1
|
Ashwood LM, Elnahriry KA, Stewart ZK, Shafee T, Naseem MU, Szanto TG, van der Burg CA, Smith HL, Surm JM, Undheim EAB, Madio B, Hamilton BR, Guo S, Wai DCC, Coyne VL, Phillips MJ, Dudley KJ, Hurwood DA, Panyi G, King GF, Pavasovic A, Norton RS, Prentis PJ. Genomic, functional and structural analyses elucidate evolutionary innovation within the sea anemone 8 toxin family. BMC Biol 2023; 21:121. [PMID: 37226201 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01617-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ShK toxin from Stichodactyla helianthus has established the therapeutic potential of sea anemone venom peptides, but many lineage-specific toxin families in Actiniarians remain uncharacterised. One such peptide family, sea anemone 8 (SA8), is present in all five sea anemone superfamilies. We explored the genomic arrangement and evolution of the SA8 gene family in Actinia tenebrosa and Telmatactis stephensoni, characterised the expression patterns of SA8 sequences, and examined the structure and function of SA8 from the venom of T. stephensoni. RESULTS We identified ten SA8-family genes in two clusters and six SA8-family genes in five clusters for T. stephensoni and A. tenebrosa, respectively. Nine SA8 T. stephensoni genes were found in a single cluster, and an SA8 peptide encoded by an inverted SA8 gene from this cluster was recruited to venom. We show that SA8 genes in both species are expressed in a tissue-specific manner and the inverted SA8 gene has a unique tissue distribution. While the functional activity of the SA8 putative toxin encoded by the inverted gene was inconclusive, its tissue localisation is similar to toxins used for predator deterrence. We demonstrate that, although mature SA8 putative toxins have similar cysteine spacing to ShK, SA8 peptides are distinct from ShK peptides based on structure and disulfide connectivity. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide the first demonstration that SA8 is a unique gene family in Actiniarians, evolving through a variety of structural changes including tandem and proximal gene duplication and an inversion event that together allowed SA8 to be recruited into the venom of T. stephensoni.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Ashwood
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.
- Cancer Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia.
| | - Khaled A Elnahriry
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Zachary K Stewart
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Thomas Shafee
- Department of Animal Plant & Soil Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Muhammad Umair Naseem
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tibor G Szanto
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Chloé A van der Burg
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Hayden L Smith
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Joachim M Surm
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Blindern, PO Box 1066, 0316, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Bruno Madio
- 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
| | - Shaodong Guo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Victoria L Coyne
- Research Infrastructure, Central Analytical Research Facility, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Matthew J Phillips
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Kevin J Dudley
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Research Infrastructure, Central Analytical Research Facility, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - David A Hurwood
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ana Pavasovic
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Peter J Prentis
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Misuan N, Mohamad S, Tubiana T, Yap MKK. Ensemble-based molecular docking and spectrofluorometric analysis of interaction between cytotoxin and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:15339-15353. [PMID: 36927291 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2188945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Cytotoxin (CTX) is a three-finger toxin presents predominantly in cobra venom. The functional site of the toxin is located at its three hydrophobic loop tips. Its actual mechanism of cytotoxicity remains inconclusive as few conflicting hypotheses have been proposed in addition to direct cytolytic effects. The present work investigated the interaction between CTX and death receptor families via ensemble-based molecular docking and fluorescence titration analysis. Multiple sequence alignments of different CTX isoforms obtained a conserved CTX sequence. The three-dimensional structure of the conserved CTX was later determined using homology modelling, and its quality was validated. Ensemble-based molecular docking of CTX was performed with different death receptors, such as Fas-ligand and tumor necrosis factor receptor families. Our results showed that tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) was the best receptor interacting with CTX attributed to the interaction of all three functional loops and evinced with low HADDOCK, Z-score and RMSD value. The interaction between CTX and TNFR1 was also supported by a concentration-dependent reduction of fluorescence intensity with increasing binding affinity. The possible intermolecular interactions between CTX and TNFR1 were Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding. Our findings suggest a possibility that CTX triggers apoptosis cell death through non-covalent interactions with TNFR1.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nurhamimah Misuan
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Saharuddin Mohamad
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre of Research for Computational Sciences and Informatics for Biology, Bioindustry, Environment, Agriculture and Healthcare (CRYSTAL), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Thibault Tubiana
- CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Michelle Khai Khun Yap
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- Tropical Medicine and Biology Multidisciplinary Platform, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
A current perspective on snake venom composition and constituent protein families. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:133-153. [PMID: 36437303 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03420-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are heterogeneous mixtures of proteins and peptides used for prey subjugation. With modern proteomics there has been a rapid expansion in our knowledge of snake venom composition, resulting in the venom proteomes of 30% of vipers and 17% of elapids being characterised. From the reasonably complete proteomic coverage of front-fanged snake venom composition (179 species-68 species of elapids and 111 species of vipers), the venoms of vipers and elapids contained 42 different protein families, although 18 were only reported in < 5% of snake species. Based on the mean abundance and occurrence of the 42 protein families, they can be classified into 4 dominant, 6 secondary, 14 minor, and 18 rare protein families. The dominant, secondary and minor categories account for 96% on average of a snake's venom composition. The four dominant protein families are: phospholipase A2 (PLA2), snake venom metalloprotease (SVMP), three-finger toxins (3FTx), and snake venom serine protease (SVSP). The six secondary protein families are: L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO), cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRiSP), C-type lectins (CTL), disintegrins (DIS), kunitz peptides (KUN), and natriuretic peptides (NP). Venom variation occurs at all taxonomic levels, including within populations. The reasons for venom variation are complex, as variation is not always associated with geographical variation in diet. The four dominant protein families appear to be the most important toxin families in human envenomation, being responsible for coagulopathy, neurotoxicity, myotoxicity and cytotoxicity. Proteomic techniques can be used to investigate the toxicological profile of a snake venom and hence identify key protein families for antivenom immunorecognition.
Collapse
|
4
|
Hiu JJ, Yap MKK. The myth of cobra venom cytotoxin: More than just direct cytolytic actions. Toxicon X 2022; 14:100123. [PMID: 35434602 PMCID: PMC9011113 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cobra venom cytotoxin (CTX) is a non-enzymatic three-finger toxin that constitutes 40-60% of cobra venom. Thus, it plays an important role in the pathophysiology of cobra envenomation, especially in local dermonecrosis. The three-finger hydrophobic loops of CTX determine the cytotoxicity. Nevertheless, the actual mechanisms of cytotoxicity are not fully elucidated as they involve not only cytolytic actions but also intracellular signalling-mediated cell death pathways. Furthermore, the possible transition cell death pattern remains to be explored. The actual molecular mechanisms require further studies to unveil the relationship between different CTXs from different cobra species and cell types which may result in differential cell death patterns. Here, we discuss the biophysical interaction of CTX with the cell membrane involving four binding modes: electrostatic interaction, hydrophobic partitioning, isotropic phase, and oligomerisation. Oligomerisation of CTX causes pore formation in the membrane lipid bilayer. Additionally, the CTX-induced apoptotic pathway can be executed via death receptor-mediated extrinsic pathways and mitochondrial-mediated intrinsic pathways. We also discuss lysosomal-mediated necrosis and the occurrence of necroptosis following CTX action. Collectively, we provided an insight into concentration-dependent transition of cell death pattern which involves different mechanistic actions. This contributes a new direction for further investigation of cytotoxic pathways activated by the CTXs for future development of biotherapeutics targeting pathological effects caused by CTX.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Jin Hiu
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Michelle Khai Khun Yap
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.,Tropical Medicine and Biology Multidisciplinary Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chong HP, Tan KY, Liu BS, Sung WC, Tan CH. Cytotoxicity of Venoms and Cytotoxins from Asiatic Cobras (Naja kaouthia, Naja sumatrana, Naja atra) and Neutralization by Antivenoms from Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14050334. [PMID: 35622581 PMCID: PMC9144634 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14050334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Envenoming by cobras (Naja spp.) often results in extensive local tissue necrosis when optimal treatment with antivenom is not available. This study investigated the cytotoxicity of venoms and purified cytotoxins from the Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia), Taiwan Cobra (Naja atra), and Equatorial Spitting Cobra (Naja sumatrana) in a mouse fibroblast cell line, followed by neutralization of the cytotoxicity by three regional antivenoms: the Thai Naja kaouthia monovalent antivenom (NkMAV), Vietnamese snake antivenom (SAV) and Taiwanese Neuro bivalent antivenom (NBAV). The cytotoxins of N. atra (NA-CTX) and N. sumatrana (NS-CTX) were identified as P-type cytotoxins, whereas that of N. kaouthia (NK-CTX) is S-type. All venoms and purified cytotoxins demonstrated varying concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in the following trend: highest for N. atra, followed by N. sumatrana and N. kaouthia. The antivenoms moderately neutralized the cytotoxicity of N. kaouthia venom but were weak against N. atra and N. sumatrana venom cytotoxicity. The neutralization potencies of the antivenoms against the cytotoxins were varied and generally low across NA-CTX, NS-CTX, and NK-CTX, possibly attributed to limited antigenicity of CTXs and/or different formulation of antivenom products. The study underscores the need for antivenom improvement and/or new therapies in treating local tissue toxicity caused by cobra envenomings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ho Phin Chong
- Venom Research and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Protein and Interactomics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Bing-Sin Liu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan;
| | - Wang-Chou Sung
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (W.-C.S.); (C.H.T.)
