1
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Fischer N, Tóth A, Jancsó A, Thulstrup P, Diness F. Inducing α-Helicity in Peptides by Silver Coordination to Cysteine. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202304064. [PMID: 38456607 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202304064] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Short peptide sequences consisting of two cysteine residues separated by three other amino acids display complete change from random coil to α-helical secondary structure in response to addition of Ag+ ions. The folded CXXXC/Ag+ complex involves formation of multinuclear Ag+ species and is stable in a wide pH range from below 3 to above 8. The complex is stable through reversed-phase HPLC separation as well as towards a physiological level of chloride ions, based on far-UV circular dichroism spectroscopy. In electrospray MS under acidic conditions a peptide dimer with four Ag+ ions bound was observed, and modelling based on potentiometric experiments supported this to be the dominating complex at neutral pH together with a peptide dimer with 3 Ag+ and one proton at lower pH. The complex was demonstrated to work as a N-terminal nucleation site for inducing α-helicity into longer peptides. This type of silver-mediated peptide assembly and folding may be of more general use for stabilizing not only peptide folding but also for controlling oligomerization even under acidic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Fischer
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100, København Ø, Denmark
| | - Annamária Tóth
- Department of Molecular and Analytical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dómtér 7-8, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Jancsó
- Department of Molecular and Analytical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dómtér 7-8, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Peter Thulstrup
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100, København Ø, Denmark
| | - Frederik Diness
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100, København Ø, Denmark
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2
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Borrego J, Feher A, Jost N, Panyi G, Varga Z, Papp F. Peptide Inhibitors of Kv1.5: An Option for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1303. [PMID: 34959701 PMCID: PMC8704205 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human voltage gated potassium channel Kv1.5 that conducts the IKur current is a key determinant of the atrial action potential. Its mutations have been linked to hereditary forms of atrial fibrillation (AF), and the channel is an attractive target for the management of AF. The development of IKur blockers to treat AF resulted in small molecule Kv1.5 inhibitors. The selectivity of the blocker for the target channel plays an important role in the potential therapeutic application of the drug candidate: the higher the selectivity, the lower the risk of side effects. In this respect, small molecule inhibitors of Kv1.5 are compromised due to their limited selectivity. A wide range of peptide toxins from venomous animals are targeting ion channels, including mammalian channels. These peptides usually have a much larger interacting surface with the ion channel compared to small molecule inhibitors and thus, generally confer higher selectivity to the peptide blockers. We found two peptides in the literature, which inhibited IKur: Ts6 and Osu1. Their affinity and selectivity for Kv1.5 can be improved by rational drug design in which their amino acid sequences could be modified in a targeted way guided by in silico docking experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Borrego
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Adam Feher
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Norbert Jost
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary;
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Research Group for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Zoltan Varga
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Ferenc Papp
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
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3
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Payne CD, Vadlamani G, Fisher MF, Zhang J, Clark RJ, Mylne JS, Rosengren KJ. Defining the Familial Fold of the Vicilin-Buried Peptide Family. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2020; 83:3030-3040. [PMID: 32997497 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Plants and their seeds have been shown to be a rich source of cystine-stabilized peptides. Recently a new family of plant seed peptides whose sequences are buried within precursors for seed storage vicilins was identified. Members of this Vicilin-Buried Peptide (VBP) family are found in distantly related plant species including the monocot date palm, as well as dicotyledonous species like pumpkin and sesame. Genetic evidence for their widespread occurrence indicates that they are of ancient origin. Limited structural studies have been conducted on VBP family members, but two members have been shown to adopt a helical hairpin fold. We present an extensive characterization of VBPs using solution NMR spectroscopy, to better understand their structural features. Four peptides were produced by solid phase peptide synthesis and shown to favor a helix-loop-helix hairpin fold, as a result of the I-IV/II-III ladderlike connectivity of their disulfide bonds. Interhelical interactions, including hydrophobic contacts and salt bridges, are critical for the fold stability and control the angle at which the antiparallel α-helices interface. Activities reported for VBPs include trypsin inhibitory activity and inhibition of ribosomal function; however, their diverse structural features despite a common fold suggest that additional bioactivities yet to be revealed are likely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colton D Payne
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Richard J Clark
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | | | - K Johan Rosengren
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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4
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Zhu W, Gao H, Luo X, Ye X, Ding L, Hao J, Shu Z, Li S, Li J, Chen Z. Cloning and identification of a new multifunctional Ascaris-type peptide from the hemolymph of Buthus martensii Karsch. Toxicon 2020; 184:167-174. [PMID: 32565098 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.008] [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: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Only a few work have been done for peptides from non-venom gland tissues of venomous animals. Here, with the help of the whole body transcriptomic and the hemolymph proteomic data of the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch, we identified the first Ascaris-type peptide BmHDP from scorpion hemolymph. The precursor of BmHDP has 80 residues, including a 16 residue signal peptide and a 64 residue mature peptide. The mature peptide has 10 conserved cysteines and adopts a conserved Ascaris-type fold. Using combined inclusion body refolding and biochemical identification strategies, recombinant BmHDP was obtained successfully. Protease inhibitory assays showed that BmHDP inhibited chymotrypsin apparently at a concentration of 8 nM. Patch-clamp experiments showed that BmHDP inhibited the Kv1.3 potassium channel apparently at a concentration of 1000 nM. Coagulation experiment assays showed that BmHDP inhibited intrinsic coagulation pathway apparently at a concentration of 500 nM. To the best of our knowledge, BmHDP is the first Ascaris-type peptide from scorpion hemolymph. Our work highlighted a functional link between scorpion non-venom gland peptides and venom gland toxin peptides, and suggested that scorpion hemolymph might be a new source of bioactive peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Huanhuan Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Xudong Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Xiangdong Ye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Jinbo Hao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shiyan Occupational Disease Hospital, Hubei, China
| | - Zhan Shu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Human Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China.
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5
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Park BG, Peigneur S, Esaki N, Yamaguchi Y, Ryu JH, Tytgat J, Kim JI, Sato K. Solution Structure and Functional Analysis of HelaTx1: The First Toxin Member of the κ-KTx5 Subfamily. BMB Rep 2020. [PMID: 32172732 PMCID: PMC7262511 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2020.53.5.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom comprises a cocktail of toxins that have proven to be useful molecular tools for studying the pharmacological properties of membrane ion channels. HelaTx1, a short peptide neurotoxin isolated recently from the venom of the scorpion Heterometrus laoticus, is a 25 amino acid peptide with two disulfide bonds that shares low sequence homology with other scorpion toxins. HelaTx1 effectively decreases the amplitude of the K+ currents of voltage-gated Kv1.1 and Kv1.6 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and was identified as the first toxin member of the κ-KTx5 subfamily, based on a sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis. In the present study, we report the NMR solution structure of HelaTx1, and the major interaction points for its binding to voltage-gated Kv1.1 channels. The NMR results indicate that HelaTx1 adopts a helix-loop-helix fold linked by two disulfide bonds without any β-sheets, resembling the molecular folding of other cysteine-stabilized helix-loop-helix (Cs α/α) scorpion toxins such as κ-hefutoxin, HeTx, and OmTx, as well as conotoxin pl14a. A series of alanine-scanning analogs revealed a broad surface on the toxin molecule largely comprising positively-charged residues that is crucial for interaction with voltage- gated Kv1.1 channels. Interestingly, the functional dyad, a key molecular determinant for activity against voltage-gated potassium channels in other toxins, is not present in HelaTx1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bong Gyu Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Korea
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N2, P.O. Box 922, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Nao Esaki
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Fukuoka Women’s University, Fukuoka 813-8529, Japan
| | - Yoko Yamaguchi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Fukuoka Women’s University, Fukuoka 813-8529, Japan
| | - Jae Ha Ryu
- Department of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Korea
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N2, P.O. Box 922, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Jae Il Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Korea
| | - Kazuki Sato
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Fukuoka Women’s University, Fukuoka 813-8529, Japan
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6
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Slavokhotova AA, Rogozhin EA. Defense Peptides From the α-Hairpinin Family Are Components of Plant Innate Immunity. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:465. [PMID: 32391035 PMCID: PMC7191063 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Plant immunity represents a sophisticated system, including both basal and inducible mechanisms, to prevent pathogen infection. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are among the innate immunity components playing a key role in effective and rapid response against various pathogens. This review is devoted to a small family of defense peptides called α-hairpinins. The general characters of the family, as well as the individual features of each member, including biological activities, structures of precursor proteins, and spatial structures, are described. Possible applications of α-hairpinin peptides in drug design are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Slavokhotova
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Eugene A. Rogozhin
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- All-Russian Institute of Plant Protection, St. Petersburg-Pushkin, Russia
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, Moscow, Russia
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7
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Structural Characterization of the S-glycosylated Bacteriocin ASM1 from Lactobacillus plantarum. MAGNETOCHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/magnetochemistry6010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In order to protect their environmental niche, most bacteria secret antimicrobial substances designed to target specific bacterial strains that are often closely related to the producer strain. Bacteriocins, small, ribosomally synthesised antimicrobial peptides, comprise a class of such substances and can either inhibit (bacteriostatic) or kill (bactericidal) target cells. Glycocins are a class of bacteriocin that are post-translationally modified by one or more carbohydrate moieties that are either β-O-linked to either a serine or threonine and/or β-S-linked to a cysteine. The solution nuclear magnetic resonance structure (NMR) of the glycocin ASM1 (produced by Lactobacillus plantarum A-1), an orthologue of GccF, has been determined. In both structures, the disulfide bonds are essential for activity and restrict the mobility of the N-acetyl-glucosamine (GlcNAc) attached to Ser-18 (O-linked), compared to the much more flexible GlcNAc moiety on Cys-43 (S-linked). Interestingly, despite 88% sequence identity, the helical structure of ASM1 is less pronounced which appears to be consistent with the far ultra-violet circular dichroism (UV CD) spectra.
