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Bittenbinder MA, van Thiel J, Cardoso FC, Casewell NR, Gutiérrez JM, Kool J, Vonk FJ. Tissue damaging toxins in snake venoms: mechanisms of action, pathophysiology and treatment strategies. Commun Biol 2024; 7:358. [PMID: 38519650 PMCID: PMC10960010 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06019-6] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is an important public health issue responsible for mortality and severe morbidity. Where mortality is mainly caused by venom toxins that induce cardiovascular disturbances, neurotoxicity, and acute kidney injury, morbidity is caused by toxins that directly or indirectly destroy cells and degrade the extracellular matrix. These are referred to as 'tissue-damaging toxins' and have previously been classified in various ways, most of which are based on the tissues being affected (e.g., cardiotoxins, myotoxins). This categorisation, however, is primarily phenomenological and not mechanistic. In this review, we propose an alternative way of classifying cytotoxins based on their mechanistic effects rather than using a description that is organ- or tissue-based. The mechanisms of toxin-induced tissue damage and their clinical implications are discussed. This review contributes to our understanding of fundamental biological processes associated with snakebite envenoming, which may pave the way for a knowledge-based search for novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mátyás A Bittenbinder
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR, Leiden, The Netherlands
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jory van Thiel
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Fernanda C Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - José-María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501, Costa Rica.
| | - Jeroen Kool
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Freek J Vonk
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR, Leiden, The Netherlands
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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2
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Cardoso FF, Salvador GHM, Cavalcante WLG, Dal-Pai M, Fontes MRDM. BthTX-I, a phospholipase A 2-like toxin, is inhibited by the plant cinnamic acid derivative: chlorogenic acid. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2024; 1872:140988. [PMID: 38142025 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2023.140988] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Snakebite is a significant health concern in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, resulting in more than 2.7 million envenomations and an estimated one hundred thousand fatalities annually. The Bothrops genus is responsible for the majority of snakebite envenomings in Latin America and Caribbean countries. Accidents involving snakes from this genus are characterized by local symptoms that often lead to permanent sequelae and death. However, specific antivenoms exhibit limited effectiveness in inhibiting local tissue damage. Phospholipase A2-like (PLA2-like) toxins emerge as significant contributors to local myotoxicity in accidents involving Bothrops species. As a result, they represent a crucial target for prospective treatments. Some natural and synthetic compounds have shown the ability to reduce or abolish the myotoxic effects of PLA2-like proteins. In this study, we employed a combination approach involving myographic, morphological, biophysical and bioinformatic techniques to investigate the interaction between chlorogenic acid (CGA) and BthTX-I, a PLA2-like toxin. CGA provided a protection of 71.8% on muscle damage in a pre-incubation treatment. Microscale thermophoresis and circular dichroism experiments revealed that CGA interacted with the BthTX-I while preserving its secondary structure. CGA exhibited an affinity to the toxin that ranks among the highest observed for a natural compound. Bioinformatics simulations indicated that CGA inhibitor binds to the toxin's hydrophobic channel in a manner similar to other phenolic compounds previously investigated. These findings suggest that CGA interferes with the allosteric transition of the non-activated toxin, and the stability of the dimeric assembly of its activated state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Florença Cardoso
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Walter Luís Garrido Cavalcante
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maeli Dal-Pai
- Departamento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Roberto de Mattos Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Instituto de Estudos Avançados do Mar (IEAMar), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Vicente, SP, Brazil.
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Werner RM, Soffa AN. Considerations for the development of a field-based medical device for the administration of adjunctive therapies for snakebite envenoming. Toxicon X 2023; 20:100169. [PMID: 37661997 PMCID: PMC10474190 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2023.100169] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The timely administration of antivenom is the most effective method currently available to reduce the burden of snakebite envenoming (SBE), a neglected tropical disease that most often affects rural agricultural global populations. There is increasing interest in the development of adjunctive small molecule and biologic therapeutics that target the most problematic venom components to bridge the time-gap between initial SBE and the administration antivenom. Unique combinations of these therapeutics could provide relief from the toxic effects of regional groupings of medically relevant snake species. The application a PRISMA/PICO literature search methodology demonstrated an increasing interest in the rapid administration of therapies to improve patient symptoms and outcomes after SBE. Advice from expert interviews and considerations regarding the potential routes of therapy administration, anatomical bite location, and species-specific venom delivery have provided a framework to identify ideal metrics and potential hurdles for the development of a field-based medical device that could be used immediately after SBE to deliver adjunctive therapies. The use of subcutaneous (SC) or intramuscular (IM) injection were identified as potential routes of administration of both small molecule and biologic therapies. The development of a field-based medical device for the delivery of adjunctive SBE therapies presents unique challenges that will require a collaborative and transdisciplinary approach to be successful.