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Venom Research and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: (W.-C.S.); (C.H.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vanuopadath M, Raveendran D, Nair BG, Nair SS. Venomics and antivenomics of Indian spectacled cobra (Naja naja) from the Western Ghats. Acta Trop 2022; 228:106324. [PMID: 35093326 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Venom proteome profiling of Naja naja from the Western Ghats region in Kerala was achieved through SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC followed by Q-TOF LC-MS/MS analysis, incorporating PEAKS and Novor assisted de novo sequencing methodologies. A total of 115 proteins distributed across 17 different enzymatic and non-enzymatic venom protein families were identified through conventional and 39 peptides through homology-driven proteomics approaches. Fourteen peptides derived through de novo complements the Mascot data indicating the importance of homology-driven approaches in improving protein sequence information. Among the protein families identified, glutathione peroxidase and endonuclease were reported for the first time in the Indian cobra venom. Immunological cross-reactivity assessed using Indian polyvalent antivenoms suggested that VINS showed better EC50 (2.48 µg/mL) value than that of PSAV (6.04 µg/mL) and Virchow (6.03 µg/mL) antivenoms. Western blotting experiments indicated that all the antivenoms elicited poor binding specificities, especially towards low molecular mass proteins. Second-generation antivenomics studies revealed that VINS antivenom was less efficient to detect many low molecular mass proteins such as three-finger toxins and Kunitz-type serine protease Inhibitors. Taken together, the present study enabled a large-scale characterization of the venom proteome of Naja naja from the Western Ghats and emphasized the need for developing more efficient antivenoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dileepkumar Raveendran
- Indriyam Biologics Pvt. Ltd., SCTIMST-TIMed, BMT Wing-Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram 695 012, Kerala, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dubovskii PV, Dubova KM, Bourenkov G, Starkov VG, Konshina AG, Efremov RG, Utkin YN, Samygina VR. Variability in the Spatial Structure of the Central Loop in Cobra Cytotoxins Revealed by X-ray Analysis and Molecular Modeling. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14020149. [PMID: 35202176 PMCID: PMC8880459 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14020149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cobra cytotoxins (CTs) belong to the three-fingered protein family and possess membrane activity. Here, we studied cytotoxin 13 from Naja naja cobra venom (CT13Nn). For the first time, a spatial model of CT13Nn with both “water” and “membrane” conformations of the central loop (loop-2) were determined by X-ray crystallography. The “water” conformation of the loop was frequently observed. It was similar to the structure of loop-2 of numerous CTs, determined by either NMR spectroscopy in aqueous solution, or the X-ray method. The “membrane” conformation is rare one and, to date has only been observed by NMR for a single cytotoxin 1 from N. oxiana (CT1No) in detergent micelle. Both CT13Nn and CT1No are S-type CTs. Membrane-binding of these CTs probably involves an additional step—the conformational transformation of the loop-2. To confirm this suggestion, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations of both CT1No and CT13Nn in the Highly Mimetic Membrane Model of palmitoiloleoylphosphatidylglycerol, starting with their “water” NMR models. We found that the both toxins transform their “water” conformation of loop-2 into the “membrane” one during the insertion process. This supports the hypothesis that the S-type CTs, unlike their P-type counterparts, require conformational adaptation of loop-2 during interaction with lipid membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter V. Dubovskii
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.S.); (A.G.K.); (R.G.E.); (Y.N.U.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Kira M. Dubova
- FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics”, Russian Academy of Sciences, 111933 Moscow, Russia; (K.M.D.); (V.R.S.)
- NRC “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gleb Bourenkov
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit, c/o DESY, 22607 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Vladislav G. Starkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.S.); (A.G.K.); (R.G.E.); (Y.N.U.)
| | - Anastasia G. Konshina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.S.); (A.G.K.); (R.G.E.); (Y.N.U.)
| | - Roman G. Efremov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.S.); (A.G.K.); (R.G.E.); (Y.N.U.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 9 Institutskiy per., 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Higher School of Economics, National Research University, 20 Myasnitskaya str., 101000 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuri N. Utkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., 117997 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.S.); (A.G.K.); (R.G.E.); (Y.N.U.)
| | - Valeriya R. Samygina
- FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics”, Russian Academy of Sciences, 111933 Moscow, Russia; (K.M.D.); (V.R.S.)
- NRC “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rivera AM, Swanson WJ. The Importance of Gene Duplication and Domain Repeat Expansion for the Function and Evolution of Fertilization Proteins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:827454. [PMID: 35155436 PMCID: PMC8830517 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.827454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of gene duplication followed by gene loss or evolution of new functions has been studied extensively, yet the role gene duplication plays in the function and evolution of fertilization proteins is underappreciated. Gene duplication is observed in many fertilization protein families including Izumo, DCST, ZP, and the TFP superfamily. Molecules mediating fertilization are part of larger gene families expressed in a variety of tissues, but gene duplication followed by structural modifications has often facilitated their cooption into a fertilization function. Repeat expansions of functional domains within a gene also provide opportunities for the evolution of novel fertilization protein. ZP proteins with domain repeat expansions are linked to species-specificity in fertilization and TFP proteins that experienced domain duplications were coopted into a novel sperm function. This review outlines the importance of gene duplications and repeat domain expansions in the evolution of fertilization proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto M. Rivera
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
In Vivo Cardiotoxic Potential of Micrurus frontalis Venom. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2022; 22:181-190. [DOI: 10.1007/s12012-021-09713-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
10
|
Baudou FG, Rodriguez JP, Fusco L, de Roodt AR, De Marzi MC, Leiva L. South American snake venoms with abundant neurotoxic components. Composition and toxicological properties. A literature review. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106119. [PMID: 34481791 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In South America there are three snake genera with predominantly neurotoxic venoms: Crotalus, Micrurus and Hydrophis, which include nine species/subspecies, 97 species and a single marine species, respectively. Although accidents with neurotoxic venoms are less frequent than those with anticoagulant, cytotoxic or necrotic venoms (e.g. from Bothrops), they are of major public health importance. Venoms from genus Crotalus have been extensively studied, while data on the venoms from the other two genera are very limited, especially for Hydrophis. The venoms of North and South American Crotalus species show biochemical and physiopathological differences. The former species cause bothrops-like envenomation symptoms, while the latter mainly have neurotoxic and myotoxic effects, leading to respiratory paralysis and, occasionally, renal failure by myoglobinuria and death, often with no local lesions. Micrurus and Hydrophis also cause neurotoxic envenomations. Many studies have isolated, identified and characterized new enzymes and toxins, thus expanding the knowledge of snake venom composition. The present review summarizes the currently available information on neurotoxic venoms from South American snakes, with a focus on protein composition and toxicological properties. It also includes some comments concerning potential medical applications of elapid and crotalic toxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico G Baudou
- Universidad Nacional de Luján (UNLu), Depto. de Ciencias Básicas, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Inmunología, Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), UNLu-CONICET, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Juan P Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de la Facultad de Medicina (LIBIM), Instituto de Química Básica y Aplicada del Nordeste Argentino (IQUIBA-NEA), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNNE-CONICET), Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Luciano Fusco
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Proteínas (LabInPro), IQUIBA-NEA (UNNE, CONICET), FaCENA, (UNNE), Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Adolfo R de Roodt
- Área Investigación y Desarrollo-Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos, Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina; Primera Cátedra de Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Toxinopatología, Centro de Patología Experimental y Aplicada, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauricio C De Marzi
- Universidad Nacional de Luján (UNLu), Depto. de Ciencias Básicas, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Inmunología, Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), UNLu-CONICET, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Leiva
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Proteínas (LabInPro), IQUIBA-NEA (UNNE, CONICET), FaCENA, (UNNE), Corrientes, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Modahl CM, Saviola AJ, Mackessy SP. Integration of transcriptomic and proteomic approaches for snake venom profiling. Expert Rev Proteomics 2021; 18:827-834. [PMID: 34663159 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2021.1995357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Snake venoms contain many protein and peptide isoforms with high levels of sequence variation, even within a single species. AREAS COVERED In this review, we highlight several examples, from both published and unpublished work in our lab, demonstrating how a combined venom gland transcriptome and proteome methodology allows for comprehensive characterization of venoms, including those from understudied rear-fanged snake species, and we provide recommendations for using these approaches. EXPERT OPINION When characterizing venoms, peptide mass fingerprinting using databases built predominately from protein sequences originating from model organisms can be disadvantageous, especially when the intention is to document protein diversity. Therefore, the use of species-specific venom gland transcriptomes corrects for the absence of these unique peptide sequences in databases. The integration of transcriptomics and proteomics improves the accuracy of either approach alone for venom profiling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony J Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Stephen P Mackessy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dubinnyi MA, Dubovskii PV, Starkov VG, Utkin YN. The omega-loop of cobra cytotoxins tolerates multiple amino acid substitutions. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 558:141-146. [PMID: 33915327 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.04.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cobra cytotoxins (CTs), the three-fingered proteins, feature high amino acid sequence homology in the beta-strands and variations in the loop regions. We selected a pair of cytotoxins from Naja kaouthia crude venom to clarify the sequence-structure relationships. Using chromatography and mass spectroscopy, we separated and identified the mixture of cytotoxins 2 and 3, differentiated by the only Val 41/Ala 41 substitution. Here, using natural abundance 13C, 15N NMR-spectroscopy we performed chemical shift assignments of the signals of the both toxins in aqueous solution in the major and minor forms. Combining NOE and chemical shift data, the toxins' spatial structure was determined. Finally, we proved that the tip of the "finger"-2, or the loop-2 of cytotoxins adopts the shape of an omega-loop with a tightly-bound water molecule in its cavity. Comparison with other NMR and X-ray structures of cytotoxins possessing different amino acid sequences reveals spatial similarity in this family of proteins, including the loop-2 region, previously considered to be flexible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxim A Dubinnyi
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117997, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 9 Institutskiy per., Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141700, Russia
| | - Peter V Dubovskii
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117997, Russia.