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8
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Madio B, King GF, Undheim EAB. Sea Anemone Toxins: A Structural Overview. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:E325. [PMID: 31159357 PMCID: PMC6627431 DOI: 10.3390/md17060325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea anemones produce venoms of exceptional molecular diversity, with at least 17 different molecular scaffolds reported to date. These venom components have traditionally been classified according to pharmacological activity and amino acid sequence. However, this classification system suffers from vulnerabilities due to functional convergence and functional promiscuity. Furthermore, for most known sea anemone toxins, the exact receptors they target are either unknown, or at best incomplete. In this review, we first provide an overview of the sea anemone venom system and then focus on the venom components. We have organised the venom components by distinguishing firstly between proteins and non-proteinaceous compounds, secondly between enzymes and other proteins without enzymatic activity, then according to the structural scaffold, and finally according to molecular target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Madio
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- Centre for Ecology and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
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9
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Isolation and Characterization of Insecticidal Toxins from the Venom of the North African Scorpion, Buthacus leptochelys. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11040236. [PMID: 31027216 PMCID: PMC6521144 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11040236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Various bioactive peptides have been identified in scorpion venom, but there are many scorpion species whose venom has not been investigated. In this study, we characterized venom components of the North African scorpion, Buthacus leptochelys, by mass spectrometric analysis and evaluated their insect toxicity. This is the first report of chemical and biological characterization of the B. leptochelys venom. LC/MS analysis detected at least 148 components in the venom. We isolated four peptides that show insect toxicity (Bl-1, Bl-2, Bl-3, and Bl-4) through bioassay-guided HPLC fractionation. These toxins were found to be similar to scorpion α- and β-toxins based on their N-terminal sequences. Among them, the complete primary structure of Bl-1 was determined by combination of Edman degradation and MS/MS analysis. Bl-1 is composed of 67 amino acid residues and crosslinked with four disulfide bonds. Since Bl-1 shares high sequence similarity with α-like toxins, it is likely that it acts on Na+ channels of both insects and mammals.
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10
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Oliveira IS, Ferreira IG, Alexandre-Silva GM, Cerni FA, Cremonez CM, Arantes EC, Zottich U, Pucca MB. Scorpion toxins targeting Kv1.3 channels: insights into immunosuppression. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2019; 25:e148118. [PMID: 31131004 PMCID: PMC6483409 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-1481-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are natural sources of molecules that have, in addition to their
toxic function, potential therapeutic applications. In this source the
neurotoxins can be found especially those that act on potassium channels.
Potassium channels are responsible for maintaining the membrane potential in the
excitable cells, especially the voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv),
including Kv1.3 channels. These channels (Kv1.3) are expressed by various types
of tissues and cells, being part of several physiological processes. However,
the major studies of Kv1.3 are performed on T cells due its importance on
autoimmune diseases. Scorpion toxins capable of acting on potassium channels
(KTx), mainly on Kv1.3 channels, have gained a prominent role for their possible
ability to control inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Some of these toxins have
already left bench trials and are being evaluated in clinical trials, presenting
great therapeutic potential. Thus, scorpion toxins are important natural
molecules that should not be overlooked in the treatment of autoimmune and other
diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora S Oliveira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabela G Ferreira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe A Cerni
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Caroline M Cremonez
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Umberto Zottich
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
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11
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Shi W, He P, Zeng XC, Wu W, Chen X. Inhibitory Effect of an Acidic Peptide on the Activity of an Antimicrobial Peptide from the Scorpion Mesobuthus martensii Karsch. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23123314. [PMID: 30558111 PMCID: PMC6321396 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly acidic peptides with no disulfide bridges are widely present in the scorpion venoms; however, none of them has been functionally characterized so far. Here, we cloned the full-length cDNA of a short-chain highly acidic peptide (referred to as HAP-1) from a cDNA library made from the venom glands of the Chinese scorpion Mesobuthus martensii Karsch. HAP-1 contains 19 amino acid residues with a predicted IP value of 4.25. Acidic amino residues account for 33.3% of the total residues in the molecule of HAP-1. HAP-1 shows 76⁻98% identities to some scorpion venom peptides that have not yet been functionally characterized. Secondary structure prediction showed that HAP-1 contains a beta-sheet region (residues 9⁻17), and two coiled coil regions (residues 1⁻8 and 18⁻19) located at the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of the peptide, respectively. Antimicrobial assay showed that HAP-1 does not have any effect on the growth of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus AB94004. However, it potently inhibits the antimicrobial activity of a 13-mer peptide from M. martensii Karsch against Staphylococcus aureus AB94004. This finding is the first characterization of the function of such highly acidic peptides from scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanxia Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Pengchen He
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Xian-Chun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Weiwei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Xiaoming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
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12
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Madio B, Peigneur S, Chin YKY, Hamilton BR, Henriques ST, Smith JJ, Cristofori-Armstrong B, Dekan Z, Boughton BA, Alewood PF, Tytgat J, King GF, Undheim EAB. PHAB toxins: a unique family of predatory sea anemone toxins evolving via intra-gene concerted evolution defines a new peptide fold. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:4511-4524. [PMID: 30109357 PMCID: PMC11105382 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2897-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Sea anemone venoms have long been recognized as a rich source of peptides with interesting pharmacological and structural properties, but they still contain many uncharacterized bioactive compounds. Here we report the discovery, three-dimensional structure, activity, tissue localization, and putative function of a novel sea anemone peptide toxin that constitutes a new, sixth type of voltage-gated potassium channel (KV) toxin from sea anemones. Comprised of just 17 residues, κ-actitoxin-Ate1a (Ate1a) is the shortest sea anemone toxin reported to date, and it adopts a novel three-dimensional structure that we have named the Proline-Hinged Asymmetric β-hairpin (PHAB) fold. Mass spectrometry imaging and bioassays suggest that Ate1a serves a primarily predatory function by immobilising prey, and we show this is achieved through inhibition of Shaker-type KV channels. Ate1a is encoded as a multi-domain precursor protein that yields multiple identical mature peptides, which likely evolved by multiple domain duplication events in an actinioidean ancestor. Despite this ancient evolutionary history, the PHAB-encoding gene family exhibits remarkable sequence conservation in the mature peptide domains. We demonstrate that this conservation is likely due to intra-gene concerted evolution, which has to our knowledge not previously been reported for toxin genes. We propose that the concerted evolution of toxin domains provides a hitherto unrecognised way to circumvent the effects of the costly evolutionary arms race considered to drive toxin gene evolution by ensuring efficient secretion of ecologically important predatory toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Madio
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Yanni K Y Chin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Brett R Hamilton
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer J Smith
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ben Cristofori-Armstrong
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Zoltan Dekan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Berin A Boughton
- Metabolomics Australia, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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13
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B Orts DJ, Peigneur S, Silva-Gonçalves LC, Arcisio-Miranda M, P W Bicudo JE, Tytgat J. AbeTx1 Is a Novel Sea Anemone Toxin with a Dual Mechanism of Action on Shaker-Type K⁺ Channels Activation. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:md16100360. [PMID: 30275388 PMCID: PMC6213216 DOI: 10.3390/md16100360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium (KV) channels regulate diverse physiological processes and are an important target for developing novel therapeutic approaches. Sea anemone (Cnidaria, Anthozoa) venoms comprise a highly complex mixture of peptide toxins with diverse and selective pharmacology on KV channels. From the nematocysts of the sea anemone Actinia bermudensis, a peptide that we named AbeTx1 was purified and functionally characterized on 12 different subtypes of KV channels (KV1.1⁻KV1.6; KV2.1; KV3.1; KV4.2; KV4.3; KV11.1; and, Shaker IR), and three voltage-gated sodium channel isoforms (NaV1.2, NaV1.4, and BgNaV). AbeTx1 was selective for Shaker-related K⁺ channels and is capable of inhibiting K⁺ currents, not only by blocking the K⁺ current of KV1.2 subtype, but by altering the energetics of activation of KV1.1 and KV1.6. Moreover, experiments using six synthetic alanine point-mutated analogs further showed that a ring of basic amino acids acts as a multipoint interaction for the binding of the toxin to the channel. The AbeTx1 primary sequence is composed of 17 amino acids with a high proportion of lysines and arginines, including two disulfide bridges (Cys1⁻Cys4 and Cys2⁻Cys3), and it is devoid of aromatic or aliphatic amino acids. Secondary structure analysis reveals that AbeTx1 has a highly flexible, random-coil-like conformation, but with a tendency of structuring in the beta sheet. Its overall structure is similar to open-ended cyclic peptides found on the scorpion κ-KTx toxins family, cone snail venoms, and antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego J B Orts
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Laíz Costa Silva-Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia Estrutural e Funcional (LaNEF), Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 04023-062 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Manoel Arcisio-Miranda
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia Estrutural e Funcional (LaNEF), Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 04023-062 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - José Eduardo P W Bicudo
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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14