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Salvador GHM, Pinto ÊKR, Ortolani PL, Fortes-Dias CL, Cavalcante WLG, Soares AM, Lomonte B, Lewin MR, Fontes MRM. Structural basis of the myotoxic inhibition of the Bothrops pirajai PrTX-I by the synthetic varespladib. Biochimie 2023; 207:1-10. [PMID: 36403756 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Varespladib (LY315920) is a potent inhibitor of human group IIA phospholipase A2 (PLA2) originally developed to control inflammatory cascades of diseases associated with high or dysregulated levels of endogenous PLA2. Recently, varespladib was also found to inhibit snake venom PLA2 and PLA2-like toxins. Herein, ex vivo neuromuscular blocking activity assays were used to test the inhibitory activity of varespladib. The binding affinity between varespladib and a PLA2-like toxin was quantified and compared with other potential inhibitors for this class of proteins. Crystallographic and bioinformatic studies showed that varespladib binds to PrTX-I and BthTX-I into their hydrophobic channels, similarly to other previously characterized PLA2-like myotoxins. However, a new finding is that an additional varespladib binds to the MDiS region, a particular site that is related to muscle cell disruption by these toxins. The present results further advance the characterization of the molecular interactions of varespladib with PLA2-like myotoxins and provide additional evidence for this compound as a promising inhibitor candidate for different PLA2 and PLA2-like toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme H M Salvador
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Êmylle K R Pinto
- Departmento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | - Paula L Ortolani
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias (FUNED), Brazil
| | | | - Walter L G Cavalcante
- Departmento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | - Andreimar M Soares
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos Aplicados à Saúde, LABIOPROT, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, unidade Rondônia e Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental, INCT EPIAMO, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Matthew R Lewin
- Ophirex, Inc. Corte Madera, CA, 94925, USA; Center for Exploration and Travel Health, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA
| | - Marcos R M Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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Lomonte B. Lys49 myotoxins, secreted phospholipase A 2-like proteins of viperid venoms: A comprehensive review. Toxicon 2023; 224:107024. [PMID: 36632869 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Muscle necrosis is a potential clinical complication of snakebite envenomings, which in severe cases can lead to functional or physical sequelae such as disability or amputation. Snake venom proteins with the ability to directly damage skeletal muscle fibers are collectively referred to as myotoxins, and include three main types: cytolysins of the "three-finger toxin" protein family expressed in many elapid venoms, the so-called "small" myotoxins found in a number of rattlesnake venoms, and the widespread secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) molecules. Among the latter, protein variants that conserve the sPLA2 structure, but lack such enzymatic activity, have been increasingly found in the venoms of many viperid species. Intriguingly, these sPLA2-like proteins are able to induce muscle necrosis by a mechanism independent of phospholipid hydrolysis. They are commonly referred to as "Lys49 myotoxins" since they most often present, among other substitutions, the replacement of the otherwise invariant residue Asp49 of sPLA2s by Lys. This work comprehensively reviews the historical developments and current knowledge towards deciphering the mechanism of action of Lys49 sPLA2-like myotoxins, and points out main gaps to be filled for a better understanding of these multifaceted snake venom proteins, to hopefully lead to improved treatments for snakebites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501, Costa Rica.
