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Lyukmanova EN, Mironov PA, Kulbatskii DS, Shulepko MA, Paramonov AS, Chernaya EM, Logashina YA, Andreev YA, Kirpichnikov MP, Shenkarev ZO. Recombinant Production, NMR Solution Structure, and Membrane Interaction of the Phα1β Toxin, a TRPA1 Modulator from the Brazilian Armed Spider Phoneutria nigriventer. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:378. [PMID: 37368679 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15060378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Phα1β (PnTx3-6) is a neurotoxin from the spider Phoneutria nigriventer venom, originally identified as an antagonist of two ion channels involved in nociception: N-type voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV2.2) and TRPA1. In animal models, Phα1β administration reduces both acute and chronic pain. Here, we report the efficient bacterial expression system for the recombinant production of Phα1β and its 15N-labeled analogue. Spatial structure and dynamics of Phα1β were determined via NMR spectroscopy. The N-terminal domain (Ala1-Ala40) contains the inhibitor cystine knot (ICK or knottin) motif, which is common to spider neurotoxins. The C-terminal α-helix (Asn41-Cys52) stapled to ICK by two disulfides exhibits the µs-ms time-scale fluctuations. The Phα1β structure with the disulfide bond patterns Cys1-5, Cys2-7, Cys3-12, Cys4-10, Cys6-11, Cys8-9 is the first spider knottin with six disulfide bridges in one ICK domain, and is a good reference to other toxins from the ctenitoxin family. Phα1β has a large hydrophobic region on its surface and demonstrates a moderate affinity for partially anionic lipid vesicles at low salt conditions. Surprisingly, 10 µM Phα1β significantly increases the amplitude of diclofenac-evoked currents and does not affect the allyl isothiocyanate (AITC)-evoked currents through the rat TRPA1 channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Targeting several unrelated ion channels, membrane binding, and the modulation of TRPA1 channel activity allow for considering Phα1β as a gating modifier toxin, probably interacting with S1-S4 gating domains from a membrane-bound state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina N Lyukmanova
- Department of Biology, MSU-BIT Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518172, China
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Interdisciplinary Scientific and Educational School of Moscow University "Molecular Technologies of the Living Systems and Synthetic Biology", Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel A Mironov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia
- Interdisciplinary Scientific and Educational School of Moscow University "Molecular Technologies of the Living Systems and Synthetic Biology", Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitrii S Kulbatskii
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Mikhail A Shulepko
- Department of Biology, MSU-BIT Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518172, China
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander S Paramonov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elizaveta M Chernaya
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia
- National Research University Higher School of Economics, 101000 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia A Logashina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yaroslav A Andreev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail P Kirpichnikov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia
- Interdisciplinary Scientific and Educational School of Moscow University "Molecular Technologies of the Living Systems and Synthetic Biology", Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Zakhar O Shenkarev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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McArthur JR, Wen J, Hung A, Finol-Urdaneta RK, Adams DJ. µ-Theraphotoxin-Pn3a inhibition of Ca V3.3 channels reveals a novel isoform-selective drug binding site. eLife 2022; 11:74040. [PMID: 35858123 PMCID: PMC9342953 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74040] [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: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Low voltage-activated calcium currents are mediated by T-type calcium channels CaV3.1, CaV3.2, and CaV3.3, which modulate a variety of physiological processes including sleep, cardiac pace-making, pain, and epilepsy. CaV3 isoforms’ biophysical properties, overlapping expression, and lack of subtype-selective pharmacology hinder the determination of their specific physiological roles in health and disease. We have identified μ-theraphotoxin Pn3a as the first subtype-selective spider venom peptide inhibitor of CaV3.3, with >100-fold lower potency against the other T-type isoforms. Pn3a modifies CaV3.3 gating through a depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation thus decreasing CaV3.3-mediated currents in the normal range of activation potentials. Paddle chimeras of KV1.7 channels bearing voltage sensor sequences from all four CaV3.3 domains revealed preferential binding of Pn3a to the S3-S4 region of domain II (CaV3.3DII). This novel T-type channel pharmacological site was explored through computational docking simulations of Pn3a, site-directed mutagenesis, and full domain II swaps between CaV3 channels highlighting it as a subtype-specific pharmacophore. This research expands our understanding of T-type calcium channel pharmacology and supports the suitability of Pn3a as a molecular tool in the study of the physiological roles of CaV3.3 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R McArthur