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Möller C, Dovell S, Melaun C, Marí F. Definition of the R-superfamily of conotoxins: Structural convergence of helix-loop-helix peptidic scaffolds. Peptides 2018; 107:75-82. [PMID: 30040981 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The F14 conotoxins define a four-cysteine, three-loop conotoxin scaffold that produce tightly folded structures held together by two disulfide bonds with a CCCC arrangement (conotoxin framework 14). Here we describe the precursors of the F14 conotoxins from the venom of Conus anabathrum and Conus villepinii. Using transcriptomic and cDNA cloning analysis, the full-length of the precursors of flf14a and flf14b from the transcriptome of C. anabathrum revealed a unique signal sequence that defines the new conotoxin R-superfamily. Using the signal sequence as a primer, we cloned seven additional previously undescribed toxins of the R-superfamily from C. villepinii. The propeptide regions of the R-conotoxins are unusually long and with prevalent proline residues in repeating pentads which qualifies them as Pro-rich motifs (PRMs), which can be critical for protein-protein interactions or they can be cleaved to release short linear peptides that may be part of the envenomation mélange. Additionally, we determined the three-dimensional structure of vil14a by solution 1H-NMR and found that the structure of this conotoxin displays a cysteine-stabilized α-helix-loop-helix (Cs α/α) fold. The structure is well-defined over the helical regions (backbone RMSD for residues 2-13 and 17-26 is 0.63 ± 0.14 Å), with conformational flexibility in the triple Gly region of the second loop as well as the N- and C- termini. Structurally, the F14 conotoxins overlap with the Cs α/α scorpion toxins and other peptidic natural products, and in spite of their different exogenomic origins, there is convergence into this scaffold from several classes of living organisms that express these peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Möller
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991, USA
| | - Sanaz Dovell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991, USA
| | - Christian Melaun
- Justus Liebig Universität Giessen, Institut für Allg. Zoologie und Entwicklungsbiologie, Giessen, Germany
| | - Frank Marí
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991, USA; Marine Biochemical Sciences, Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
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15
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Ding L, Hao J, Luo X, Zhu W, Wu Z, Qian Y, Hu F, Liu T, Ruan X, Li S, Li J, Chen Z. The Kv1.3 channel-inhibitory toxin BF9 also displays anticoagulant activity via inhibition of factor XIa. Toxicon 2018; 152:9-15. [PMID: 30012473 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The Kv1.3 channel plays potential roles in immune, inflammation and coagulation system. Many studies showed that Kv1.3 channel inhibitors have immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities, but no Kv1.3 channel inhibitors have been found to have anticoagulation activities. Here, based on our previous work about Kv1.3 channel toxin peptide inhibitors, we first attempt to test anticoagulation activities of four known venom-derived Kv1.3 channel inhibitors with different structural folds: BmKTX with CSα/β structural fold, OmTx3 with CSα/α structural fold, BF9 with Kuntz-type structural fold, and SjAPI-2 with Ascaris-type structural fold. Our results showed that BmKTX and OmTx3 have no activities towards both intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathway, SjAPI-2 just has weak activity towards intrinsic coagulation pathway, and BF9 has potent activity towards intrinsic coagulation pathway with no apparent effect on extrinsic coagulation pathway. Enzyme and inhibitor reaction kinetics experiments further showed that BF9 inhibited intrinsic coagulation pathway-associated coagulation factor XIa, but have no apparent effects on common coagulation pathway coagulation factor IIa. Structure-activity relationship showed that Gly14, Asn17, Ala18 and Ile20 of BF9 are main residues involved in the inhibiting effect on factor XIa. To the best of our knowledge, BF9 is the first anticoagulant with Kv1.3 channel inhibitory activity. Together, our present studies found the first dual functional peptides with Kv1.3 channel and coagulation factor XIa inhibitory activities, and provided a new molecular template for the lead drug discovery towards immune and thrombosis-associated human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Jinbo Hao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shiyan Occupational Disease Hospital, Hubei, China
| | - Xudong Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Wen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Yi Qian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Fangfang Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Tianli Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Xuzhi Ruan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China.
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16
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Bisset SW, Yang SH, Amso Z, Harris PWR, Patchett ML, Brimble MA, Norris GE. Using Chemical Synthesis to Probe Structure-Activity Relationships of the Glycoactive Bacteriocin Glycocin F. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:1270-1278. [PMID: 29701461 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Glycocin F, a bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus plantarum KW30, is glycosylated with two N-acetyl-d-glucosamine sugars, and has been shown to exhibit a rapid and reversible bacteriostasis on susceptible cells. The roles of certain structural features of glycocin F have not been studied to date. We report here the synthesis of various glycocin F analogues through solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and native chemical ligation (NCL), allowing us to probe the roles of different structural features of this peptide. Our results indicate that the bacteriostatic activity of glycocin F is controlled by the glycosylated interhelical loop, while the glycosylated flexible tail appears to be involved in localizing the peptide to its cellular target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean W. Bisset
- Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Colombo Rd, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, New Zealand
| | - Sung-Hyun Yang
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds St, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Zaid Amso
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds St, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Paul W. R. Harris
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, New Zealand
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds St, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Mark L. Patchett
- Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Colombo Rd, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Margaret A. Brimble
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, New Zealand
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds St, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Gillian E. Norris
- Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Colombo Rd, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, New Zealand
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17
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Romero-Gutierrez T, Peguero-Sanchez E, Cevallos MA, Batista CVF, Ortiz E, Possani LD. A Deeper Examination of Thorellius atrox Scorpion Venom Components with Omic Techonologies. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E399. [PMID: 29231872 PMCID: PMC5744119 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9120399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This communication reports a further examination of venom gland transcripts and venom composition of the Mexican scorpion Thorellius atrox using RNA-seq and tandem mass spectrometry. The RNA-seq, which was performed with the Illumina protocol, yielded more than 20,000 assembled transcripts. Following a database search and annotation strategy, 160 transcripts were identified, potentially coding for venom components. A novel sequence was identified that potentially codes for a peptide with similarity to spider ω-agatoxins, which act on voltage-gated calcium channels, not known before to exist in scorpion venoms. Analogous transcripts were found in other scorpion species. They could represent members of a new scorpion toxin family, here named omegascorpins. The mass fingerprint by LC-MS identified 135 individual venom components, five of which matched with the theoretical masses of putative peptides translated from the transcriptome. The LC-MS/MS de novo sequencing allowed to reconstruct and identify 42 proteins encoded by assembled transcripts, thus validating the transcriptome analysis. Earlier studies conducted with this scorpion venom permitted the identification of only twenty putative venom components. The present work performed with more powerful and modern omic technologies demonstrates the capacity of accomplishing a deeper characterization of scorpion venom components and the identification of novel molecules with potential applications in biomedicine and the study of ion channel physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Romero-Gutierrez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Esteban Peguero-Sanchez
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Miguel A Cevallos
- Programa de Genómica Evolutiva, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Cesar V F Batista
- Laboratorio Universitario de Proteómica, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Ernesto Ortiz
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
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18
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Moreels L, Peigneur S, Yamaguchi Y, Vriens K, Waelkens E, Zhu S, Thevissen K, Cammue BPA, Sato K, Tytgat J. Expanding the pharmacological profile of κ-hefutoxin 1 and analogues: A focus on the inhibitory effect on the oncogenic channel K v10.1. Peptides 2017; 98:43-50. [PMID: 27578329 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Peptide toxins, such as scorpion peptides, are interesting lead compounds in the search for novel drugs. In this paper, the focus is on the scorpion peptide κ-hefutoxin 1. This peptide displays a cysteine-stabilized helix-loop-helix fold (CSα/α) and is known to be a weak Kv1.x inhibitor. Due to the low affinity of κ-hefutoxin 1 for these channels, it is assumed that the main target(s) of κ-hefutoxin 1 remain(s) unknown. In order to identify novel targets, electrophysiological measurements and antifungal assays were performed. The effect of κ-hefutoxin 1 was previously evaluated on a panel of 11 different voltage-gated potassium channels. Here, we extended this target screening with the oncogenic potassium channel Kv10.1. κ-Hefutoxin 1 was able to inhibit this channel in a dose-dependent manner (IC50∼26μM). Although the affinity is rather low, this is the first peptide toxin ever described to be a Kv10.1 inhibitor. The structure-activity relationship of κ-hefutoxin 1 on Kv10.1 was investigated by testing eight κ-hefutoxin 1 variants using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. Several important amino acid residues were identified; the functional dyad residues (Tyr5 and Lys19), N-terminal residues (Gly1 and His2) and the amidated C-terminal residue (Cys22). Since the CSα/α fold is also found in a class of antifungal plant peptides, the α-hairpinines, we investigated the antifungal activity of κ-hefutoxin 1. κ-Hefutoxin 1 showed low activity against the plant pathogen Fusarium culmorum and no activity against three other yeast and fungal species, even at high concentrations (∼100μM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Moreels
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg O&N2, Herestraat 49, PO Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg O&N2, Herestraat 49, PO Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Yoko Yamaguchi
- Department of Environmental Science, Fukuoka Women's University, Fukuoka 813-8529, Japan.
