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Navarro-Pérez M, Capera J, Benavente-Garcia A, Cassinelli S, Colomer-Molera M, Felipe A. Kv1.3 in the spotlight for treating immune diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:67-82. [PMID: 38316438 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2315021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Kv1.3 is the main voltage-gated potassium channel of leukocytes from both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Channel function is required for common processes such as Ca2+ signaling but also for cell-specific events. In this context, alterations in Kv1.3 are associated with multiple immune disorders. Excessive channel activity correlates with numerous autoimmune diseases, while reduced currents result in increased cancer prevalence and immunodeficiencies. AREAS COVERED This review offers a general view of the role of Kv1.3 in every type of leukocyte. Moreover, diseases stemming from dysregulations of the channel are detailed, as well as current advances in their therapeutic research. EXPERT OPINION Kv1.3 arises as a potential immune target in a variety of diseases. Several lines of research focused on channel modulation have yielded positive results. However, among the great variety of specific channel blockers, only one has reached clinical trials. Future investigations should focus on developing simpler administration routes for channel inhibitors to facilitate their entrance into clinical trials. Prospective Kv1.3-based treatments will ensure powerful therapies while minimizing undesired side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Navarro-Pérez
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesusa Capera
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna Benavente-Garcia
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Cassinelli
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magalí Colomer-Molera
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Felipe
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Pashmforoosh N, Baradaran M. Peptides with Diverse Functions from Scorpion Venom: A Great Opportunity for the Treatment of a Wide Variety of Diseases. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:84-99. [PMID: 37070616 PMCID: PMC10314758 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran The venom glands are a rich source of biologically important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. Scorpion venoms have been identified as a reservoir for components that might be considered as great candidates for drug development. Pharmacological properties of the venom compounds have been confirmed in the treatment of different disorders. Ion channel blockers and AMPs are the main groups of scorpion venom components. Despite the existence of several studies about scorpion peptides, there are still valuable components to be discovered. Additionally, owing to the improvement of proteomics and transcriptomics, the number of peptide drugs is steadily increasing, which reflects the importance of these medications. This review evaluates available literatures on some important scorpion venom peptides with pharmaceutical activities. Given that the last three years have been dominated by the COVID-19 from the medical/pharmaceutical perspective, scorpion compounds with the potential against the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoumeh Baradaran
- Corresponding Author: Masoumeh Baradaran Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; E-mail:
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Wu Y, Zhang L, Zeng XC, Shi W. Intronic Number Polymorphism in the Genes Encoding Potassium Channel Specific Venom Toxins from Scorpion. RUSS J GENET+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795422110126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Explanation of Structure and Function of kv1.3 Potent Blocker From Mesobuthus eupeus Venom Gland: A New Promise in Drug Development. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp.120271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Scorpions and other venomous animals are sought with great concern because venom is a source of novel peptides with exciting features. Some toxins of scorpion venom are effectors of potassium channels. Previous studies strongly support the importance of potassium channel toxins for use as pharmacological tools or potential drugs. Objectives: Here, a three-dimensional (3-D) structure and function of a potent acidic blocker of the human voltage-gated potassium ion channel, Kv1.3, previously identified in the scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus venom gland, were interpreted. Methods: The 3-D structure of meuK2-2 was generated using homology modeling. The interaction of meuK2-2 with the Kv1.3 channel was evaluated using a computational protocol employing peptide-protein docking experiments, pose clustering, and 100 ns molecular dynamic simulations to make the 3-D models of the meuK2-2/Kv1.3 complex trustworthy. Results: A CSα/β (cysteine-stabilized α-helical and β-sheet) fold was found for the 3-D structure of meuK2-2. In a different mechanism from what was identified so far, meuK2-2 binds to both turret and pore loop of Kv1.3 through two key residues (Ala28 and Ser11) and H-bonds. The binding of meuK2-2 induces some conformational changes to Kv1.3. Eventually, the side chain of a positively charged amino acid (His9) occupies the channel's pore. All together blocks the ion permeation pathway. Conclusions: MeuK2-2 could block Kv1.3 by a new mechanism. So, it could be a unique target for further investigations to develop a pharmacological tool and potential drug.
