity for the V2R (Ki = 6.1 ± 1.5 nM) and an extended residence time of 20 ± 1 min, 2-fold that of tolvaptan. This prolonged interaction translated into sustained suppression of cAMP production in washout experiments. Furthermore, peptide 33 exhibited improved efficacies over tolvaptan in both ex vivo and in vivo models of ADPKD, underscoring its potential as a promising lead compound for the treatment of ADPKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Xiong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Naiyuan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yixiao Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenchao Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ningning Pang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kequan Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xueyan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dong Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
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20
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Alonso LL, van Thiel J, Slagboom J, Dunstan N, Modahl CM, Jackson TNW, Samanipour S, Kool J. Studying Venom Toxin Variation Using Accurate Masses from Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Bioinformatic Tools. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:181. [PMID: 38668606 PMCID: PMC11053424 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16040181] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This study provides a new methodology for the rapid analysis of numerous venom samples in an automated fashion. Here, we use LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) for venom separation and toxin analysis at the accurate mass level combined with new in-house written bioinformatic scripts to obtain high-throughput results. This analytical methodology was validated using 31 venoms from all members of a monophyletic clade of Australian elapids: brown snakes (Pseudonaja spp.) and taipans (Oxyuranus spp.). In a previous study, we revealed extensive venom variation within this clade, but the data was manually processed and MS peaks were integrated into a time-consuming and labour-intensive approach. By comparing the manual approach to our new automated approach, we now present a faster and more efficient pipeline for analysing venom variation. Pooled venom separations with post-column toxin fractionations were performed for subsequent high-throughput venomics to obtain toxin IDs correlating to accurate masses for all fractionated toxins. This workflow adds another dimension to the field of venom analysis by providing opportunities to rapidly perform in-depth studies on venom variation. Our pipeline opens new possibilities for studying animal venoms as evolutionary model systems and investigating venom variation to aid in the development of better antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis L. Alonso
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.L.A.); (J.S.)
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jory van Thiel
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.L.A.); (J.S.)
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Julien Slagboom
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.L.A.); (J.S.)
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cassandra M. Modahl
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK;
| | - Timothy N. W. Jackson
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Saer Samanipour
- Van‘t Hof Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.L.A.); (J.S.)
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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21
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Pedro G, Brasileiro FCDS, Macedo JM, Soares AM, Mafra GC, Alves CEF, Laufer-Amorim R. Cytotoxic effects of crotoxin from Crotalus durissus terrificus snake in canine mammary tumor cell lines. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2024; 30:e20230062. [PMID: 38505509 PMCID: PMC10950368 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0062] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mammary gland tumors are the most prevalent neoplasm in intact female dogs, and they are good natural models to study comparative oncology. Most canine mammary malignancies, as in women, are commonly refractory to conventional therapies and demand continuous new therapeutic approaches. Crotalus durissus terrificus, also called rattlesnake, has more than 60 different proteins in its venom with multiple pharmaceutical uses, such as antitumor, antiviral, and antimicrobial action. Crotoxin, a potent β-neurotoxin formed by the junction of two subunits, a basic subunit (CB-PLA2) and an acidic subunit (crotapotin), has already been reported to have anticancer properties in different types of cancers. Methods In this work, we describe the cytotoxic potential of crotoxin and its subunits compared to doxorubicin (drug of choice) in two canine mammary carcinoma cell lines. Results Crotoxin, CB-PLA2, crotalic venom, and doxorubicin decreased cell viability and the ability to migrate in a dose-dependent manner, and crotapotin did not present an antitumoral effect. For all compounds, the predominant cell death mechanism was apoptosis. In addition, crotoxin did not show toxicity in normal canine mammary gland cells. Conclusion Therefore, this work showed that crotoxin and CB-PLA2 had cytotoxic activity, migration inhibition, and pro-apoptotic potential in canine mammary gland carcinoma cell lines, making their possible use in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovana Pedro
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Jamile Mariano Macedo
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Education Applied to One Health (LABIOPROT), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz - Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- São Lucas University Center - São Lucas PVH, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Andreimar Martins Soares
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Education Applied to One Health (LABIOPROT), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz - Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- São Lucas University Center - São Lucas PVH, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Western Amazon Research and Knowledge Network of Excellence (RED-CONEXAO), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Epidemiology of the Western Amazon (INCT EpiAmO), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Caporale Mafra
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Renée Laufer-Amorim
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
- Western Amazon Research and Knowledge Network of Excellence (RED-CONEXAO), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Epidemiology of the Western Amazon (INCT EpiAmO), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
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22
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Martinez PA, Teixeira IBDF, Siqueira-Silva T, da Silva FFB, Lima LAG, Chaves-Silveira J, Olalla-Tárraga MÅ, Gutiérrez JM, Amado TF. Climate change-related distributional range shifts of venomous snakes: a predictive modelling study of effects on public health and biodiversity. Lancet Planet Health 2024; 8:e163-e171. [PMID: 38453382 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(24)00005-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change is expected to have profound effects on the distribution of venomous snake species, including reductions in biodiversity and changes in patterns of envenomation of humans and domestic animals. We estimated the effect of future climate change on the distribution of venomous snake species and potential knock-on effects on biodiversity and public health. METHODS We built species distribution models based on the geographical distribution of 209 medically relevant venomous snake species (WHO categories 1 and 2) and present climatic variables, and used these models to project the potential distribution of species in 2070. We incorporated different future climatic scenarios into the model, which we used to estimate the loss and gain of areas potentially suitable for each species. We also assessed which countries were likely to gain new species in the future as a result of species crossing national borders. We integrated the species distribution models with different socioeconomic scenarios to estimate which countries would become more vulnerable to snakebites in 2070. FINDINGS Our results suggest that substantial losses of potentially suitable areas for the survival of most venomous snake species will occur by 2070. However, some species of high risk to public health could gain climatically suitable areas for habitation. Countries such as Niger, Namibia, China, Nepal, and Myanmar could potentially gain several venomous snake species from neighbouring countries. Furthermore, the combination of an increase in climatically suitable areas and socioeconomic factors (including low-income and high rural populations) means that southeast Asia and Africa (and countries including Uganda, Kenya, Bangladesh, India, and Thailand in particular) could have increased vulnerability to snakebites in the future, with potential effects on public human and veterinary health. INTERPRETATION Loss of venomous snake biodiversity in low-income countries will affect ecosystem functioning and result in the loss of valuable genetic resources. Additionally, climate change will create new challenges to public health in several low-income countries, particularly in southeast Asia and Africa. The international community needs to increase its efforts to counter the effects of climate change in the coming decades. FUNDING German Research Foundation, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación de España, European Regional Development Fund.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Ariel Martinez
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Integrativas em Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil; Instituto de Cambio Global, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Tuany Siqueira-Silva
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Integrativas em Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Antônio Gonzaga Lima
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Integrativas em Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Jonatas Chaves-Silveira
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Integrativas em Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | | | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Talita Ferreira Amado
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Leipzig, Germany; Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
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23
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Damsbo A, Rimbault C, Burlet NJ, Vlamynck A, Bisbo I, Belfakir SB, Laustsen AH, Rivera-de-Torre E. A comparative study of the performance of E. coli and K. phaffii for expressing α-cobratoxin. Toxicon 2024; 239:107613. [PMID: 38218383 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107613] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Three-finger toxins (3FTxs) have traditionally been obtained via venom fractionation of whole venoms from snakes. This method often yields functional toxins, but it can be difficult to obtain pure isoforms, as it is challenging to separate the many different toxins with similar physicochemical properties that generally exist in many venoms. This issue can be circumvented via the use of recombinant expression. However, achieving the correct disulfide bond formation in recombinant toxins is challenging and requires extensive optimization of expression and purification methods to enhance stability and functionality. In this study, we investigated the expression of α-cobratoxin, a well-characterized 3FTx from the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia), in three different expression systems, namely Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells with the csCyDisCo plasmid, Escherichia coli SHuffle cells, and Komagataella phaffii (formerly known as Pichia pastoris). While none of the tested systems yielded α-cobratoxin identical to the variant isolated from whole venom, the His6-tagged α-cobratoxin expressed in K. phaffii exhibited a comparable secondary structure according to circular dichroism spectra and similar binding properties to the α7 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The findings presented here illustrate the advantages and limitations of the different expression systems and can help guide researchers who wish to express 3FTxs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Damsbo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Rimbault