| | - Kim Vriens
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, PO Box 2460, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Etienne Waelkens
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation and Proteomics, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N1, Herestraat 49, PO Box 901, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects & Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Karin Thevissen
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, PO Box 2460, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Bruno P A Cammue
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, PO Box 2460, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; VIB Department of Plant Systems Biology, Technologiepark 927, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kazuki Sato
- Department of Environmental Science, Fukuoka Women's University, Fukuoka 813-8529, Japan.
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg O&N2, Herestraat 49, PO Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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19
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Yuan S, Gao B, Zhu S. Molecular Dynamics Simulation Reveals Specific Interaction Sites between Scorpion Toxins and K v1.2 Channel: Implications for Design of Highly Selective Drugs. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9110354. [PMID: 29104247 PMCID: PMC5705969 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9110354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Kv1.2 channel plays an important role in the maintenance of resting membrane potential and the regulation of the cellular excitability of neurons, whose silencing or mutations can elicit neuropathic pain or neurological diseases (e.g., epilepsy and ataxia). Scorpion venom contains a variety of peptide toxins targeting the pore region of this channel. Despite a large amount of structural and functional data currently available, their detailed interaction modes are poorly understood. In this work, we choose four Kv1.2-targeted scorpion toxins (Margatoxin, Agitoxin-2, OsK-1, and Mesomartoxin) to construct their complexes with Kv1.2 based on the experimental structure of ChTx-Kv1.2. Molecular dynamics simulation of these complexes lead to the identification of hydrophobic patches, hydrogen-bonds, and salt bridges as three essential forces mediating the interactions between this channel and the toxins, in which four Kv1.2-specific interacting amino acids (D353, Q358, V381, and T383) are identified for the first time. This discovery might help design highly selective Kv1.2-channel inhibitors by altering amino acids of these toxins binding to the four channel residues. Finally, our results provide new evidence in favor of an induced fit model between scorpion toxins and K+ channel interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouli Yuan
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Bin Gao
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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20
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Zhang S, Gao B, Zhu S. Independent Origins of Scorpion Toxins Affecting Potassium and Sodium Channels. EVOLUTION OF VENOMOUS ANIMALS AND THEIR TOXINS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-6458-3_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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21
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The glycocins: in a class of their own. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2016; 40:112-119. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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22
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Rong M, Liu J, Zhang M, Wang G, Zhao G, Wang G, Zhang Y, Hu K, Lai R. A sodium channel inhibitor ISTX-I with a novel structure provides a new hint at the evolutionary link between two toxin folds. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29691. [PMID: 27407029 PMCID: PMC4942781 DOI: 10.1038/srep29691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of arachnida, such as spiders and scorpions, commonly produce venom with specialized venom glands, paralyzing their prey with neurotoxins that specifically target ion channels. Two well-studied motifs, the disulfide-directed hairpin (DDH) and the inhibitor cystine knot motif (ICK), are both found in scorpion and spider toxins. As arachnids, ticks inject a neurotoxin-containing cocktail from their salivary glands into the host to acquire a blood meal, but peptide toxins acting on ion channels have not been observed in ticks. Here, a new neurotoxin (ISTX-I) that acts on sodium channels was identified from the hard tick Ixodes scapularis and characterized. ISTX-I exhibits a potent inhibitory function with an IC50 of 1.6 μM for sodium channel Nav1.7 but not other sodium channel subtypes. ISTX-I adopts a novel structural fold and is distinct from the canonical ICK motif. Analysis of the ISTX-I, DDH and ICK motifs reveals that the new ISTX-I motif might be an intermediate scaffold between DDH and ICK, and ISTX-I is a clue to the evolutionary link between the DDH and ICK motifs. These results provide a glimpse into the convergent evolution of neurotoxins from predatory and blood-sucking arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqiang Rong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences &Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Jiangxin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Meilin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences &Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Gan Wang
- Life Sciences College of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Yunnan Academy of Grassland and Animal Science, Xiaoshao, Kunming 650212, China
| | - Guodong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, and Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Yaping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, and Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Kaifeng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences &Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming Yunnan 650223, China.,Life Sciences College of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
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23
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Kuzmenkov AI, Grishin EV, Vassilevski AA. Diversity of Potassium Channel Ligands: Focus on Scorpion Toxins. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2016; 80:1764-99. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006297915130118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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24
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Estrada-Gómez S, Vargas Muñoz LJ, Saldarriaga-Córdoba M, Quintana Castillo JC. Venom from Opisthacanthus elatus scorpion of Colombia, could be more hemolytic and less neurotoxic than thought. Acta Trop 2016; 153:70-8. [PMID: 26477848 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We report the first biochemical, biological, pharmacological and partial proteomic characterization studies of the Opisthancanthus elatus venom (Gervais, 1844) from Colombia. The Reverse Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography venom profile showed 28 main well-defined peaks, most eluting between 20 and 45min (18-30% of acetonitrile, respectively). High-resolution mass analysis indicates the presence of 106 components ranging from 806.59742Da to 16849.4139Da. O. elatus venom showed hemolytic activity and hydrolyzed the specific substrate BapNa suggesting the presence of proteins with serine-protease activity. Collected RP-HPLC fractions eluting at 52.6, 55.5, 55.8, 56.2, and 63.9min (PLA2 region between 33 and 40% of acetonitrile), showed hemolytic activity and hydrolyzed the synthetic substrate 4-nitro-3-octanoyloxy-benzoic acid, indicating the presence of compounds with phospholipases A2 activity. These RP-HPLC fractions, showed molecular masses values up to 13978.19546Da, corroborating the possible presence of the mentioned enzymes. Tryptic digestion and MS/MS analysis showed the presence of a phospholipase like fragment, similar to on described in other Opisthacanthus genus studies. No coagulant activity was observed. No larvicidal or antimicrobial activity was observed at concentrations evaluated. Lethal and toxic activity is expected at doses above 100mg/kg, no neurotoxic effects were detected at lower doses. In conclusion, O. elatus exhibits a venom with a predominant phospholipase A2 activity than thought; mammal's neurotoxic activity is expected above the 100mg/kg, which is very high compared to the venom from other neurotoxic scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Estrada-Gómez
- Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Carrera 53 No. 61-30, Medellín 050010, Colombia; Programa de Ofidismo/Escorpionismo, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Carrera 53 No. 61-30, Medellín 050010, Colombia.
| | - Leidy Johana Vargas Muñoz
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Calle 50 A No. 41-20, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Mónica Saldarriaga-Córdoba
- Departamento de Ciencias, Laboratorio de Biología y Bioinformática, Universidad Iberoamericana de Ciencias y Tecnología, Padre Miguel de Olivares No. 1620, Santiago de Chile, Chile
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Borguesan B, e Silva MB, Grisci B, Inostroza-Ponta M, Dorn M. APL: An angle probability list to improve knowledge-based metaheuristics for the three-dimensional protein structure prediction. Comput Biol Chem 2015; 59 Pt A:142-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Hu Y, Chen J, Wang B, Yang W, Zhang C, Hu J, Xie Z, Cao Z, Li W, Wu Y, Chen Z. Engineering a peptide inhibitor towards the KCNQ1/KCNE1 potassium channel (IKs). Peptides 2015; 71:77-83. [PMID: 26188173 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel (IKs) plays important roles in the physiological and pathological process of heart, but no potent peptide acting on this channel has been reported. In this work, we found that the natural scorpion venom hardly inhibited KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel currents. Based on this observation, we attempted to use three natural scorpion toxins ChTX, BmKTX and OmTx2 with two different structural folds as templates to engineer potent peptide inhibitors towards the KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel. Pharmacological experiments showed that when we screen with 1μM MT2 peptide, an analog derived from BmKTX toxin, KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel currents could be effectively inhibited. Concentration-dependent experiments showed that MT2 inhibited the KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel with an IC50 value of 4.6±1.9μM. The mutagenesis experiments indicated that MT2 peptide likely used Lys26 residue to interact with the KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel. With MT2 as a new template, we further designed a more potent MT2-2 peptide, which selectively inhibited the KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel with an IC50 of 1.51±0.62μM. Together, this work provided a much potent KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel peptide inhibitor so far, and highlighted the role of molecular strategy in developing potent peptide inhibitors for the natural toxin-insensitive orphan receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youtian Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Bin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Weishan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chuangeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zili Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Zongyun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China.