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Simone Y, van der Meijden A. Armed stem to stinger: a review of the ecological roles of scorpion weapons. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210002. [PMID: 34527038 PMCID: PMC8425188 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpions possess two systems of weapons: the pincers (chelae) and the stinger (telson). These are placed on anatomically and developmentally well separated parts of the body, that is, the oral appendages and at the end of the body axis. The otherwise conserved body plan of scorpions varies most in the shape and relative dimensions of these two weapon systems, both across species and in some cases between the sexes. We review the literature on the ecological function of these two weapon systems in each of three contexts of usage: (i) predation, (ii) defense and (iii) sexual contests. In the latter context, we will also discuss their usage in mating. We first provide a comparative background for each of these contexts of usage by giving examples of other weapon systems from across the animal kingdom. Then, we discuss the pertinent aspects of the anatomy of the weapon systems, particularly those aspects relevant to their functioning in their ecological roles. The literature on the functioning and ecological role of both the chelae and the telson is discussed in detail, again organized by context of usage. Particular emphasis is given on the differences in morphology or usage between species or higher taxonomic groups, or between genders, as such cases are most insightful to understand the roles of each of the two distinct weapon systems of the scorpions and their evolutionary interactions. We aimed to synthesize the literature while minimizing conjecture, but also to point out gaps in the literature and potential future research opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Simone
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Porto, Portugal
| | - Arie van der Meijden
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Porto, Portugal
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Qin C, Yang X, Zuo Z, Yang L, Yang F, Cao Z, Chen Z, Wu Y. BmK86-P1, a New Degradation Peptide with Desirable Thermostability and Kv1.2 Channel-Specific Activity from Traditional Chinese Scorpion Medicinal Material. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13090610. [PMID: 34564614 PMCID: PMC8472965 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13090610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermally processed Buthus martensii Karsch scorpions are a traditional Chinese medical material for treating various diseases. However, their pharmacological foundation remains unclear. Here, a new degraded peptide of scorpion toxin was identified in Chinese scorpion medicinal material by proteomics. It was named BmK86-P1 and has six conserved cysteine residues. Homology modeling and circular dichroism spectra experiments revealed that BmK86-P1 not only contained representative disulfide bond-stabilized α-helical and β-sheet motifs but also showed remarkable stability at test temperatures from 20-95 °C. Electrophysiology experiments indicated that BmK86-P1 was a highly potent and selective inhibitor of the hKv1.2 channel with IC50 values of 28.5 ± 6.3 nM. Structural and functional dissection revealed that two residues of BmK86-P1 (i.e., Lys19 and Ile21) were the key residues that interacted with the hKv1.2 channel. In addition, channel chimeras and mutagenesis experiments revealed that three amino acids (i.e., Gln357, Val381 and Thr383) of the hKv1.2 channel were responsible for BmK86-P1 selectivity. This research uncovered a new bioactive peptide from traditional Chinese scorpion medicinal material that has desirable thermostability and Kv1.2 channel-specific activity, which strongly suggests that thermally processed scorpions are novel peptide resources for new drug discovery for the Kv1.2 channel-related ataxia and epilepsy diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhu Qin
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Xuhua Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zheng Zuo
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Liuting Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Fan Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zhijian Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zongyun Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
- Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Correspondence:
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Zhao Z, Zhang K, Zhu W, Ye X, Ding L, Jiang H, Li F, Chen Z, Luo X. Two new cationic α-helical peptides identified from the venom gland of Liocheles australasiae possess antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant staphylococci. Toxicon 2021; 196:63-73. [PMID: 33836178 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant staphylococci have become growing threats to human health, and novel antimicrobials are urgently needed. Natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Here, two novel cationic α-helical antimicrobial peptides, Lausporin-1 and Lausporin-2, were identified from the venom gland of the scorpion L. australasiae through a cDNA library screening strategy. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that Lausporin-1 and Lausporin-2 are cationic α-helical amphipathic molecules. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated that the two peptides possess antibacterial activities against several species of antibiotic-resistant staphylococci. Importantly, they are active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus capitis, with the minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10 μg/ml. Moreover, both peptides can induce dose-dependent plasma membrane disruptions of the bacteria. In short, our work expands the knowledge of the scorpion L. australasiae venom-derived AMPs and sheds light on the potential of Lausporin-1 and Lausporin-2 in the development of novel drugs against methicillin-resistant staphylococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Kaiyue Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Wen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Xiangdong Ye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Huiwen Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Fangyan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Xudong Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China.
