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Dobson J, Chowdhury A, Tai-A-Pin J, van der Ploeg H, Gillett A, Fry BG. The Clot Thickens: Differential Coagulotoxic and Cardiotoxic Activities of Anguimorpha Lizard Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:283. [PMID: 38922177 PMCID: PMC11209219 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite their evolutionary novelty, lizard venoms are much less studied in comparison to the intense research on snake venoms. While the venoms of helodermatid lizards have long been assumed to be for defensive purposes, there is increasing evidence of toxic activities more useful for predation than defence (such as paralytic neurotoxicity). This study aimed to ascertain the effects of Heloderma, Lanthanotus, and Varanus lizard venoms on the coagulation and cardiovascular systems. Anticoagulant toxicity was demonstrated for the Varanus species studied, with the venoms prolonging clotting times in human and bird plasma due to the destructive cleavage of fibrinogen. In contrast, thromboelastographic analyses on human and bird plasmas in this study demonstrated a procoagulant bioactivity for Heloderma venoms. A previous study on Heloderma venom using factor-depleted plasmas as a proxy model suggested a procoagulant factor was present that activated either Factor XI or Factor XII, but could not ascertain the precise target. Our activation studies using purified zymogens confirmed FXII activation. Comparisons of neonate and adult H. exasperatum, revealed the neonates to be more potent in the ability to activate FXII, being more similar to the venom of the smaller species H. suspectum than the adult H. exasperatum. This suggests potent FXII activation a basal trait in the genus, present in the small bodied last common ancestor. This also indicates an ontogenetic difference in prey preferences in the larger Heloderma species paralleing the change in venom biochemistry. In addition, as birds lack Factor XII, the ability to clot avian plasma suggested an additional procoagulant site of action, which was revealed to be the activation of Factor VII, with H. horridum being the most potent. This study also examined the effects upon the cardiovascular system, including the liberation of kinins from kininogen, which contributes to hypotension induction. This form of toxicity was previously described for Heloderma venoms, and was revealed in this study was to also be a pathophysiological effect of Lanthanotus and Varanus venoms. This suggests that this toxic activity was present in the venom of the last common ancestor of the anguimorph lizards, which is consistent with kallikrein enzymes being a shared toxin trait. This study therefore uncovered novel actions of anguimorph lizard venoms, not only contributing to the evolutionary biology body of knowledge but also revealing novel activities to mine for drug design lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Dobson
- Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Abhinandan Chowdhury
- Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.D.); (A.C.)
| | | | - Harold van der Ploeg
- Working Group Adder Research Netherlands, RAVON, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Amber Gillett
- FaunaVet Wildlife Consultancy, Glass House Mountains, QLD 4518, Australia;
| | - Bryan G. Fry
- Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.D.); (A.C.)
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2
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Messadi E. Snake Venom Components as Therapeutic Drugs in Ischemic Heart Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1539. [PMID: 37892221 PMCID: PMC10605524 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease (IHD), especially myocardial infarction (MI), is a leading cause of death worldwide. Although coronary reperfusion is the most straightforward treatment for limiting the MI size, it has nevertheless been shown to exacerbate ischemic myocardial injury. Therefore, identifying and developing therapeutic strategies to treat IHD is a major medical challenge. Snake venoms contain biologically active proteins and peptides that are of major interest for pharmacological applications in the cardiovascular system (CVS). This has led to their use for the development and design of new drugs, such as the first-in-class angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril, developed from a peptide present in Bothrops jararaca snake venom. This review discusses the potential usefulness of snake venom toxins for developing effective treatments against IHD and related diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. It describes their biological effects at the molecular scale, their mechanisms of action according to their different pharmacological properties, as well as their subsequent molecular pathways and therapeutic targets. The molecules reported here have either been approved for human medical use and are currently available on the drug market or are still in the clinical or preclinical developmental stages. The information summarized here may be useful in providing insights into the development of future snake venom-derived drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erij Messadi
- Plateforme de Physiologie et Physiopathologie Cardiovasculaires (P2C), Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia