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Cordeiro FA, Amorim FG, Anjolette FAP, Arantes EC. Arachnids of medical importance in Brazil: main active compounds present in scorpion and spider venoms and tick saliva. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2015; 21:24. [PMID: 26273285 PMCID: PMC4535291 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-015-0028-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Arachnida is the largest class among the arthropods, constituting over 60,000 described species (spiders, mites, ticks, scorpions, palpigrades, pseudoscorpions, solpugids and harvestmen). Many accidents are caused by arachnids, especially spiders and scorpions, while some diseases can be transmitted by mites and ticks. These animals are widely dispersed in urban centers due to the large availability of shelter and food, increasing the incidence of accidents. Several protein and non-protein compounds present in the venom and saliva of these animals are responsible for symptoms observed in envenoming, exhibiting neurotoxic, dermonecrotic and hemorrhagic activities. The phylogenomic analysis from the complementary DNA of single-copy nuclear protein-coding genes shows that these animals share some common protein families known as neurotoxins, defensins, hyaluronidase, antimicrobial peptides, phospholipases and proteinases. This indicates that the venoms from these animals may present components with functional and structural similarities. Therefore, we described in this review the main components present in spider and scorpion venom as well as in tick saliva, since they have similar components. These three arachnids are responsible for many accidents of medical relevance in Brazil. Additionally, this study shows potential biotechnological applications of some components with important biological activities, which may motivate the conducting of further research studies on their action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francielle A Cordeiro
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Fernanda G Amorim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Fernando A P Anjolette
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
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Chen J, Zhang C, Yang W, Cao Z, Li W, Chen Z, Wu Y. SjAPI-2 is the first member of a new neurotoxin family with Ascaris-type fold and KCNQ1 inhibitory activity. Int J Biol Macromol 2015; 79:504-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Berkut AA, Usmanova DR, Peigneur S, Oparin PB, Mineev KS, Odintsova TI, Tytgat J, Arseniev AS, Grishin EV, Vassilevski AA. Structural similarity between defense peptide from wheat and scorpion neurotoxin permits rational functional design. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:14331-40. [PMID: 24671422 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.530477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we present the spatial structure of the wheat antimicrobial peptide (AMP) Tk-AMP-X2 studied using NMR spectroscopy. This peptide was found to adopt a disulfide-stabilized α-helical hairpin fold and therefore belongs to the α-hairpinin family of plant defense peptides. Based on Tk-AMP-X2 structural similarity to cone snail and scorpion potassium channel blockers, a mutant molecule, Tk-hefu, was engineered by incorporating the functionally important residues from κ-hefutoxin 1 onto the Tk-AMP-X2 scaffold. The designed peptide contained the so-called essential dyad of amino acid residues significant for channel-blocking activity. Electrophysiological studies showed that although the parent peptide Tk-AMP-X2 did not present any activity against potassium channels, Tk-hefu blocked Kv1.3 channels with similar potency (IC50 ∼ 35 μm) to κ-hefutoxin 1 (IC50 ∼ 40 μm). We conclude that α-hairpinins are attractive in their simplicity as structural templates, which may be used for functional engineering and drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonina A Berkut
- From the M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Moscow 117303, Russia
| | - Dinara R Usmanova
- From the M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Moscow 117303, Russia
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium, and
| | - Peter B Oparin
- From the M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Konstantin S Mineev
- From the M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Tatyana I Odintsova
- N. I. Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium, and
| | - Alexander S Arseniev
- From the M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Eugene V Grishin
- From the M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- From the M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia,
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Quintero-Hernández V, Jiménez-Vargas J, Gurrola G, Valdivia H, Possani L. Scorpion venom components that affect ion-channels function. Toxicon 2013; 76:328-42. [PMID: 23891887 PMCID: PMC4089097 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The number and types of venom components that affect ion-channel function are reviewed. These are the most important venom components responsible for human intoxication, deserving medical attention, often requiring the use of specific anti-venoms. Special emphasis is given to peptides that recognize Na(+)-, K(+)- and Ca(++)-channels of excitable cells. Knowledge generated by direct isolation of peptides from venom and components deduced from cloned genes, whose amino acid sequences are deposited into databanks are nowadays in the order of 1.5 thousands, out of an estimate biodiversity closed to 300,000. Here the diversity of components is briefly reviewed with mention to specific references. Structural characteristic are discussed with examples taken from published work. The principal mechanisms of action of the three different types of peptides are also reviewed. Na(+)-channel specific venom components usually are modifier of the open and closing kinetic mechanisms of the ion-channels, whereas peptides affecting K(+)-channels are normally pore blocking agents. The Ryanodine Ca(++)-channel specific peptides are known for causing sub-conducting stages of the channels conductance and some were shown to be able to internalize penetrating inside the muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Quintero-Hernández
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - J.M. Jiménez-Vargas
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - G.B. Gurrola
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
- Cardiovascular Center 2139, Michigan University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5644, U.S.A
| | - H.H.F. Valdivia
- Cardiovascular Center 2139, Michigan University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5644, U.S.A
| | - L.D. Possani
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
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Schwartz EF, Bartok A, Schwartz CA, Papp F, Gómez-Lagunas F, Panyi G, Possani LD. OcyKTx2, a new K⁺-channel toxin characterized from the venom of the scorpion Opisthacanthus cayaporum. Peptides 2013; 46:40-6. [PMID: 23684923 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Opisthacanthus cayaporum belongs to the Liochelidae family, and the scorpions from this genus occur in southern Africa, Central America and South America and, therefore, can be considered a true Gondwana heritage. In this communication, the isolation, primary structure characterization, and K⁺-channel blocking activity of new peptide from this scorpion venom are reported. OcyKTx2 is a 34 amino acid long peptide with four disulfide bridges and molecular mass of 3807 Da. Electrophysiological assays conducted with pure OcyKTx2 showed that this toxin reversibly blocks Shaker B K⁺-channels with a Kd of 82 nM, and presents an even better affinity toward hKv1.3, blocking it with a Kd of ∼18 nM. OcyKTx2 shares high sequence identity with peptides belonging to subfamily 6 of α-KTxs that clustered very closely in the phylogenetic tree included here. Sequence comparison, chain length and number of disulfide bridges analysis classify OcyKTx2 into subfamily 6 of the α-KTx scorpion toxins (systematic name, α-KTx6.17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth F Schwartz
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, 70910-900 DF, Brazil.
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MOIRAE: A computational strategy to extract and represent structural information from experimental protein templates. Soft comput 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00500-013-1087-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Genomic and structural characterization of Kunitz-type peptide LmKTT-1a highlights diversity and evolution of scorpion potassium channel toxins. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60201. [PMID: 23573241 PMCID: PMC3616063 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, a new subfamily of long-chain toxins with a Kunitz-type fold was found in scorpion venom glands. Functionally, these toxins inhibit protease activity and block potassium channels. However, the genomic organization and three-dimensional (3-D) structure of this kind of scorpion toxin has not been reported. Principal Findings Here, we characterized the genomic organization and 3-D nuclear magnetic resonance structure of the scorpion Kunitz-type toxin, LmKTT-1a, which has a unique cysteine pattern. The LmKTT-1a gene contained three exons, which were interrupted by two introns located in the mature peptide region. Despite little similarity to other Kunitz-type toxins and a unique pattern of disulfide bridges, LmKTT-1a possessed a conserved Kunitz-type structural fold with one α-helix and two β-sheets. Comparison of the genomic organization, 3-D structure, and functional data of known toxins from the α-KTx, β-KTx, γ-KTx, and κ-KTx subfamily suggested that scorpion Kunitz-type potassium channel toxins might have evolved from a new ancestor that is completely different from the common ancestor of scorpion toxins with a CSα/β fold. Thus, these analyses provide evidence of a new scorpion potassium channel toxin subfamily, which we have named δ-KTx. Conclusions/Significance Our results highlight the genomic, structural, and evolutionary diversity of scorpion potassium channel toxins. These findings may accelerate the design and development of diagnostic and therapeutic peptide agents for human potassium channelopathies.