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nick J Burlet
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anneline Vlamynck
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ida Bisbo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Selma B Belfakir
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; VenomAid Diagnostics ApS, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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24
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Alberto-Silva C, Pantaleão HQ, da Silva BR, da Silva JCA, Echeverry MB. Activation of M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors by proline-rich oligopeptide 7a (<EDGPIPP) from Bothrops jararaca snake venom rescues oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2024; 30:e20230043. [PMID: 38362565 PMCID: PMC10868729 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0043] [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: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The bioactive peptides derived from snake venoms of the Viperidae family species have been promising as therapeutic candidates for neuroprotection due to their ability to prevent neuronal cell loss, injury, and death. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the cytoprotective effects of a synthetic proline-rich oligopeptide 7a (PRO-7a; Methods Both cells were pre-treated for four hours with different concentrations of PRO-7a, submitted to H2O2-induced damage for 20 h, and then the oxidative stress markers were analyzed. Also, two independent neuroprotective mechanisms were investigated: a) L-arginine metabolite generation via argininosuccinate synthetase (AsS) activity regulation to produce agmatine or polyamines with neuroprotective properties; b) M1 mAChR receptor subtype activation pathway to reduce oxidative stress and neuron injury. Results PRO-7a was not cytoprotective in C6 cells, but potentiated the H2O2-induced damage to cell integrity at a concentration lower than 0.38 μM. However, PRO-7a at 1.56 µM, on the other hand, modified H2O2-induced toxicity in PC12 cells by restoring cell integrity, mitochondrial metabolism, ROS generation, and arginase indirect activity. The α-Methyl-DL-aspartic acid (MDLA) and L-NΩ-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-Name), specific inhibitors of AsS and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which catalyzes the synthesis of polyamines and NO from L-arginine, did not suppress PRO-7a-mediated cytoprotection against oxidative stress. It suggested that its mechanism is independent of the production of L-arginine metabolites with neuroprotective properties by increased AsS activity. On the other hand, the neuroprotective effect of PRO-7a was blocked in the presence of dicyclomine hydrochloride (DCH), an M1 mAChR antagonist. Conclusions For the first time, this work provides evidence that PRO-7a-induced neuroprotection seems to be mediated through M1 mAChR activation in PC12 cells, which reduces oxidative stress independently of AsS activity and L-arginine bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto-Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental
Morphophysiology Laboratory, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do
Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Halyne Queiroz Pantaleão
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental
Morphophysiology Laboratory, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do
Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Brenda Rufino da Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental
Morphophysiology Laboratory, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do
Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Julio Cezar Araujo da Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental
Morphophysiology Laboratory, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do
Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcela Bermudez Echeverry
- Center for Mathematics, Computation and Cognition (CMCC), Federal
University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil
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25
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Kalogeropoulos K, Bohn MF, Jenkins DE, Ledergerber J, Sørensen CV, Hofmann N, Wade J, Fryer T, Thi Tuyet Nguyen G, Auf dem Keller U, Laustsen AH, Jenkins TP. A comparative study of protein structure prediction tools for challenging targets: Snake venom toxins. Toxicon 2024; 238:107559. [PMID: 38113945 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107559] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Protein structure determination is a critical aspect of biological research, enabling us to understand protein function and potential applications. Recent advances in deep learning and artificial intelligence have led to the development of several protein structure prediction tools, such as AlphaFold2 and ColabFold. However, their performance has primarily been evaluated on well-characterised proteins and their ability to predict sturtctures of proteins lacking experimental structures, such as many snake venom toxins, has been less scrutinised. In this study, we evaluated three modelling tools on their prediction of over 1000 snake venom toxin structures for which no experimental structures exist. Our findings show that AlphaFold2 (AF2) performed the best across all assessed parameters. We also observed that ColabFold (CF) only scored slightly worse than AF2, while being computationally less intensive. All tools struggled with regions of intrinsic disorder, such as loops and propeptide regions, and performed well in predicting the structure of functional domains. Overall, our study highlights the importance of exercising caution when working with proteins with no experimental structures available, particularly those that are large and contain flexible regions. Nonetheless, leveraging computational structure prediction tools can provide valuable insights into the modelling of protein interactions with different targets and reveal potential binding sites, active sites, and conformational changes, as well as into the design of potential molecular binders for reagent, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus-Frederik Bohn
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Jann Ledergerber
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; Department of Chemistry and Applied Bioscience, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nils Hofmann
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jack Wade
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Thomas Fryer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Giang Thi Tuyet Nguyen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ulrich Auf dem Keller
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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Alves de Melo Fernandes T, Rafaella Costa T, de Paula Menezes R, Arantes de Souza M, Gomes Martins CH, Junior NN, Gobbi Amorim F, Quinton L, Polloni L, Teixeira SC, Amália Vieira Ferro E, Soares AM, de Melo Rodrigues Ávila V. Bothrops snake venom L-amino acid oxidases impair biofilm formation of clinically relevant bacteria. Toxicon 2024; 238:107569. [PMID: 38122835 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107569] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The present work addressed the abilities of two L-amino acid oxidases isolated from Bothrops moojeni (BmooLAAO-I) and Bothrops jararacussu (BjussuLAAO-II) snake venoms to control the growth and prevent the biofilm formation of clinically relevant bacterial pathogens. Upon S. aureus (ATCC BAA44) and S. aureus (clinical isolates), BmooLAAO-I (MIC = 0.12 and 0.24 μg/mL, respectively) and BjussuLAAO-II (MIC = 0.15 μg/mL) showed a potent bacteriostatic effect. Against E. coli (ATCC BAA198) and E. coli (clinical isolates), BmooLAAO-I (MIC = 15.6 and 62.5 μg/mL, respectively) and BjussuLAAO-II (MIC = 4.88 and 9.76 μg/mL, respectively) presented a lower extent effect. Also, BmooLAAO-I (MICB50 = 0.195 μg/mL) and BjussuLAAO-II (MICB50 = 0.39 μg/mL) inhibited the biofilm formation of S. aureus (clinical isolates) in 88% and 89%, respectively, and in 89% and 53% of E. coli (clinical isolates). Moreover, scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the toxins affected bacterial morphology by increasing the roughness of the cell surface and inhibited the biofilm formation. Furthermore, analysis of the tridimensional structures of the toxins showed that the surface-charge distribution presents a remarkable positive region close to the glycosylation motif, which is more pronounced in BmooLAAO-I than BjussuLAAO-II. This region may assist the interaction with bacterial and biofilm surfaces. Collectively, our findings propose that venom-derived antibiofilm agents are promising biotechnological tools which could provide novel strategies for biofilm-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thales Alves de Melo Fernandes
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Tássia Rafaella Costa
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Ralciane de Paula Menezes
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Meliza Arantes de Souza
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique Gomes Martins
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Nilson Nicolau Junior
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Loïc Quinton
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, MolSys RU, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Lorena Polloni
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Andreimar Martins Soares
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Proteins and Bioactive Compounds in the Western Amazon (LABIOPROT), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, FIOCRUZ Rondônia, Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), And National Institute of Science and Technology of Epidemiology of the Western Amazon, INCT-EPIAMO, Porto Velho-RO, Brazil
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de Oliveira ALN, Lacerda MT, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. Viper Venom Phospholipase A2 Database: The Structural and Functional Anatomy of a Primary Toxin in Envenomation. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:71. [PMID: 38393149 PMCID: PMC10893444 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020071] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Viper venom phospholipase A2 enzymes (vvPLA2s) and phospholipase A2-like (PLA2-like) proteins are two of the principal toxins in viper venom that are responsible for the severe myotoxic and neurotoxic effects caused by snakebite envenoming, among other pathologies. As snakebite envenoming is the deadliest neglected tropical disease, a complete understanding of these proteins' properties and their mechanisms of action is urgently needed. Therefore, we created a database comprising information on the holo-form, cofactor-bound 3D structure of 217 vvPLA2 and PLA2-like proteins in their physiologic environment, as well as 79 membrane-bound viper species from 24 genera, which we have made available to the scientific community to accelerate the development of new anti-snakebite drugs. In addition, the analysis of the sequenced, 3D structure of the database proteins reveals essential aspects of the anatomy of the proteins, their toxicity mechanisms, and the conserved binding site areas that may anchor universal interspecific inhibitors. Moreover, it pinpoints hypotheses for the molecular origin of the myotoxicity of the PLA2-like proteins. Altogether, this study provides an understanding of the diversity of these toxins and how they are conserved, and it indicates how to develop broad, interspecies, efficient small-molecule inhibitors to target the toxin's many mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pedro A. Fernandes
- Requimte-Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-000 Porto, Portugal; (A.L.N.d.O.); (M.T.L.); (M.J.R.)