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6
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Solving the microheterogeneity of Bothrops asper myotoxin-II by high-resolution mass spectrometry: Insights into C-terminal region variability in Lys49-phospholipase A2 homologs. Toxicon 2022; 210:123-131. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Ullah A, Khan A, Al-Harrasi A, Ullah K, Shabbir A. Three-Dimensional Structure Characterization and Inhibition Study of Exfoliative Toxin D From Staphylococcus aureus. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:800970. [PMID: 35250557 PMCID: PMC8895341 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.800970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Staphylococcus aureus exfoliative toxins (ETs) are the main toxins that produce staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), an abscess skin disorder. The victims of the disease are usually newborns and kids, as well as grown-up people. Five ETs namely, exfoliative toxins A, B, C, D, and E have been identified in S. aureus. The three-dimensional (3D) structure of exfoliative toxins A, B, C and E is known, while that of exfoliative toxin D (ETD) is still unknown. In this work, we have predicted the 3D structure of ETD using protein modeling techniques (software used for 3D structure modeling comprising the MODELLER 9v19 program, SWISS-Model, and I-TESSER). The validation of the build model was done using PROCHECK (Ramachandran plot), ERRAT2, and Verify 3D programs. The results from 3D modeling show that the build model was of good quality as indicated by a GMQE score of 0.88 and by 91.1% amino acid residues in the most favored region of the Ramachandran plot, the ERRAT2 quality factor of 90.1%, and a verify3D score of >0.2 for 99.59% of amino acid residues. The 3D structure analysis indicates that the overall structure of ETD is similar to the chymotrypsin-like serine protease fold. The structure is composed of 13 β-strands and seven α-helices that fold into two well-defined six-strand β-barrels whose axes are roughly perpendicular to each other. The active site residues include histidine-97, aspartic acid-147, and serine-221. This represents the first structure report of ETD. Structural comparison with the other ETs shows some differences, particularly in the loop region, which also change the overall surface charge of these toxins. This may convey variable substrate specificity to these toxins. The inhibition of these toxins by natural (2S albumin and flocculating proteins from Moringa oleifera seeds) and synthetic inhibitors (suramin) was also carried out in this study. The results from docking indicate that the inhibitors bind near the C-terminal domain which may restrict the movement of this domain and may halt the access of the substrate to the active site of this enzyme. Molecular dynamic simulation was performed to see the effect of inhibitor binding to the enzyme. This work will further elucidate the structure–function relationship of this enzyme. The inhibition of this enzyme will lead to a new treatment for SSSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar Ullah
- Department of Biosciences COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Anwar Ullah, ; Ahmed Al-Harrasi,
| | - Ajmal Khan
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
- *Correspondence: Anwar Ullah, ; Ahmed Al-Harrasi,
| | - Kifayat Ullah
- Department of Biosciences COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Asghar Shabbir
- Department of Biosciences COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Puzari U, Fernandes PA, Mukherjee AK. Advances in the Therapeutic Application of Small-Molecule Inhibitors and Repurposed Drugs against Snakebite. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13938-13979. [PMID: 34565143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization has declared snakebite as a neglected tropical disease. Antivenom administration is the sole therapy against venomous snakebite; however, several limitations of this therapy reinforce the dire need for an alternative and/or additional treatment against envenomation. Inhibitors against snake venoms have been explored from natural resources and are synthesized in the laboratory; however, repurposing of small-molecule therapeutics (SMTs) against the principal toxins of snake venoms to inhibit their lethality and/or obnoxious effect of envenomation has been garnering greater attention owing to their established pharmacokinetic properties, low-risk attributes, cost-effectiveness, ease of administration, and storage stability. Nevertheless, SMTs are yet to be approved and commercialized for snakebite treatment. Therefore, we have systematically reviewed and critically analyzed the scenario of small synthetic inhibitors and repurposed drugs against snake envenomation from 2005 to date and proposed novel approaches and commercialization strategies for the development of efficacious therapies against snake envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upasana Puzari
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784028, Assam, India
| | - Pedro Alexandrino Fernandes
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua Do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784028, Assam, India.,Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati-781035, Assam, India
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Using yeast two-hybrid system and molecular dynamics simulation to detect venom protein-protein interactions. Curr Res Toxicol 2021; 2:93-98. [PMID: 34345854 PMCID: PMC8320608 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The venom protein-protein interactions in snake venom remain largely unknown. Y2H coupled with MD simulations was used to detect venom protein interactions. Venom PLA2s interact with themselves and Lys49 PLA2 interacts with venom CRISP.