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Zeng XC, Nie Y, Luo X, Wu S, Shi W, Zhang L, Liu Y, Cao H, Yang Y, Zhou J. Molecular and bioinformatical characterization of a novel superfamily of cysteine-rich peptides from arthropods. Peptides 2013; 41:45-58. [PMID: 23099316 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Revised: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The full-length cDNA sequences of two novel cysteine-rich peptides (referred to as HsVx1 and MmKTx1) were obtained from scorpions. The two peptides represent a novel class of cysteine-rich peptides with a unique cysteine pattern. The genomic sequence of HsVx1 is composed of three exons interrupted by two introns that are localized in the mature peptide encoding region and inserted in phase 1 and phase 2, respectively. Such a genomic organization markedly differs from those of other peptides from scorpions described previously. Genome-wide search for the orthologs of HsVx1 identified 59 novel cysteine-rich peptides from arthropods. These peptides share a consistent cysteine pattern with HsVx1. Genomic comparison revealed extensive intron length differences and intronic number and position polymorphisms among the genes of these peptides. Further analysis identified 30 cases of intron sliding, 1 case of intron gain and 22 cases of intron loss occurred with the genes of the HsVx1 and HsVx1-like peptides. It is interesting to see that three HsVx1-like peptides XP_001658928, XP_001658929 and XP_001658930 were derived from a single gene (XP gene): the former two were generated from alternative splicing; the third one was encoded by a DNA region in the reverse complementary strand of the third intron of the XP gene. These findings strongly suggest that the genes of these cysteine-rich peptides were evolved by intron sliding, intron gain/loss, gene recombination and alternative splicing events in response to selective forces without changing their cysteine pattern. The evolution of these genes is dominated by intron sliding and intron loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Chun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China.
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Seoane MD, Petkau-Milroy K, Vaz B, Möcklinghoff S, Folkertsma S, Milroy LG, Brunsveld L. Structure–activity relationship studies of miniproteins targeting the androgen receptor–coactivator interaction. MEDCHEMCOMM 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c2md20182h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Miniproteins featuring a stable α-helical motif allow exploring point mutations in and around FXXLF motifs to improve androgen receptor affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katja Petkau-Milroy
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
| | - Belen Vaz
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society
- 44227 Dortmund
- Germany
| | - Sabine Möcklinghoff
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
| | - Simon Folkertsma
- Computational Drug Discovery
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics
- Radboud University
- Nijmegen
- The Netherlands
| | - Lech-Gustav Milroy
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
| | - Luc Brunsveld
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
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Towards therapeutic applications of arthropod venom k(+)-channel blockers in CNS neurologic diseases involving memory acquisition and storage. J Toxicol 2012; 2012:756358. [PMID: 22701481 PMCID: PMC3373146 DOI: 10.1155/2012/756358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels are the most heterogeneous and widely distributed group of ion channels and play important functions in all cells, in both normal and pathological mechanisms, including learning and memory processes. Being fundamental for many diverse physiological processes, K+-channels are recognized as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of several Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, schizophrenia, HIV-1-associated dementia, and epilepsy. Blockers of these channels are therefore potential candidates for the symptomatic treatment of these neuropathies, through their neurological effects. Venomous animals have evolved a wide set of toxins for prey capture and defense. These compounds, mainly peptides, act on various pharmacological targets, making them an innumerable source of ligands for answering experimental paradigms, as well as for therapeutic application. This paper provides an overview of CNS K+-channels involved in memory acquisition and storage and aims at evaluating the use of highly selective K+-channel blockers derived from arthropod venoms as potential therapeutic agents for CNS diseases involving learning and memory mechanisms.
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Vandendriessche T, Kopljar I, Wulff H, Diego-Garcia E, Abdel-Mottaleb Y, Vermassen E, Clynen E, Schoofs L, Snyders D, Tytgat J. Purification, molecular cloning and functional characterization of HelaTx1 (Heterometrus laoticus): the first member of a new κ-KTX subfamily. Biochem Pharmacol 2012; 83:1307-17. [PMID: 22305749 PMCID: PMC3644210 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Revised: 01/14/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Given their medical importance, most attention has been paid toward the venom composition of scorpions of the Buthidae family. Nevertheless, research has shown that the venom of scorpions of other families is also a remarkable source of unique peptidyl toxins. The κ-KTx family of voltage-gated potassium channel (VGPC) scorpion toxins is hereof an example. From the telson of the scorpion Heterometrus laoticus (Scorpionidae), a peptide, HelaTx1, with unique primary sequence was purified through HPLC and sequenced by Edman degradation. Based on the amino acid sequence, the peptide could be cloned and the cDNA sequence revealed. HelaTx1 was chemically synthesized and functionally characterized on VGPCs of the Shaker-related, Shab-related, Shaw-related and Shal-related subfamilies. Furthermore, the toxin was also tested on small- and intermediate conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels. From the channels studied, K(v)1.1 and K(v)1.6 were found to be the most sensitive (K(v)1.1 EC(50)=9.9±1.6 μM). The toxin did not alter the activation of the channels. Competition experiments with TEA showed that the toxin is a pore blocker. Mutational studies showed that the residues E353 and Y379 in the pore of K(v)1.1 act as major interaction points for binding of the toxin. Given the amino acid sequence, the predicted secondary structure and the biological activity on VGPCs, HelaTx1 should be included in the κ-KTX family. Based on a phylogenetic study, we rearranged this family of VGPC toxins into five subfamilies and suggest that HelaTx1 is the first member of the new κ-KTx5 subfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Vandendriessche
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Onderwijs & Navorsing II, P.O Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivan Kopljar
- Laboratory for Molecular Biophysics, Physiology and Pharmacology, Universiteit Antwerpen, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, 451 Health Sciences Drive, GBSF 3502, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Elia Diego-Garcia
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Onderwijs & Navorsing II, P.O Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yousra Abdel-Mottaleb
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Onderwijs & Navorsing II, P.O Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elke Vermassen
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Onderwijs & Navorsing II, P.O Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elke Clynen
- Research Group Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- Research Group Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Snyders
- Laboratory for Molecular Biophysics, Physiology and Pharmacology, Universiteit Antwerpen, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Onderwijs & Navorsing II, P.O Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Peigneur S, Orts DJB, Prieto da Silva AR, Oguiura N, Boni-Mitake M, de Oliveira EB, Zaharenko AJ, de Freitas JC, Tytgat J. Crotamine pharmacology revisited: novel insights based on the inhibition of KV channels. Mol Pharmacol 2012; 82:90-6. [PMID: 22498659 DOI: 10.1124/mol.112.078188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Crotamine, a 5-kDa peptide, possesses a unique biological versatility. Not only has its cell-penetrating activity become of clinical interest but, moreover, its potential selective antitumor activity is of great pharmacological importance. In the past, several studies have attempted to elucidate the exact molecular target responsible for the crotamine-induced skeletal muscle spasm. The aim of this study was to investigate whether crotamine affects voltage-gated potassium (K(V)) channels in an effort to explain its in vivo effects. Crotamine was studied on ion channel function using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique on 16 cloned ion channels (12 K(V) channels and 4 Na(V) channels), expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Crotamine selectively inhibits K(V)1.1, K(V)1.2, and K(V)1.3 channels with an IC(50) of ∼300 nM, and the key amino acids responsible for this molecular interaction are suggested. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the symptoms, which are observed in the typical crotamine syndrome, may result from the inhibition of K(V) channels. The ability of crotamine to inhibit the potassium current through K(V) channels unravels it as the first snake peptide with the unique multifunctionality of cell-penetrating and antitumoral activity combined with K(V) channel-inhibiting properties. This new property of crotamine might explain some experimental observations and opens new perspectives on pharmacological uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Peigneur