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Mackie I, Casini A, Pieters M, Pruthi R, Reilly-Stitt C, Suzuki A. International council for standardisation in haematology recommendations on fibrinogen assays, thrombin clotting time and related tests in the investigation of bleeding disorders. Int J Lab Hematol 2024; 46:20-32. [PMID: 37984807 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.14201] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
This guidance was prepared on behalf of the International Council for Standardisation in Haematology (ICSH) by an international working group of clinicians and scientists. The document focuses on tests and assays used for the assessment of fibrinogen function, particularly in the scenario of bleeding disorders. Thrombin clotting time (TT) is used as a screening test in some laboratories and also has some utility when direct anticoagulants are in use. The Clauss fibrinogen assay remains the method of choice for the assessment of fibrinogen function, but there are some situations where the results may be misleading. Prothrombin time derived fibrinogen assays are frequently used, but should be interpreted with caution; the results are not interchangeable between different methods and fibrinogen can be overestimated in certain clinical scenarios. Viscoelastic point of care methods may be helpful in emergency situations, while Reptilase time (and similar tests) are useful combined with TT in distinguishing heparin contamination of samples (i.e., if an incorrect blood draw is suspected) and the presence of direct thrombin inhibitors. Fibrinogen antigen assays should be used in the investigation of functional fibrinogen abnormalities; fibrinogen antigen and genetic testing are recommended in the confirmation of congenital fibrinogen disorders. The following recommendations for fibrinogen function assessment are based on published literature and expert opinion and should supplement local regulations and standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Mackie
- Research Haematology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alessandro Casini
- Division of Angiology and Hemostasis, Faculty of Medicine of Geneva, University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marlien Pieters
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Extramural Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | | | | | - Atsuo Suzuki
- Department of Medical Technique, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
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Kumar A, Madni ZK, Chaturvedi S, Salunke DM. Recombinant human scFv antibody fragments against phospholipase A2 from Naja naja and Echis carinatus snake venoms: In vivo neutralization and mechanistic insights. Mol Immunol 2024; 165:55-67. [PMID: 38154407 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.12.006] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Snake envenomation results in a range of clinical sequelae, and widely used animal-based conventional antivenoms exhibit several limitations including the adverse immunological effects in human snake bite victims. Therefore, human monoclonal anti-snake venom antibodies or fragments can be an alternate therapy for overcoming the existing limitations. We developed venom-neutralizing humanized scFv antibodies and analyzed biochemical mechanisms associated with the inhibition of toxicity. Tomlinson I and J human scFv antibody libraries were screened against Naja naja and Echis carinatus venoms, and seven unique scFv antibodies were obtained. Further, specific toxins of snake venom interacting with each of these scFvs were identified, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was found to be prominently captured by the phage-anchored scFv antibodies. Our study indicated PLA2 to be one of the abundant toxins in Naja naja and Echis carinatus venom samples. The scFvs binding to PLA2 were used to perform in vivo survival assay using the mouse model and in vitro toxin inhibition assays. scFv N194, which binds to acidic PLA2, protected 50% of mice treated with Naja naja venom. Significant prolongation of survival time and 16% survival were observed in Echis carinatus venom-challenged mice treated with scFv E113 and scFv E10, respectively. However, a combination comprised of an equal amount of two scFvs, E113 and E10, both interacting with basic PLA2, exhibited synergistically enhanced survival of 33% in Echis carinatus venom-challenged mice. No such synergistically enhanced survival was observed in the case of combinatorial treatment with anti-Naja naja scFvs, N194, and N248. These scFvs demonstrated partial inhibition of venom-induced myotoxicity, and E113 also inhibited hemolysis by 50%, which corroborates the enhanced survival during combinatorial treatment in Echis carinatus venom-challenged mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Zaid Kamal Madni
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Shivam Chaturvedi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Dinakar M Salunke
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India.