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Qin C, Wan X, Li S, Yang F, Yang L, Zuo Z, Cao Z, Chen Z, Wu Y. Different pharmacological properties between scorpion toxin BmKcug2 and its degraded analogs highlight the diversity of K + channel blockers from thermally processed scorpions. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 178:143-153. [PMID: 33636268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.02.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Novel degraded potassium channel-modulatory peptides were recently found in thermally processed scorpions, but their pharmacological properties remain unclear. Here, we identified a full-length scorpion toxin (i.e., BmKcug2) and its four truncated analogs (i.e., BmKcug2-P1, BmKcug2-P2, BmKcug2-P3 and BmKcug2-P4) with three conserved disulfide bonds in processed scorpion medicinal material by mass spectrometry. The pharmacological experiments revealed that the recombinant BmKcug2 and BmKcug2-P1 could selectively inhibit the human Kv1.2 and human Kv1.3 potassium channels, while the other three analogs showed a much weaker inhibitory effect on potassium channels. BmKcug2 inhibited hKv1.2 and hKv1.3 channels, with IC50 values of 45.6 ± 5.8 nM and 215.2 ± 39.7 nM, respectively, and BmKcug2-P1 inhibited hKv1.2 and hKv1.3, with IC50 values of 89.9 ± 9.6 nM and 1142.4 ± 64.5 nM, respectively. The chromatographic analysis and pharmacological properties of BmKcug2 and BmKcug2-P1 boiled in water for different times further strongly supported their good thermal stability. Structural and functional dissection indicated that one amino acid, i.e., Tyr36, determined the differential affinities of BmKcug2 and four BmKcug2 analogs. Altogether, this research investigated the different pharmacological properties of BmKcug2 and its truncated analogs, and the findings highlighted the diversity of K+ channel blockers from various scorpion species through thermal processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhu Qin
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiuping Wan
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Songryong Li
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Department of Biotechnology, Institute for Life Science, Kim Hyong Jik University of Education, Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
| | - Fan Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Liuting Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zheng Zuo
- Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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Li X, Yang H, Han Y, Yin S, Shen B, Wu Y, Li W, Cao Z. Tick peptides evoke itch by activating MrgprC11/MRGPRX1 to sensitize TRPV1 in pruriceptors. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 147:2236-2248.e16. [PMID: 33358893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.12.626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick bites severely threaten human health because they allow the transmission of many deadly pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths. Pruritus is a leading symptom of tick bites, but its molecular and neural bases remain elusive. OBJECTIVES This study sought to discover potent drugs and targets for the specific prevention and treatment of tick bite-induced pruritus and arthropod-related itch. METHODS We used live-cell calcium imaging, patch-clamp recordings, and genetic ablation and evaluated mouse behavior to investigate the molecular and neural bases of tick bite-induced pruritus. RESULTS We found that 2 tick salivary peptides, IP defensin 1 (IPDef1) and IR defensin 2 (IRDef2), induced itch in mice. IPDef1 was further revealed to have a stronger pruritogenic potential than IRDef2 and to induce pruritus in a histamine-independent manner. IPDef1 evoked itch by activating mouse MrgprC11 and human MRGPRX1 on dorsal root ganglion neurons. IPDef1-activated MrgprC11/X1 signaling sensitized downstream ion channel TRPV1 on dorsal root ganglion neurons. Moreover, IPDef1 also activated mouse MrgprB2 and its ortholog human MRGPRX2 selectively expressed on mast cells, inducing the release of inflammatory cytokines and driving acute inflammation in mice, although mast cell activation did not contribute to oxidated IPDef1-induced itch. CONCLUSIONS Our study identifies tick salivary peptides as a new class of pruritogens that initiate itch through MrgprC11/X1-TRPV1 signaling in pruritoceptors. Our work will provide potential drug targets for the prevention and treatment of pruritus induced by the bites or stings of tick and maybe other arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haifeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuewen Han
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shijin Yin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Bingzheng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research, Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Miyashita M, Mitani N, Kitanaka A, Yakio M, Chen M, Nishimoto S, Uchiyama H, Sue M, Hotta H, Nakagawa Y, Miyagawa H. Identification of an antiviral component from the venom of the scorpion Liocheles australasiae using transcriptomic and mass spectrometric analyses. Toxicon 2020; 191:25-37. [PMID: 33340503 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains a variety of biologically active peptides. Among them, neurotoxins are major components in the venom, but it also contains peptides that show antimicrobial activity. Previously, we identified three insecticidal peptides from the venom of the Liocheles australasiae scorpion, but activities and structures of other venom components remained unknown. In this study, we performed a transcriptome analysis of the venom gland of the scorpion L. australasiae to gain a comprehensive understanding of its venom components. The result shows that potassium channel toxin-like peptides were the most diverse, whereas only a limited number of sodium channel toxin-like peptides were observed. In addition to these neurotoxin-like peptides, many non-disulfide-bridged peptides were identified, suggesting that these components have some critical roles in the L. australasiae venom. In this study, we also isolated a component with antiviral activity against hepatitis C virus using a bioassay-guided fractionation approach. By integrating mass spectrometric and transcriptomic data, we successfully identified LaPLA2-1 as an anti-HCV component. LaPLA2-1 is a phospholipase A2 having a heterodimeric structure that is N-glycosylated at the N-terminal region. Since the antiviral activity of LaPLA2-1 was inhibited by a PLA2 inhibitor, the enzymatic activity of LaPLA2-1 is likely to be involved in its antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Miyashita