- Laboratory of Toxicology, University of Leuven (K.U. Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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39
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Chen ZY, Zeng DY, Hu YT, He YW, Pan N, Ding JP, Cao ZJ, Liu ML, Li WX, Yi H, Jiang L, Wu YL. Structural and functional diversity of acidic scorpion potassium channel toxins. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35154. [PMID: 22511981 PMCID: PMC3325286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although the basic scorpion K+ channel toxins (KTxs) are well-known pharmacological tools and potential drug candidates, characterization the acidic KTxs still has the great significance for their potential selectivity towards different K+ channel subtypes. Unfortunately, research on the acidic KTxs has been ignored for several years and progressed slowly. Principal Findings Here, we describe the identification of nine new acidic KTxs by cDNA cloning and bioinformatic analyses. Seven of these toxins belong to three new α-KTx subfamilies (α-KTx28, α-KTx29, and α-KTx30), and two are new members of the known κ-KTx2 subfamily. ImKTx104 containing three disulfide bridges, the first member of the α-KTx28 subfamily, has a low sequence homology with other known KTxs, and its NMR structure suggests ImKTx104 adopts a modified cystine-stabilized α-helix-loop-β-sheet (CS-α/β) fold motif that has no apparent α-helixs and β-sheets, but still stabilized by three disulfide bridges. These newly described acidic KTxs exhibit differential pharmacological effects on potassium channels. Acidic scorpion toxin ImKTx104 was the first peptide inhibitor found to affect KCNQ1 channel, which is insensitive to the basic KTxs and is strongly associated with human cardiac abnormalities. ImKTx104 selectively inhibited KCNQ1 channel with a Kd of 11.69 µM, but was less effective against the basic KTxs-sensitive potassium channels. In addition to the ImKTx104 toxin, HeTx204 peptide, containing a cystine-stabilized α-helix-loop-helix (CS-α/α) fold scaffold motif, blocked both Kv1.3 and KCNQ1 channels. StKTx23 toxin, with a cystine-stabilized α-helix-loop-β-sheet (CS-α/β) fold motif, could inhibit Kv1.3 channel, but not the KCNQ1 channel. Conclusions/Significance These findings characterize the structural and functional diversity of acidic KTxs, and could accelerate the development and clinical use of acidic KTxs as pharmacological tools and potential drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Yun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan-Yun Zeng
- Wuhan Center for Magnetic Resonance, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - You-Tian Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Wen He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Pan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Ministry of Education,College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiu-Ping Ding
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Ministry of Education,College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Jian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mai-Li Liu
- Wuhan Center for Magnetic Resonance, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (LJ); (HY); (YW)
| | - Ling Jiang
- Wuhan Center for Magnetic Resonance, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (LJ); (HY); (YW)
| | - Ying-Liang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (LJ); (HY); (YW)
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40
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Saucedo AL, Flores-Solis D, Rodríguez de la Vega RC, Ramírez-Cordero B, Hernández-López R, Cano-Sánchez P, Noriega Navarro R, García-Valdés J, Coronas-Valderrama F, de Roodt A, Brieba LG, Domingos Possani L, del Río-Portilla F. New tricks of an old pattern: structural versatility of scorpion toxins with common cysteine spacing. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:12321-30. [PMID: 22238341 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.329607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are a rich source of K(+) channel-blocking peptides. For the most part, they are structurally related small disulfide-rich proteins containing a conserved pattern of six cysteines that is assumed to dictate their common three-dimensional folding. In the conventional pattern, two disulfide bridges connect an α-helical segment to the C-terminal strand of a double- or triple-stranded β-sheet, conforming a cystine-stabilized α/β scaffold (CSα/β). Here we show that two K(+) channel-blocking peptides from Tityus scorpions conserve the cysteine spacing of common scorpion venom peptides but display an unconventional disulfide pattern, accompanied by a complete rearrangement of the secondary structure topology into a CS helix-loop-helix fold. Sequence and structural comparisons of the peptides adopting this novel fold suggest that it would be a new elaboration of the widespread CSα/β scaffold, thus revealing an unexpected structural versatility of these small disulfide-rich proteins. Acknowledgment of such versatility is important to understand how venom structural complexity emerged on a limited number of molecular scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Leticia Saucedo
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México, D.F., 04510, México
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41
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Diego-García E, Peigneur S, Clynen E, Marien T, Czech L, Schoofs L, Tytgat J. Molecular diversity of the telson and venom components from Pandinus cavimanus
(Scorpionidae
Latreille 1802): Transcriptome, venomics and function. Proteomics 2012; 12:313-28. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201100409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Revised: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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42
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Kondov I, Verma A, Wenzel W. Performance assessment of different constraining potentials in computational structure prediction for disulfide-bridged proteins. Comput Biol Chem 2011; 35:230-9. [PMID: 21864792 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2011.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Revised: 04/18/2011] [Accepted: 04/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The presence of disulfide bonds in proteins has very important implications on the three-dimensional structure and folding of proteins. An adequate treatment of disulfide bonds in de-novo protein simulations is therefore very important. Here we present a computational study of a set of small disulfide-bridged proteins using an all-atom stochastic search approach and including various constraining potentials to describe the disulfide bonds. The proposed potentials can easily be implemented in any code based on all-atom force fields and employed in simulations to achieve an improved prediction of protein structure. Exploring different potential parameters and comparing the structures to those from unconstrained simulations and to experimental structures by means of a scoring function we demonstrate that the inclusion of constraining potentials improves the quality of final structures significantly. For some proteins (1KVG and 1PG1) the native conformation is visited only in simulations in presence of constraints. Overall, we found that the Morse potential has optimal performance, in particular for the β-sheet proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Kondov
- Steinbuch Centre for Computing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.
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43
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Camargos TS, Restano-Cassulini R, Possani LD, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, Schwartz CA, Alves EMC, de Freitas SM, Schwartz EF. The new kappa-KTx 2.5 from the scorpion Opisthacanthus cayaporum. Peptides 2011; 32:1509-17. [PMID: 21624408 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Revised: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The kappa-KTx family of peptides, which is the newest K⁺-channel blocker family from scorpion venom, is present in scorpions from the families Scorpionidae and Liochelidae. Differently from the other scorpion KTx families, the three-dimensional structure of the known kappa-KTxs toxins is formed by two parallel α-helices linked by two disulfide bridges. Here, the characterization of a new kappa-KTx peptide, designated kappa-KTx 2.5, derived from the Liochelidae scorpion Opisthacanthus cayaporum, is described. This peptide was purified by HPLC and found to be identical to OcyC8, a predicted mature sequence precursor (UniProtKB C5J89) previously described by our group. The peptide was chemically synthesized and the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of both, native and synthetic, conducted at different temperatures in water and water/trifluoroethanol (TFE), showed a predominance of α-helices. The kappa-KTx 2.5 is heat stable and was shown to be a blocker of K⁺-currents on hKv1.1, and hKv1.4, with higher affinity for Kv1.4 channels (IC₅₀= 71 μM). Similarly to the other kappa-KTxs, the blockade of K⁺-channels occurred at micromolar concentrations, leading to uncertainness about their proper molecular target, and consequently their pharmacologic effect. In order to test other targets, kappa-KTx2.5 was tested on other K⁺-channels, on Na⁺-channels, on bacterial growth and on smooth muscle tissue, a known assay to identify possible bradykinin-potentiating peptides, due to the presence of two contiguous prolines at the C-terminal sequence. It has no effect on the targets used except on hKv1.1, and hKv1.4 expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Since the only plausible function found for kappa-KTx2.5 seems to be the blockade of K⁺-channels, a discussion regarding the analysis of structure-function relationships is included in this communication, based on sequence alignments of members of the kappa-KTx toxin family, and on computational simulation of a structural model of the kappa-KTx2.5-Kv1.2 complex.