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AlShammari AK, Abd El-Aziz TM, Al-Sabi A. Snake Venom: A Promising Source of Neurotoxins Targeting Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 16:12. [PMID: 38251229 PMCID: PMC10820993 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010012] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The venom derived from various sources of snakes represents a vast collection of predominantly protein-based toxins that exhibit a wide range of biological actions, including but not limited to inflammation, pain, cytotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. The venom of a particular snake species is composed of several toxins, while the venoms of around 600 venomous snake species collectively encompass a substantial reservoir of pharmacologically intriguing compounds. Despite extensive research efforts, a significant portion of snake venoms remains uncharacterized. Recent findings have demonstrated the potential application of neurotoxins derived from snake venom in selectively targeting voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv). These neurotoxins include BPTI-Kunitz polypeptides, PLA2 neurotoxins, CRISPs, SVSPs, and various others. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on the significance of Kv channels in various tissues, highlighting their crucial role as proteins susceptible to modulation by diverse snake venoms. These toxins have demonstrated potential as valuable pharmacological resources and research tools for investigating the structural and functional characteristics of Kv channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altaf K. AlShammari
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Ahmed Al-Sabi
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
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Phan P, Deshwal A, McMahon TA, Slikas M, Andrews E, Becker B, Kumar TKS. A Review of Rattlesnake Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 16:2. [PMID: 38276526 PMCID: PMC10818703 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010002] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Venom components are invaluable in biomedical research owing to their specificity and potency. Many of these components exist in two genera of rattlesnakes, Crotalus and Sistrurus, with high toxicity and proteolytic activity variation. This review focuses on venom components within rattlesnakes, and offers a comparison and itemized list of factors dictating venom composition, as well as presenting their known characteristics, activities, and significant applications in biosciences. There are 64 families and subfamilies of proteins present in Crotalus and Sistrurus venom. Snake venom serine proteases (SVSP), snake venom metalloproteases (SVMP), and phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are the standard components in Crotalus and Sistrurus venom. Through this review, we highlight gaps in the knowledge of rattlesnake venom; there needs to be more information on the venom composition of three Crotalus species and one Sistrurus subspecies. We discuss the activity and importance of both major and minor components in biomedical research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuc Phan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
| | - Anant Deshwal
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Tyler Anthony McMahon
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Matthew Slikas
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Elodie Andrews
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Brian Becker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
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Sampat GH, Hiremath K, Dodakallanavar J, Patil VS, Harish DR, Biradar P, Mahadevamurthy RK, Barvaliya M, Roy S. Unraveling snake venom phospholipase A 2: an overview of its structure, pharmacology, and inhibitors. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1454-1473. [PMID: 37926795 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00543-8] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Snake bite is a neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide. WHO reported approximately 5 million people are bitten by various species of snakes each year, resulting in nearly 1 million deaths and an additional three times cases of permanent disability. Snakes utilize the venom mainly for immobilization and digestion of their prey. Snake venom is a composition of proteins and enzymes which is responsible for its diverse pharmacological action. Snake venom phospholipase A2 (SvPLA2) is an enzyme that is present in every snake species in different quantities and is known to produce remarkable functional diversity and pharmacological action like inflammation, necrosis, myonecrosis, hemorrhage, etc. Arachidonic acid, a precursor to eicosanoids, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, is released when SvPLA2 catalyzes the hydrolysis of the sn-2 positions of membrane glycerophospholipids, which is responsible for its actions. Polyvalent antivenom produced from horses or lambs is the standard treatment for snake envenomation, although it has many drawbacks. Traditional medical practitioners treat snake bites using plants and other remedies as a sustainable alternative. More than 500 plant species from more than 100 families reported having venom-neutralizing abilities. Plant-derived secondary metabolites have the ability to reduce the venom's adverse consequences. Numerous studies have documented the ability of plant chemicals to inhibit the enzymes found in snake venom. Research in recent years has shown that various small molecules, such as varespladib and methyl varespladib, effectively inhibit the PLA2 toxin. In the present article, we have overviewed the knowledge of snake venom phospholipase A2, its classification, and the mechanism involved in the pathophysiology of cytotoxicity, myonecrosis, anticoagulation, and inflammation clinical application and inhibitors of SvPLA2, along with the list of studies carried out to evaluate the potency of small molecules like varespladib and secondary metabolites from the traditional medicine for their anti-PLA2 effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh H Sampat
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Kashinath Hiremath
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Jagadeesh Dodakallanavar
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Vishal S Patil
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Darasaguppe R Harish
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | - Prakash Biradar
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | | | - Manish Barvaliya
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Subarna Roy
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
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Nystrom GS, Ellsworth SA, Ward MJ, Rokyta DR. Varying Modes of Selection Among Toxin Families in the Venoms of the Giant Desert Hairy Scorpions (Hadrurus). J Mol Evol 2023; 91:935-962. [PMID: 38091038 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-023-10148-7] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Venoms are primarily believed to evolve under strong diversifying selection resulting from persistent coevolution between predator and prey. Recent research has challenged this hypothesis, proposing that venoms from younger venomous lineages (e.g., snakes and cone snails) are governed predominantly by diversifying selection, while venoms from older venomous lineages (e.g., centipedes, scorpions, and spiders) are under stronger purifying selection. However, most research in older lineages has tested selection at more diverse phylogenetic scales. Although these tests are important for evaluating broad macroevolutionary trends underlying venom evolution, they are less equipped to detect species-level evolutionary trends, which likely have large impacts on venom variation seen at more diverse phylogenetic scales. To test for selection among closely related species from an older venomous lineage, we generated high-throughput venom-gland transcriptomes and venom proteomes for four populations of Giant Desert Hairy Scorpions (Hadrurus), including three Hadrurus arizonensis populations and one Hadrurus spadix population. We detected significant episodic and pervasive diversifying selection across a highly abundant toxin family that likely has a major role in venom function ([Formula: see text]KTxs), providing a contrast to the stronger purifying selection identified from other studies on scorpion venoms. Conversely, we detected weak episodic diversifying and/or stronger purifying selection in four toxin families (non-disulfide bridged peptides, phospholipase A2s, scorpine-like antimicrobial peptides, and serine proteases), most of which were less abundant and likely have ancillary functional roles. Finally, although we detected several major toxin families at disproportionate transcriptomic and/or proteomic abundances, we did not identify significant sex-based variation in Hadrurus venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar S Nystrom
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4295, USA
| | - Schyler A Ellsworth
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4295, USA
| | - Micaiah J Ward
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4295, USA
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4295, USA.
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Menzies SK, Arinto-Garcia R, Amorim FG, Cardoso IA, Abada C, Crasset T, Durbesson F, Edge RJ, El-Kazzi P, Hall S, Redureau D, Stenner R, Boldrini-França J, Sun H, Roldão A, Alves PM, Harrison RA, Vincentelli R, Berger I, Quinton L, Casewell NR, Schaffitzel C. ADDovenom: Thermostable Protein-Based ADDomer Nanoparticles as New Therapeutics for Snakebite Envenoming. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:673. [PMID: 38133177 PMCID: PMC10747859 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15120673] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming can be a life-threatening medical emergency that requires prompt medical intervention to neutralise the effects of venom toxins. Each year up to 138,000 people die from snakebites and threefold more victims suffer life-altering disabilities. The current treatment of snakebite relies solely on antivenom-polyclonal antibodies isolated from the plasma of hyperimmunised animals-which is associated with numerous deficiencies. The ADDovenom project seeks to deliver a novel snakebite therapy, through the use of an innovative protein-based scaffold as a next-generation antivenom. The ADDomer is a megadalton-sized, thermostable synthetic nanoparticle derived from the adenovirus penton base protein; it has 60 high-avidity binding sites to neutralise venom toxins. Here, we outline our experimental strategies to achieve this goal using state-of-the-art protein engineering, expression technology and mass spectrometry, as well as in vitro and in vivo venom neutralisation assays. We anticipate that the approaches described here will produce antivenom with unparalleled efficacy, safety and affordability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie K. Menzies
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Centre for Drugs & Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Raquel Arinto-Garcia
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Technológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Gobbi Amorim
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, MolSys Research Unit, Allée du six Aout 11, Quartier Agora, Liège Université, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Iara Aimê Cardoso
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Camille Abada
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Thomas Crasset
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, MolSys Research Unit, Allée du six Aout 11, Quartier Agora, Liège Université, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Fabien Durbesson
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Rebecca J. Edge
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Priscila El-Kazzi
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Sophie Hall
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Damien Redureau
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, MolSys Research Unit, Allée du six Aout 11, Quartier Agora, Liège Université, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Richard Stenner
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Johara Boldrini-França
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Huan Sun
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - António Roldão
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Technológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Paula M. Alves
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Technológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Robert A. Harrison
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Centre for Drugs & Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Renaud Vincentelli
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Imre Berger
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Loïc Quinton
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, MolSys Research Unit, Allée du six Aout 11, Quartier Agora, Liège Université, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Centre for Drugs & Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Christiane Schaffitzel
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
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Kini RM, Utkin YN. Molecular Mechanisms of Animal Toxins, Venoms and Antivenoms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16389. [PMID: 38003582 PMCID: PMC10671026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216389] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In many animals belonging to different taxa, venoms evolved as a means of defense and/or a means of attack/hunting [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Manjunatha Kini
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore;
| | - Yuri N. Utkin
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxinology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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Pereañez JA, Preciado LM, Rey-Suárez P. Knowledge about Snake Venoms and Toxins from Colombia: A Systematic Review. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:658. [PMID: 37999521 PMCID: PMC10675826 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15110658] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Colombia encompasses three mountain ranges that divide the country into five natural regions: Andes, Pacific, Caribbean, Amazon, and Orinoquia. These regions offer an impressive range of climates, altitudes, and landscapes, which lead to a high snake biodiversity. Of the almost 300 snake species reported in Colombia, nearly 50 are categorized as venomous. This high diversity of species contrasts with the small number of studies to characterize their venom compositions and natural history in the different ecoregions. This work reviews the available information about the venom composition, isolated toxins, and potential applications of snake species found in Colombia. Data compilation was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, and the systematic literature search was carried out in Pubmed/MEDLINE. Venom proteomes from nine Viperidae and three Elapidae species have been described using quantitative analytical strategies. In addition, venoms of three Colubridae species have been studied. Bioactivities reported for some of the venoms or isolated components-such as antibacterial, cytotoxicity on tumoral cell lines, and antiplasmodial properties-may be of interest to develop potential applications. Overall, this review indicates that, despite recent progress in the characterization of venoms from several Colombian snakes, it is necessary to perform further studies on the many species whose venoms remain essentially unexplored, especially those of the poorly known genus Micrurus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Andrés Pereañez
- Research Group in Toxinology, Pharmaceutical, and Food Alternatives, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia; (L.M.P.); (P.R.-S.)