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3
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Hiremath K, Dodakallanavar J, Sampat GH, Patil VS, Harish DR, Chavan R, Hegde HV, Roy S. Three finger toxins of elapids: structure, function, clinical applications and its inhibitors. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10734-3. [PMID: 37749455 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10734-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The WHO lists snakebite as a "neglected tropical disease". In tropical and subtropical areas, envenoming is an important public health issue. This review article describes the structure, function, chemical composition, natural inhibitors, and clinical applications of Elapids' Three Finger Toxins (3FTX) using scientific research data. The primary venomous substance belonging to Elapidae is 3FTX, that targets nAChR. Three parallel β-sheets combine to create 3FTX, which has four or five disulfide bonds. The three primary types of 3FTX are short-chain, long-chain, and nonconventional 3FTX. The functions of 3FTX depend on the specific toxin subtype and the target receptor or ion channel. The well-known effect of 3FTX is probably neurotoxicity because of the severe consequences of muscular paralysis and respiratory failure in snakebite victims. 3FTX have also been studied for their potential clinical applications. α-bungarotoxin has been used as a molecular probe to study the structure and function of nAChRs (Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors). Acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) isoforms 1a and 1b are inhibited by Mambalgins, derived from Black mamba venom, which hinders their function and provide an analgesic effect. α- Cobra toxin is a neurotoxin purified from Chinese cobra (Naja atra) binds to nAChR at the neuronal junction and causes an analgesic effect for moderate to severe pain. Some of the plants and their compounds have been shown to inhibit the activity of 3FTX, and their mechanisms of action are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashinath Hiremath
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Jagadeesh Dodakallanavar
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Ganesh H Sampat
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Vishal S Patil
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Darasaguppe R Harish
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | - Rajashekar Chavan
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | - Harsha V Hegde
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Subarna Roy
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
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4
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Sonavane M, Almeida JR, Rajan E, Williams HF, Townsend F, Cornish E, Mitchell RD, Patel K, Vaiyapuri S. Intramuscular Bleeding and Formation of Microthrombi during Skeletal Muscle Damage Caused by a Snake Venom Metalloprotease and a Cardiotoxin. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:530. [PMID: 37755956 PMCID: PMC10536739 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The interactions between specific snake venom toxins and muscle constituents are the major cause of severe muscle damage that often result in amputations and subsequent socioeconomic ramifications for snakebite victims and/or their families. Therefore, improving our understanding of venom-induced muscle damage and determining the underlying mechanisms of muscle degeneration/regeneration following snakebites is critical to developing better strategies to tackle this issue. Here, we analysed intramuscular bleeding and thrombosis in muscle injuries induced by two different snake venom toxins (CAMP-Crotalus atrox metalloprotease (a PIII metalloprotease from the venom of this snake) and a three-finger toxin (CTX, a cardiotoxin from the venom of Naja pallida)). Classically, these toxins represent diverse scenarios characterised by persistent muscle damage (CAMP) and successful regeneration (CTX) following acute damage, as normally observed in envenomation by most vipers and some elapid snakes of Asian, Australasian, and African origin, respectively. Our immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that both CAMP and CTX induced extensive muscle destruction on day 5, although the effects of CTX were reversed over time. We identified the presence of fibrinogen and P-selectin exposure inside the damaged muscle sections, suggesting signs of bleeding and the formation of platelet aggregates/microthrombi in tissues, respectively. Intriguingly, CAMP causes integrin shedding but does not affect any blood clotting parameters, whereas CTX significantly extends the clotting time and has no impact on integrin shedding. The rates of fibrinogen clearance and reduction in microthrombi were greater in CTX-treated muscle compared to CAMP-treated muscle. Together, these findings reveal novel aspects of venom-induced muscle damage and highlight the relevance of haemostatic events such as bleeding and thrombosis for muscle regeneration and provide useful mechanistic insights for developing better therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medha Sonavane
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (M.S.); (J.R.A.); (E.R.)