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Jierong Wen
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rocio K Finol-Urdaneta
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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3
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Multitarget nociceptor sensitization by a promiscuous peptide from the venom of the King Baboon spider. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2110932119. [PMID: 35074873 PMCID: PMC8812547 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110932119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The King Baboon spider, Pelinobius muticus, is a burrowing African tarantula. Its impressive size and appealing coloration are tempered by reports describing severe localized pain, swelling, itchiness, and muscle cramping after accidental envenomation. Hyperalgesia is the most prominent symptom after bites from P. muticus, but the molecular basis by which the venom induces pain is unknown. Proteotranscriptomic analysis of P. muticus venom uncovered a cysteine-rich peptide, δ/κ-theraphotoxin-Pm1a (δ/κ-TRTX-Pm1a), that elicited nocifensive behavior when injected into mice. In small dorsal root ganglion neurons, synthetic δ/κ-TRTX-Pm1a (sPm1a) induced hyperexcitability by enhancing tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium currents, impairing repolarization and lowering the threshold of action potential firing, consistent with the severe pain associated with envenomation. The molecular mechanism of nociceptor sensitization by sPm1a involves multimodal actions over several ion channel targets, including NaV1.8, KV2.1, and tetrodotoxin-sensitive NaV channels. The promiscuous targeting of peptides like δ/κ-TRTX-Pm1a may be an evolutionary adaptation in pain-inducing defensive venoms.
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Tibery DV, de Souza ACB, Mourão CBF, do Nascimento JM, Schwartz EF. Purification and characterization of peptides Ap2, Ap3 and Ap5 (ω-toxins) from the venom of the Brazilian tarantula Acanthoscurria paulensis. Peptides 2021; 145:170622. [PMID: 34363923 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Peptides isolated from spider venoms are of pharmacological interest due to their neurotoxic activity, acting on voltage-dependent ion channels present in different types of human body tissues. Three peptide toxins titled as Ap2, Ap3 and Ap5 were purified by RP-HPLC from Acanthoscurria paulensis venom. They were partially sequenced by MALDI In-source Decay method and their sequences were completed and confirmed by transcriptome analysis of the venom gland. The Ap2, Ap3 and Ap5 peptides have, respectively, 42, 41 and 46 amino acid residues, and experimental molecular masses of 4886.3, 4883.7 and 5454.7 Da, with the Ap2 peptide presenting an amidated C-terminus. Amongst the assayed channels - NaV1.1, NaV1.5, NaV1.7, CaV1.2, CaV2.1 and CaV2.2 - Ap2, Ap3 and Ap5 inhibited 20-30 % of CaV2.1 current at 1 μM concentration. Ap3 also inhibited sodium current in NaV1.1, Nav1.5 and Nav1.7 channels by 6.6 ± 1.91 % (p = 0.0276), 4.2 ± 1.09 % (p = 0.0185) and 16.05 ± 2.75 % (p = 0.0282), respectively. Considering that Ap2, Ap3 and Ap5 belong to the 'U'-unknown family of spider toxins, which has few descriptions of biological activity, the present work contributes to the knowledge of these peptides and demonstrates this potential as channel modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Vieira Tibery
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Caroline Barbosa Farias Mourão
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Brasília, Campus Ceilândia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
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Depuydt AS, Rihon J, Cheneval O, Vanmeert M, Schroeder CI, Craik DJ, Lescrinier E, Peigneur S, Tytgat J. Cyclic Peptides as T-Type Calcium Channel Blockers: Characterization and Molecular Mapping of the Binding Site. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1379-1389. [PMID: 34423272 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
T-type calcium (CaV3) channels play a crucial role in the generation and propagation of action potentials in excitable cells and are considered potential drug targets for the treatment of neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Given the limited pharmacological repertoire for these channels, there is a great need for novel potent and selective CaV3 channel inhibitors. In this study, we used Xenopus oocytes to heterologously express CaV3.1 channels and characterized the interaction with a small cyclic peptide, PnCS1. Using molecular modeling, PnCS1 was docked into the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the human CaV3.1 channel and molecular dynamics were performed on the resultant complex. The binding site of the peptide was mapped with the involvement of critical amino acids located in the pore region and fenestrations of the channel. More specifically, we found that PnCS1 reclines in the central cavity of the pore domain of the CaV3.1 channel and resides stably between the selectivity filter and the intracellular gate, blocking the conduction pathway of the channel. Using Multiple Attribute Positional Scanning approaches, we developed a series of PnCS1 analogues. These analogues had a reduced level of inhibition, confirming the importance of specific residues and corroborating our modeling. In summary, functional studies of PnCS1 on the CaV3.1 channel combined with molecular dynamics results provide the basis for understanding the molecular interactions of PnCS1 with CaV3.1 and are fundamental to structure-based drug discovery for treating CaV3 channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Depuydt