- Research Group in Pharmaceutical Promotion and Prevention, University of Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia
| | - Lina María Preciado
- Research Group in Toxinology, Pharmaceutical, and Food Alternatives, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia; (L.M.P.); (P.R.-S.)
| | - Paola Rey-Suárez
- Research Group in Toxinology, Pharmaceutical, and Food Alternatives, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia; (L.M.P.); (P.R.-S.)
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago 8320000, Chile
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Abu Aisheh M, Kayili HM, Numanoglu Cevik Y, Kanat MA, Salih B. Composition characterization of various viperidae snake venoms using MS-based proteomics N-glycoproteomics and N-glycomics. Toxicon 2023; 235:107328. [PMID: 37884129 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Viperidae snake species is widely abundant and responsible for most envenomation cases in Turkey. The structural and compositional profiles of snake venom have been investigated to study the venom component variation across different species and to profile the venom biological activity variation against prey. In this context, we used proteomics, glycoproteomics and glycomics strategies to characterize the protein, glycoproteins and glycan structural and compositional profiles of various snake venoms in the Viperidae family. Moreover, we compared these profiles using the downstream bioinformatics and machine learning classification modules. The overall mass spectrometry profiles identified 144 different proteins, 36 glycoproteins and 78 distinct N-glycan structures varying in composition across the five venoms. A high amount of the characterized proteins belongs to the glycosylated protein family Trypsin-like serine protease (Tryp_SPc), Disintegrin (DISIN), and ADAM Cysteine-Rich (ACR). Most identified N-glycans have a complex chain carrying galactosylated N-glycans abundantly. The glycan composition data obtained from glycoproteomics aligns consistently with the findings from glycomics. The clustering and principal component analyses (PCA) illustrated the composition-based similarities and differences between each snake venom species' proteome, glycoproteome and glycan profiles. Specifically, the N-glycan profiles of M. xanthina (Mx) and V. a. ammodytes (Vaa) venoms were identical and difficult to differentiate; in contrast, their proteome profiles were distinct. Interestingly, the variety of the proteins across the species highlighted the impact of glycosylation on the diversity of the glycosylated protein families. This proposed high throughput approach provides accurate and comprehensive profiles of the composition and function of various Viperidae snake venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Abu Aisheh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Haci Mehmet Kayili
- Department of Medical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Karabük University, 78000, Karabük, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Numanoglu Cevik
- Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Turkish Public Health Institute, Ministery of Health, 06430, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ali Kanat
- Microbiology and Reference Laboratory and Biological Products Department, General Directorate of Public Health, Minister of Health, 06430, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bekir Salih
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey.
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Messadi E. Snake Venom Components as Therapeutic Drugs in Ischemic Heart Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1539. [PMID: 37892221 PMCID: PMC10605524 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease (IHD), especially myocardial infarction (MI), is a leading cause of death worldwide. Although coronary reperfusion is the most straightforward treatment for limiting the MI size, it has nevertheless been shown to exacerbate ischemic myocardial injury. Therefore, identifying and developing therapeutic strategies to treat IHD is a major medical challenge. Snake venoms contain biologically active proteins and peptides that are of major interest for pharmacological applications in the cardiovascular system (CVS). This has led to their use for the development and design of new drugs, such as the first-in-class angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril, developed from a peptide present in Bothrops jararaca snake venom. This review discusses the potential usefulness of snake venom toxins for developing effective treatments against IHD and related diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. It describes their biological effects at the molecular scale, their mechanisms of action according to their different pharmacological properties, as well as their subsequent molecular pathways and therapeutic targets. The molecules reported here have either been approved for human medical use and are currently available on the drug market or are still in the clinical or preclinical developmental stages. The information summarized here may be useful in providing insights into the development of future snake venom-derived drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erij Messadi
- Plateforme de Physiologie et Physiopathologie Cardiovasculaires (P2C), Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia
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Santos ATD, Kumar S, Albuquerque JVDS, Arcce IML, Chaves OA, Cruz GS, Carretero VJ, Melo LM, Chaves MS, Guijo JMH, Freitas VJDF, Rádis-Baptista G. The anti-infective crotalicidin peptide analog RhoB-Ctn[1-9] is harmless to bovine oocytes and able to induce parthenogenesis in vitro. Toxicon 2023; 234:107274. [PMID: 37657514 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107274] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Crotalicidin is a cathelicidin-related anti-infective (antimicrobial) peptide expressed in the venom glands of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. Congener peptides of crotalicidin, named vipericidins, are found in other pit vipers inhabiting South America. Crotalicidin is active against bacteria and pathogenic yeasts and has anti-proliferative activity for some cancer cells. The structural dissection of crotalicidin produced fragments (e.g., Ctn [15-34]) with multiple biological functionalities that mimic the native peptide. Another structural characteristic of crotalidicin and congeners is a unique repetitive stretch of amino acid sequences in tandem embedded in their primary structures. One of the encrypted vipericidn peptides (Ctn [1-9]) was synthesized, and the analog covalently conjugated with rhodamine B (RhoB-Ctn [1-9]) displayed considerable antimicrobial activity and selective cytotoxicity. Methods to evaluate antimicrobial peptides' toxicity include lysis of red blood cells (hemolysis) in vitro and cytotoxicity of healthy cultured cells (e.g., fibroblasts). Here, as a non-conventional model of toxicity, the bovine oocytes were exposed to two standardized concentrations of RhoB-Ctn [1-9], and embryo viability and development at its first stage of cleavage (division of cells) and blastocyst formation were evaluated. Oocytes treated with peptide at 10 and 40 μM induced cleavage rates of 44.94% and 51.53%, resulting in the formation of blastocysts of 7.07% and 11.73%, respectively. Light sheet microscopy and in silico prediction analysis indicated that RhoB-Ctn [1-9] peptide interacts with zona pellucida and internalizes into bovine oocytes and developing embryos. The ADMET prediction estimated good bioavailability of RhoB-Ctn [1-9]. In conclusion, the peptide appeared harmless to bovine oocytes and, remarkably, activated the parthenogenesis in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Teixeira Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry, And Nursing, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Satish Kumar
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - João Victor da Silva Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Irving Mitchell Laines Arcce
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Otávio Augusto Chaves
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; CQC-IMS, Departament of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga S/n, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Silva Cruz
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry, And Nursing, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Victoria Jimenez Carretero
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Luciana Magalhães Melo
- Molecular Genetics Research Unit, University Center Fametro (UNIFAMETRO), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Maiana Silva Chaves
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Jesus Miguel Hernandez Guijo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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da Silva WRGB, de Siqueira Santos L, Lira D, de Oliveira Luna KP, Fook SML, Alves RRN. Who are the most affected by Bothrops snakebite envenoming in Brazil? A Clinical-epidemiological profile study among the regions of the country. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011708. [PMID: 37856557 PMCID: PMC10617728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming represents an important Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) that mainly affects tropical and subtropical developing countries according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As a priority issue in the tropics, it is estimated that accidental encounter between snakes and humans is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among all NTDs in the world. In Brazil, an extremely diverse country with continental dimensions, snakebite envenoming is the second leading cause of reported human envenoming. Treating the disease has been an unprecedented challenge for Brazilian Health Systems for decades. Despite access to Antivenom therapy and distributing it free of charge across the country, Brazil faces numerous issues regarding the notification process and accurate treatment targeting for at-risk populations. Thus, this study aimed to identify the temporal epidemiological dynamics of accidents caused by Bothrops snakes in Brazil, the country's major group of venomous snakes, based on secondary information from the online database provided by The Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). For this purpose, reported Bothrops snakebites between 2012 and 2021 were counted, then the data were analyzed. We looked at the frequency, occurrence, mortality rates, case fatality rate (CFR), age and gender distribution, and the time lapse between the incident and the initiation of Antivenom therapy. The data were also organized considering regional variations of the country. Throughout the studied period, a total of 202,604 cases of envenoming caused by Bothrops spp. were notified, resulting in 766 fatalities. These accidents were found to occur in variable proportions across different regions in Brazil, with notable concentrations observed in the North, Northeast, and Southeast regions. The epidemiological profile of patients varied greatly between the regions, revealing that snake envenoming is much more a social, economic, and ecological problem than a medical one. In conclusion, our study provides an overview of the clinical and epidemiological profile of envenoming by Bothrops snakes in Brazil. Notably, this is the first study to present such information in a country as vast and diverse as Brazil, encompassing a comparative analysis of its regions using SINAN data, that proves to be a very useful national tool to improve the control and management of envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weslley Ruan Guimarães Borges da Silva