| | - Vladislav G Starkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Yuri N Utkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Madhushani U, Thakshila P, Hodgson WC, Isbister GK, Silva A. Effect of Indian Polyvalent Antivenom in the Prevention and Reversal of Local Myotoxicity Induced by Common Cobra ( Naja naja) Venom from Sri Lanka In Vitro. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13050308. [PMID: 33926022 PMCID: PMC8146937 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13050308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bites by many Asiatic and African cobras (Genus: Naja) cause severe local dermonecrosis and myonecrosis, resulting in permanent disabilities. We studied the time scale in which two Indian polyvalent antivenoms, VINS and Bharat, remain capable of preventing or reversing in vitro myotoxicity induced by common cobra (Naja naja) venom from Sri Lanka using the chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation. VINS fully prevented while Bharat partially prevented (both in manufacturer recommended concentrations) the myotoxicity induced by Naja naja venom (10 µg/mL) when added to the organ baths before the venom. However, both antivenoms were unable to reverse the myotoxicity when added to organ baths 5 and 20 min post-venom. In contrast, physical removal of the venom from the organ baths by washing the preparation 5 and 20 min after the venom resulted in full and partial prevention of the myotoxicity, respectively, indicating the lag period for irreversible cellular injury. This suggests that, although the antivenoms contain antibodies against cytotoxins of the Sri Lankan Naja naja venom, they are either unable to reach the target sites as efficiently as the cytotoxins, unable to bind efficiently with the toxins at the target sites, or the binding with the toxins simply fails to prevent the toxin-target interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Umesha Madhushani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura 50008, Sri Lanka; (U.M.); (P.T.)
| | - Prabhani Thakshila
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura 50008, Sri Lanka; (U.M.); (P.T.)
| | - Wayne C. Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia;
| | - Geoffrey K. Isbister
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia;
| | - Anjana Silva
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura 50008, Sri Lanka; (U.M.); (P.T.)
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +94-252-226-388
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Unusual quaternary structure of a homodimeric synergistic-type toxin from mamba snake venom defines its molecular evolution. Biochem J 2021; 477:3951-3962. [PMID: 33000863 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are complex mixtures of enzymes and nonenzymatic proteins that have evolved to immobilize and kill prey animals or deter predators. Among them, three-finger toxins (3FTxs) belong to the largest superfamily of nonenzymatic proteins. They share a common structure of three β-stranded loops extending like fingers from a central core containing all four conserved disulfide bonds. Most 3FTxs are monomers and through subtle changes in their amino acid sequences, they interact with different receptors, ion channels and enzymes to exhibit a wide variety of biological effects. The 3FTxs have further expanded their pharmacological space through covalent or noncovalent dimerization. Synergistic-type toxins (SynTxs) isolated from the deadly mamba venoms, although nontoxic, have been known to enhance the toxicity of other venom proteins. However, the details of three-dimensional structure and molecular mechanism of activity of this unusual class of 3FTxs are unclear. We determined the first three-dimensional structure of a SynTx isolated from Dendroaspis jamesoni jamesoni (Jameson's mamba) venom. The SynTx forms a unique homodimer that is held together by an interchain disulfide bond. The dimeric interface is elaborate and encompasses loops II and III. In addition to the inter-subunit disulfide bond, the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions between the monomers contribute to the dimer formation. Besides, two sulfate ions that mediate interactions between the monomers. This unique quaternary structure is evolved through noncovalent homodimers such as κ-bungarotoxins. This novel dimerization further enhances the diversity in structure and function of 3FTxs.
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang B, Wang Q, Wang C, Wang B, Qiu L, Zou S, Zhang F, Liu G, Zhang L. A comparative analysis of the proteomes and biological activities of the venoms from two sea snakes, Hydrophis curtus and Hydrophis cyanocinctus, from Hainan, China. Toxicon 2020; 187:35-46. [PMID: 32871160 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We characterized and compared the venom protein profiles of Hydrophis curtus (synonyms: Lapemis hardwickii, Lapemis curtus and Hydrophis hardwickii) and Hydrophis cyanocinctus, the two representatives of medically important venomous sea snakes in Chinese waters using proteomic approaches. A total of 47 and 38 putative toxins were identified in H. curtus venom (HcuV) and H. cyanocinctus venom (HcyV), respectively, and these toxins could be grouped into 15 functional categories, mainly proteinases, phospholipases, three-finger toxins (3FTxs), lectins, protease inhibitors, ion channel inhibitors, cysteine-rich venom proteins (CRVPs) and snake venom metalloproteases (SVMPs). The constituent ratio of each toxin category varied between HcuV and HcyV with 3FTx (54% in HcuV/69% in HcyV) and PLA2 (38% in HcuV/22% in HcyV) unanimously ranked as the top two most abundant families. Both HcuV and HcyV exhibited relatively high lethality (LD50 values in mice of 0.34 μg/g and 0.24 μg/g, respectively), specific PLA2 activity and hemolytic activity. On the basis of several previous reports of HcuV and HcyV collected from other areas, these findings greatly expand our understanding of geographical variation and interspecies diversity of the two sea snake venoms and can provide a scientific basis for the development of specific sea snake antivenom in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Characteristic Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Characteristic Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Characteristic Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Beilei Wang
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Characteristic Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Leilei Qiu
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Characteristic Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Shuaijun Zou
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Characteristic Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Fuhai Zhang
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Characteristic Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Guoyan Liu
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Characteristic Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Liming Zhang
- Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Characteristic Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Teoh SQ, Yap MKK. Naja sumatrana venom cytotoxin, sumaCTX exhibits concentration-dependent cytotoxicity via caspase-activated mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis without transitioning to necrosis. TOXIN REV 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2020.1799408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shun Qi Teoh
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Michelle Khai Khun Yap
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- Tropical Medicine and Biology Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kini RM, Koh CY. Snake venom three-finger toxins and their potential in drug development targeting cardiovascular diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114105. [PMID: 32579959 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases such as coronary and peripheral artery diseases, venous thrombosis, stroke, hypertension, and heart failure are enormous burden to health and economy globally. Snake venoms have been the sources of discovery of successful therapeutics targeting cardiovascular diseases. For example, the first-in-class angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril was designed largely based on bradykinin-potentiating peptides from Bothrops jararaca venom. In the recent years, sensitive and high throughput approaches drive discovery and cataloging of new snake venom toxins. As one of the largest class of snake venom toxin, there are now>700 sequences of three-finger toxins (3FTxs) available, many of which are yet to be studied. While the function of 3FTxs are normally associated with neurotoxicity, increasingly more 3FTxs have been characterized to have pharmacological effects on cardiovascular systems. Here we focus on this family of snake venom toxins and their potential in developing therapeutics against cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Manjunatha Kini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 117558, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Cho Yeow Koh
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kini RM. Toxinology provides multidirectional and multidimensional opportunities: A personal perspective. Toxicon X 2020; 6:100039. [PMID: 32550594 PMCID: PMC7285919 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2020.100039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In nature, toxins have evolved as weapons to capture and subdue the prey or to counter predators or competitors. When they are inadvertently injected into humans, they cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to debilitation and death. Toxinology is the science of studying venoms and toxins that are produced by a wide variety of organisms. In the past, the structure, function and mechanisms of most abundant and/or most toxic components were characterized to understand and to develop strategies to neutralize their toxicity. With recent technical advances, we are able to evaluate and determine the toxin profiles using transcriptomes of venom glands and proteomes of tiny amounts of venom. Enormous amounts of data from these studies have opened tremendous opportunities in many directions of basic and applied research. The lower costs for profiling venoms will further fuel the expansion of toxin database, which in turn will provide greater exciting and bright opportunities in toxin research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R. Manjunatha Kini