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44
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Smith JJ, Hill JM, Little MJ, Nicholson GM, King GF, Alewood PF. Unique scorpion toxin with a putative ancestral fold provides insight into evolution of the inhibitor cystine knot motif. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:10478-83. [PMID: 21670253 PMCID: PMC3127888 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1103501108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The three-disulfide inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) motif is a fold common to venom peptides from spiders, scorpions, and aquatic cone snails. Over a decade ago it was proposed that the ICK motif is an elaboration of an ancestral two-disulfide fold coined the disulfide-directed β-hairpin (DDH). Here we report the isolation, characterization, and structure of a novel toxin [U(1)-liotoxin-Lw1a (U(1)-LITX-Lw1a)] from the venom of the scorpion Liocheles waigiensis that is the first example of a native peptide that adopts the DDH fold. U(1)-LITX-Lw1a not only represents the discovery of a missing link in venom protein evolution, it is the first member of a fourth structural fold to be adopted by scorpion-venom peptides. Additionally, we show that U(1)-LITX-Lw1a has potent insecticidal activity across a broad range of insect pest species, thereby providing a unique structural scaffold for bioinsecticide development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justine M. Hill
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia; and
| | - Michelle J. Little
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Graham M. Nicholson
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney NSW 2007, Australia
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45
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Nolde SB, Vassilevski AA, Rogozhin EA, Barinov NA, Balashova TA, Samsonova OV, Baranov YV, Feofanov AV, Egorov TA, Arseniev AS, Grishin EV. Disulfide-stabilized helical hairpin structure and activity of a novel antifungal peptide EcAMP1 from seeds of barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli). J Biol Chem 2011; 286:25145-53. [PMID: 21561864 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.200378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This study presents purification, activity characterization, and (1)H NMR study of the novel antifungal peptide EcAMP1 from kernels of barnyard grass Echinochloa crus-galli. The peptide adopts a disulfide-stabilized α-helical hairpin structure in aqueous solution and thus represents a novel fold among naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides. Micromolar concentrations of EcAMP1 were shown to inhibit growth of several fungal phytopathogens. Confocal microscopy revealed intensive EcAMP1 binding to the surface of fungal conidia followed by internalization and accumulation in the cytoplasm without disturbance of membrane integrity. Close spatial structure similarity between EcAMP1, the trypsin inhibitor VhTI from seeds of Veronica hederifolia, and some scorpion and cone snail toxins suggests natural elaboration of different functions on a common fold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana B Nolde
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russian Federation
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46
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Peng C, Ye M, Wang Y, Shao X, Yuan D, Liu J, Hawrot E, Wang C, Chi C. A new subfamily of conotoxins belonging to the A-superfamily. Peptides 2010; 31:2009-16. [PMID: 20691232 PMCID: PMC3721517 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2010] [Revised: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 07/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Two novel conotoxins from vermivorous cone snails Conus pulicarius and Conus tessulatus, designated as Pu14.1 and ts14a, were identified by cDNA cloning and peptide purification, respectively. The signal sequence of Pu14.1 is identical to that of α-conotoxins, while its predicted mature peptide, pu14a, shares high sequence similarity with ts14a, with only one residue different in their first intercysteine loop, which contains 10 residues and is rich in proline. Both pu14a and ts14a contain four separate cysteines in framework 14 (C-C-C-C). Peptide pu14a was chemically synthesized, air oxidized, and the connectivity of its two disulfide bonds was determined to be C1-C3, C2-C4, which is the same as found in α-conotoxins. The synthetic pu14a induced a sleeping symptom in mice and was toxic to freshwater goldfish upon intramuscular injection. Using the Xenopus oocyte heterologous expression system, 1μM of pu14a demonstrated to inhibit the rat neuronal α3β2-containing as well as the mouse neuromuscular α1β1γδ subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and then rapidly dissociated from the receptors. However, this toxin had no inhibitory effect on potassium channels in mouse superior cervical ganglion neurons. According to the identical signal sequence to α-conotoxins, the unique cysteine framework and molecular target of pu14a, we propose that pu14a and ts14a may represent a novel subfamily in the A-superfamily, designated as α1-conotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Peng
- Institute of Protein Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dong Chuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Mingyu Ye
- Institute of Protein Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Institute of Protein Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoxia Shao
- Institute of Protein Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Duoduo Yuan
- Institute of Protein Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Edward Hawrot
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Chunguang Wang
- Institute of Protein Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Corresponding author and address: Chengwu Chi, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China. Tel.: +86 21 54921165, Fax: +86 21 54921011, , Chunguang Wang, Institute of Protein Research, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 50 Chifeng Road, Shanghai 200092, China. Tel.: +86 21 65984347, Fax: +86 21 65988403,
| | - Chengwu Chi
- Institute of Protein Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Corresponding author and address: Chengwu Chi, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China. Tel.: +86 21 54921165, Fax: +86 21 54921011, , Chunguang Wang, Institute of Protein Research, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 50 Chifeng Road, Shanghai 200092, China. Tel.: +86 21 65984347, Fax: +86 21 65988403,
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47
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Ma Y, Zhao Y, Zhao R, Zhang W, He Y, Wu Y, Cao Z, Guo L, Li W. Molecular diversity of toxic components from the scorpion Heterometrus petersii venom revealed by proteomic and transcriptome analysis. Proteomics 2010; 10:2471-85. [PMID: 20443192 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200900763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms contain a vast untapped reservoir of natural products, which have the potential for medicinal value in drug discovery. In this study, toxin components from the scorpion Heterometrus petersii venom were evaluated by transcriptome and proteome analysis.Ten known families of venom peptides and proteins were identified, which include: two families of potassium channel toxins, four families of antimicrobial and cytolytic peptides,and one family from each of the calcium channel toxins, La1-like peptides, phospholipase A2,and the serine proteases. In addition, we also identified 12 atypical families, which include the acid phosphatases, diuretic peptides, and ten orphan families. From the data presented here, the extreme diversity and convergence of toxic components in scorpion venom was uncovered. Our work demonstrates the power of combining transcriptomic and proteomic approaches in the study of animal venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibao Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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48
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Kondov I, Verma A, Wenzel W. Folding Path and Funnel Scenarios for Two Small Disulfide-Bridged Proteins. Biochemistry 2009; 48:8195-205. [PMID: 19610617 DOI: 10.1021/bi900702m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Kondov
- Steinbuch Centre for Computing, Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, P.O. Box 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Abhinav Verma
- Steinbuch Centre for Computing, Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, P.O. Box 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wenzel
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, P.O. Box 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany, and DFG Center for Functional Nanostructures, Department of Physics, Universität Karlsruhe, Wolfgang Gaede Strasse 1, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
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49
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Nicastro G, Orsomando G, Ferrari E, Manconi L, Desario F, Amici A, Naso A, Carpaneto A, Pertinhez TA, Ruggieri S, Spisni A. Solution structure of the phytotoxic protein PcF: the first characterized member of the Phytophthora PcF toxin family. Protein Sci 2009; 18:1786-91. [PMID: 19554629 PMCID: PMC2776965 DOI: 10.1002/pro.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2009] [Accepted: 05/06/2009] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The PcF protein from Phytophthora cactorum is the first member of the "PcF toxin family" from the plant pathogens Phytophthora spp. It is able to induce withering in tomato and strawberry leaves. The lack of sequence similarity with other proteins hampers the identification of the molecular mechanisms responsible for its toxicity. Here, we show that the six cysteines form a disulphide pattern that is exclusive for PcF and essential for the protein withering activity. The NMR solution structure identifies a novel fold among protein effectors: a helix-loop-helix motif. The presence of a negatively charged surface suggests that it might act as a site of electrostatic interaction. Interestingly, a good fold match with Ole e 6, a plant protein with allergenic activity, highlighted the spatial superimposition of a stretch of identical residues. This finding suggests a possible biological activity based on molecular mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Nicastro
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR-MRC), The RidgewayLondon NW7 1AA, United Kingdom
- Centro Interdipartimentale Misure (CIM), Università di Parma43100 Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Orsomando
- Istituto Biotecnologie Biochimiche, Università Politecnica delle Marche60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Elena Ferrari
- Dipartimento Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Parma43100 Parma, Italy
| | - Lucia Manconi
- Istituto Biotecnologie Biochimiche, Università Politecnica delle Marche60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Filomena Desario
- Istituto Biotecnologie Biochimiche, Università Politecnica delle Marche60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Adolfo Amici
- Istituto Biotecnologie Biochimiche, Università Politecnica delle Marche60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessia Naso
- Istituto Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale Ricerche (CNR)16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Armando Carpaneto
- Istituto Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale Ricerche (CNR)16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Thelma A Pertinhez
- Dipartimento Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Parma43100 Parma, Italy
| | - Silverio Ruggieri
- Istituto Biotecnologie Biochimiche, Università Politecnica delle Marche60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Alberto Spisni
- Dipartimento Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Parma43100 Parma, Italy
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50
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Cloning and characterization of cDNA sequences encoding for new venom peptides of the Brazilian scorpion Opisthacanthus cayaporum. Toxicon 2009; 54:252-61. [PMID: 19379768 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2009.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2009] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom glands produce a large variety of bioactive peptides. This communication reports the identification of venom components obtained by sequencing clones isolated from a cDNA library prepared with venomous glands of the Brazilian scorpion Opisthacanthus cayaporum (Ischnuridae). Two main types of components were identified: peptides with toxin-like sequences and proteins involved in cellular processes. Using the expressed sequence tag (EST) strategy 118 clones were identified, from which 61 code for unique sequences (17 contigs and 44 singlets) with an average length of 531 base-pairs (bp). These results were compared with those previously obtained by the proteomic analysis of the same venom, showing a considerable degree of similarity in terms of the molecular masses expected and DNA sequences found. About 36% of the ESTs correspond to toxin-like peptides and proteins with identifiable open reading frames (ORFs). The cDNA sequencing results also show the presence of sequences whose putative products correspond to a scorpine-like component; three short antimicrobial peptides; three K(+)-channel blockers; and an additional peptide containing 78 amino acid residues, whose sequence resembles peptide La1 from another Ischnuridae scorpion Liocheles australiasiae, thus far with unknown function.
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