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Bezerra P, Motti EF. 3-NAntC: A Potent Crotoxin B-Derived Peptide against the Triple-Negative MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cell Line. Molecules 2024; 29:1646. [PMID: 38611925 PMCID: PMC11013444 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stands as the most prevalent type of tumor and a significant contributor to cancer-related deaths. Among its various subtypes, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents the worst prognosis due to its aggressive nature and the absence of effective treatments. Crotoxin, a protein found in the venom of Crotalus genus snakes, has demonstrated notable antitumor activity against aggressive solid tumors. However, its application has been hindered by substantial toxicity in humans. In efforts to address this challenge, Crotoxin B-derived peptides were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their antitumor potential, leading to the discovery of 3-NAntC. Treatment with 3-NAntC at 1 µg/mL for 72 h notably reduced the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells to 49.0 ± 17.5% (p < 0.0001), while exhibiting minimal impact on the viability of HMEC cells (98.2 ± 13.8%) under the same conditions. Notably, 3-NAntC displayed superior antitumoral activity in vitro compared to cisplatin and exhibited a similar effect to doxorubicin. Further investigation revealed that 3-NAntC decreased the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells and induced G2/M phase arrest. It primarily prompted optimal cell death by apoptosis, with a lower incidence of the less desirable cell death by necrosis in comparison to doxorubicin. Additionally, 3-NAntC demonstrated low LDH release, and its cytotoxicity remained unaffected by the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA. In an in vivo zebrafish model, 3-NAntC exhibited excellent tolerability, showing no lethal effects and a low rate of malformations at high doses of up to 75 mg/mL. Overall, 3-NAntC emerges as a novel synthetic peptide with promising antitumor effects in vitro against TNBC cells and low toxicity in vivo.
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Salvador GHM, Fernandes CAH, Borges RJ, Soares AM, Fontes MRM. Structural studies with crotoxin B from Crotalus durissus collilineatus venom suggest a heterodimeric assembly formed by two new isoforms. Biochimie 2024; 218:46-56. [PMID: 37659716 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
In accidents involving Crotalus snakes, the crotoxin complex (CTX) plays lethal action due to its neurotoxic activity. On the other hand, CTX have potential biotechnological application due to its anti-tumoral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic and immunomodulatory properties. CTX is a heterodimer composed of Crotoxin A (CA or crotapotin), the acidic nontoxic and non-enzymatic component and; Crotoxin B (CB), a basic, toxic and catalytic PLA2. Currently, there are two classes of CTX isoforms, whose differences in their biological activities have been attributed to features presented in CB isoforms. Here, we present the crystal structure of CB isolated from the Crotalus durissus collilineatus venom. It amino acid sequence was assigned using the SEQUENCE SLIDER software, which revealed that the crystal structure is a heterodimer composed of two new CB isoforms (colCB-A and colCB-B). Bioinformatic and biophysical analyses showed that the toxin forms a tetrameric assembly in solution similar to CB from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom, despite some differences observed at the dimeric interface. By the previously proposed classification, the colCB-B presents features of the class I isoforms while colCB-A cannot be classified into classes I and II based on its amino acid sequence. Due to similar features observed for other CB isoforms found in the NCBI database and the results obtained for colCB-A, we suggest that there are more than two classes of CTX and CB isoforms in crotalic venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme H M Salvador
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos A H Fernandes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; UMR 7590, CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, IRD, Institut de Minéralogie, Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Rafael J Borges
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Centro de Química Medicina (CQMED), Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética (CBMEG), Universidade de Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Andreimar M Soares
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos Aplicados, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Inst Nac. de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental (INCT-EPIAMO), Rede de Pesquisa e Conhecimento de Excelência na Amazônia Ocidental (RED-CONEXAO), Brazil
| | - Marcos R M Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Instituto de Estudos Avançados do Mar (IEAMar), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Vicente, SP, Brazil.