- Protein Science Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jiang Y, Lin L, Chen S, Jiang L, Kriegbaum MC, Gårdsvoll H, Hansen LV, Li J, Ploug M, Yuan C, Huang M. Crystal Structures of Human C4.4A Reveal the Unique Association of Ly6/uPAR/α-neurotoxin Domain. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:981-993. [PMID: 32140067 PMCID: PMC7053344 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.39919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ly6/uPAR/α-neurotoxin domain (LU-domain) is characterized by the presence of 4-5 disulfide bonds and three flexible loops that extend from a core stacked by several conversed disulfide bonds (thus also named three-fingered protein domain). This highly structurally stable protein domain is typically a protein-binder at extracellular space. Most LU proteins contain only single LU-domain as represented by Ly6 proteins in immunology and α-neurotoxins in snake venom. For Ly6 proteins, many are expressed in specific cell lineages and in differentiation stages, and are used as markers. In this study, we report the crystal structures of the two LU-domains of human C4.4A alone and its complex with a Fab fragment of a monoclonal anti-C4.4A antibody. Interestingly, both structures showed that C4.4A forms a very compact globule with two LU-domain packed face to face. This is in contrast to the flexible nature of most LU-domain-containing proteins in mammals. The Fab combining site of C4.4A involves both LU-domains, and appears to be the binding site for AGR2, a reported ligand of C4.4A. This work reports the first structure that contain two LU-domains and provides insights on how LU-domains fold into a compact protein and interacts with ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunbin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Structure Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Shanli Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Longguang Jiang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Mette C Kriegbaum
- Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.,Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, DK-2220 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Henrik Gårdsvoll
- Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.,Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, DK-2220 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Line V Hansen
- Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Jinyu Li
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Michael Ploug
- Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.,Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, DK-2220 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Cai Yuan
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350116, China
| | - Mingdong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Structure Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, China.,College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Factor XII-Deficient Chicken Plasma as a Useful Target for Screening of Pro- and Anticoagulant Animal Venom Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12020079. [PMID: 31979411 PMCID: PMC7076771 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12020079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The sensitivity of vertebrate citrated plasma to pro- and anticoagulant venom or toxins occurs on a microscale level (micrograms). Although it improves responses to agonists, recalcification triggers a relatively fast thrombin formation process in mammalian plasma. As it has a natural factor XII deficiency, the recalcification time (RT) of chicken plasma (CP) is comparatively long [≥ 1800 seconds (s)]. Our objective was to compare the ability of bee venom phospholipase A2 (bvPLA2) to neutralize clot formation induced by an activator of coagulation (the aPTT clot) in recalcified human and chicken plasmas, through rotational thromboelastometry. The strategy used in this study was to find doses of bvPLA2 that were sufficient enough to prolong the clotting time (CT) of these activated plasmas to values within their normal RT range. The CT of CP was prolonged in a dose-dependent manner by bvPLA2, with 17 ± 2.8 ng (n = 6) being sufficient to displace the CT values of the activated samples to ≥ 1800 s. Only amounts up to 380 ± 41 ng (n = 6) of bvPLA2 induced the same effect in activated human plasma samples. In conclusion, the high sensitivity of CP to agonists and rotational thromboelastometry could be useful. For example, during screening procedures for assaying the effects of toxins in several stages of the coagulation pathway, such as clot initiation, formation, stability, strength, or dissolution.
Collapse
|
21
|
Rusmili MRA, Othman I, Abidin SAZ, Yusof FA, Ratanabanangkoon K, Chanhome L, Hodgson WC, Chaisakul J. Variations in neurotoxicity and proteome profile of Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) venoms. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0227122. [PMID: 31887191 PMCID: PMC6936869 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) is a medically important snake species found in Southeast Asia. The neurotoxic effects of envenoming present as flaccid paralysis of skeletal muscles. It is unclear whether geographical variation in venom composition plays a significant role in the degree of clinical neurotoxicity. In this study, the effects of geographical variation on neurotoxicity and venom composition of B. candidus venoms from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand were examined. In the chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation, all venoms abolished indirect twitches and attenuated contractile responses to nicotinic receptor agonists, with venom from Indonesia displaying the most rapid neurotoxicity. A proteomic analysis indicated that three finger toxins (3FTx), phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors were common toxin groups in the venoms. In addition, venom from Thailand contained L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO), cysteine rich secretory protein (CRISP), thrombin-like enzyme (TLE) and snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP). Short-chain post-synaptic neurotoxins were not detected in any of the venoms. The largest quantity of long-chain post-synaptic neurotoxins and non-conventional toxins was found in the venom from Thailand. Analysis of PLA2 activity did not show any correlation between the amount of PLA2 and the degree of neurotoxicity of the venoms. Our study shows that variation in venom composition is not limited to the degree of neurotoxicity. This investigation provides additional insights into the geographical differences in venom composition and provides information that could be used to improve the management of Malayan krait envenoming in Southeast Asia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhamad Rusdi Ahmad Rusmili
- Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan Campus, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Sunway Campus, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Syafiq Asnawi Zainal Abidin
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Sunway Campus, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Fathin Athirah Yusof
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Sunway Campus, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Kavi Ratanabanangkoon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lawan Chanhome
- Snake Farm, Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wayne C. Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Janeyuth Chaisakul
- Department of Pharmacology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: ,
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Snake Venoms in Drug Discovery: Valuable Therapeutic Tools for Life Saving. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11100564. [PMID: 31557973 PMCID: PMC6832721 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms are used as defense mechanisms or to immobilize and digest prey. In fact, venoms are complex mixtures of enzymatic and non-enzymatic components with specific pathophysiological functions. Peptide toxins isolated from animal venoms target mainly ion channels, membrane receptors and components of the hemostatic system with high selectivity and affinity. The present review shows an up-to-date survey on the pharmacology of snake-venom bioactive components and evaluates their therapeutic perspectives against a wide range of pathophysiological conditions. Snake venoms have also been used as medical tools for thousands of years especially in tradition Chinese medicine. Consequently, snake venoms can be considered as mini-drug libraries in which each drug is pharmacologically active. However, less than 0.01% of these toxins have been identified and characterized. For instance, Captopril® (Enalapril), Integrilin® (Eptifibatide) and Aggrastat® (Tirofiban) are drugs based on snake venoms, which have been approved by the FDA. In addition to these approved drugs, many other snake venom components are now involved in preclinical or clinical trials for a variety of therapeutic applications. These examples show that snake venoms can be a valuable source of new principle components in drug discovery.