- Department of Biology, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Paraíba State University, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Lucas de Siqueira Santos
- Graduate Program in Geodetic Sciences and Geoinformation Technologies, Department of Cartographic Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Derick Lira
- Department of Biology, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Paraíba State University, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Ecology and Conservation, Department of Biology, Paraíba State University, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Karla Patrícia de Oliveira Luna
- Department of Biology, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Paraíba State University, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Science Teaching and Mathematics Education, Department of Biology, Paraíba State University, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Sayonara Maria Lia Fook
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega Alves
- Department of Biology, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Paraíba State University, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Ecology and Conservation, Department of Biology, Paraíba State University, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Ethnobiology and Nature Conservation, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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Liao T, Gan M, Qiu Y, Lei Y, Chen Q, Wang X, Yang Y, Chen L, Zhao Y, Niu L, Wang Y, Zhang S, Zhu L, Shen L. miRNAs derived from cobra venom exosomes contribute to the cobra envenomation. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:356. [PMID: 37777744 PMCID: PMC10544165 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02131-7] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is an increasing amount of evidence indicating that exosomes and the miRNAs they contain are crucial players in various biological processes. However, the role of exosomes and miRNAs in snake venom during the envenomation process remains largely unknown. In this study, fresh venom from Naja atra of different ages (2-month-old, 1-year-old, and 5-year-old) was collected, and exosomes were isolated through ultracentrifugation. The study found that exosomes with inactivated proteins and enzymes can still cause symptoms similar to cobra envenomation, indicating that substances other than proteins and enzymes in exosomes may also play an essential role in cobra envenomation. Furthermore, the expression profiles of isolated exosome miRNAs were analyzed. The study showed that a large number of miRNAs were co-expressed and abundant in cobra venom exosomes (CV-exosomes) of different ages, including miR-2904, which had high expression abundance and specific sequences. The specific miR-2094 derived from CV-exosomes (CV-exo-miR-2904) was overexpressed both in vitro and in vivo. As a result, CV-exo-miR-2904 induced symptoms similar to cobra envenomation in mice and caused liver damage, demonstrating that it plays a crucial role in cobra envenomation. These results reveal that CV-exosomes and the miRNAs they contain play a significant regulatory role in cobra envenomation. Our findings provide new insights for the treatment of cobra bites and the development of snake venom-based medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianci Liao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Mailin Gan
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Yanhao Qiu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Yuhang Lei
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Qiuyang Chen
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Xingyu Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Yiting Yang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Lei Chen
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Ye Zhao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Lili Niu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Yan Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Shunhua Zhang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Li Zhu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Linyuan Shen
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
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Hiremath K, Dodakallanavar J, Sampat GH, Patil VS, Harish DR, Chavan R, Hegde HV, Roy S. Three finger toxins of elapids: structure, function, clinical applications and its inhibitors. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10734-3. [PMID: 37749455 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10734-3] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The WHO lists snakebite as a "neglected tropical disease". In tropical and subtropical areas, envenoming is an important public health issue. This review article describes the structure, function, chemical composition, natural inhibitors, and clinical applications of Elapids' Three Finger Toxins (3FTX) using scientific research data. The primary venomous substance belonging to Elapidae is 3FTX, that targets nAChR. Three parallel β-sheets combine to create 3FTX, which has four or five disulfide bonds. The three primary types of 3FTX are short-chain, long-chain, and nonconventional 3FTX. The functions of 3FTX depend on the specific toxin subtype and the target receptor or ion channel. The well-known effect of 3FTX is probably neurotoxicity because of the severe consequences of muscular paralysis and respiratory failure in snakebite victims. 3FTX have also been studied for their potential clinical applications. α-bungarotoxin has been used as a molecular probe to study the structure and function of nAChRs (Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors). Acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) isoforms 1a and 1b are inhibited by Mambalgins, derived from Black mamba venom, which hinders their function and provide an analgesic effect. α- Cobra toxin is a neurotoxin purified from Chinese cobra (Naja atra) binds to nAChR at the neuronal junction and causes an analgesic effect for moderate to severe pain. Some of the plants and their compounds have been shown to inhibit the activity of 3FTX, and their mechanisms of action are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashinath Hiremath
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Jagadeesh Dodakallanavar
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Ganesh H Sampat
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Vishal S Patil
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Darasaguppe R Harish
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | - Rajashekar Chavan
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | - Harsha V Hegde
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Subarna Roy
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
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Vales S, Kryukova J, Chandra S, Smagurauskaite G, Payne M, Clark CJ, Hafner K, Mburu P, Denisov S, Davies G, Outeiral C, Deane CM, Morris GM, Bhattacharya S. Discovery and pharmacophoric characterization of chemokine network inhibitors using phage-display, saturation mutagenesis and computational modelling. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5763. [PMID: 37717048 PMCID: PMC10505172 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41488-z] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
CC and CXC-chemokines are the primary drivers of chemotaxis in inflammation, but chemokine network redundancy thwarts pharmacological intervention. Tick evasins promiscuously bind CC and CXC-chemokines, overcoming redundancy. Here we show that short peptides that promiscuously bind both chemokine classes can be identified from evasins by phage-display screening performed with multiple chemokines in parallel. We identify two conserved motifs within these peptides and show using saturation-mutagenesis phage-display and chemotaxis studies of an exemplar peptide that an anionic patch in the first motif and hydrophobic, aromatic and cysteine residues in the second are functionally necessary. AlphaFold2-Multimer modelling suggests that the peptide occludes distinct receptor-binding regions in CC and in CXC-chemokines, with the first and second motifs contributing ionic and hydrophobic interactions respectively. Our results indicate that peptides with broad-spectrum anti-chemokine activity and therapeutic potential may be identified from evasins, and the pharmacophore characterised by phage display, saturation mutagenesis and computational modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Vales
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics and RDM Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Jhanna Kryukova
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics and RDM Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Soumyanetra Chandra
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics and RDM Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Gintare Smagurauskaite
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics and RDM Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Megan Payne
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics and RDM Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Charlie J Clark
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics and RDM Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Katrin Hafner
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics and RDM Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Philomena Mburu
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics and RDM Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Stepan Denisov
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics and RDM Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Graham Davies
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics and RDM Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Carlos Outeiral
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, 24-29 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LB, UK
| | - Charlotte M Deane
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, 24-29 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LB, UK
| | - Garrett M Morris
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, 24-29 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LB, UK
| | - Shoumo Bhattacharya
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics and RDM Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK.