Proteins and peptides are major components of snake venom. Venom protein transcriptomes and proteomes of many snake species have been reported; however, snake venom complexity (i.e., the venom protein-protein interactions, PPIs) remains largely unknown. To detect the venom protein interactions, we used the most common snake venom component, phospholipase A2s (PLA2s) as a “bait” to identify the interactions between PLA2s and 14 of the most common proteins in Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) venom by using yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) analysis, a technique used to detect PPIs. As a result, we identified PLA2s interacting with themselves, and lysing-49 PLA2 (Lys49 PLA2) interacting with venom cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP). To reveal the complex structure of Lys49 PLA2-CRISP interaction at the structural level, we first built the three-dimensional (3D) structures of Lys49 PLA2 and CRISP by a widely used computational program-MODELLER. The binding modes of Lys49 PLA2-CRISP interaction were then predicted through three different docking programs including ClusPro, ZDOCK and HADDOCK. Furthermore, the most likely complex structure of Lys49 PLA2-CRISP was inferred by molecular dynamic (MD) simulations with GROMACS software. The techniques used and results obtained from this study strengthen the understanding of snake venom protein interactions and pave the way for the study of animal venom complexity.
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Gutiérrez JM, Albulescu LO, Clare RH, Casewell NR, Abd El-Aziz TM, Escalante T, Rucavado A. The Search for Natural and Synthetic Inhibitors That Would Complement Antivenoms as Therapeutics for Snakebite Envenoming. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:451. [PMID: 34209691 PMCID: PMC8309910 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A global strategy, under the coordination of the World Health Organization, is being unfolded to reduce the impact of snakebite envenoming. One of the pillars of this strategy is to ensure safe and effective treatments. The mainstay in the therapy of snakebite envenoming is the administration of animal-derived antivenoms. In addition, new therapeutic options are being explored, including recombinant antibodies and natural and synthetic toxin inhibitors. In this review, snake venom toxins are classified in terms of their abundance and toxicity, and priority actions are being proposed in the search for snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), three-finger toxin (3FTx), and serine proteinase (SVSP) inhibitors. Natural inhibitors include compounds isolated from plants, animal sera, and mast cells, whereas synthetic inhibitors comprise a wide range of molecules of a variable chemical nature. Some of the most promising inhibitors, especially SVMP and PLA2 inhibitors, have been developed for other diseases and are being repurposed for snakebite envenoming. In addition, the search for drugs aimed at controlling endogenous processes generated in the course of envenoming is being pursued. The present review summarizes some of the most promising developments in this field and discusses issues that need to be considered for the effective translation of this knowledge to improve therapies for tackling snakebite envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María Gutiérrez
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica; (T.E.); (A.R.)
| | - Laura-Oana Albulescu
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (L.-O.A.); (R.H.C.); (N.R.C.)
| | - Rachel H. Clare
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (L.-O.A.); (R.H.C.); (N.R.C.)
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (L.-O.A.); (R.H.C.); (N.R.C.)
| | - 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 78229-3900, USA
| | - Teresa Escalante
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica; (T.E.); (A.R.)
| | - Alexandra Rucavado
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica; (T.E.); (A.R.)
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D’Amélio F, Vigerelli H, de Brandão Prieto da Silva ÁR, Kerkis I. Bothrops moojeni venom and its components - an overview. JOURNAL OF VENOM RESEARCH 2021; 11:26-33. [PMID: 34123362 PMCID: PMC8169028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Belonging to the Viperidae family, Bothrops moojeni are widely distributed in South America, tropical savanna ecoregion (Cerrado) of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay with medical importance in Brazil. Accidents caused by this species have a rapid local action with the development of tissue inflammation, causing erythema, pain, and increased clotting time, which can culminate in gangrene or tissue necrosis. Bothrops moojeni venom has a rich composition that remains underexplored, which is of utmost importance, both for elucidating the envenoming process and the vast library of new bioactive molecules kind of venom can offer. This review aims to analyze which components of the venom have already been characterized towards its structure and biological effect and highlight the pharmacological and biotechnological potential of this venom. Although snake venoms have been studied for their toxic effects for generations, innovative studies address their components as tools for discovering new therapeutic targets and new molecules with pharmacological and biotechnological potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda D’Amélio
- 1Laboratory of Genetics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil,2The Postgraduate Program in Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil,*Correspondence to: Irina Kerkis, and Fernanda D’Amélio,
| | - Hugo Vigerelli
- 1Laboratory of Genetics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil,2The Postgraduate Program in Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil,3Centre of Excellence in New Target Discovery (CENTD), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Irina Kerkis
- 1Laboratory of Genetics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil,3Centre of Excellence in New Target Discovery (CENTD), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil,*Correspondence to: Irina Kerkis, and Fernanda D’Amélio,
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12