Collapse
|
23
|
Roy A, Qingxiang S, Alex C, Rajagopalan N, Jobichen C, Sivaraman J, Kini RM. Identification of a α-helical molten globule intermediate and structural characterization of β-cardiotoxin, an all β-sheet protein isolated from the venom of Ophiophagus hannah (king cobra). Protein Sci 2019; 28:952-963. [PMID: 30891862 PMCID: PMC6459992 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
β-Cardiotoxin is a novel member of the snake venom three-finger toxin (3FTX) family. This is the first exogenous protein to antagonize β-adrenergic receptors and thereby causing reduction in heart rates (bradycardia) when administered into animals, unlike the conventional cardiotoxins as reported earlier. 3FTXs are stable all β-sheet peptides with 60-80 amino acid residues. Here, we describe the three-dimensional crystal structure of β-cardiotoxin together with the identification of a molten globule intermediate in the unfolding pathway of this protein. In spite of the overall structural similarity of this protein with conventional cardiotoxins, there are notable differences observed at the loop region and in the charge distribution on the surface, which are known to be critical for cytolytic activity of cardiotoxins. The molten globule intermediate state present in the thermal unfolding pathway of β-cardiotoxin was however not observed during the chemical denaturation of the protein. Interestingly, circular dichroism (CD) and NMR studies revealed the presence of α-helical secondary structure in the molten globule intermediate. These results point to substantial conformational plasticity of β-cardiotoxin, which might aid the protein in responding to the sometimes conflicting demands of structure, stability, and function during its biological lifetime.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingapore 117543
| | - Sun Qingxiang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingapore 117543
- Department of PathologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina 610041
| | - Chapeaurouge Alex
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingapore 117543
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz‐CearáRua São José, 2° Pavimento, PrecaburaEusébio 61760‐000Brazil
| | - Nandhakishore Rajagopalan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingapore 117543
- National Research Council of CanadaCanada
| | - Chacko Jobichen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingapore 117543
| | - J. Sivaraman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingapore 117543
| | - R. Manjunatha Kini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingapore 117543
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Otvos RA, Still KBM, Somsen GW, Smit AB, Kool J. Drug Discovery on Natural Products: From Ion Channels to nAChRs, from Nature to Libraries, from Analytics to Assays. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2019; 24:362-385. [PMID: 30682257 PMCID: PMC6484542 DOI: 10.1177/2472555218822098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Natural extracts are complex mixtures that may be rich in useful bioactive compounds and therefore are attractive sources for new leads in drug discovery. This review describes drug discovery from natural products and in explaining this process puts the focus on ion-channel drug discovery. In particular, the identification of bioactives from natural products targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and serotonin type 3 receptors (5-HT3Rs) is discussed. The review is divided into three parts: "Targets," "Sources," and "Approaches." The "Targets" part will discuss the importance of ion-channel drug targets in general, and the α7-nAChR and 5-HT3Rs in particular. The "Sources" part will discuss the relevance for drug discovery of finding bioactive compounds from various natural sources such as venoms and plant extracts. The "Approaches" part will give an overview of classical and new analytical approaches that are used for the identification of new bioactive compounds with the focus on targeting ion channels. In addition, a selected overview is given of traditional venom-based drug discovery approaches and of diverse hyphenated analytical systems used for screening complex bioactive mixtures including venoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reka A. Otvos
- The Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kristina B. M. Still
- The Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Govert W. Somsen
- The Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - August B. Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Kool
- The Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chandna R, Tae H, Seymour VAL, Chathrath S, Adams DJ, Kini RM. Drysdalin, an antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors highlights the importance of functional rather than structural conservation of amino acid residues. FASEB Bioadv 2019; 1:115-131. [PMID: 32123825 PMCID: PMC6996315 DOI: 10.1096/fba.1027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venom neurotoxins are potent antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Here, we describe a novel member of class 3c long-chain neurotoxin drysdalin from the venom of Drysdalia coronoides. Drysdalin lacks three of the eight conserved classical functional residues critical for nAChRs interaction. Despite such a drastic alteration of the functional site, recombinant drysdalin showed irreversible postsynaptic neurotoxicity with nanomolar potency and selectively antagonizes the rodent muscle (α1)2β1δε, and human α7 and α9α10 nAChRs, but had no significant activity at the human α3β2, α3β4, α4β2, and α4β4 nAChRs. Substitution of Leu34 and Ala37 residues with the conserved Arg had minimal impact on the potency whereas conserved Phe replacement of residue Arg30 substantially reduced or abolished inhibitory activity. In contrast, truncation of the 24-residue long C-terminal tail leads to complete loss in (a) activity at α9α10 nAChR; and (b) irreversibility with reduced potency at the muscle and α7 nAChRs. Overall, the non-conserved Arg30 residue together with the uniquely long C-terminal tail contribute to the inhibitory activity of drysdalin at the nAChRs suggesting, at least for drysdalin, functional rather than sequence conservation plays a critical role in determining the activity of the toxin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Chandna
- Protein Science Laboratory, Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Han‐Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
| | | | - Shifali Chathrath
- Protein Science Laboratory, Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - David J. Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - R. Manjunatha Kini
- Protein Science Laboratory, Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kunalan S, Othman I, Syed Hassan S, Hodgson WC. Proteomic Characterization of Two Medically Important Malaysian Snake Venoms, Calloselasma rhodostoma (Malayan Pit Viper) and Ophiophagus hannah (King Cobra). Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10110434. [PMID: 30373186 PMCID: PMC6266455 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Calloselasma rhodostoma (CR) and Ophiophagus hannah (OH) are two medically important snakes found in Malaysia. While some studies have described the biological properties of these venoms, feeding and environmental conditions also influence the concentration and distribution of snake venom toxins, resulting in variations in venom composition. Therefore, a combined proteomic approach using shotgun and gel filtration chromatography, analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry, was used to examine the composition of venoms from these Malaysian snakes. The analysis revealed 114 proteins (15 toxin families) and 176 proteins (20 toxin families) in Malaysian Calloselasma rhodostoma and Ophiophagus hannah species, respectively. Flavin monoamine oxidase, phospholipase A2, phosphodiesterase, snake venom metalloproteinase, and serine protease toxin families were identified in both venoms. Aminopeptidase, glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase along with ankyrin repeats were identified for the first time in CR venom, and insulin, c-type lectins/snaclecs, hepatocyte growth factor, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor together with tumor necrosis factor were identified in OH venom for the first time. Our combined proteomic approach has identified a comprehensive arsenal of toxins in CR and OH venoms. These data may be utilized for improved antivenom production, understanding pathological effects of envenoming, and the discovery of biologically active peptides with medical and/or biotechnological value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sugita Kunalan
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Sharifah Syed Hassan
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Estevão-Costa MI, Sanz-Soler R, Johanningmeier B, Eble JA. Snake venom components in medicine: From the symbolic rod of Asclepius to tangible medical research and application. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 104:94-113. [PMID: 30261311 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Both mythologically and logically, snakes have always fascinated man. Snakes have attracted both awe and fear not only because of the elegant movement of their limbless bodies, but also because of the potency of their deadly venoms. Practically, in 2017, the world health organization (WHO) listed snake envenomation as a high priority neglected disease, as snakes inflict up to 2.7 million poisonous bites, around 100.000 casualties, and about three times as many invalidities on man. The venoms of poisonous snakes are a cocktail of potent compounds which specifically and avidly target numerous essential molecules with high efficacy. The individual effects of all venom toxins integrate into lethal dysfunctions of almost any organ system. It is this efficacy and specificity of each venom component, which after analysis of its structure and activity may serve as a potential lead structure for chemical imitation. Such toxin mimetics may help in influencing a specific body function pharmaceutically for the sake of man's health. In this review article, we will give some examples of snake venom components which have spurred the development of novel pharmaceutical compounds. Moreover, we will provide examples where such snake toxin-derived mimetics are in clinical use, trials, or consideration for further pharmaceutical exploitation, especially in the fields of hemostasis, thrombosis, coagulation, and metastasis. Thus, it becomes clear why a snake captured its symbolic place at the Asclepius rod with good reason still nowadays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Inacia Estevão-Costa
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Raquel Sanz-Soler
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Benjamin Johanningmeier
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Johannes A Eble