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
| | - Naoya Mitani
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kitanaka
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Mao Yakio
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Ming Chen
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Sachiko Nishimoto
- Faculty of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Konan Women's University, Kobe, 658-0001, Japan
| | - Hironobu Uchiyama
- NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sue
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Hak Hotta
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan; Faculty of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Konan Women's University, Kobe, 658-0001, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hisashi Miyagawa
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
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Huang J, Yang X, Wang A, Huang C, Tang H, Zhang Q, Fang Q, Yu Z, Liu X, Huang Q, Zhou R, Li L. Pigs Overexpressing Porcine β-Defensin 2 Display Increased Resilience to Glaesserella parasuis Infection. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9120903. [PMID: 33327385 PMCID: PMC7764891 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As the causative agent of Glässer’s disease, Glaesserella (Haemophilus) parasuis has led to serious economic losses to the swine industry worldwide. Due to the low cross-protection of vaccines and increasing antimicrobial resistance of G. parasuis, it is important to develop alternative approaches to prevent G. parasuis infection. Defensins are host defense peptides that have been suggested to be promising substitutes for antibiotics in animal production, while porcine β-defensin 2 (PBD-2) is a potent antimicrobial peptide discovered in pigs. Our previous study generated transgenic (TG) pigs overexpressing PBD-2, which displayed enhanced resistance to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. In this study, the antibacterial activities of PBD-2 against G. parasuis are determined in vitro and in the TG pig model. The concentration-dependent bactericidal activity of synthetic PBD-2 against G. parasuis was measured by bacterial counting. Moreover, after being infected with G. parasuis via a cohabitation challenge model, TG pigs overexpressing PBD-2 displayed significantly milder clinical signs and less severe gross pathological changes than their wild-type (WT) littermates. The TG pigs also exhibited alleviated lung and brain lesions, while bacterial loads in the lung and brain tissues of the TG pigs were significantly lower than those of the WT pigs. Additionally, lung and brain homogenates from TG pigs possessed enhanced antibacterial activity against G. parasuis when compared with those from the WT pigs. Altogether, these proved that overexpression of PBD-2 could also endow pigs with increased resilience to G. parasuis infection, which further confirmed the potential of using the PBD-2 coding gene to develop disease-resistant pigs and provided a novel strategy to combat G. parasuis as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Antian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hao Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiuhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiong Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zuming Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Wuhan 430070, China
- Correspondence: (R.Z.); (L.L.)
| | - Lu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Wuhan 430070, China
- Correspondence: (R.Z.); (L.L.)
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12
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Zhu W, Gao H, Luo X, Ye X, Ding L, Hao J, Shu Z, Li S, Li J, Chen Z. Cloning and identification of a new multifunctional Ascaris-type peptide from the hemolymph of Buthus martensii Karsch. Toxicon 2020; 184:167-174. [PMID: 32565098 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Only a few work have been done for peptides from non-venom gland tissues of venomous animals. Here, with the help of the whole body transcriptomic and the hemolymph proteomic data of the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch, we identified the first Ascaris-type peptide BmHDP from scorpion hemolymph. The precursor of BmHDP has 80 residues, including a 16 residue signal peptide and a 64 residue mature peptide. The mature peptide has 10 conserved cysteines and adopts a conserved Ascaris-type fold. Using combined inclusion body refolding and biochemical identification strategies, recombinant BmHDP was obtained successfully. Protease inhibitory assays showed that BmHDP inhibited chymotrypsin apparently at a concentration of 8 nM. Patch-clamp experiments showed that BmHDP inhibited the Kv1.3 potassium channel apparently at a concentration of 1000 nM. Coagulation experiment assays showed that BmHDP inhibited intrinsic coagulation pathway apparently at a concentration of 500 nM. To the best of our knowledge, BmHDP is the first Ascaris-type peptide from scorpion hemolymph. Our work highlighted a functional link between scorpion non-venom gland peptides and venom gland toxin peptides, and suggested that scorpion hemolymph might be a new source of bioactive peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Huanhuan Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Xudong Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Xiangdong Ye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Jinbo Hao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shiyan Occupational Disease Hospital, Hubei, China
| | - Zhan Shu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Human Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China.
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13