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3
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Campos PC, Oliveira HCD, Ortolani PL, Amaral de Melo L, Fontes MRM, Fortes-Dias CL. Mapping possible interaction sites for crotoxin in CNF, a gamma PLA 2 inhibitor from Crotalus durissus terrificus rattle snake, using SPOT synthesis. Toxicon 2023; 234:107267. [PMID: 37661064 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107267] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) are main components of snake venoms. Several snake species possess endogenous PLA2 inhibitors in their circulating blood, which are generally known as sbPLIs (an acronym for snake blood phospholipase A2inhibitors). The sbPLIs are categorized in three classes (alpha, beta or gamma) depending on the existence of distinguishing protein domains in their structure. The Crotalus durrissus terrificus venom has a highly neurotoxic PLA2 - crotoxin (CTX) - in its composition and the self-protection of the snake is mainly ensured by a sbγPLI named CNF (standing for Crotalusneutralizing factor). In an attempt to find smaller molecules able to inhibit the catalytic activity of CTX, in the present study we used linear peptide arrays to identify CNF segments possibly involved in the interaction with the toxin. Five reacting segments were identified as possible interacting regions. The target peptides were synthesized and located in the in silico CNF structure. Although all of them are exposed to the solvent, high concentrations were needed to inhibit the PLA2 activity of the whole venom or CTX. Limitations of the methodology employed and particular characteristics of CTX inhibition by CNF are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Cota Campos
- Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Hamine Cristina de Oliveira
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Ladeira Ortolani
- Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lutiana Amaral de Melo
- Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcos R M Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; Instituto de Estudos Avançados do Mar (IEAMar), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Vicente, São Paulo, Brazil
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4
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Almeida JR, Gomes A, Mendes B, Aguiar L, Ferreira M, Brioschi MBC, Duarte D, Nogueira F, Cortes S, Salazar-Valenzuela D, Miguel DC, Teixeira C, Gameiro P, Gomes P. Unlocking the potential of snake venom-based molecules against the malaria, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis triad. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124745. [PMID: 37150376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124745] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Malaria, leishmaniasis and Chagas disease are vector-borne protozoal infections with a disproportionately high impact on the most fragile societies in the world, and despite malaria-focused research gained momentum in the past two decades, both trypanosomiases and leishmaniases remain neglected tropical diseases. Affordable effective drugs remain the mainstay of tackling this burden, but toxicicty, inneficiency against later stage disease, and drug resistance issues are serious shortcomings. One strategy to overcome these hurdles is to get new therapeutics or inspiration in nature. Indeed, snake venoms have been recognized as valuable sources of biomacromolecules, like peptides and proteins, with antiprotozoal activity. This review highlights major snake venom components active against at least one of the three aforementioned diseases, which include phospholipases A2, metalloproteases, L-amino acid oxidases, lectins, and oligopeptides. The relevance of this repertoire of biomacromolecules and the bottlenecks in their clinical translation are discussed considering approaches that should increase the success rate in this arduous task. Overall, this review underlines how venom-derived biomacromolecules could lead to pioneering antiprotozoal treatments and how the drug landscape for neglected diseases may be revolutionized by a closer look at venoms. Further investigations on poorly studied venoms is needed and could add new therapeutics to the pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Rafael Almeida
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador.
| | - Ana Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Bruno Mendes
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador
| | - Luísa Aguiar
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Ferreira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | | | - Denise Duarte
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-862, Brazil.
| | - Fátima Nogueira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Rua Junqueira 100, P-1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Sofia Cortes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Rua Junqueira 100, P-1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - David Salazar-Valenzuela
- Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático (BioCamb) e Ingeniería en Biodiversidad y Recursos Genéticos, Facultad de Ciencias de Medio Ambiente, Universidad Indoamérica, Quito 170103, Ecuador.
| | - Danilo C Miguel
- Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático (BioCamb) e Ingeniería en Biodiversidad y Recursos Genéticos, Facultad de Ciencias de Medio Ambiente, Universidad Indoamérica, Quito 170103, Ecuador.