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Choudhury M, McCleary RJR, Kini RM, Velmurugan D. Orphan Three-Finger Toxins Bind at Tissue Factor-Factor VIIa Interface to Inhibit Factor X Activation: Identification of Functional Site by Docking. TH OPEN 2018; 2:e303-e314. [PMID: 31249954 PMCID: PMC6524886 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1672184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-finger toxins (3FTxs) contribute to toxicity of venomous snakes belonging to the family Elapidae. Currently, functions of a considerable proportion of 3FTxs are still unknown. Here, we describe the function of orphan group I 3FTxs consisting of four members. We also identified a new member of this group by sequencing a transcript isolated from Naja naja venom. This transcript, named najalexin, is identical to that previously described 3FTx from Naja atra venom gland, and shared high sequence identity with ringhalexin from Hemachatus haemachatus and a hypothetical protein from Ophiophagus hannah (here named as ophiolexin). The three-dimensional structure, as predicted by molecular modeling, showed that najalexin and ophiolexin share the same conserved structural organization as ringhalexin and other 3FTxs. Since ringhalexin inhibits the activation of factor X by the tissue factor-factor VIIa complex (TF-FVIIa), we evaluated the interaction of this group of 3FTxs with all components using in silico protein-protein docking studies. The binding of orphan group I 3FTxs to TF-FVIIa complex appears to be driven by their interaction with TF. They bind to fibronectin domain closer to the 170-loop of the FVIIa heavy chain to inhibit factor X activation. The docking studies reveal that functional site residues Tyr7, Lys9, Glu12, Lys26, Arg34, Leu35, Arg40, Val55, Asp56, Cys57, Cys58, and Arg65 on these 3FTxs are crucial for interaction. In silico replacement of these residues by Ala resulted in significant effects in the binding energies. Furthermore, these functional residues are not found in other groups of 3FTxs, which exhibit distinct pharmacological properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Choudhury
- CAS in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ryan J. R. McCleary
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biology, Stetson University, DeLand, Florida, United States
| | - R. Manjunatha Kini
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Devadasan Velmurugan
- CAS in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Xiong S, Huang C. Synergistic strategies of predominant toxins in snake venoms. Toxicol Lett 2018; 287:142-154. [PMID: 29428543 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Synergism is a significant phenomenon present in snake venoms that may be an evolving strategy to potentiate toxicities. Synergism exists between different toxins or toxin complexes in various snake venoms, with phospholipaseA2s (PLA2s) (toxins or subunits) the main enablers. The predominant toxins, snake venom PLA2s, metalloproteases (SVMPs), serine proteases (SVSPs) and three-finger toxins (3FTxs), play essential roles in synergistic processes. The hypothetical mechanisms of synergistic effect can be generalized under the effects of amplification and chaperoning. The Toxicity Score is among the few quantitative methods to assess synergism. Selection of toxins involved in synergistically enhanced toxicity as the targets are important for development of novel antivenoms or inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Xiong
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Chunhong Huang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Gorai B, Sivaraman T. Delineating residues for haemolytic activities of snake venom cardiotoxin 1 from Naja naja as probed by molecular dynamics simulations and in vitro validations. Int J Biol Macromol 2017; 95:1022-1036. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.10.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
31
|
Shulepko MA, Lyukmanova EN, Shenkarev ZO, Dubovskii PV, Astapova MV, Feofanov AV, Arseniev AS, Utkin YN, Kirpichnikov MP, Dolgikh DA. Towards universal approach for bacterial production of three-finger Ly6/uPAR proteins: Case study of cytotoxin I from cobra N. oxiana. Protein Expr Purif 2016; 130:13-20. [PMID: 27702601 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2016.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Cytotoxins or cardiotoxins is a group of polycationic toxins from cobra venom belonging to the 'three-finger' protein superfamily (Ly6/uPAR family) which includes small β-structural proteins (60-90 residues) with high disulfide bond content (4-5 disulfides). Due to a high cytotoxic activity for cancer cells, cytotoxins are considered as potential anticancer agents. Development of the high-throughput production methods is required for the prospective applications of cytotoxins. Here, efficient approach for bacterial production of recombinant analogue of cytotoxin I from N. oxiana containing additional N-terminal Met-residue (rCTX1) was developed. rCTX1 was produced in the form of E. coli inclusion bodies. Refolding in optimized conditions provided ∼6 mg of correctly folded protein from 1 L of bacterial culture. Cytotoxicity of rCTX1 for C6 rat glioma cells was found to be similar to the activity of wild type CTX1. The milligram quantities of 13C,15N-labeled rCTX1 were obtained. NMR study confirmed the similarity of the spatial structures of recombinant and wild-type toxins. Additional Met residue does not perturb the overall structure of the three-finger core. The analysis of available data for different Ly6/uPAR proteins of snake and human origin revealed that efficiency of their folding in vitro is correlated with the number of proline residues in the third loop and the surface area of hydrophobic residues buried within the protein interior. The obtained data indicate that hydrophobic core is important for the folding of proteins with high disulfide bond content. Developed expression method opens new possibilities for structure-function studies of CTX1 and other related three-finger proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Shulepko
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - E N Lyukmanova
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Z O Shenkarev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy Pereulok 9, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141700, Russia
| | - P V Dubovskii
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - M V Astapova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Feofanov
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - A S Arseniev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy Pereulok 9, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141700, Russia
| | - Y N Utkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - M P Kirpichnikov
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - D A Dolgikh
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234, Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mackessy SP, Saviola AJ. Understanding Biological Roles of Venoms Among the Caenophidia: The Importance of Rear-Fanged Snakes. Integr Comp Biol 2016; 56:1004-1021. [PMID: 27639275 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icw110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms represent an adaptive trophic response to the challenges confronting a limbless predator for overcoming combative prey, and this chemical means of subduing prey shows several dominant phenotypes. Many front-fanged snakes, particularly vipers, feed on various vertebrate and invertebrate prey species, and some of their venom components (e.g., metalloproteinases, cobratoxin) appear to have been selected for "broad-brush" incapacitation of different prey taxa. Using proteomic and genomic techniques, the compositional diversity of front-fanged snakes is becoming well characterized; however, this is not the case for most rear-fanged colubroid snakes. Because these species consume a high diversity of prey, and because venoms are primarily a trophic adaptation, important clues for understanding specific selective pressures favoring venom component composition will be found among rear-fanged snake venoms. Rear-fanged snakes typically (but not always) produce venoms with lower complexity than front-fanged snakes, and there are even fewer dominant (and, arguably, biologically most relevant) venom protein families. We have demonstrated taxon-specific toxic effects, where lizards and birds show high susceptibility while mammals are largely unaffected, for both Old World and New World rear-fanged snakes, strongly indicating a causal link between toxin evolution and prey preference. New data are presented on myotoxin a, showing that the extremely rapid paralysis induced by this rattlesnake toxin is specific for rodents, and that myotoxin a is ineffectual against lizards. Relatively few rear-fanged snake venoms have been characterized, and basic natural history data are largely lacking, but directed sampling of specialized species indicates that novel compounds are likely among these specialists, particularly among those species feeding on invertebrate prey such as scorpions and centipedes. Because many of the more than 2200 species of colubroid snakes are rear-fanged, and many possess a Duvernoy's venom gland, understanding the nature of their venoms is foundational to understanding venom evolution in advanced snakes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Mackessy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th St, Greeley, CO 80639-0017, USA
| | - Anthony J Saviola
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th St, Greeley, CO 80639-0017, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Chan YS, Cheung RCF, Xia L, Wong JH, Ng TB, Chan WY. Snake venom toxins: toxicity and medicinal applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:6165-6181. [PMID: 27245678 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7610-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are complex mixtures of small molecules and peptides/proteins, and most of them display certain kinds of bioactivities. They include neurotoxic, cytotoxic, cardiotoxic, myotoxic, and many different enzymatic activities. Snake envenomation is a significant health issue as millions of snakebites are reported annually. A large number of people are injured and die due to snake venom poisoning. However, several fatal snake venom toxins have found potential uses as diagnostic tools, therapeutic agent, or drug leads. In this review, different non-enzymatically active snake venom toxins which have potential therapeutic properties such as antitumor, antimicrobial, anticoagulating, and analgesic activities will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yau Sang Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease for Allergy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Ave 3688, 518060, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Randy Chi Fai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lixin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease for Allergy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Ave 3688, 518060, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jack Ho Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Wai Yee Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Corrêa EA, Kayano AM, Diniz-Sousa R, Setúbal SS, Zanchi FB, Zuliani JP, Matos NB, Almeida JR, Resende LM, Marangoni S, da Silva SL, Soares AM, Calderon LA. Isolation, structural and functional characterization of a new Lys49 phospholipase A2 homologue from Bothrops neuwiedi urutu with bactericidal potential. Toxicon 2016; 115:13-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
35
|