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Rihon
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Olivier Cheneval
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland Australia
| | - Michiel Vanmeert
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland Australia.,National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland Australia
| | - Eveline Lescrinier
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium
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6
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Cardoso FC, Castro J, Grundy L, Schober G, Garcia-Caraballo S, Zhao T, Herzig V, King GF, Brierley SM, Lewis RJ. A spider-venom peptide with multitarget activity on sodium and calcium channels alleviates chronic visceral pain in a model of irritable bowel syndrome. Pain 2021; 162:569-581. [PMID: 32826759 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Chronic pain is a serious debilitating condition that affects ∼20% of the world's population. Currently available drugs fail to produce effective pain relief in many patients and have dose-limiting side effects. Several voltage-gated sodium (NaV) and calcium (CaV) channels are implicated in the etiology of chronic pain, particularly NaV1.1, NaV1.3, NaV1.7-NaV1.9, CaV2.2, and CaV3.2. Numerous NaV and CaV modulators have been described, but with few exceptions, they display poor potency and/or selectivity for pain-related channel subtypes. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of 2 novel tarantula-venom peptides (Tap1a and Tap2a) isolated from Theraphosa apophysis venom that modulate the activity of both NaV and CaV3 channels. Tap1a and Tap2a inhibited on-target NaV and CaV3 channels at nanomolar to micromolar concentrations and displayed moderate off-target selectivity for NaV1.6 and weak affinity for NaV1.4 and NaV1.5. The most potent inhibitor, Tap1a, nearly ablated neuronal mechanosensitivity in afferent fibers innervating the colon and the bladder, with in vivo intracolonic administration reversing colonic mechanical hypersensitivity in a mouse model of irritable bowel syndrome. These findings suggest that targeting a specific combination of NaV and CaV3 subtypes provides a novel route for treatment of chronic visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C Cardoso
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joel Castro
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Luke Grundy
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gudrun Schober
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sonia Garcia-Caraballo
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tianjiao Zhao
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Volker Herzig
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stuart M Brierley
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Yousuf A, Sadeghi M, Adams DJ. Venom-Derived Peptides Inhibiting Voltage-Gated Sodium and Calcium Channels in Mammalian Sensory Neurons. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1349:3-19. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-4254-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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8
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Cardoso FC. Multi-targeting sodium and calcium channels using venom peptides for the treatment of complex ion channels-related diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114107. [PMID: 32579958 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Venom peptides are amongst the most exquisite group of bioactive molecules able to alter the normal physiology of organisms. These bioactive peptides penetrate tissues and blood vessels to encounter a number of receptors and ion channels to which they bind with high affinity and execute modulatory activities. Arachnid is the most diverse class of venomous animals often rich in peptides modulating voltage-gated sodium (NaV), calcium (CaV), and potassium (KV) channels. Spider venoms, in particular, contain potent and selective peptides targeting these channels, with a few displaying interesting multi-target properties for NaV and CaV channels underlying disease mechanisms such as in neuropathic pain, motor neuron disease and cancer. The elucidation of the pharmacology and structure-function properties of these venom peptides are invaluable for the development of effective drugs targeting NaV and CaV channels. This perspective discusses spider venom peptides displaying multi-target properties to modulate NaV and CaV channels in regard to their pharmacological features, structure-function relationships and potential to become the next generation of effective drugs to treat neurological disorders and other multi-ion channels related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Rd., St Lucia, QLD AU 4072, Australia
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9