| | - Cátia Teixeira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Gameiro
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paula Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
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Zambelli VO, Hösch NG, Farom S, Zychar BC, Spadacci-Morena DD, Carvalho LV, Curi R, Lepsch LB, Scavone C, Sant'Anna OA, Gonçalves LRC, Cury Y, Sampaio SC. Formyl peptide receptors are involved in CTX-induced impairment of lymphocyte functions. Toxicon 2023; 222:106986. [PMID: 36442690 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.106986] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Crotoxin (CTX) is a neurotoxin that is isolated from the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus, which displays immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumoral effects. Previous research has demonstrated that CTX promotes the adherence of leukocytes to the endothelial cells in blood microcirculation and the high endothelial venules of lymph nodes, which reduces the number of blood cells and lymphocytes. Studies have also shown that these effects are mediated by lipoxygenase-derived mediators. However, the exact lipoxygenase-derived eicosanoid involved in the CTX effect on lymphocytes is yet to be characterized. As CTX stimulates lipoxin-derived mediators from macrophages and lymphocyte effector functions could be modulated by activating formyl peptide receptors, we aimed to investigate whether these receptors were involved in CTX-induced redistribution and functions of lymphocytes in rats. We used male Wistar rats treated with CTX to demonstrate that Boc2 (butoxycarbonyl-Phe-Leu-Phe-Leu-Phe), an antagonist of formyl peptide receptors, prevented CTX-induced decrease in the number of circulating lymphocytes and increased the expression of the lymphocyte adhesion molecule LFA1. CTX reduced the T and B lymphocyte functions, such as lymphocyte proliferation in response to the mitogen Concanavalin A and antibody production in response to BSA immunization, respectively, which was prevented by the administration of Boc2. Importantly, mesenteric lymph node lymphocytes from CTX-treated rats showed an increased release of 15-epi-LXA4. These results indicate that formyl peptide receptors mediate CTX-induced redistribution of lymphocytes and that 15-epi-LXA4 is a key mediator of the immunosuppressive effects of CTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa O Zambelli
- Laboratory of Pain and Signaling, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Natália Gabriele Hösch
- Laboratory of Pain and Signaling, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sarah Farom
- Laboratory of Pain and Signaling, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bianca C Zychar
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Diva D Spadacci-Morena
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Vieira Carvalho
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rui Curi
- Immunobiological Production Section, Bioindustrial Center, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Post-graduate Program in Health Sciences, Cruzeiro of Sul University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucilia B Lepsch
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Cristoforo Scavone
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Osvaldo Augusto Sant'Anna
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luís Roberto C Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Yara Cury
- Laboratory of Pain and Signaling, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sandra C Sampaio
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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6
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Crotoxin B: Heterologous Expression, Protein Folding, Immunogenic Properties, and Irregular Presence in Crotalid Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14060382. [PMID: 35737043 PMCID: PMC9228539 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14060382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Crotoxin complex CA/CB and crotamine are the main toxins associated with Crotalus envenomation besides the enzymatic activities of phospholipases (PLA2) and proteases. The neutralization at least of the crotoxin complex by neutralizing the subunit B could be a key in the production process of antivenoms against crotalids. Therefore, in this work, a Crotoxin B was recombinantly expressed to evaluate its capacity as an immunogen and its ability to produce neutralizing antibodies against crotalid venoms. A Crotoxin B transcript from Crotalus tzabcan was cloned into a pCR®2.1-TOPO vector (Invitrogen, Waltham, MA, USA) and subsequently expressed heterologously in bacteria. HisrCrotoxin B was extracted from inclusion bodies and refolded in vitro. The secondary structure of HisrCrotoxin B was comparable to the secondary structure of the native Crotoxin B, and it has PLA2 activity as the native Crotoxin B. HisrCrotoxin B was used to immunize rabbits, and the obtained antibodies partially inhibited the activity of PLA2 from C. tzabcan. The anti-HisrCrotoxin B antibodies neutralized the native Crotoxin B and the whole venoms from C. tzabcan, C. s. salvini, and C. mictlantecuhtli. Additionally, anti-HisrCrotoxin B antibodies recognized native Crotoxin B from different Crotalus species, and they could discriminate venom in species with high or low levels of or absence of Crotoxin B.