Barnwal B, Jobichen C, Girish VM, Foo CS, Sivaraman J, Kini RM. Ringhalexin from Hemachatus haemachatus: A novel inhibitor of extrinsic tenase complex. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25935. [PMID: 27173146 PMCID: PMC4865804 DOI: 10.1038/srep25935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Anticoagulant therapy is used for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. Blood coagulation is initiated by the interaction of factor VIIa (FVIIa) with membrane-bound tissue factor (TF) to form the extrinsic tenase complex which activates FX to FXa. Thus, it is an important target for the development of novel anticoagulants. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a novel anticoagulant ringhalexin from the venom of Hemachatus haemachatus (African Ringhals Cobra). Amino acid sequence of the protein indicates that it belongs to the three-finger toxin family and exhibits 94% identity to an uncharacterized Neurotoxin-like protein NTL2 from Naja atra. Ringhalexin inhibited FX activation by extrinsic tenase complex with an IC50 of 123.8 ± 9.54 nM. It is a mixed-type inhibitor with the kinetic constants, Ki and Ki' of 84.25 ± 3.53 nM and 152.5 ± 11.32 nM, respectively. Ringhalexin also exhibits a weak, irreversible neurotoxicity on chick biventer cervicis muscle preparations. Subsequently, the three-dimensional structure of ringhalexin was determined at 2.95 Å resolution. This study for the first time reports the structure of an anticoagulant three-finger toxin. Thus, ringhalexin is a potent inhibitor of the FX activation by extrinsic tenase complex and a weak, irreversible neurotoxin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar Barnwal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260, Singapore
| | - Chacko Jobichen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260, Singapore
| | | | - Chun Shin Foo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260, Singapore
| | - J. Sivaraman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260, Singapore
| | - R. Manjunatha Kini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Allan CM, Procaccia S, Tran D, Tu Y, Barnes RH, Larsson M, Allan BB, Young LC, Hong C, Tontonoz P, Fong LG, Young SG, Beigneux AP. Palmoplantar Keratoderma in Slurp2-Deficient Mice. J Invest Dermatol 2015; 136:436-443. [PMID: 26967477 PMCID: PMC4789766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
SLURP1, a member of the Ly6 protein family, is secreted by suprabasal keratinocytes. Mutations in SLURP1 cause a palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) known as mal de Meleda. Another secreted Ly6 protein, SLURP2, is encoded by a gene located ~20 kb downstream from SLURP1. SLURP2 is produced by suprabasal keratinocytes. To investigate the importance of SLURP2, we first examined Slurp2 knockout mice in which exon 2–3 sequences had been replaced with lacZ and neo cassettes. Slurp2−/− mice exhibited hyperkeratosis on the volar surface of the paws (i.e., PPK), increased keratinocyte proliferation, and an accumulation of lipid droplets in the stratum corneum. They also exhibited reduced body weight and hind limb clasping. These phenotypes are very similar to those of Slurp1−/− mice. To solidify a link between Slurp2 deficiency and PPK and to be confident that the disease phenotypes in Slurp2−/− mice were not secondary to the effects of the lacZ and neo cassettes on Slurp1 expression, we created a new line of Slurp2 knockout mice (Slurp2X−/−) in which Slurp2 was inactivated with a simple nonsense mutation. Slurp2X−/− mice exhibited the same disease phenotypes. Thus, Slurp2 deficiency and Slurp1 deficiencies cause the same disease phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Allan
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shiri Procaccia
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Deanna Tran
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yiping Tu
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Richard H Barnes
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mikael Larsson
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Bernard B Allan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lorraine C Young
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Cynthia Hong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Peter Tontonoz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Loren G Fong
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Stephen G Young
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Anne P Beigneux
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Tan CH, Tan KY, Fung SY, Tan NH. Venom-gland transcriptome and venom proteome of the Malaysian king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah). BMC Genomics 2015; 16:687. [PMID: 26358635 PMCID: PMC4566206 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1828-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is widely distributed throughout many parts of Asia. This study aims to investigate the complexity of Malaysian Ophiophagus hannah (MOh) venom for a better understanding of king cobra venom variation and its envenoming pathophysiology. The venom gland transcriptome was investigated using the Illumina HiSeq™ platform, while the venom proteome was profiled by 1D-SDS-PAGE-nano-ESI-LCMS/MS. Results Transcriptomic results reveal high redundancy of toxin transcripts (3357.36 FPKM/transcript) despite small cluster numbers, implying gene duplication and diversification within restricted protein families. Among the 23 toxin families identified, three-finger toxins (3FTxs) and snake-venom metalloproteases (SVMPs) have the most diverse isoforms. These 2 toxin families are also the most abundantly transcribed, followed in descending order by phospholipases A2 (PLA2s), cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), Kunitz-type inhibitors (KUNs), and L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs). Seventeen toxin families exhibited low mRNA expression, including hyaluronidase, DPP-IV and 5’-nucleotidase that were not previously reported in the venom-gland transcriptome of a Balinese O. hannah. On the other hand, the MOh proteome includes 3FTxs, the most abundantly expressed proteins in the venom (43 % toxin sbundance). Within this toxin family, there are 6 long-chain, 5 short-chain and 2 non-conventional 3FTx. Neurotoxins comprise the major 3FTxs in the MOh venom, consistent with rapid neuromuscular paralysis reported in systemic envenoming. The presence of toxic enzymes such as LAAOs, SVMPs and PLA2 would explain tissue inflammation and necrotising destruction in local envenoming. Dissimilarities in the subtypes and sequences between the neurotoxins of MOh and Naja kaouthia (monocled cobra) are in agreement with the poor cross-neutralization activity of N. kaouthia antivenom used against MOh venom. Besides, the presence of cobra venom factor, nerve growth factors, phosphodiesterase, 5’-nucleotidase, and DPP-IV in the venom proteome suggests its probable hypotensive action in subduing prey. Conclusion This study reports the diversity and abundance of toxins in the venom of the Malaysian king cobra (MOh). The results correlate with the pathophysiological actions of MOh venom, and dispute the use of Naja cobra antivenoms to treat MOh envenomation. The findings also provide a deeper insight into venom variations due to geography, which is crucial for the development of a useful pan-regional antivenom. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1828-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Choo Hock Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Shin Yee Fung
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Nget Hong Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kafurke U, Erijman A, Aizner Y, Shifman JM, Eichler J. Synthetic peptides mimicking the binding site of human acetylcholinesterase for its inhibitor fasciculin 2. J Pept Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Kafurke
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy; University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; Schuhstr. 19 91052 Erlangen Germany
| | - Ariel Erijman
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences; The Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Jerusalem 91904 Israel
| | - Yonatan Aizner
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences; The Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Jerusalem 91904 Israel
| | - Julia M. Shifman
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences; The Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Jerusalem 91904 Israel
| | - Jutta Eichler
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy; University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; Schuhstr. 19 91052 Erlangen Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
The effect of Walterinnesia aegyptia venom proteins on TCA cycle activity and mitochondrial NAD(+)-redox state in cultured human fibroblasts. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:738147. [PMID: 25705684 PMCID: PMC4331154 DOI: 10.1155/2015/738147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast cultures were used to study the effects of crude Walterinnesia aegyptia venom and its F1–F7 protein fractions on TCA cycle enzyme activities and mitochondrial NAD-redox state. Confluent cells were incubated with 10 μg of venom proteins for 4 hours at 37°C. The activities of all studied TCA enzymes and the non-TCA mitochondrial NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase underwent significant reductions of similar magnitude (50–60% of control activity) upon incubation of cells with the crude venom and fractions F4, F5, and F7 and 60–70% for fractions F3 and F6. In addition, the crude and fractions F3–F7 venom proteins caused a drop in mitochondrial NAD+ and NADP+ levels equivalent to around 25% of control values. Whereas the crude and fractions F4, F5, and F7 venom proteins caused similar magnitude drops in NADH and NADPH (around 55% of control levels), fractions F3 and F6 caused a more drastic drop (60–70% of control levels) of both reduced coenzymes. Results indicate that the effects of venom proteins could be directed at the mitochondrial level and/or the rates of NAD+ and NADP+ biosynthesis.
Collapse
|
40
|
Gorai B, Prabhavadhni A, Sivaraman T. Unfolding stabilities of two structurally similar proteins as probed by temperature-induced and force-induced molecular dynamics simulations. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2014; 33:2037-47. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2014.986668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
41
|
Evaluation of cytotoxic activities of snake venoms toward breast (MCF-7) and skin cancer (A-375) cell lines. Cytotechnology 2014; 68:687-700. [PMID: 25407733 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-014-9820-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms are mixtures of bioactive proteins and peptides that exhibit diverse biochemical activities. This wide array of pharmacologies associated with snake venoms has made them attractive sources for research into potentially novel therapeutics, and several venom-derived drugs are now in use. In the current study we performed a broad screen of a variety of venoms (61 taxa) from the major venomous snake families (Viperidae, Elapidae and "Colubridae") in order to examine cytotoxic effects toward MCF-7 breast cancer cells and A-375 melanoma cells. MTT cell viability assays of cancer cells incubated with crude venoms revealed that most venoms showed significant cytotoxicity. We further investigated venom from the Red-bellied Blacksnake (Pseudechis porphyriacus); venom was fractionated by ion exchange fast protein liquid chromatography and several cytotoxic components were isolated. SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry were used to identify the compounds in this venom responsible for the cytotoxic effects. In general, viper venoms were potently cytotoxic, with MCF-7 cells showing greater sensitivity, while elapid and colubrid venoms were much less toxic; notable exceptions included the elapid genera Micrurus, Naja and Pseudechis, which were quite cytotoxic to both cell lines. However, venoms with the most potent cytotoxicity were often not those with low mouse LD50s, including some dangerously venomous viperids and Australian elapids. This study confirmed that many venoms contain cytotoxic compounds, including catalytic PLA2s, and several venoms also showed significant differential toxicity toward the two cancer cell lines. Our results indicate that several previously uncharacterized venoms could contain promising lead compounds for drug development.