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Shelley JR, Davidson DJ, Dorin JR. The Dichotomous Responses Driven by β-Defensins. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1176. [PMID: 32595643 PMCID: PMC7304343 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Defensins are short, rapidly evolving, cationic antimicrobial host defence peptides with a repertoire of functions, still incompletely realised, that extends beyond direct microbial killing. They are released or secreted at epithelial surfaces, and in some cases, from immune cells in response to infection and inflammation. Defensins have been described as endogenous alarmins, alerting the body to danger and responding to inflammatory signals by promoting both local innate and adaptive systemic immune responses. However, there is now increasing evidence that they exert variable control on the response to danger; creating a dichotomous response that can suppress inflammation in some circumstances but exacerbate the response to danger and damage in others and, at higher levels, lead to a cytotoxic effect. Focussing in this review on human β-defensins, we discuss the evidence for their functions as proinflammatory, immune activators amplifying the response to infection or damage signals and/or as mediators of resolution of damage, contributing to a return to homeostasis. Finally, we consider their involvement in the development of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Shelley
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Donald J Davidson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Julia R Dorin
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, Scotland
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14
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Silva de Oliveira SM, Bertani R, Quispe Torrez PP, Lopes de Sousa PR, Martinez Quiroga MM, Bertolozzi MR, Oscar de Siqueira Franca F. Electric shock sensation in the first reports of envenomations by Tityus strandi in the Brazilian Amazon. Toxicon 2020; 178:8-12. [PMID: 32094100 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rogerio Bertani
- Special Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Pasesa Pascuala Quispe Torrez
- Advanced Tropical Medicine Center, Santarém, PA/Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Margarita Martinez Quiroga
- Advanced Tropical Medicine Center, Santarém, PA/Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Rita Bertolozzi
- Department of Nursing in Public Health, School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco Oscar de Siqueira Franca
- Advanced Tropical Medicine Center, Santarém, PA/Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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15
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Jin J, Agwa AJ, Szanto TG, Csóti A, Panyi G, Schroeder CI, Walker AA, King GF. Weaponisation 'on the fly': Convergent recruitment of knottin and defensin peptide scaffolds into the venom of predatory assassin flies. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 118:103310. [PMID: 31870846 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Many arthropod venom peptides have potential as bioinsecticides, drug leads, and pharmacological tools due to their specific neuromodulatory functions. Assassin flies (Asilidae) are a family of predaceous dipterans that produce a unique and complex peptide-rich venom for killing insect prey and deterring predators. However, very little is known about the structure and function of their venom peptides. We therefore used an E. coli periplasmic expression system to express four disulfide-rich peptides that we previously reported to exist in venom of the giant assassin fly Dolopus genitalis. After purification, each recombinant peptide eluted from a C18 column at a position closely matching its natural counterpart, strongly suggesting adoption of the native tertiary fold. Injection of purified recombinant peptides into blowflies (Lucilia cuprina) and crickets (Acheta domestica) revealed that two of the four recombinant peptides, named rDg3b and rDg12, inhibited escape behaviour in a manner that was rapid in onset (<1 min) and reversible. Homonuclear NMR solution structures revealed that rDg3b and rDg12 adopt cystine-stabilised α/ß defensin and inhibitor cystine knot folds, respectively. Although the closest known homologues of rDg3b at the level of primary structure are dipteran antimicrobial peptides such as sapecin and lucifensin, a DALI search showed that the tertiary structure of rDg3b most closely resembles the KV11.1-specific α-potassium channel toxin CnErg1 from venom of the scorpion Centruroides noxius. This is mainly due to the deletion of a large, unstructured loop between the first and second cysteine residues present in Dg3b homologues from non-asiloid, but not existing in asiloid, species. Patch-clamp electrophysiology experiments revealed that rDg3b shifts the voltage-dependence of KV11.1 channel activation to more depolarised potentials, but has no effect on KV1.3, KV2.1, KV10.1, KCa1.1, or the Drosophila Shaker channel. Although rDg12 shares the inhibitor cystine knot structure of many gating modifier toxins, rDg12 did not affect any of these KV channel subtypes. Our results demonstrate that multiple disulfide-rich peptide scaffolds have been convergently recruited into asilid and other animal venoms, and they provide insight into the molecular evolution accompanying their weaponisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Akello J Agwa
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Tibor G Szanto
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - Agota Csóti
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew A Walker
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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Inhibitory Activity of a Scorpion Defensin BmKDfsin3 against Hepatitis C Virus. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9010033. [PMID: 31963532 PMCID: PMC7168052 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major worldwide health problem which can cause chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There is still no vaccine to prevent HCV infection. Currently, the clinical treatment of HCV infection mainly relies on the use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) which are expensive and have side effects. Here, BmKDfsin3, a scorpion defensin from the venom of Mesobuthus martensii Karsch, is found to dose-dependently inhibit HCV infection at noncytotoxic concentrations and affect viral attachment and post-entry in HCV life cycle. Further experimental results show that BmKDfsin3 not only suppresses p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation of HCV-infected Huh7.5.1 cells, but also inhibits p38 activation of Huh7.5.1 cells stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). BmKDfsin3 is also revealed to enter into cells. Using an upstream MyD88 dimerization inhibitor ST2345 or kinase IRAK-1/4 inhibitor I, the inhibition of p38 activation represses HCV replication in vitro. Taken together, a scorpion defensin BmKDfsin3 inhibits HCV replication, related to regulated p38 MAPK activation.