| | - José R. Almeida
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (M.S.); (J.R.A.); (E.R.)
| | - Elanchezhian Rajan
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (M.S.); (J.R.A.); (E.R.)
| | - Harry F. Williams
- Toxiven Biotech Private Limited, Coimbatore 641042, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Felix Townsend
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (F.T.); (E.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Elizabeth Cornish
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (F.T.); (E.C.); (K.P.)
| | | | - Ketan Patel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (F.T.); (E.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Sakthivel Vaiyapuri
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (M.S.); (J.R.A.); (E.R.)
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Joglekar AV, Dehari D, Anjum MM, Dulla N, Chaudhuri A, Singh S, Agrawal AK. Therapeutic potential of venom peptides: insights in the nanoparticle-mediated venom formulations. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43094-022-00415-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Venoms are the secretions produced by animals, generally for the purpose of self-defense or catching a prey. Biochemically venoms are mainly composed of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, ions, etc., and classified into three major classes, viz. neurotoxic, hemotoxic and cytotoxic based upon their mode of action. Venoms are composed of different specific peptides/toxins which are responsible for their unique biological actions. Though venoms are generally seen as a source of death, scientifically venom is a complex biochemical substance having a specific pharmacologic action which can be used as agents to diagnose and cure a variety of diseases in humans.
Main body
Many of these venoms have been used since centuries, and their specified therapies can also be found in ancient texts such as Charka Samhita. The modern-day example of such venom therapeutic is captopril, an antihypertensive drug developed from venom of Bothrops jararaca. Nanotechnology is a modern-day science of building materials on a nanoscale with advantages like target specificity, increased therapeutic response and diminished side effects. In the present review we have introduced the venom, sources and related constituents in brief, by highlighting the therapeutic potential of venom peptides and focusing more on the nanoformulations-based approaches. This review is an effort to compile all such report to have an idea about the future direction about the nanoplatforms which should be focused to have more clinically relevant formulations for difficult to treat diseases.
Conclusion
Venom peptides which are fatal in nature if used cautiously and effectively can save life. Several research findings suggested that many of the fatal diseases can be effectively treated with venom peptides. Nanotechnology has emerged as novel strategy in diagnosis, treatment and mitigation of diseases in more effective ways. A variety of nanoformulation approaches have been explored to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and reduce the toxicity and targeted delivery of the venom peptide conjugated with it. We concluded that venom peptides along with nanoparticles can evolve as the new era for potential treatments of ongoing and untreatable diseases.
Graphical Abstract
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6
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Kalita B, Saviola AJ, Samuel SP, Mukherjee AK. State-of-the-art review - A review on snake venom-derived antithrombotics: Potential therapeutics for COVID-19-associated thrombosis? Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 192:1040-1057. [PMID: 34656540 PMCID: PMC8514616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent responsible for the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has infected over 185 million individuals across 200 countries since December 2019 resulting in 4.0 million deaths. While COVID-19 is primarily associated with respiratory illnesses, an increasing number of clinical reports indicate that severely ill patients often develop thrombotic complications that are associated with increased mortality. As a consequence, treatment strategies that target COVID-associated thrombosis are of utmost clinical importance. An array of pharmacologically active compounds from natural products exhibit effects on blood coagulation pathways, and have generated interest for their potential therapeutic applications towards thrombotic diseases. In particular, a number of snake venom compounds exhibit high specificity on different blood coagulation factors and represent excellent tools that could be utilized to treat thrombosis. The aim of this review is to provide a brief summary of the current understanding of COVID-19 associated thrombosis, and highlight several snake venom compounds that could be utilized as antithrombotic agents to target this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhargab Kalita
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India; National Centre for Cell Science, Pune 411007, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anthony J Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Stephen P Samuel
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4ET, UK
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India; Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati 781035, Assam, India.