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Proteomic analysis reveals rattlesnake venom modulation of proteins associated with cardiac tissue damage in mouse hearts. J Proteomics 2022; 258:104530. [PMID: 35182786 PMCID: PMC9308947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Snake envenomation is a common but neglected disease that affects millions of people around the world annually. Among venomous snake species in Brazil, the tropical rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus) accounts for the highest number of fatal envenomations and is responsible for the second highest number of bites. Snake venoms are complex secretions which, upon injection, trigger diverse physiological effects that can cause significant injury or death. The components of C. d. terrificus venom exhibit neurotoxic, myotoxic, hemotoxic, nephrotoxic, and cardiotoxic properties which present clinically as alteration of central nervous system function, motor paralysis, seizures, eyelid ptosis, ophthalmoplesia, blurred vision, coagulation disorders, rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, and cardiorespiratory arrest. In this study, we focused on proteomic characterization of the cardiotoxic effects of C. d. terrificus venom in mouse models. We injected venom at half the lethal dose (LD50) into the gastrocnemius muscle. Mouse hearts were removed at set time points after venom injection (1 h, 6 h, 12 h, or 24 h) and subjected to trypsin digestion prior to high-resolution mass spectrometry. We analyzed the proteomic profiles of >1300 proteins and observed that several proteins showed noteworthy changes in their quantitative profiles, likely reflecting the toxic activity of venom components. Among the affected proteins were several associated with cellular deregulation and tissue damage. Changes in heart protein abundance offer insights into how they may work synergistically upon envenomation. SIGNIFICANCE: Venom of the tropical rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terririficus) is known to be neurotoxic, myotoxic, nephrotoxic and cardiotoxic. Although there are several studies describing the biochemical effects of this venom, no work has yet described its proteomic effects in the cardiac tissue of mice. In this work, we describe the changes in several mouse cardiac proteins upon venom treatment. Our data shed new light on the clinical outcome of the envenomation by C. d. terrificus, as well as candidate proteins that could be investigated in efforts to improve current treatment approaches or in the development of novel therapeutic interventions in order to reduce mortality and morbidity resulting from envenomation.
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Rodrigues CR, Molina Molina DA, de Souza DLN, Cardenas J, Costal-Oliveira F, Guerra-Duarte C, Chávez-Olórtegui C. Biological and proteomic characterization of the venom from Peruvian Andes rattlesnake Crotalus durissus. Toxicon 2021; 207:31-42. [PMID: 34968566 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Peruvian rattlesnake Crotalus durissus is a venomous species that is restricted to the Peruvian Departments of Puno and Madre de Dios. Although clinically meaningful in this region, Crotalus durissus venom composition remains largely elusive. In this sense, this work aimed to provide a primary description of Peruvian C. durissus venom (PCdV). The enzymatic activities (SVMP, SVSP, LAAO, Hyaluronidase and PLA2) of PCdV were analyzed and compared to Brazilian Crotalus durissus terrificus venom (BCdtV). PCdV showed higher PLA2 activity when compared to the Brazilian venom. PCdV also showed cytotoxicity in VERO cells. For proteomic analysis, PCdV proteins were separated by HPLC, followed by SDS-PAGE. Gel bands were excised and tryptic digested for MALDI-TOF/TOF identification. Approximately 21 proteins were identified, belonging to 7 families. Phospholipases A2 (PLA2, 66.63%) were the most abundant proteins of the venom, followed by snake venom serine proteinases (SVSPs, 13.37%), C-type lectins (Snaclec, 8.98%) and snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs, 7.13%), crotamine (2.98%) and phosphodiesterase (PDE, 0.87%). Moreover, antivenom recognition assays indicated that both Brazilian and Peruvian antivenoms recognize PCdV, indicating the presence of antigenically related proteins in crotalic venoms. The results reported here, may impact in the venom selection for the production of effective Pan-American crotalic antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Rego Rodrigues
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Denis A Molina Molina
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fernanda Costal-Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, 30510-010, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Correlating biological activity to thermo-structural analysis of the interaction of CTX with synthetic models of macrophage membranes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23712. [PMID: 34887428 PMCID: PMC8660830 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02552-0] [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: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The important pharmacological actions of Crotoxin (CTX) on macrophages, the main toxin in the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus, and its important participation in the control of different pathophysiological processes, have been demonstrated. The biological activities performed by macrophages are related to signaling mediated by receptors expressed on the membrane surface of these cells or opening and closing of ion channels, generation of membrane curvature and pore formation. In the present work, the interaction of the CTX complex with the cell membrane of macrophages is studied, both using biological cells and synthetic lipid membranes to monitor structural alterations induced by the protein. Here we show that CTX can penetrate THP-1 cells and induce pores only in anionic lipid model membranes, suggesting that a possible access pathway for CTX to the cell is via lipids with anionic polar heads. Considering that the selectivity of the lipid composition varies in different tissues and organs of the human body, the thermostructural studies presented here are extremely important to open new investigations on the biological activities of CTX in different biological systems.