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Wang X, Li G, Guo J, Zhang Z, Zhang S, Zhu Y, Cheng J, Yu L, Ji Y, Tao J. Kv1.3 Channel as a Key Therapeutic Target for Neuroinflammatory Diseases: State of the Art and Beyond. Front Neurosci 2020; 13:1393. [PMID: 31992966 PMCID: PMC6971160 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
It remains a challenge for the effective treatment of neuroinflammatory disease, including multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The voltage-gated potassium Kv1.3 channel is of interest, which is considered as a novel therapeutic target for treating neuroinflammatory disorders due to its crucial role in subsets of T lymphocytes as well as microglial cells. Toxic animals, such as sea anemones, scorpions, spiders, snakes, and cone snails, can produce a variety of toxins that act on the Kv1.3 channel. The Stichodactyla helianthus K+ channel blocking toxin (ShK) from the sea anemone S. helianthus is proved as a classical blocker of Kv1.3. One of the synthetic analogs ShK-186, being developed as a therapeutic for autoimmune diseases, has successfully completed first-in-man Phase 1 trials. In addition to addressing the recent progress on the studies underlying the pharmacological characterizations of ShK on MS, the review will also explore the possibility for clinical treatment of ShK-like Kv1.3 blocking polypeptides on other neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoyi Li
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingkang Guo
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiping Zhang
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuzhang Zhang
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yudan Zhu
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiwei Cheng
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonghua Ji
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China,Xinhua Translational Institute for Cancer Pain, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Tao
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Putuo Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Li S, Sunchen S, He D, Qin C, Zuo Z, Shen B, Cao Z, Hong W, Miao L. ImKTx96, a peptide blocker of the Kv1.2 ion channel from the venom of the scorpion Isometrus maculates. Peptides 2020; 123:170172. [PMID: 31626826 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.170172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains diverse bioactive peptides that can recognize and interact with membrane proteins such as ion channels. These natural toxins are believed to be useful tools for exploring the structure and function of ion channels. In this study, we characterized a K+-channel toxin gene, ImKTx96, from the venom gland cDNA library of the scorpion Isometrus maculates. The peptide deduced from the ImKTx96 precursor nucleotide sequence contains a signal peptide of 27 amino acid residues and a mature peptide of 29 residues with three disulfide bridges. Multiple sequence alignment indicated that ImKTx96 is similar with the scorpion toxins that typically target K+-channels. The recombined ImKTx96 peptide (rImKTx96) was expressed in the Escherichia coli system, and purified by GST-affinity chromatography and RP-HPLC. Results from whole-cell patch-clamp experiments revealed that rImKTx96 can inhibit the current of the Kv1.2 ion channel expressed in HEK293 cells. The 3D structure of ImKTx96 was constructed by molecular modeling, and the complex formed by ImKTx96 interacting with the Kv1.2 ion channel was obtained by molecular docking. Based on its structural features and pharmacological functions, ImKTx96 was identified as one member of K+-channel scorpion toxin α-KTx10 group and may be useful as a molecular probe for investigating the structure and function of the Kv1.2 ion channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sipian Li
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Shuwen Sunchen
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Dangui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Chenhu Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Zheng Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Bingzheng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China; Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research, Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Wei Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China.
| | - Lixia Miao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China.
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Gómez Rave LJ, Muñoz Bravo AX, Sierra Castrillo J, Román Marín LM, Corredor Pereira C. Scorpion Venom: New Promise in the Treatment of Cancer. ACTA BIOLÓGICA COLOMBIANA 2019. [DOI: 10.15446/abc.v24n2.71512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a public health problem due to its high worldwide morbimortality. Current treatment protocols do not guarantee complete remission, which has prompted to search for new and more effective antitumoral compounds. Several substances exhibiting cytostatic and cytotoxic effects over cancer cells might contribute to the treatment of this pathology. Some studies indicate the presence of such substances in scorpion venom. In this review, we report characteristics of the principal scorpion venom components found in recent literature and their potential activity against tumor cells. There are different toxin groups present in the venom, and it seems that their mode of actions involves ionic channel blocking, disruption of the cell membrane integrity and damage to internal cell organelles. These properties make good prospects for studies on drugs and adjuvants in cancer treatment.
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Li Z, Hu P, Wu W, Wang Y. Peptides with therapeutic potential in the venom of the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch. Peptides 2019; 115:43-50. [PMID: 30858089 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK) has generated significant interest due to the presence of biologically active peptides in its venom. In the past decade, dozens of different peptides from BmK have been identified. Most of the peptides are neurotoxins and are responsible for the toxicity of BmK venom. Other peptides, including neurotoxins and non-disulfide-bridged peptides, show potential anticancer, antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-epileptic therapeutic effects. These peptides are attractive candidates for drug development, and peptide derivatives have also been designed to enhance their therapeutic potential, such as ADWX-1 and Kn2-7. In this review, we provide an overview of the most promising peptides found in BmK venom and of modified peptide derivatives showing therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjie Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China.
| | - Ping Hu
- Medical College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Wenlan Wu
- Medical College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Medical College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
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21
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The Dual Prey-Inactivation Strategy of Spiders-In-Depth Venomic Analysis of Cupiennius salei. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11030167. [PMID: 30893800 PMCID: PMC6468893 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11030167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Most knowledge of spider venom concerns neurotoxins acting on ion channels, whereas proteins and their significance for the envenomation process are neglected. The here presented comprehensive analysis of the venom gland transcriptome and proteome of Cupiennius salei focusses on proteins and cysteine-containing peptides and offers new insight into the structure and function of spider venom, here described as the dual prey-inactivation strategy. After venom injection, many enzymes and proteins, dominated by α-amylase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and cysteine-rich secretory proteins, interact with main metabolic pathways, leading to a major disturbance of the cellular homeostasis. Hyaluronidase and cytolytic peptides destroy tissue and membranes, thus supporting the spread of other venom compounds. We detected 81 transcripts of neurotoxins from 13 peptide families, whereof two families comprise 93.7% of all cysteine-containing peptides. This raises the question of the importance of the other low-expressed peptide families. The identification of a venom gland-specific defensin-like peptide and an aga-toxin-like peptide in the hemocytes offers an important clue on the recruitment and neofunctionalization of body proteins and peptides as the origin of toxins.