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7
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Bioactive Molecules Derived from Snake Venoms with Therapeutic Potential for the Treatment of Thrombo-Cardiovascular Disorders Associated with COVID-19. Protein J 2021; 40:799-841. [PMID: 34499333 PMCID: PMC8427918 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-021-10019-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
As expected, several new variants of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoronaVirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged and have been detected around the world throughout this Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Currently, there is no specific developed drug against COVID-19 and the challenge of developing effective antiviral strategies based on natural agents with different mechanisms of action becomes an urgent need and requires identification of genetic differences among variants. Such data is used to improve therapeutics to combat SARS-CoV-2 variants. Nature is known to offer many biotherapeutics from animal venoms, algae and plant that have been historically used in traditional medicine. Among these bioresources, snake venom displays many bioactivities of interest such as antiviral, antiplatelet, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antitumoral. COVID-19 is a viral respiratory sickness due to SARS-CoV-2 which induces thrombotic disorders due to cytokine storm, platelet hyperactivation and endothelial dysfunction. This review aims to: (1) present an overview on the infection, the developed thrombo-inflammatory responses and mechanisms of induced thrombosis of COVID-19 compared to other similar pathogenesis; (2) underline the role of natural compounds such as anticoagulant, antiplatelet and thrombolytic agents; (3) investigate the management of coagulopathy related to COVID-19 and provide insight on therapeutic such as venom compounds. We also summarize the updated advances on antiviral proteins and peptides derived from snake venoms that could weaken coagulopathy characterizing COVID-19.
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Sánchez A, Segura Á, Pla D, Munuera J, Villalta M, Quesada-Bernat S, Chavarría D, Herrera M, Gutiérrez JM, León G, Calvete JJ, Vargas M. Comparative venomics and preclinical efficacy evaluation of a monospecific Hemachatus antivenom towards sub-Saharan Africa cobra venoms. J Proteomics 2021; 240:104196. [PMID: 33775842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cobras are the most medically important elapid snakes in Africa. The African genera Naja and Hemachatus include snakes with neurotoxic and cytotoxic venoms, with shared biochemical, toxinological and antigenic characteristics. We have studied the antigenic cross-reactivity of four sub-Saharan Africa cobra venoms against an experimental monospecific Hemachatus haemachatus antivenom through comparative proteomics, preclinical assessment of neutralization, and third generation antivenomics. The venoms of H. haemachatus, N. annulifera, N. mossambica and N. nigricollis share an overall qualitative family toxin composition but depart in their proportions of three-finger toxin (3FTxs) classes, phospholipases A2 (PLA2s), snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), and cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs). A monospecific anti-Hemachatus antivenom produced by Costa Rican Instituto Clodomiro Picado neutralized the lethal activity of the homologous and heterologous neuro/cytotoxic (H. haemachatus) and cyto/cardiotoxic (N. mossambica and N. nigricollis) venoms of the three spitting cobras sampled, while it was ineffective against the lethal and toxic activities of the neurotoxic venom of the non-spitting snouted cobra N. annulifera. The ability of the anti-Hemachatus-ICP antivenom to neutralize toxic (dermonecrotic and anticoagulant) and enzymatic (PLA2) activities of spitting cobra venoms suggested a closer kinship of H. haemachatus and Naja subgenus Afrocobra spitting cobras than to Naja subgenus Uraeus neurotoxic taxa. These results were confirmed by third generation antivenomics. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: African Naja species represent the most widespread medically important elapid snakes across Africa. To gain deeper insight into the spectrum of medically relevant toxins, we compared the proteome of three spitting cobras (Hemachatus haemachatus, Naja mossambica and N. nigricollis) and one non-spitting cobra (N. annulifera). Three finger toxins and phospholipases A2 are the two major protein families among the venoms analyzed. The development of antivenoms of broad species coverage is an urgent need in sub-Saharan Africa. An equine antivenom raised against H. haemachatus venom showed cross-reactivity with the venoms of H. haemachatus, N. mossambica and N. nigricollis, while having poor recognition of the venom of N. annulifera. This immunological information provides clues for the design of optimum venom mixtures for the preparation of broad spectrum antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Sánchez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - Álvaro Segura
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Davinia Pla
- Laboratorio de Venómica Evolutiva y Traslacional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Munuera