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Salvador GHM, Borges RJ, Lomonte B, Lewin MR, Fontes MRM. The synthetic varespladib molecule is a multi-functional inhibitor for PLA 2 and PLA 2-like ophidic toxins. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129913. [PMID: 33865953 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment for snakebites is early administration of antivenom, which can be highly effective in inhibiting the systemic effects of snake venoms, but is less effective in the treatment of extra-circulatory and local effects. To complement standard-of-care treatments such as antibody-based antivenoms, natural and synthetic small molecules have been proposed for the inhibition of key venom components such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and PLA2-like toxins. Varespladib (compound LY315920) is a synthetic molecule developed and clinically tested aiming to block inflammatory cascades of several diseases associated with high PLA2s. Recent studies have demonstrated this molecule is able to potently inhibit snake venom catalytic PLA2 and PLA2-like toxins. METHODS In vivo and in vitro techniques were used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of varespladib against MjTX-I. X-ray crystallography was used to reveal details of the interaction between these molecules. A new methodology that combines crystallography, mass spectroscopy and phylogenetic data was used to review its primary sequence. RESULTS Varespladib was able to inhibit the myotoxic and cytotoxic effects of MjTX-I. Structural analysis revealed a particular inhibitory mechanism of MjTX-I when compared to other PLA2-like myotoxin, presenting an oligomeric-independent function. CONCLUSION Results suggest the effectiveness of varespladib for the inhibition of MjTX-I, in similarity with other PLA2 and PLA2-like toxins. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Varespladib appears to be a promissory molecule in the treatment of local effects led by PLA2 and PLA2-like toxins (oligomeric dependent and independent), indicating that this is a multifunctional or broadly specific inhibitor for different toxins within this superfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme H M Salvador
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael J Borges
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Matthew R Lewin
- Center for Exploration and Travel Health, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
| | - Marcos R M Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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13
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Ullah A, Ullah K. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 3CL M pro by Natural and Synthetic Inhibitors: Potential Implication for Vaccine Production Against COVID-19. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:640819. [PMID: 33912587 PMCID: PMC8072276 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.640819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has created a pandemic situation all over the world. It has spread in nearly every continent. Researchers all over the world are trying to produce an effective vaccine against this virus, however; no specific treatment for COVID-19 has been discovered -so far. The current work describes the inhibition study of the SARS-CoV-2 main proteinase or 3CL Mpro by natural and synthetic inhibitors, which include 2S albumin and flocculating protein from Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) and Suramin. Molecular Docking study was carried out using the programs like AutoDock 4.0, HADDOCK2.4, patchdock, pardock, and firedock. The global binding energy of Suramin, 2S albumin, and flocculating proteins were −41.96, −9.12, and −14.78 kJ/mol, respectively. The docking analysis indicates that all three inhibitors bind at the junction of domains II and III. The catalytic function of 3CL Mpro is dependent on its dimeric form, and the flexibility of domain III is considered important for this dimerization. Our study showed that all three inhibitors reduce this flexibility and restrict their motion. The decrease in flexibility of domain III was further confirmed by analysis coming from Molecular dynamic simulation. The analysis results indicate that the temperature B-factor of the enzyme decreases tremendously when the inhibitors bind to it. This study will further explore the possibility of producing an effective treatment against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar Ullah
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kifayat Ullah
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
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14
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Crotalus Neutralizing Factor (CNF) inhibits the toxic effects of Crotoxin at mouse neuromuscular preparations. Toxicon 2020; 191:48-53. [PMID: 33387548 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Crotalus Neutralizing Factor (CNF) was the first phospholipase A2 inhibitor isolated from the plasma of the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus). Previous biochemical and biophysical studies demonstrate an interaction of CNF with Crotoxin (CTX), the main toxic component in the venom of these snakes. CTX promotes the blockade of neuromuscular transmission by a sum of neurotoxic and myotoxic activities. However, the ability of CNF to inhibit these activities has not been shown until the present study. We performed a myographic study to compare the neuromuscular effects of CTX and the mixture CTX plus CNF in mice phrenic nerve-diaphragm muscle preparations. CTX (5 μg/mL) alone, or pre-incubated with CNF (5, 20 or 50 μg/mL) for 15 min was added to the preparations and maintained throughout the experimentation period. Myotoxicity was assessed by light microscopic analysis of diaphragm muscle after myographic study. CTX (5 μg/mL) blocked both indirectly and directly evoked twitches in neuromuscular preparations. In addition, CTX induced histological alterations in diaphragm muscle. Pre-incubation with CNF (50 μg/mL) abolished both the muscle-paralyzing and muscle-damaging activities of CTX. Therefore, the present study confirms, through functional studies, the antiophidic potential of CNF.