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Saez NJ, Herzig V. Versatile spider venom peptides and their medical and agricultural applications. Toxicon 2018; 158:109-126. [PMID: 30543821 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.11.298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spiders have been evolving complex and diverse repertoires of peptides in their venoms with vast pharmacological activities for more than 300 million years. Spiders use their venoms for prey capture and defense, hence they contain peptides that target both prey (mainly arthropods) and predators (other arthropods or vertebrates). This includes peptides that potently and selectively modulate a range of targets such as ion channels, receptors and signaling pathways involved in physiological processes. The contribution of these targets in particular disease pathophysiologies makes spider venoms a valuable source of peptides with potential therapeutic use. In addition, peptides with insecticidal activities, used for prey capture, can be exploited for the development of novel bioinsecticides for agricultural use. Although we have already reviewed potential applications of spider venom peptides as therapeutics (in 2010) and as bioinsecticides (in 2012), a considerable number of research articles on both topics have been published since, warranting an updated review. Here we explore the most recent research on the use of spider venom peptides for both medical and agricultural applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J Saez
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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10
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De La Rosa V, Bennett AL, Ramsey IS. Coupling between an electrostatic network and the Zn 2+ binding site modulates Hv1 activation. J Gen Physiol 2018; 150:863-881. [PMID: 29743298 PMCID: PMC5987874 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201711822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The voltage sensor (VS) domain in Hv1 proton channels mediates a voltage-dependent and H+-selective "aqueous" conductance (GAQ) that is potently modulated by extracellular Zn2+ Although two conserved His residues are required for Zn2+ effects on GAQ gating, the atomic structure of the Zn2+ coordination site and mechanism by which extracellular Zn2+ stabilizes a closed-state conformation remain unknown. Here we use His mutagenesis to identify residues that increase Zn2+ potency and are therefore likely to participate in first solvation shell interactions with Zn2+ Experimental Zn2+-mapping data were then used to constrain the structure of a new resting-state Hv1 model (Hv1 F). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations show how protein and water atoms directly contribute to octahedral Zn2+ coordination spheres in Zn2+-bound and -unbound Hv1 F models. During MD simulations, we observed correlated movements of Zn2+-interacting side chains and residues in a highly conserved intracellular Coulombic network (ICN) that contains highly conserved Arg "gating charges" in S4 as well as acidic "counter-charges" in S2 and S3 and is known to control VS activation, suggesting that occupancy of the extracellular Zn2+ site is conformationally coupled to reorganization of the ICN. To test this hypothesis, we neutralized an ICN Glu residue (E153) and show that in addition to shifting GAQ activation to more negative voltages, E153A also decreases Zn2+ potency. We speculate that extracellular gating-modifier toxins and other ligands may use a generally similar long-range conformational coupling mechanism to modulate VS activation in related ion channel proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor De La Rosa
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Richmond, VA
| | - Ashley L Bennett
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Richmond, VA
| | - Ian Scott Ramsey
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Richmond, VA
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11
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Agwa AJ, Peigneur S, Chow CY, Lawrence N, Craik DJ, Tytgat J, King GF, Henriques ST, Schroeder CI. Gating modifier toxins isolated from spider venom: Modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels and the role of lipid membranes. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:9041-9052. [PMID: 29703751 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gating modifier toxins (GMTs) are venom-derived peptides isolated from spiders and other venomous creatures and modulate activity of disease-relevant voltage-gated ion channels and are therefore being pursued as therapeutic leads. The amphipathic surface profile of GMTs has prompted the proposal that some GMTs simultaneously bind to the cell membrane and voltage-gated ion channels in a trimolecular complex. Here, we examined whether there is a relationship among spider GMT amphipathicity, membrane binding, and potency or selectivity for voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels. We used NMR spectroscopy and in silico calculations to examine the structures and physicochemical properties of a panel of nine GMTs and deployed surface plasmon resonance to measure GMT affinity for lipids putatively found in proximity to NaV channels. Electrophysiology was used to quantify GMT activity on NaV1.7, an ion channel linked to chronic pain. Selectivity of the peptides was further examined against a panel of NaV channel subtypes. We show that GMTs adsorb to the outer leaflet of anionic lipid bilayers through electrostatic interactions. We did not observe a direct correlation between GMT amphipathicity and affinity for lipid bilayers. Furthermore, GMT-lipid bilayer interactions did not correlate with potency or selectivity for NaVs. We therefore propose that increased membrane binding is unlikely to improve subtype selectivity and that the conserved amphipathic GMT surface profile is an adaptation that facilitates simultaneous modulation of multiple NaVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akello J Agwa