- Laboratorio de Venómica Evolutiva y Traslacional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, Spain; Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieria Agronómica y del Medio Natural, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mauren Villalta
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Sarai Quesada-Bernat
- Laboratorio de Venómica Evolutiva y Traslacional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - María Herrera
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Guillermo León
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Laboratorio de Venómica Evolutiva y Traslacional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Mariángela Vargas
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Gimenez BT, Cezarette GN, Bomfim ADS, Monteiro WM, Russo EMDS, Frantz FG, Sampaio SV, Sartim MA. Role of crotoxin in coagulation: novel insights into anticoagulant mechanisms and impairment of inflammation-induced coagulation. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20200076. [PMID: 33293940 PMCID: PMC7702976 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Snake venom phospholipases A2 (svPLA2) are
biologically active toxins, capable of triggering and modulating a wide
range of biological functions. Among the svPLA2s, crotoxin (CTX)
has been in the spotlight of bioprospecting research due to its role in
modulating immune response and hemostasis. In the present study, novel
anticoagulant mechanisms of CTX, and the modulation of inflammation-induced
coagulation were investigated. Methods: CTX anticoagulant activity was evaluated using platelet poor plasma (PPP)
and whole blood (WB), and also using isolated coagulation factors and
complexes. The toxin modulation of procoagulant and pro-inflammatory effects
was evaluated using the expression of tissue factor (TF) and cytokines in
lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)
and in WB. Results: The results showed that CTX impaired clot formation in both PPP and WB, and
was responsible for the inhibition of both intrinsic (TF/factor VIIa) and
extrinsic (factor IXa/factor VIIIa) tenase complexes, but not for factor Xa
and thrombin alone. In addition, the PLA2 mitigated the
prothrombinase complex by modulating the coagulation phospholipid role in
the complex. In regards to the inflammation-coagulation cross talk, the
toxin was capable of reducing the production of the pro-inflammatory
cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, and was followed by decreased levels of TF
and procoagulant activity from LPS-treated PBMC either isolated or in
WB. Conclusion: The results obtained in the present study recognize the toxin as a novel
medicinal candidate to be applied in inflammatory diseases with coagulation
disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Terada Gimenez
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Neves Cezarette
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Aline de Sousa Bomfim
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy and Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro
- Tropical Medicine Graduate Program, Amazonas State University, Manaus, AM, Brazil.,Carlos Borborema Clinical Research Institute, Doutor Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Elisa Maria de Sousa Russo
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Center for Cell-Based Therapy and Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiani Gai Frantz
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Suely Vilela Sampaio
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurelio Sartim
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Basic and Applied Immunology Graduate Program, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, AM, Brazil
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10
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Kini RM, Koh CY. Snake venom three-finger toxins and their potential in drug development targeting cardiovascular diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114105. [PMID: 32579959 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases such as coronary and peripheral artery diseases, venous thrombosis, stroke, hypertension, and heart failure are enormous burden to health and economy globally. Snake venoms have been the sources of discovery of successful therapeutics targeting cardiovascular diseases. For example, the first-in-class angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril was designed largely based on bradykinin-potentiating peptides from Bothrops jararaca venom. In the recent years, sensitive and high throughput approaches drive discovery and cataloging of new snake venom toxins. As one of the largest class of snake venom toxin, there are now>700 sequences of three-finger toxins (3FTxs) available, many of which are yet to be studied. While the function of 3FTxs are normally associated with neurotoxicity, increasingly more 3FTxs have been characterized to have pharmacological effects on cardiovascular systems. Here we focus on this family of snake venom toxins and their potential in developing therapeutics against cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Manjunatha Kini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 117558, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Cho Yeow Koh
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
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11