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Sen S, Samat R, Jash M, Ghosh S, Roy R, Mukherjee N, Ghosh S, Sarkar J, Ghosh S. Potential Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial, Wound Healing, and Disinfectant Cationic Peptide Crafted from Snake Venom. J Med Chem 2023; 66:11555-11572. [PMID: 37566805 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial cationic peptides are intriguing and propitious antibiotics for the future, even against multidrug-resistant superbugs. Venoms serve as a source of cutting-edge therapeutics and innovative, unexplored medicines. In this study, a novel cationic peptide library consisting of seven sequences was designed and synthesized from the snake venom cathelicidin, batroxicidin (BatxC), with the inclusion of the FLPII motif at the N-terminus. SP1V3_1 demonstrated exceptional antibacterial effectiveness against Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae and destroyed the bacteria by depolarizing, rupturing, and permeabilizing their membranes, as evident from fluorescence assays, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. SP1V3_1 was observed to modulate the immune response in LPS-elicited U937 cells and exhibited good antibiofilm activity against MRSA and K. pneumoniae. The peptide promoted wound healing and disinfection in the murine model. The study demonstrated that SP1V3_1 is an exciting peptide lead and may be explored further for the development of better therapeutic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samya Sen
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
- iHUB Drishti Foundation, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Ramkamal Samat
- Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Moumita Jash
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Satyajit Ghosh
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Rajsekhar Roy
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Nabanita Mukherjee
- Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Surojit Ghosh
- Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Jayita Sarkar
- Centre for Research and Development of Scientific Instruments, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Surajit Ghosh
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
- Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
- iHUB Drishti Foundation, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
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Vanuopadath M, Rajan K, Alangode A, Nair SS, Nair BG. The Need for Next-Generation Antivenom for Snakebite Envenomation in India. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:510. [PMID: 37624267 PMCID: PMC10467155 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15080510] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The limitations posed by currently available antivenoms have emphasized the need for alternative treatments to counteract snakebite envenomation. Even though exact epidemiological data are lacking, reports have indicated that most global snakebite deaths are reported in India. Among the many problems associated with snakebite envenomation, issues related to the availability of safer and more efficient antivenoms are of primary concern. Since India has the highest number of global snakebite deaths, efforts should be made to reduce the burden associated with snakebite envenoming. Alternative methods, including aptamers, camel antivenoms, phage display techniques for generating high-affinity antibodies and antibody fragments, small-molecule inhibitors, and natural products, are currently being investigated for their effectiveness. These alternative methods have shown promise in vitro, but their in vivo effectiveness should also be evaluated. In this review, the issues associated with Indian polyvalent antivenoms in neutralizing venom components from geographically distant species are discussed in detail. In a nutshell, this review gives an overview of the current drawbacks of using animal-derived antivenoms and several alternative strategies that are currently being widely explored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Bipin Gopalakrishnan Nair
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam 690 525, Kerala, India; (M.V.); (K.R.); (A.A.); (S.S.N.)
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Futai E, Kawasaki H, Sato S, Daoudi K, Hidaka M, Tomita T, Ogawa T. A Metalloproteinase Cocktail from the Venom of Protobothrops flavoviridis Cleaves Amyloid Beta Peptides at the α-Cleavage Site. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:500. [PMID: 37624257 PMCID: PMC10467146 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15080500] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family proteins are a major class of membrane-anchored multidomain proteinases that are responsible for the shedding of cell surface protein ectodomains, including amyloid precursor protein (APP). Human ADAM 9, 10, and 17 proteolyze APPs and produce non-amyloid-genic p3 peptides, instead of neurotoxic amyloid-β peptides (Aβs; Aβ40 and Aβ42), which form fibrils and accumulate in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The ADAM family is closely related to snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), which are derived from ancestral ADAMs but act as soluble proteinases. To test the therapeutic potential of SVMPs, we purified SVMPs from Protobothrops flavoviridis venom using metal ion affinity and pooled into a cocktail. Thus, 9 out of 11 SVMPs in the P. flavoviridis genome were identified in the cocktail. SVMPs inhibited Aβ secretion when added to human cell culture medium without affecting APP proteolysis. SVMPs degraded synthetic Aβ40 and Aβ42 peptides at the same cleavage site (α-site of APP) as ADAM9, 10, and 17. SVMPs did not degrade Aβ fibrils but interfered with their formation, assessed using thioflavin-T. Thus, SVMPs have therapeutic potential for AD as an Aβ-degrading protease, and the finding adds to the discovery of bioactive peptides from venoms as novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Futai
- Laboratory of Enzymology, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8572, Japan; (H.K.); (K.D.); (M.H.); (T.O.)
| | - Hajime Kawasaki
- Laboratory of Enzymology, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8572, Japan; (H.K.); (K.D.); (M.H.); (T.O.)
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan;
| | - Khadija Daoudi
- Laboratory of Enzymology, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8572, Japan; (H.K.); (K.D.); (M.H.); (T.O.)
| | - Masafumi Hidaka
- Laboratory of Enzymology, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8572, Japan; (H.K.); (K.D.); (M.H.); (T.O.)
| | - Taisuke Tomita
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan;
| | - Tomohisa Ogawa
- Laboratory of Enzymology, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8572, Japan; (H.K.); (K.D.); (M.H.); (T.O.)