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Kato EE, Sampaio SC. Crotoxin Modulates Events Involved in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in 3D Spheroid Model. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13110830. [PMID: 34822613 PMCID: PMC8618719 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurs in the early stages of embryonic development and plays a significant role in the migration and the differentiation of cells into various types of tissues of an organism. However, tumor cells, with altered form and function, use the EMT process to migrate and invade other tissues in the body. Several experimental (in vivo and in vitro) and clinical trial studies have shown the antitumor activity of crotoxin (CTX), a heterodimeric phospholipase A2 present in the Crotalus durissus terrificus venom. In this study, we show that CTX modulates the microenvironment of tumor cells. We have also evaluated the effect of CTX on the EMT process in the spheroid model. The invasion of type I collagen gels by heterospheroids (mix of MRC-5 and A549 cells constitutively prepared with 12.5 nM CTX), expression of EMT markers, and secretion of MMPs were analyzed. Western blotting analysis shows that CTX inhibits the expression of the mesenchymal markers, N-cadherin, α-SMA, and αv. This study provides evidence of CTX as a key modulator of the EMT process, and its antitumor action can be explored further for novel drug designing against metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Emi Kato
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
| | - Sandra Coccuzzo Sampaio
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-060, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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11
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Crotalus Neutralizing Factor (CNF) inhibits the toxic effects of Crotoxin at mouse neuromuscular preparations. Toxicon 2020; 191:48-53. [PMID: 33387548 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Crotalus Neutralizing Factor (CNF) was the first phospholipase A2 inhibitor isolated from the plasma of the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus). Previous biochemical and biophysical studies demonstrate an interaction of CNF with Crotoxin (CTX), the main toxic component in the venom of these snakes. CTX promotes the blockade of neuromuscular transmission by a sum of neurotoxic and myotoxic activities. However, the ability of CNF to inhibit these activities has not been shown until the present study. We performed a myographic study to compare the neuromuscular effects of CTX and the mixture CTX plus CNF in mice phrenic nerve-diaphragm muscle preparations. CTX (5 μg/mL) alone, or pre-incubated with CNF (5, 20 or 50 μg/mL) for 15 min was added to the preparations and maintained throughout the experimentation period. Myotoxicity was assessed by light microscopic analysis of diaphragm muscle after myographic study. CTX (5 μg/mL) blocked both indirectly and directly evoked twitches in neuromuscular preparations. In addition, CTX induced histological alterations in diaphragm muscle. Pre-incubation with CNF (50 μg/mL) abolished both the muscle-paralyzing and muscle-damaging activities of CTX. Therefore, the present study confirms, through functional studies, the antiophidic potential of CNF.
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12
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Miller SW, Osterhoudt KC, Korenoski AS, Patel K, Vaiyapuri S. Exotic Snakebites Reported to Pennsylvania Poison Control Centers: Lessons Learned on the Demographics, Clinical Effects, and Treatment of These Cases. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12120755. [PMID: 33260454 PMCID: PMC7760318 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12120755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Exotic snakebites (i.e. from non-native species) are a rare occurrence, but they present a unique challenge to clinicians treating these patients. Poison control centers are often contacted to assist in the management and care of these medical emergencies. In this study, we analyzed case records of the two Pennsylvania poison control centers from 2004 to 2018 to describe clinical features reported as a result of exotic snakebite envenomation. For the 15-year period reviewed, 18 exotic snakebites were reported with effects ranging from mild local tissue injury to patients who were treated with mechanical ventilation due to respiratory failure. The mean age of the patients was 35 years and males accounted for 83% of the cases. Antivenom, the only specific treatment, was administered in seven of 18 patients within an average of four h of envenomation. The procurement of antivenom against these exotic species may require substantial logistical efforts due to limited stocking of this rarely used treatment. Newer, targeted, small molecule treatments that are being currently investigated may aid in the treatment of snakebites in general. However, people should be cautious when handling these exotic species, and clinicians should be aware of these bites and relevant clinical effects in order to manage these when reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen W. Miller
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
- The Poison Control Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Correspondence: (S.W.M.); (S.V.)