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Anticoagulant activity of krait, coral snake, and cobra neurotoxic venoms with diverse proteomes are inhibited by carbon monoxide. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis 2020; 30:379-384. [PMID: 31415248 DOI: 10.1097/mbc.0000000000000842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A phenomena of interest is the in vitro anticoagulant effects of neurotoxins found in elapid venoms that kill by paralysis. These enzymes include phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and it has recently been demonstrated that carbon monoxide inhibits the PLA2-dependent neurotoxin contained in Mojave rattlesnake type A venom. The purpose of this investigation was to assess if the anticoagulant activity of elapid venoms containing PLA2 and/or three finger toxins could be inhibited by carbon monoxide. METHODS Venoms collected from Bungarus multicinctus, Micrurus fulvius, and five Naja species were exposed to carbon monoxide via carbon monoxide releasing molecule-2 prior to placement into human plasma. Coagulation kinetics were assessed via thrombelastography. RESULTS Compared with plasma without venom addition, all venoms had significant anticoagulant effects, with a 160-fold range of concentrations having similar anticoagulant effects in a species-specific manner. Carbon monoxide significantly inhibited the anticoagulant effect of all venoms tested, but inhibition was not complete in all cases. CONCLUSION Given that individual neurotoxin activity often depends on intact activity that includes anticoagulant action, it may be possible that carbon monoxide inhibits neurotoxicity. Future investigation is justified to assess such carbon monoxide mediated inhibition with purified neurotoxins in vitro and in vivo.
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12
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Nielsen VG, Wagner MT, Frank N. Mechanisms Responsible for the Anticoagulant Properties of Neurotoxic Dendroaspis Venoms: A Viscoelastic Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062082. [PMID: 32197368 PMCID: PMC7139654 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Using thrombelastography to gain mechanistic insights, recent investigations have identified enzymes and compounds in Naja and Crotalus species' neurotoxic venoms that are anticoagulant in nature. The neurotoxic venoms of the four extant species of Dendroaspis (the Black and green mambas) were noted to be anticoagulant in nature in human blood, but the mechanisms underlying these observations have never been explored. The venom proteomes of these venoms are unique, primarily composed of three finger toxins (3-FTx), Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors (Kunitz-type SPI) and <7% metalloproteinases. The anticoagulant potency of the four mamba venoms available were determined in human plasma via thrombelastography; vulnerability to inhibition of anticoagulant activity to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was assessed, and inhibition of anticoagulant activity after exposure to a ruthenium (Ru)-based carbon monoxide releasing molecule (CORM-2) was quantified. Black mamba venom was the least potent by more than two orders of magnitude compared to the green mamba venoms tested; further, Black Mamba venom anticoagulant activity was not inhibited by either EDTA or CORM-2. In contrast, the anticoagulant activities of the green mamba venoms were all inhibited by EDTA to a greater or lesser extent, and all had anticoagulation inhibited with CORM-2. Critically, CORM-2-mediated inhibition was independent of carbon monoxide release, but was dependent on a putative Ru-based species formed from CORM-2. In conclusion, there was great species-specific variation in potency and mechanism(s) responsible for the anticoagulant activity of Dendroaspis venom, with perhaps all three protein classes-3-FTx, Kunitz-type SPI and metalloproteinases-playing a role in the venoms characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vance G. Nielsen
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Michael T. Wagner
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA;
| | - Nathaniel Frank
- MToxins Venom lab LLC, 717 Oregon Street, Oshkosh, WI 54902, USA;
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13
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Ferraz CR, Arrahman A, Xie C, Casewell NR, Lewis RJ, Kool J, Cardoso FC. Multifunctional Toxins in Snake Venoms and Therapeutic Implications: From Pain to Hemorrhage and Necrosis. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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14
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Roy A, Qingxiang S, Alex C, Rajagopalan N, Jobichen C, Sivaraman J, Kini RM. Identification of a α-helical molten globule intermediate and structural characterization of β-cardiotoxin, an all β-sheet protein isolated from the venom of Ophiophagus hannah (king cobra). Protein Sci 2019; 28:952-963. [PMID: 30891862 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