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15
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In-solution structural studies involving a phospholipase A 2-like myotoxin and a natural inhibitor: Plasticity of oligomeric assembly affects mechanisms of inhibition. Biochimie 2020; 181:145-153. [PMID: 33333169 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Snakebite envenomation has been categorized by World Health Organization as a category A neglected tropical disease, since it causes chronic psychological disorders, physical disablement and death. Ophidian accidents may cause local myonecrosis that cause drastic sequelae, which are not efficiently neutralized via serum therapy. Phospholipase A2-like (PLA2-like) myotoxins have a major role in the local effects caused by several snake venoms. We previously demonstrated that chicoric acid (CA) is an efficient inhibitor of the BthTX-I myotoxin and solved the X-ray structure of complex. Herein, we assess the oligomeric behavior of the BthTX-I/CA complex in solution under different physical-chemical conditions and using toxin obtained by two different biochemical methodologies to fully elucidate structural bases of inhibition of myotoxins by CA. We demonstrated the ability of PLA2-like proteins to form different oligomeric assemblies in the presence of certain inhibitors, which can also be modulated by buffer polarity change. In the presence of ethanol, BthTX-I/CA remains predominantly in a monomeric conformation, which prevents it from being in its active form (dimeric conformation). In contrast, in the absence of ethanol, the tetramer assembly was observed, which hid key regions of the protein responsible for docking and disruption of the muscle membrane. Therefore, the "plasticity" of these proteins with regard to their abilities to form oligomeric assemblies is a key issue for the future development of therapeutic agents to complement of serum therapy.
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16
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The allosteric activation mechanism of a phospholipase A 2-like toxin from Bothrops jararacussu venom: a dynamic description. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16252. [PMID: 33004851 PMCID: PMC7529814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73134-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation process of phospholipase A2-like (PLA2-like) toxins is a key step in their molecular mechanism, which involves oligomeric changes leading to the exposure of specific sites. Few studies have focused on the characterization of allosteric activators and the features that distinguish them from inhibitors. Herein, a comprehensive study with the BthTX-I toxin from Bothrops jararacussu venom bound or unbound to α-tocopherol (αT) was carried out. The oligomerization state of BthTX-I bound or unbound to αT in solution was studied and indicated that the toxin is predominantly monomeric but tends to oligomerize when complexed with αT. In silico molecular simulations showed the toxin presents higher conformational changes in the absence of αT,
which suggests that it is important to stabilize the structure of the toxin. The transition between the two states (active/inactive) was also studied, showing that only the unbound BthTX-I system could migrate to the inactive state. In contrast, the presence of αT induces the toxin to leave the inactive state, guiding it towards the active state, with more regions exposed to the solvent, particularly its active site. Finally, the structural determinants necessary for a molecule to be an inhibitor or activator were analyzed in light of the obtained results.
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17
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Abstract
Suramin is 100 years old and is still being used to treat the first stage of acute human sleeping sickness, caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense Suramin is a multifunctional molecule with a wide array of potential applications, from parasitic and viral diseases to cancer, snakebite, and autism. Suramin is also an enigmatic molecule: What are its targets? How does it get into cells in the first place? Here, we provide an overview of the many different candidate targets of suramin and discuss its modes of action and routes of cellular uptake. We reason that, once the polypharmacology of suramin is understood at the molecular level, new, more specific, and less toxic molecules can be identified for the numerous potential applications of suramin.