| | - Kevin C. Osterhoudt
- The Poison Control Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Amanda S. Korenoski
- Pittsburgh Poison Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Ketan Patel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK;
| | - Sakthivel Vaiyapuri
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
- Correspondence: (S.W.M.); (S.V.)
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13
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Sousa ID, Barbosa AR, Salvador GH, Frihling BE, Santa-Rita PH, Soares AM, Pessôa HL, Marchi-Salvador DP. Secondary hemostasis studies of crude venom and isolated proteins from the snake Crotalus durissus terrificus. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 131:127-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.03.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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14
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Fortes-Dias CL, Fernandes CAH, Ortolani PL, Campos PC, Melo LA, Felicori LF, Fontes MRM. Identification, description and structural analysis of beta phospholipase A 2 inhibitors (sbβPLIs) from Latin American pit vipers indicate a binding site region for basic snake venom phospholipases A 2. Toxicon X 2019; 2:100009. [PMID: 32550566 PMCID: PMC7286088 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2019.100009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Several snake species possess, in their circulating blood, endogenous PLA2 inhibitors (sbPLIs) with the primary function of natural protection against toxic enzymes from homologous and heterologous venoms. Among the three structural classes of sbPLIs – named α, β, and γ − the β class (sbβPLIs) is the least known with only four identified sequences, so far. The last class of inhibitors encompass molecules with leucine rich repeats (LRRs) motifs containing repeating amino acid segments. In the present study, we identified and characterized putative sbβPLIs from the liver and venom glands of six Latin American pit vipers belonging to Bothrops and Crotalus genera. The inhibitor from Crotalus durissus terrificus snakes (CdtsbβPLI) was chosen as a reference for the construction of the first in silico structural model for this class of inhibitors, using molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations. Detailed analyses of the electrostatic surface of the CdtsbβPLI model and protein-protein docking with crotoxin B from homologous venoms predict the interacting surface between these proteins. Transcripts of phospholipases A2 inhibitors from the β-class (sbβPLIs) were identified in Latin American pit vipers. Structural features of sbβPLIs were compared and discussed, including their characteristic leucine-rich repeats (LRRs). One sbβPLI (CdtsbβPLI) was chosen for the in silico construction of the first structural model of a sbβPLI. A possible mechanism of interaction between sbβPLIs and basic snake venom PLA2s was suggested. Docking predictions between CdtsbβPLI and crotoxin B highlighted the amino acids residues at the interaction surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Consuelo Latorre Fortes-Dias
- Serviço de Enzimologia, Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias (FUNED), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alexandre H Fernandes
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Paula Ladeira Ortolani
- Serviço de Enzimologia, Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias (FUNED), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Cota Campos
- Serviço de Enzimologia, Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias (FUNED), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - L A Melo
- Serviço de Enzimologia, Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias (FUNED), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Liza Figueiredo Felicori
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos Roberto M Fontes
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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15
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Whittington AC, Mason AJ, Rokyta DR. A Single Mutation Unlocks Cascading Exaptations in the Origin of a Potent Pitviper Neurotoxin. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 35:887-898. [PMID: 29329419 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msx334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary innovations and complex phenotypes seemingly require an improbable amount of genetic change to evolve. Rattlesnakes display two dramatically different venom phenotypes. Type I venoms are hemorrhagic with low systemic toxicity and high expression of tissue-destroying snake venom metalloproteinases. Type II venoms are highly neurotoxic and lack snake venom metalloproteinase expression and associated hemorrhagic activity. This dichotomy hinges on Mojave toxin (MTx), a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) based β-neurotoxin expressed in Type II venoms. MTx is comprised of a nontoxic acidic subunit that undergoes extensive proteolytic processing and allosterically regulates activity of a neurotoxic basic subunit. Evolution of the acidic subunit presents an evolutionary challenge because the need for high expression of a nontoxic venom component and the proteolytic machinery required for processing suggests genetic changes of seemingly little immediate benefit to fitness. We showed that MTx evolved through a cascading series of exaptations unlocked by a single nucleotide change. The evolution of one new cleavage site in the acidic subunit unmasked buried cleavage sites already present in ancestral PLA2s, enabling proteolytic processing. Snake venom serine proteases, already present in the venom to disrupt prey hemostasis, possess the requisite specificities for MTx acidic subunit proteolysis. The dimerization interface between MTx subunits evolved by exploiting a latent, but masked, hydrophobic interaction between ancestral PLA2s. The evolution of MTx through exaptation of existing functional and structural features suggests complex phenotypes that depend on evolutionary innovations can arise from minimal genetic change enabled by prior evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carl Whittington