β-Cardiotoxin is a novel member of the snake venom three-finger toxin (3FTX) family. This is the first exogenous protein to antagonize β-adrenergic receptors and thereby causing reduction in heart rates (bradycardia) when administered into animals, unlike the conventional cardiotoxins as reported earlier. 3FTXs are stable all β-sheet peptides with 60-80 amino acid residues. Here, we describe the three-dimensional crystal structure of β-cardiotoxin together with the identification of a molten globule intermediate in the unfolding pathway of this protein. In spite of the overall structural similarity of this protein with conventional cardiotoxins, there are notable differences observed at the loop region and in the charge distribution on the surface, which are known to be critical for cytolytic activity of cardiotoxins. The molten globule intermediate state present in the thermal unfolding pathway of β-cardiotoxin was however not observed during the chemical denaturation of the protein. Interestingly, circular dichroism (CD) and NMR studies revealed the presence of α-helical secondary structure in the molten globule intermediate. These results point to substantial conformational plasticity of β-cardiotoxin, which might aid the protein in responding to the sometimes conflicting demands of structure, stability, and function during its biological lifetime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
| | - Sun Qingxiang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543.,Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China 610041
| | - Chapeaurouge Alex
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543.,Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Ceará, Rua São José, 2° Pavimento, Precabura, Eusébio 61760-000, Brazil
| | - Nandhakishore Rajagopalan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543.,National Research Council of Canada, Canada
| | - Chacko Jobichen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
| | - J Sivaraman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
| | - R Manjunatha Kini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
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15
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Utkin YN. Last decade update for three-finger toxins: Newly emerging structures and biological activities. World J Biol Chem 2019; 10:17-27. [PMID: 30622682 PMCID: PMC6314878 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v10.i1.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-finger toxins (TFTs) comprise one of largest families of snake venom toxins. While they are principal to and the most toxic components of the venoms of the Elapidae snake family, their presence has also been detected in the venoms of snakes from other families. The first TFT, α-bungarotoxin, was discovered almost 50 years ago and has since been used widely as a specific marker of the α7 and muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. To date, the number of TFT amino acid sequences deposited in the UniProt Knowledgebase free-access database is more than 700, and new members are being added constantly. Although structural variations among the TFTs are not numerous, several new structures have been discovered recently; these include the disulfide-bound dimers of TFTs and toxins with nonstandard pairing of disulfide bonds. New types of biological activities have also been demonstrated for the well-known TFTs, and research on this topic has become a hot topic of TFT studies. The classic TFTs α-bungarotoxin and α-cobratoxin, for example, have now been shown to inhibit ionotropic receptors of γ-aminobutyric acid, and some muscarinic toxins have been shown to interact with adrenoceptors. New, unexpected activities have been demonstrated for some TFTs as well, such as toxin interaction with interleukin or insulin receptors and even TFT-activated motility of sperm. This minireview provides a summarization of the data that has emerged in the last decade on the TFTs and their activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri N Utkin
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxinology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
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16
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Choudhury M, McCleary RJR, Kini RM, Velmurugan D. Orphan Three-Finger Toxins Bind at Tissue Factor-Factor VIIa Interface to Inhibit Factor X Activation: Identification of Functional Site by Docking. TH OPEN 2018; 2:e303-e314. [PMID: 31249954 PMCID: PMC6524886 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1672184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-finger toxins (3FTxs) contribute to toxicity of venomous snakes belonging to the family Elapidae. Currently, functions of a considerable proportion of 3FTxs are still unknown. Here, we describe the function of orphan group I 3FTxs consisting of four members. We also identified a new member of this group by sequencing a transcript isolated from
Naja naja
venom. This transcript, named najalexin, is identical to that previously described 3FTx from
Naja atra
venom gland, and shared high sequence identity with ringhalexin from
Hemachatus haemachatus
and a hypothetical protein from
Ophiophagus hannah
(here named as ophiolexin). The three-dimensional structure, as predicted by molecular modeling, showed that najalexin and ophiolexin share the same conserved structural organization as ringhalexin and other 3FTxs. Since ringhalexin inhibits the activation of factor X by the tissue factor–factor VIIa complex (TF-FVIIa), we evaluated the interaction of this group of 3FTxs with all components using
in silico
protein–protein docking studies. The binding of orphan group I 3FTxs to TF-FVIIa complex appears to be driven by their interaction with TF. They bind to fibronectin domain closer to the 170-loop of the FVIIa heavy chain to inhibit factor X activation. The docking studies reveal that functional site residues Tyr7, Lys9, Glu12, Lys26, Arg34, Leu35, Arg40, Val55, Asp56, Cys57, Cys58, and Arg65 on these 3FTxs are crucial for interaction.