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18
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Cardoso FF, Gomes AAS, Dreyer TR, Cavalcante WLG, Dal Pai M, Gallacci M, Fontes MRM. Neutralization of a bothropic PLA 2-like protein by caftaric acid, a novel potent inhibitor of ophidian myotoxicity. Biochimie 2020; 170:163-172. [PMID: 31978419 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Envenoming by snakebite is an important global health issue that has received little attention, leading the World Health Organization to naming it as neglected tropical disease. Several snakebites present serious local symptoms manifested on victims that may not be efficiently neutralized by serum therapy. Phospholipase A2-like (PLA2-like) toxins are present in Viperidae venoms and are responsible for local myotoxic activity. Herein, we investigated the association between BthTX-I toxin and caftaric acid (CFT), a molecule present in plants. CFT neutralized neuromuscular blocking and muscle-damaging activities promoted by BthTX-I. Calorimetric and light-scattering assays demonstrated that CFT inhibitor interacted with dimeric BthTX-I. Bioinformatics simulations indicated that CFT inhibitor binds to the toxin's hydrophobic channel (HCh). According to the current myotoxic mechanism, three different regions of PLA2-like toxins have specific tasks: protein allosteric activation (HCh), membrane dockage (MDoS), and membrane rupture (MDiS). We propose CFT inhibitor interferes with the allosteric activation, which is related to the conformation change leading to the exposure/alignment of MDoS/MDiS region. This is the first report of a PLA2-like toxin fully inhibited by a compound that interacts only with its HCh region. Thus, CFT is a novel candidate to complement serum therapy and improve the treatment of snakebite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio F Cardoso
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Antoniel A S Gomes
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago R Dreyer
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Walter L G Cavalcante
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Maeli Dal Pai
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Márcia Gallacci
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos R M Fontes
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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19
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Structural basis for phospholipase A 2-like toxin inhibition by the synthetic compound Varespladib (LY315920). Sci Rep 2019; 9:17203. [PMID: 31748642 PMCID: PMC6868273 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53755-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization recently listed snakebite envenoming as a Neglected Tropical Disease, proposing strategies to significantly reduce the global burden of this complex pathology by 2030. In this context, effective adjuvant treatments to complement conventional antivenom therapy based on inhibitory molecules for specific venom toxins have gained renewed interest. Varespladib (LY315920) is a synthetic molecule clinically tested to block inflammatory cascades of several diseases associated with elevated levels of secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). Most recently, Varespladib was tested against several whole snake venoms and isolated PLA2 toxins, demonstrating potent inhibitory activity. Herein, we describe the first structural and functional study of the complex between Varespladib and a PLA2-like snake venom toxin (MjTX-II). In vitro and in vivo experiments showed this compound’s capacity to inhibit the cytotoxic and myotoxic effects of MjTX-II from the medically important South American snake, Bothrops moojeni. Crystallographic and bioinformatics analyses revealed interactions of Varespladib with two specific regions of the toxin, suggesting inhibition occurs by physical blockage of its allosteric activation, preventing the alignment of its functional sites and, consequently, impairing its ability to disrupt membranes. Furthermore, based on the analysis of several crystallographic structures, a distinction between toxin activators and inhibitors is proposed.
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20
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Luzuriaga-Quichimbo CX, Blanco-Salas J, Muñoz-Centeno LM, Peláez R, Cerón-Martínez CE, Ruiz-Téllez T. In Silico Molecular Studies of Antiophidic Properties of the Amazonian Tree Cordia nodosa Lam. Molecules 2019; 24:E4160. [PMID: 31744153 PMCID: PMC6891429 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24224160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We carried out surveys on the use of Cordia nodosa Lam. in the jungles of Bobonaza (Ecuador). We documented this knowledge to prevent its loss under the Framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol. We conducted bibliographic research and identified quercetrin as a significant bioactive molecule. We studied its in silico biological activity. The selected methodology was virtual docking experiments with the proteins responsible for the venomous action of snakes. The molecular structures of quercetrin and 21 selected toxins underwent corresponding tests with SwissDock and Chimera software. The results point to support its antiophidic use. They show reasonable geometries and a binding free energy of -7 to -10.03 kcal/mol. The most favorable values were obtained for the venom of the Asian snake Naja atra (5Z2G, -10.03 kcal/mol). Good results were also obtained from the venom of the Latin American Bothrops pirajai (3CYL, -9.71 kcal/mol) and that of Ecuadorian Bothrops asper snakes (5TFV, -9.47 kcal/mol) and Bothrops atrox (5TS5, -9.49 kcal/mol). In the 5Z2G and 5TS5 L-amino acid oxidases, quercetrin binds in a pocket adjacent to the FAD cofactor, while in the myotoxic homologues of PLA2, 3CYL and 5TFV, it joins in the hydrophobic channel formed when oligomerizing, in the first one similar to α-tocopherol. This study presents a case demonstration of the potential of bioinformatic tools in the validation process of ethnobotanical phytopharmaceuticals and how in silico methods are becoming increasingly useful for sustainable drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José Blanco-Salas
- Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
| | | | - Rafael Peláez
- Departament of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Organic Chemistry, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain;
| | | | - Trinidad Ruiz-Téllez
- Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
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21
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Engilberge S, Rennie ML, Crowley PB. Calixarene capture of partially unfolded cytochrome c. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:2112-2117. [PMID: 31254353 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Supramolecular receptors such as water-soluble calixarenes are in development as 'molecular glues' for protein assembly. Here, we obtained cocrystals of sulfonato-calix[6]arene (sclx6 ) and yeast cytochrome c (cytc) in the presence of imidazole. A crystal structure at 2.65 Å resolution reveals major structural rearrangement and disorder in imidazole-bound cytc. The largest protein-calixarene interface involves 440 Å2 of the protein surface with key contacts at Arg13, Lys73, and Lys79. These lysines participate in alkaline transitions of cytc and are part of Ω-loop D, which is substantially restructured in the complex with sclx6 . The structural modification also includes Ω-loop C, which is disordered (residues 41-55 inclusive). These results suggest the possibility of using supramolecular scaffolds to trap partially disordered proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Engilberge
- School of Chemistry, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Martin L Rennie
- School of Chemistry, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Peter B Crowley
- School of Chemistry, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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22
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Quemé-Peña M, Juhász T, Mihály J, Cs Szigyártó I, Horváti K, Bősze S, Henczkó J, Pályi B, Németh C, Varga Z, Zsila F, Beke-Somfai T. Manipulating Active Structure and Function of Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide CM15 with the Polysulfonated Drug Suramin: A Step Closer to in Vivo Complexity. Chembiochem 2019; 20:1578-1590. [PMID: 30720915 PMCID: PMC6618317 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) kill bacteria by targeting their membranes through various mechanisms involving peptide assembly, often coupled with disorder‐to‐order structural transition. However, for several AMPs, similar conformational changes in cases in which small organic compounds of both endogenous and exogenous origin have induced folded peptide conformations have recently been reported. Thus, the function of AMPs and of natural host defence peptides can be significantly affected by the local complex molecular environment in vivo; nonetheless, this area is hardly explored. To address the relevance of such interactions with regard to structure and function, we have tested the effects of the therapeutic drug suramin on the membrane activity and antibacterial efficiency of CM15, a potent hybrid AMP. The results provided insight into a dynamic system in which peptide interaction with lipid bilayers is interfered with by the competitive binding of CM15 to suramin, resulting in an equilibrium dependent on peptide‐to‐drug ratio and vesicle surface charge. In vitro bacterial tests showed that when CM15⋅suramin complex formation dominates over membrane binding, antimicrobial activity is abolished. On the basis of this case study, it is proposed that small‐molecule secondary structure regulators can modify AMP function and that this should be considered and could potentially be exploited in future development of AMP‐based antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Quemé-Peña
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tünde Juhász
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judith Mihály
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Imola Cs Szigyártó
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kata Horváti
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Bősze
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Henczkó
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2, 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Pályi
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2, 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Németh
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Varga
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Zsila
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Beke-Somfai
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
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23
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Alex JM, Corvaglia V, Hu X, Engilberge S, Huc I, Crowley PB. Crystal structure of a protein–aromatic foldamer composite: macromolecular chiral resolution. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:11087-11090. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cc05330a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A protein–foldamer crystal structure illustrates protein assembly by a sulfonated aromatic oligoamide, and chiral resolution of the foldamer helix handedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimi M. Alex
- School of Chemistry
- National University of Ireland
- Galway
- Ireland
| | - Valentina Corvaglia
- Universite de Bordeaux
- CNRS
- Bordeaux Institut National Polytechnique, CBMN (UMR 5248)
- Institut Europeen de Chimie et Biologie
- Pessac 33600
| | - Xiaobo Hu
- Universite de Bordeaux
- CNRS
- Bordeaux Institut National Polytechnique, CBMN (UMR 5248)
- Institut Europeen de Chimie et Biologie
- Pessac 33600
| | | | - Ivan Huc
- Universite de Bordeaux
- CNRS
- Bordeaux Institut National Polytechnique, CBMN (UMR 5248)
- Institut Europeen de Chimie et Biologie
- Pessac 33600
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