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García-Villalvazo PE, Jiménez-Vargas JM, Lino-López GJ, Meneses EP, Bermúdez-Guzmán MDJ, Barajas-Saucedo CE, Delgado Enciso I, Possani LD, Valdez-Velazquez LL. Unveiling the Protein Components of the Secretory-Venom Gland and Venom of the Scorpion Centruroides possanii (Buthidae) through Omic Technologies. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:498. [PMID: 37624255 PMCID: PMC10467079 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15080498] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Centruroides possanii is a recently discovered species of "striped scorpion" found in Mexico. Certain species of Centruroides are known to be toxic to mammals, leading to numerous cases of human intoxications in the country. Venom components are thought to possess therapeutic potential and/or biotechnological applications. Hence, obtaining and analyzing the secretory gland transcriptome and venom proteome of C. possanii is relevant, and that is what is described in this communication. Since this is a newly described species, first, its LD50 to mice was determined and estimated to be 659 ng/g mouse weight. Using RNA extracted from this species and preparing their corresponding cDNA fragments, a transcriptome analysis was obtained on a Genome Analyzer (Illumina) using the 76-base pair-end sequencing protocol. Via high-throughput sequencing, 19,158,736 reads were obtained and ensembled in 835,204 sequences. Of them, 28,399 transcripts were annotated with Pfam. A total of 244 complete transcripts were identified in the transcriptome of C. possanii. Of these, 109 sequences showed identity to toxins that act on ion channels, 47 enzymes, 17 protease inhibitors (PINs), 11 defense peptides (HDPs), and 60 in other components. In addition, a sample of the soluble venom obtained from this scorpion was analyzed using an Orbitrap Velos apparatus, which allowed for identification by liquid chromatography followed by mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) of 70 peptides and proteins: 23 toxins, 27 enzymes, 6 PINs, 3 HDPs, and 11 other components. Until now, this work has the highest number of scorpion venom components identified through omics technologies. The main novel findings described here were analyzed in comparison with the known data from the literature, and this process permitted some new insights in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juana María Jiménez-Vargas
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Colima 28400, Mexico; (P.E.G.-V.); (J.M.J.-V.); (C.E.B.-S.)
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnología (CONAHCYT), Mexico City 03940, Mexico
| | - Gisela Jareth Lino-López
- Centro Nacional de Referencia de Control Biológico, Dirección General de Sanidad Vegetal SENASICASADER, Colima 28110, Mexico;
| | - Erika Patricia Meneses
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico;
| | | | | | | | - Lourival Domingos Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico;
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48
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He D, Hu S, Huang Z, Mo C, Cheng X, Song P, Li Y, Song T, Guan Z, Zhou Y, Zhang X, Liao M. Metabolomics analyses of serum metabolites perturbations associated with Naja atra bite. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011507. [PMID: 37639406 PMCID: PMC10461852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011507] [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: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Naja atra bite is one of the most common severe snakebites in emergency departments. Unfortunately, the pathophysiological changes caused by Naja atra bite are unclear due to the lack of good animal models. In this study, an animal model of Naja atra bite in Guangxi Bama miniature pigs was established by intramuscular injection at 2 mg/kg of Naja atra venom, and serum metabolites were systematically analyzed using untargeted metabolomic and targeted metabolomic approaches. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that 5045 chromatographic peaks were obtained in ESI+ and 3871 chromatographic peaks were obtained in ESI-. Screening in ESI+ modes and ESI- modes identified 22 and 36 differential metabolites compared to controls. The presence of 8 core metabolites of glutamine, arginine, proline, leucine, phenylalanine, inosine, thymidine and hippuric acid in the process of Naja atra bite was verified by targeted metabolomics significant difference (P<0.05). At the same time, during the verification process of the serum clinical samples with Naja atra bite, we found that the contents of three metabolites of proline, phenylalanine and inosine in the serum of the patients were significantly different from those of the normal human serum (P<0.05). By conducting functional analysis of core and metabolic pathway analysis, we revealed a potential correlation between changes in key metabolites after the Naja atra bite and the resulting pathophysiological alterations, and our research aims to establish a theoretical foundation for the prompt diagnosis and treatment of Naja atra bite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongling He
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Shaocong Hu
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Zhi Huang
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Caifeng Mo
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Xiaoyang Cheng
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Pengshu Song
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Yalan Li
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Tianlin Song
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Zhezhe Guan
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Xuerong Zhang
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
| | - Ming Liao
- Life Science Institute Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, PR China
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49
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Pantaleão HQ, Araujo da Silva JC, Rufino da Silva B, Echeverry MB, Alberto-Silva C. Peptide fraction from B. jararaca snake venom protects against oxidative stress-induced changes in neuronal PC12 cell but not in astrocyte-like C6 cell. Toxicon 2023; 231:107178. [PMID: 37302421 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107178] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Venom-derived proteins and peptides have prevented neuronal cell loss, damage, and death in the study of neurodegenerative disorders. The cytoprotective effects of the peptide fraction (PF) from Bothrops jararaca snake venom were evaluated against oxidative stress changes in neuronal PC12 cells and astrocyte-like C6 cells. PC12 and C6 cells were pre-treated for 4 h with different concentrations of PF, and then H2O2 was added (0.5 mM in PC12 cells; 0.4 mM in C6 cells) and incubated for 20 h more. In PC12 cells, PF at 0.78 μg mL-1 increased viability (113.6 ± 6.3%) and metabolism (96.3 ± 10.3%) cell against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity (75.6 ± 5.8%; 66.5 ± 3.3%, respectively), reducing oxidative stress markers such as ROS generation, NO production, and arginase indirect activity through urea synthesis. Despite that, PF showed no cytoprotective effects in C6 cells, but potentiated the H2O2-induced damage at a concentration lower than 0.07 μg mL-1. Furthermore, the role of metabolites derived from L-arginine metabolism was verified in PF-mediated neuroprotection in PC12 cells, using specific inhibitors of two of the key enzymes in the L-arginine metabolic pathway: the α-Methyl-DL-aspartic acid (MDLA) to argininosuccinate synthetase (AsS), responsible for the recycling of L-citrulline to L-arginine; and, L-NΩ-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-Name) to nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which catalyzes the synthesis of NO from L-arginine. The inhibition of AsS and NOS suppressed PF-mediated cytoprotection against oxidative stress, indicating that its mechanism is dependent on the production pathway of L-arginine metabolites such as NO and, more importantly, polyamines from ornithine metabolism, which are involved in the neuroprotection mechanism described in the literature. Overall, this work provides novel opportunities for evaluating whether the neuroprotective properties of PF shown in particular neuronal cells are sustained and for exploring potential drug development pathways for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halyne Queiroz Pantaleão
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo Do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Julio Cezar Araujo da Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo Do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Brenda Rufino da Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo Do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcela Bermudez Echeverry
- Center for Mathematics, Computation and Cognition (CMCC), UFABC, São Bernardo Do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto-Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center (CCNH), Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo Do Campo, 09606-070, SP, Brazil.
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50
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Rezaei Orimi J, Eskandarzadeh N, Amrollahi-Sharifabadi M, Miri V, Aghabeiglooei Z, Rezghi M. Analyzing the biological traits of snakes in Avicenna's Canon of medicine and making a comparison with contemporary serpentology. Toxicon 2023; 231:107198. [PMID: 37331525 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107198] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Snakes are a group of reptiles in the order of squamata that have been the subject of scientific research for years. This study aimed to determine the biological characteristics of snakes that were mentioned in Avicenna's Canon of Medicine to compare with modern serpentology. Data were obtained from the Canon of Medicine using keywords concerning snakes and also appropriate literature in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scientific Information Database (SID), and IranDoc. Our results revealed that Avicenna divided snakes into three classes including highly, moderately, and slightly venomous snakes that are comparable to modern serpontology. Moreover, Avicenna clarified physiological factors such as age, gender, size, psychological state, hunger state, physical features, the type of living climate, habitat, and the time of snakebite. Considering the snake features presented in the Canon of Medicine, even though is not feasible to make a full comparison between Avicenna's snake knowledge and modern serpentology but some characteristics can be still applicable. Conclusively, the present study suggested that the criteria used for the identification and classification of snakes have changed from the medieval ages to the nowadays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Rezaei Orimi
- Traditional Medicine and History of Medical Sciences Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | | | | | - Vajihe Miri
- Department of Research Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Law and Political Sciences, Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Aghabeiglooei
- Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maedeh Rezghi
- Traditional Medicine and History of Medical Sciences Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran; Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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