In silico
replacement of these residues by Ala resulted in significant effects in the binding energies. Furthermore, these functional residues are not found in other groups of 3FTxs, which exhibit distinct pharmacological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Choudhury
- CAS in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ryan J R McCleary
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biology, Stetson University, DeLand, Florida, United States
| | - R Manjunatha Kini
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Devadasan Velmurugan
- CAS in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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17
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Sánchez A, Herrera M, Villalta M, Solano D, Segura Á, Lomonte B, Gutiérrez JM, León G, Vargas M. Proteomic and toxinological characterization of the venom of the South African Ringhals cobra Hemachatus haemachatus. J Proteomics 2018; 181:104-117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Sharma M, Iyer JK, Shih N, Majumder M, Mattaparthi VSK, Mukhopadhyay R, Doley R. Daboxin P, a Major Phospholipase A2 Enzyme from the Indian Daboia russelii russelii Venom Targets Factor X and Factor Xa for Its Anticoagulant Activity. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153770. [PMID: 27089306 PMCID: PMC4835082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study a major protein has been purified from the venom of Indian Daboia russelii russelii using gel filtration, ion exchange and Rp-HPLC techniques. The purified protein, named daboxin P accounts for ~24% of the total protein of the crude venom and has a molecular mass of 13.597 kDa. It exhibits strong anticoagulant and phospholipase A2 activity but is devoid of any cytotoxic effect on the tested normal or cancerous cell lines. Its primary structure was deduced by N-terminal sequencing and chemical cleavage using Edman degradation and tandem mass spectrometry. It is composed of 121 amino acids with 14 cysteine residues and catalytically active His48 -Asp49 pair. The secondary structure of daboxin P constitutes 42.73% of α-helix and 12.36% of β-sheet. It is found to be stable at acidic (pH 3.0) and neutral pH (pH 7.0) and has a Tm value of 71.59 ± 0.46°C. Daboxin P exhibits anticoagulant effect under in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. It does not inhibit the catalytic activity of the serine proteases but inhibits the activation of factor X to factor Xa by the tenase complexes both in the presence and absence of phospholipids. It also inhibits the tenase complexes when active site residue (His48) was alkylated suggesting its non-enzymatic mode of anticoagulant activity. Moreover, it also inhibits prothrombinase complex when pre-incubated with factor Xa prior to factor Va addition. Fluorescence emission spectroscopy and affinity chromatography suggest the probable interaction of daboxin P with factor X and factor Xa. Molecular docking analysis reveals the interaction of the Ca+2 binding loop; helix C; anticoagulant region and C-terminal region of daboxin P with the heavy chain of factor Xa. This is the first report of a phospholipase A2 enzyme from Indian viper venom which targets both factor X and factor Xa for its anticoagulant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maitreyee Sharma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784028, Assam, India
| | - Janaki Krishnamurthy Iyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Norrapat Shih
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Munmi Majumder
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784028, Assam, India
| | | | - Rupak Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784028, Assam, India
| | - Robin Doley
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784028, Assam, India
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