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chun Yuen Chow
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Nicole Lawrence
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - David J Craik
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Glenn F King
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
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12
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Mishra A, Salari A, Berigan BR, Miguel KC, Amirshenava M, Robinson A, Zars BC, Lin JL, Milescu LS, Milescu M, Zars T. The Drosophila Gr28bD product is a non-specific cation channel that can be used as a novel thermogenetic tool. Sci Rep 2018; 8:901. [PMID: 29343813 PMCID: PMC5772361 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-19065-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Extrinsic control of single neurons and neuronal populations is a powerful approach for understanding how neural circuits function. Adding new thermogenetic tools to existing optogenetic and other forms of intervention will increase the complexity of questions that can be addressed. A good candidate for developing new thermogenetic tools is the Drosophila gustatory receptor family, which has been implicated in high-temperature avoidance behavior. We examined the five members of the Gr28b gene cluster for temperature-dependent properties via three approaches: biophysical characterization in Xenopus oocytes, functional calcium imaging in Drosophila motor neurons, and behavioral assays in adult Drosophila. Our results show that Gr28bD expression in Xenopus oocytes produces a non-specific cationic current that is activated by elevated temperatures. This current is non-inactivating and non-voltage dependent. When expressed in Drosophila motor neurons, Gr28bD can be used to change the firing pattern of individual cells in a temperature-dependent fashion. Finally, we show that pan-neuronal or motor neuron expression of Gr28bD can be used to alter fruit fly behavior with elevated temperatures. Together, these results validate the potential of the Gr28bD gene as a founding member of a new class of thermogenetic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Mishra
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Autoosa Salari
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Benton R Berigan
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Kayla C Miguel
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Marzie Amirshenava
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Abbey Robinson
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Benjamin C Zars
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Jenna L Lin
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Lorin S Milescu
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Mirela Milescu
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Troy Zars
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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13
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Gilchrist J, Bosmans F. Using voltage-sensor toxins and their molecular targets to investigate Na V 1.8 gating. J Physiol 2018; 596:1863-1872. [PMID: 29193176 DOI: 10.1113/jp275102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV ) channel gating is a complex phenomenon which involves a distinct contribution of four integral voltage-sensing domains (VSDI, VSDII, VSDIII and VSDIV). Utilizing accrued pharmacological and structural insights, we build on an established chimera approach to introduce animal toxin sensitivity in each VSD of an acceptor channel by transferring in portable S3b-S4 motifs from the four VSDs of a toxin-susceptible donor channel (NaV 1.2). By doing so, we observe that in NaV 1.8, a relatively unexplored channel subtype with distinctly slow gating kinetics, VSDI-III participate in channel opening whereas VSDIV can regulate opening as well as fast inactivation. These results illustrate the effectiveness of a pharmacological approach to investigate the mechanism underlying gating of a mammalian NaV channel complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Gilchrist
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Frank Bosmans
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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14
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Agwa AJ, Huang YH, Craik DJ, Henriques ST, Schroeder CI. Lengths of the C-Terminus and Interconnecting Loops Impact Stability of Spider-Derived Gating Modifier Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9080248. [PMID: 28805686 PMCID: PMC5577582 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9080248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider gating modifier toxins (GMTs) are potent modulators of voltage-gated ion channels and have thus attracted attention as drug leads for several pathophysiological conditions. GMTs contain three disulfide bonds organized in an inhibitory cystine knot, which putatively confers them with high stability; however, thus far, there has not been a focused study to establish the stability of GMTs in physiological conditions. We examined the resistance of five GMTs including GpTx-1, HnTx-IV, HwTx-IV, PaurTx-3 and SgTx-1, to pH, thermal and proteolytic degradation. The peptides were stable under physiological conditions, except SgTx-1, which was susceptible to proteolysis, probably due to a longer C-terminus compared to the other peptides. In non-physiological conditions, the five peptides withstood chaotropic degradation, and all but SgTx-1 remained intact after prolonged exposure to high temperature; however, the peptides were degraded in strongly alkaline solutions. GpTx-1 and PaurTx-3 were more resistant to basic hydrolysis than HnTx-IV, HwTx-IV and SgTx-1, probably because a shorter interconnecting loop 3 on GpTx-1 and PaurTx-3 may stabilize interactions between the C-terminus and the hydrophobic patch. Here, we establish that most GMTs are exceptionally stable, and propose that, in the design of GMT-based therapeutics, stability can be enhanced by optimizing the C-terminus in terms of length, and increased interactions with the hydrophobic patch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akello J Agwa