Collapse
|
42
|
Hargreaves AD, Swain MT, Hegarty MJ, Logan DW, Mulley JF. Restriction and recruitment-gene duplication and the origin and evolution of snake venom toxins. Genome Biol Evol 2014; 6:2088-95. [PMID: 25079342 PMCID: PMC4231632 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evu166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake venom has been hypothesized to have originated and diversified through a process that involves duplication of genes encoding body proteins with subsequent recruitment of the copy to the venom gland, where natural selection acts to develop or increase toxicity. However, gene duplication is known to be a rare event in vertebrate genomes, and the recruitment of duplicated genes to a novel expression domain (neofunctionalization) is an even rarer process that requires the evolution of novel combinations of transcription factor binding sites in upstream regulatory regions. Therefore, although this hypothesis concerning the evolution of snake venom is very unlikely and should be regarded with caution, it is nonetheless often assumed to be established fact, hindering research into the true origins of snake venom toxins. To critically evaluate this hypothesis, we have generated transcriptomic data for body tissues and salivary and venom glands from five species of venomous and nonvenomous reptiles. Our comparative transcriptomic analysis of these data reveals that snake venom does not evolve through the hypothesized process of duplication and recruitment of genes encoding body proteins. Indeed, our results show that many proposed venom toxins are in fact expressed in a wide variety of body tissues, including the salivary gland of nonvenomous reptiles and that these genes have therefore been restricted to the venom gland following duplication, not recruited. Thus, snake venom evolves through the duplication and subfunctionalization of genes encoding existing salivary proteins. These results highlight the danger of the elegant and intuitive "just-so story" in evolutionary biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin T Swain
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Hegarty
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, United Kingdom
| | - Darren W Logan
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - John F Mulley
- School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Polypharmacology profiles and phylogenetic analysis of three-finger toxins from mamba venom: Case of aminergic toxins. Biochimie 2014; 103:109-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2014.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
44
|
Saviola AJ, Peichoto ME, Mackessy SP. Rear-fanged snake venoms: an untapped source of novel compounds and potential drug leads. TOXIN REV 2014. [DOI: 10.3109/15569543.2014.942040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
|
45
|
Roly ZY, Islam MM, Reza MA. A comparative in silico characterization of functional and physicochemical properties of 3FTx (three finger toxin) proteins from four venomous snakes. Bioinformation 2014; 10:281-7. [PMID: 24966535 PMCID: PMC4070037 DOI: 10.6026/97320630010281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake venom is an abundant resource of diverse pharmacologically bioactive proteins and peptides and a good natural source of drug lead compounds and used as important research tools in the field of toxicology, pharmacology and neuroscience. Three finger toxins (3FTx) is an important super-family of snake venom proteins which has a conserved three finger like appearance in three dimensional structures. Members of 3FTx family show a wide array of pharmacological effects by targeting different receptors and ion channels with high specificity and many of them are being investigated as potential drug target. Therefore, with a vision to verdict a new edge and attempt we determined the amino acid compositional (%) profile, physiochemical properties, secondary structural and functional analysis and phylogenetic relationship of three finger toxins present in four different elapid snake species namely, Naja naja, Astrotia stokesii, Hydrophis cyanocintus and Pelamis platura using different bioinformatics tools. From the outcome of the current studies, it will be possible to know about a range of biological functions which are responsible mainly for the glowing amino acid composition profile of these proteins. Amino acid composition (%) profile although represents differential amount of different amino acid residues which encompasses a family precise model but all the protein sequence have a conserved amount of cysteine. The analysis of physicochemical properties can be used as a basic approach to contribute in developing rational drug through protein engineering and understanding different physiological function which will be beneficial for the welfare of human being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahida Yesmin Roly
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life and Earth Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mahmudul Islam
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life and Earth Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Reza
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life and Earth Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Saha PP, Bhowmik T, Dasgupta AK, Gomes A. In vivo and in vitro toxicity of nanogold conjugated snake venom protein toxin GNP-NKCT1. Toxicol Rep 2014; 1:74-84. [PMID: 28962228 PMCID: PMC5598259 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on nanoparticles has created interest among the biomedical scientists. Nanoparticle conjugation aims to target drug delivery, increase drug efficacy and imaging for better diagnosis. Toxicity profile of the nanoconjugated molecules has not been studied well. In this communication, the toxicity profile of snake venom cytotoxin (NKCT1), an antileukemic protein toxin, was evaluated after its conjugation with gold nanoparticle (GNP-NKCT1). Gold nanoparticle conjugation with NKCT1 was done with NaBH4 reduction method. The conjugated product GNP-NKCT1 was found less toxic than NKCT1 on isolated rat lymphocyte, mice peritoneal macrophage, in culture, which was evident from the MTT/Trypan blue assay. Peritoneal mast cell degranulation was in the order of NKCT1 > GNP-NKCT1. The in vitro cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity were increased in case of NKCT1 than GNP-NKCT1. On isolated kidney tissue, NKCT1 released significant amount of ALP and γ-GT than GNP-NKCT1. Gold nanoconjugation with NKCT1 also reduced the lethal activity in mice. In vivo acute/sub-chronic toxicity studies in mice showed significant increase in molecular markers due to NKCT1 treatment, which was reduced by gold nanoconjugation. Histopathology study showed decreased toxic effect of NKCT1 in kidney tissue after GNP conjugation. The present study confirmed that GNP conjugation significantly decreased the toxicity profile of NKCT1. Further studies are in progress to establish the molecular mechanism of GNP induced toxicity reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Partha Pratim Saha
- Laboratory of Toxinology & Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92 APC Road, Kolkata 700009, India
| | - Tanmoy Bhowmik
- Laboratory of Toxinology & Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92 APC Road, Kolkata 700009, India
| | - Anjan Kumar Dasgupta
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Antony Gomes
- Laboratory of Toxinology & Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92 APC Road, Kolkata 700009, India
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Mapping of the binding landscape for a picomolar protein-protein complex through computation and experiment. Structure 2014; 22:636-45. [PMID: 24613488 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2014.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of protein evolution would greatly benefit from mapping of binding landscapes, i.e., changes in protein-protein binding affinity due to all single mutations. However, experimental generation of such landscapes is a tedious task due to a large number of possible mutations. Here, we use a simple computational protocol to map the binding landscape for two homologous high-affinity complexes, involving a snake toxin fasciculin and acetylcholinesterase from two different species. To verify our computational predictions, we experimentally measure binding between 25 Fas mutants and the 2 enzymes. Both computational and experimental results demonstrate that the Fas sequence is close to the optimum when interacting with its targets, yet a few mutations could further improve Kd, kon, and koff. Our computational predictions agree well with experimental results and generate distributions similar to those observed in other high-affinity PPIs, demonstrating the potential of simple computational protocols in capturing realistic binding landscapes.
Collapse
|
48
|
Rusmili MRA, Tee TY, Mustafa MR, Othman I, Hodgson WC. Isolation and characterization of α-elapitoxin-Bf1b, a postsynaptic neurotoxin from Malaysian Bungarus fasciatus venom. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 88:229-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Muhamad Rusdi Ahmad Rusmili
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, 3168 Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Sunway Campus, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Ting Yee Tee
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Sunway Campus, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Rais Mustafa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Sunway Campus, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, 3168 Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Munawar A, Trusch M, Georgieva D, Hildebrand D, Kwiatkowski M, Behnken H, Harder S, Arni R, Spencer P, Schlüter H, Betzel C. Elapid snake venom analyses show the specificity of the peptide composition at the level of genera Naja and Notechis. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:850-68. [PMID: 24590383 PMCID: PMC3968365 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6030850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Elapid snake venom is a highly valuable, but till now mainly unexplored, source of pharmacologically important peptides. We analyzed the peptide fractions with molecular masses up to 10 kDa of two elapid snake venoms—that of the African cobra, N. m. mossambica (genus Naja), and the Peninsula tiger snake, N. scutatus, from Kangaroo Island (genus Notechis). A combination of chromatographic methods was used to isolate the peptides, which were characterized by combining complimentary mass spectrometric techniques. Comparative analysis of the peptide compositions of two venoms showed specificity at the genus level. Three-finger (3-F) cytotoxins, bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs) and a bradykinin inhibitor were isolated from the Naja venom. 3-F neurotoxins, Kunitz/basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI)-type inhibitors and a natriuretic peptide were identified in the N. venom. The inhibiting activity of the peptides was confirmed in vitro with a selected array of proteases. Cytotoxin 1 (P01467) from the Naja venom might be involved in the disturbance of cellular processes by inhibiting the cell 20S-proteasome. A high degree of similarity between BPPs from elapid and viperid snake venoms was observed, suggesting that these molecules play a key role in snake venoms and also indicating that these peptides were recruited into the snake venom prior to the evolutionary divergence of the snakes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Munawar
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, c/o DESY, Notkestreet 85, Building 22a, Hamburg 22603, Germany.
| | - Maria Trusch
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, Hamburg 20146, Germany.
| | - Dessislava Georgieva
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, c/o DESY, Notkestreet 85, Building 22a, Hamburg 22603, Germany.
| | - Diana Hildebrand
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany.
| | - Marcel Kwiatkowski
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany.
| | - Henning Behnken
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, Hamburg 20146, Germany.
| | - Sönke Harder
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany.
| | - Raghuvir Arni
- Department of Physics, IBILCE/UNESP, Rua Cristóvão Colombo 2265, São José do Rio Preto CEP 15054-000, SP Brazil.
| | - Patrick Spencer
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, Avenue Lineu Prestes 2242, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Hartmut Schlüter
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany.
| | - Christian Betzel
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, c/o DESY, Notkestreet 85, Building 22a, Hamburg 22603, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Palmoplantar keratoderma along with neuromuscular and metabolic phenotypes in Slurp1-deficient mice. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 134:1589-1598. [PMID: 24499735 PMCID: PMC4214150 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2014.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in SLURP1 cause mal de Meleda, a rare palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK). SLURP1 is a secreted protein that is expressed highly in keratinocytes but has also been identified elsewhere (e.g., spinal cord neurons). Here, we examined Slurp1-deficient mice (Slurp1−/−) created by replacing exon 2 with β-gal and neo cassettes. Slurp1−/− mice developed severe PPK characterized by increased keratinocyte proliferation, an accumulation of lipid droplets in the stratum corneum, and a water barrier defect. In addition, Slurp1−/− mice exhibited reduced adiposity, protection from obesity on a high-fat diet, low plasma lipid levels, and a neuromuscular abnormality (hind limb clasping). Initially, it was unclear whether the metabolic and neuromuscular phenotypes were due to Slurp1 deficiency because we found that the targeted Slurp1 mutation reduced the expression of several neighboring genes (e.g., Slurp2, Lypd2). We therefore created a new line of knockout mice (Slurp1X−/− mice) with a simple nonsense mutation in exon 2. The Slurp1X mutation did not reduce the expression of adjacent genes, but Slurp1X−/− mice exhibited all of the phenotypes observed in the original line of knockout mice. Thus, Slurp1 deficiency in mice elicits metabolic and neuromuscular abnormalities in addition to PPK.
Collapse
|