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
| | - Andrew J Mason
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
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16
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de Souza TP, Abreu DS, Carepo MSP, Silva MAS, Zampieri D, Eberlin MN, Paulo TF, Sousa EHS, Longhinotti E, Diógenes ICN. Effect of Crotalus basiliscus snake venom on the redox reaction of myoglobin. J Biol Inorg Chem 2019; 24:171-178. [PMID: 30673877 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-019-01636-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we have studied the effect of Crotalus basiliscus snake venom on the redox reaction of myoglobin (Mb), and by means of electrochemical techniques, we have shown that this reaction is undoubtedly affected following the interaction with the venom. Surface plasmon resonance, electrophoresis, UV-Vis, and circular dichroism showed that the interaction involves the attachment of some constituent of the venom to the protein, although not affecting its first and secondary structures. Mass spectra support this suggestion by showing the appearance of signals assigned to the Mb dimer and to a new species resulting from the interaction between Mb and the venom proteins. In addition, the mass spectra suggest the aromatic amino acids of myoglobin, mainly tryptophan and phenylalanine, are more exposed to the solvent medium upon the exposure to the venom solution. The results altogether indicate that the harmful effects of the venom of Crotalus basiliscus snake are likely connected to the blocking of the redox site of Mb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ticyano P de Souza
- Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceara, 60455-760, Brazil
| | - Dieric S Abreu
- Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceara, 60455-760, Brazil.,Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceara, 60455-970, Brazil
| | - Marta S P Carepo
- Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceara, 60455-760, Brazil.,LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Maria A S Silva
- Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceara, 60455-760, Brazil
| | - Dávila Zampieri
- Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceara, 60455-760, Brazil.,ThoMSon Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Marcos N Eberlin
- ThoMSon Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Tércio F Paulo
- Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceara, 60455-760, Brazil
| | - Eduardo H S Sousa
- Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceara, 60455-760, Brazil
| | - Elisane Longhinotti
- Departamento de Química Analítica e Físico-Química, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceara, 60455-760, Brazil
| | - Izaura C N Diógenes
- Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceara, 60455-760, Brazil.
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17
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Camelid Single-Domain Antibodies (VHHs) against Crotoxin: A Basis for Developing Modular Building Blocks for the Enhancement of Treatment or Diagnosis of Crotalic Envenoming. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10040142. [PMID: 29596324 PMCID: PMC5923308 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10040142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxic effects triggered by crotalic envenoming are mainly related to crotoxin (CTX), composed of a phospholipase A2 (CB) and a subunit with no toxic activity (CA). Camelids produce immunoglobulins G devoid of light chains, in which the antigen recognition domain is called VHH. Given their unique characteristics, VHHs were selected using Phage Display against CTX from Crotalus durissus terrificus. After three rounds of biopanning, four sequence profiles for CB (KF498602, KF498603, KF498604, and KF498605) and one for CA (KF498606) were revealed. All clones presented the VHH hallmark in FR2 and a long CDR3, with the exception of KF498606. After expressing pET22b-VHHs in E. coli, approximately 2 to 6 mg of protein per liter of culture were obtained. When tested for cross-reactivity, VHHs presented specificity for the Crotalus genus and were capable of recognizing CB through Western blot. KF498602 and KF498604 showed thermostability, and displayed affinity constants for CTX in the micro or nanomolar range. They inhibited in vitro CTX PLA2 activity, and CB cytotoxicity. Furthermore, KF498604 inhibited the CTX-induced myotoxicity in mice by 78.8%. Molecular docking revealed that KF498604 interacts with the CA–CB interface of CTX, seeming to block substrate access. Selected VHHs may be alternatives for the crotalic envenoming treatment.