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Sónia T Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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15
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Insect-Active Toxins with Promiscuous Pharmacology from the African Theraphosid Spider Monocentropus balfouri. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9050155. [PMID: 28475112 PMCID: PMC5450703 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9050155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Many chemical insecticides are becoming less efficacious due to rising resistance in pest species, which has created much interest in the development of new, eco-friendly bioinsecticides. Since insects are the primary prey of most spiders, their venoms are a rich source of insect-active peptides that can be used as leads for new bioinsecticides or as tools to study molecular receptors that are insecticidal targets. In the present study, we isolated two insecticidal peptides, µ/ω-TRTX-Mb1a and -Mb1b, from venom of the African tarantula Monocentropus balfouri. Recombinant µ/ω-TRTX-Mb1a and -Mb1b paralyzed both Lucilia cuprina (Australian sheep blowfly) and Musca domestica (housefly), but neither peptide affected larvae of Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworms). Both peptides inhibited currents mediated by voltage-gated sodium (NaV) and calcium channels in Periplaneta americana (American cockroach) dorsal unpaired median neurons, and they also inhibited the cloned Blattella germanica (German cockroach) NaV channel (BgNaV1). An additional effect seen only with Mb1a on BgNaV1 was a delay in fast inactivation. Comparison of the NaV channel sequences of the tested insect species revealed that variations in the S1–S2 loops in the voltage sensor domains might underlie the differences in activity between different phyla.
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16
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Agwa AJ, Henriques ST, Schroeder CI. Gating modifier toxin interactions with ion channels and lipid bilayers: Is the trimolecular complex real? Neuropharmacology 2017; 127:32-45. [PMID: 28400258 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Spider peptide toxins have attracted attention because of their ability to target voltage-gated ion channels, which are involved in several pathologies including chronic pain and some cardiovascular conditions. A class of these peptides acts by modulating the gating mechanism of voltage-gated ion channels and are thus called gating modifier toxins (GMTs). In addition to their interactions with voltage-gated ion channels, some GMTs have affinity for lipid bilayers. This review discusses the potential importance of the cell membrane on the mode of action of GMTs. We propose that peptide-membrane interactions can anchor GMTs at the cell surface, thereby increasing GMT concentration in the vicinity of the channel binding site. We also propose that modulating peptide-membrane interactions might be useful for increasing the therapeutic potential of spider toxins. Furthermore, we explore the advantages and limitations of the methodologies currently used to examine peptide-membrane interactions. Although GMT-lipid membrane binding does not appear to be a requirement for the activity of all GMTs, it is an important feature, and future studies with GMTs should consider the trimolecular peptide-lipid membrane-channel complex. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Akello J Agwa
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sónia T Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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17
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Bourinet E, Zamponi GW. Block of voltage-gated calcium channels by peptide toxins. Neuropharmacology 2016; 127:109-115. [PMID: 27756538 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Venoms from various predatory species, such as fish hunting molluscs scorpions, snakes and arachnids contain a large spectrum of toxins that include blockers of voltage-gated calcium channels. These peptide blockers act by two principal manners - physical occlusion of the pore and prevention of activation gating. Many of the calcium channel-blocking peptides have evolved to tightly occupy their binding pocket on the principal pore forming subunit of the channel, often rendering block poorly reversible. Moreover, several of the best characterized blocking peptides have developed a high degree of channel subtype selectivity. Here we give an overview of different types of calcium channel-blocking toxins, their mechanism of action, channel subtype specificity, and potential use as therapeutic agents. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Bourinet
- Institute for Functional Genomics, CNRS UMR5203, INSERM U1191, University of Montpellier, LABEX ICST, Montpellier, France
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
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