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18
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Secreted Phospholipases A₂ from Animal Venoms in Pain and Analgesia. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9120406. [PMID: 29311537 PMCID: PMC5744126 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9120406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms comprise a complex mixture of components that affect several biological systems. Based on the high selectivity for their molecular targets, these components are also a rich source of potential therapeutic agents. Among the main components of animal venoms are the secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s). These PLA2 belong to distinct PLA2s groups. For example, snake venom sPLA2s from Elapidae and Viperidae families, the most important families when considering envenomation, belong, respectively, to the IA and IIA/IIB groups, whereas bee venom PLA2 belongs to group III of sPLA2s. It is well known that PLA2, due to its hydrolytic activity on phospholipids, takes part in many pathophysiological processes, including inflammation and pain. Therefore, secreted PLA2s obtained from animal venoms have been widely used as tools to (a) modulate inflammation and pain, uncovering molecular targets that are implicated in the control of inflammatory (including painful) and neurodegenerative diseases; (b) shed light on the pathophysiology of inflammation and pain observed in human envenomation by poisonous animals; and, (c) characterize molecular mechanisms involved in inflammatory diseases. The present review summarizes the knowledge on the nociceptive and antinociceptive actions of sPLA2s from animal venoms, particularly snake venoms.
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19
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de Oliveira LA, Ferreira RS, Barraviera B, de Carvalho FCT, de Barros LC, Dos Santos LD, Pimenta DC. Crotalus durissus terrificus crotapotin naturally displays preferred positions for amino acid substitutions. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017; 23:46. [PMID: 29209361 PMCID: PMC5704381 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-017-0136-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Classically, Crotalus durissus terrificus (Cdt) venom can be described, according to chromatographic criteria, as a simple venom, composed of four major toxins, namely: gyroxin, crotamine, crotoxin and convulxin. Crotoxin is a non-covalent heterodimeric neurotoxin constituted of two subunits: an active phospholipase A2 and a chaperone protein, termed crotapotin. This molecule is composed of three peptide chains connected by seven disulfide bridges. Naturally occurring variants/isoforms of either crotoxin or crotapotin itself have already been reported. Methods The crude Cdt venom was separated by using RP-HPLC and the toxins were identified by mass spectrometry (MS). Crotapotin was purified, reduced and alkylated in order to separate the peptide chains that were further analyzed by mass spectrometry and de novo peptide sequencing. Results The RP-HPLC profile of the isolated crotapotin chains already indicated that the α chain would present isoforms, which was corroborated by the MS and tandem mass spectrometry analyses. Conclusion It was possible to observe that the Cdt crotapotin displays a preferred amino acid substitution pattern present in the α chain, at positions 31 and 40. Moreover, substitutions could also be observed in β and γ chains (one for each). The combinations of these four different peptides, with the already described chains, would produce ten different crotapotins, which is compatible to our previous observations for the Cdt venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laudicéia Alves de Oliveira
- Postgraduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira
- Postgraduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil.,Center for the Studies of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Benedito Barraviera
- Postgraduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil.,Center for the Studies of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Curtolo de Barros
- Center for the Studies of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Lucilene Delazari Dos Santos
- Postgraduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil.,Center for the Studies of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
- Postgraduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
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20
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Neuromuscular paralysis by the basic phospholipase A 2 subunit of crotoxin from Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom needs its acid chaperone to concurrently inhibit acetylcholine release and produce muscle blockage. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 334:8-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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