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Paiva ALB, Mudadu MA, Pereira EHT, Marri CA, Guerra-Duarte C, Diniz MRV. Transcriptome analysis of the spider Phoneutria pertyi venom glands reveals novel venom components for the genus Phoneutria. Toxicon 2019; 163:59-69. [PMID: 30902682 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom has been studied for more than 40 years and several components with pharmacological potential have been described in it. However, studies on venoms from other species of the Phoneutria genus are scarce. In this work, a conventional cDNA library from the species Phoneutria pertyi venom glands was constructed, aiming to identify novel putative cysteine-rich peptide toxins for the genus Phoneutria. 296 unique sequences were identified and 51 sequences corresponded to putative cysteine-rich peptide toxins. Besides cysteine-rich peptide toxins, other putative venom components such as protease inhibitors, defensins and serine proteinases were identified. Furthermore, by manual curation of the sequences with no match at UniProt, we were able to identify glycine-rich proteins (GRP), a class of venom component never described in Phoneutria genus. This work describes the first complete sequences of toxins from the venom of P. pertyi and reveals that, despite most of the retrieved toxins show a high identity to toxins identified in Phoneutria genus, novel putative toxins remains to be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L B Paiva
- Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Mauricio A Mudadu
- Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elaine H T Pereira
- Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camila A Marri
- Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcelo R V Diniz
- Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Zhao Y, Chen Z, Cao Z, Li W, Wu Y. Defensins, a novel type of animal toxin-like potassium channel inhibitor. Toxicon 2018; 157:101-105. [PMID: 30472109 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.11.304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The classical potassium channel inhibitors are toxin peptides from venomous animals, and whether there are peptide inhibitors from other species is an open question. Due to both the independent and interdependent relationships between the spear (peptide inhibitors) and the shield (potassium channels), human defensins were first identified by our group as endogenous potassium channel inhibitors. Encouraged by the discovery of human defensins as potassium channel inhibitors, defensins from invertebrates and fungi were successively found by our group to be potassium channel inhibitors. In addition, a plant defensin was reported to be a potassium channel inhibitor. Since defensins are widely produced by vertebrate, invertebrate, plant and fungi species, the recent work established a new research field on defensin-potassium channel interactions. Here, we review the current work on defensins from vertebrate, invertebrate, plant and fungi species as inhibitors of potassium channels and discuss future work in this research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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Luo X, Zhu W, Ding L, Ye X, Gao H, Tai X, Wu Z, Qian Y, Ruan X, Li J, Li S, Chen Z. Bldesin, the first functionally characterized pathogenic fungus defensin with Kv1.3 channel and chymotrypsin inhibitory activities. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2018; 33:e22244. [PMID: 30381903 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Fungus defensin is a kind of important natural peptide resource, such as plectasin from the soil fungus Pseudoplectania nigrella with potential application in the antimicrobial peptide lead drug discovery. Here, a fungus defensin named Bldesin with Kv1.3 channel and serine protease inhibitory activities was first explored. By GST-Bldesin fusion expression and enterokinase cleaving strategy, recombinant Bldesin was obtained successfully. Antimicrobial assays showed that Bldesin had potent activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, but had no effect on Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Electrophysiological experiments showed that Bldesin had Kv1.3 channel inhibitory activity. Serine protease inhibitory associated experiments showed that Bldesin had unique chymotrypsin protease inhibitory, elastase protease inhibitory, and serine protease-associated coagulation inhibitory activities. To the best of our knowledge, Bldesin is the first functionally characterized pathogenic fungus defensin with Kv1.3 channel and chymotrypsin inhibitory activities and highlighted novel pharmacological effects of fungus-derived defensin peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Wen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Xiangdong Ye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Huanhuan Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Xuejiao Tai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Yi Qian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Xuzhi Ruan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
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Zhao Y, Xie Z, Feng J, Li W, Cao Z, Wu Y. Pharmacological characterization of human beta-defensins 3 and 4 on potassium channels: Evidence of diversity in beta-defensin-potassium channel interactions. Peptides 2018; 108:14-18. [PMID: 30121363 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports have identified defensins as a new type of potassium channel inhibitors; differential binding mechanisms of human β-defensins hBD1 and hBD2 point to complex interactions between human β-defensins and potassium channels. We investigated the inhibitory effects of human defensins hBD3 and hBD4 on potassium channels. The data indicate that hBD3 is a voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 3 (Kv1.3) inhibitor with an IC50 value of 187.6 ± 25.7 nM; 1 μM hBD4 inhibited 34.0 ± 0.2% of Kv1.3 channel currents. Moreover, 1 μM hBD3 inhibited 50.6 ± 3.6% of Kv1.2 channel currents and had smaller effects on Kv1.1, SKCa3, and IKCa channel currents; these effects differed from the Kv1.3 channel-specific inhibitors hBD1 and hBD2. Similar to the pharmacological profiles of hBD1 and hBD2, hBD4 had lower inhibitory effects on Kv1.1, Kv1.2, SKCa3, and IKCa channels. Subsequent mutagenesis and channel activation experiments confirmed that hBD3 binds in a manner similar to that of hBD1, interacting with the outer pore region of the Kv1.3 channel without affecting Kv1.3 channel activation. Thus, the data indicate that the human β-defensin family is a novel group of potassium channel inhibitors with diverse types of human β-defensin-potassium channel interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zili Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jing Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Liu H, Yu W, Yang F, Li W, Cao Z, Wu Y. Mouse β-Defensin 3, A Defensin Inhibitor of Both Its Endogenous and Exogenous Potassium Channels. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23061489. [PMID: 29925780 PMCID: PMC6099957 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The human defensins are recently discovered to inhibit potassium channels, which are classical targets of the animal toxins. Whether other vertebrate defensins are potassium channel inhibitors remains unknown. In this work, we reported that the mouse β-defensin 3 (mBD3) was a novel inhibitor of both endogenous and exogenous potassium channels. The structural analysis showed that mBD3 is the most identical to human Kv1.3 channel-sensitive human β-defensin 2 (hBD2). However, the pharmacological profiles indicated that the recombinant mBD3 (rmBD3) weakly inhibited the mouse and human Kv1.3 channels. Different from the pharmacological features of human β-defensins, mBD3 more selectively inhibited the mouse Kv1.6 and human KCNQ1/KCNE1 channels with IC50 values of 0.6 ± 0.4 μM and 1.2 ± 0.8 μM, respectively. The site directed mutagenesis experiments indicated that the extracellular pore region of mouse Kv1.6 channel was the interaction site of rmBD3. In addition, the minor effect on the channel conductance-voltage relationship curves implied that mBD3 might bind the extracellular transmembrane helices S1-S2 linker and/or S3-S4 linker of mouse Kv1.6 channel. Together, these findings not only revealed mBD3 as a novel inhibitor of both endogenous and exogenous potassium channels, but also provided a clue to investigate the role of mBD3-Kv1.6 channel interaction in the physiological and pathological field in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Yonghui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Hongyue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Weiwei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Wenhua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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Finkina EI, Ovchinnikova TV. Plant Defensins: Structure, Functions, Biosynthesis, and the Role in the Immune Response. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162018030056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Amorim FG, Cordeiro FA, Pinheiro-Júnior EL, Boldrini-França J, Arantes EC. Microbial production of toxins from the scorpion venom: properties and applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:6319-6331. [PMID: 29858954 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9122-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom are composed mainly of bioactive proteins and peptides that may serve as lead compounds for the design of biotechnological tools and therapeutic drugs. However, exploring the therapeutic potential of scorpion venom components is mainly impaired by the low yield of purified toxins from milked venom. Therefore, production of toxin-derived peptides and proteins by heterologous expression is the strategy of choice for research groups and pharmaceutical industry to overcome this limitation. Recombinant expression in microorganisms is often the first choice, since bacteria and yeast systems combine high level of recombinant protein expression, fast cell growth and multiplication and simple media requirement. Herein, we present a comprehensive revision, which describes the scorpion venom components that were produced in their recombinant forms using microbial systems. In addition, we highlight the pros and cons of performing the heterologous expression of these compounds, regarding the particularities of each microorganism and how these processes can affect the application of these venom components. The most used microbial system in the heterologous expression of scorpion venom components is Escherichia coli (85%), and among all the recombinant venom components produced, 69% were neurotoxins. This review may light up future researchers in the choice of the best expression system to produce scorpion venom components of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Gobbi Amorim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
| | - Francielle Almeida Cordeiro
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Ernesto Lopes Pinheiro-Júnior
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Johara Boldrini-França
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
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29
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Zeng Z, Zhang R, Hong W, Cheng Y, Wang H, Lang Y, Ji Z, Wu Y, Li W, Xie Y, Cao Z. Histidine-rich Modification of a Scorpion-derived Peptide Improves Bioavailability and Inhibitory Activity against HSV-1. Theranostics 2018; 8:199-211. [PMID: 29290802 PMCID: PMC5743469 DOI: 10.7150/thno.21425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: HSV is one of the most widespread human viral pathogens. HSV-1 infects a large portion of the human population and causes severe diseases. The current clinical treatment for HSV-1 is based on nucleoside analogues, the use of which is limited due to drug resistance, side effects and poor bioavailability. AMPs have been identified as potential antiviral agents that may overcome these limitations. Therefore, we screened anti-HSV-1 peptides from a scorpion-derived AMP library and engineered one candidate into a histidine-rich peptide with significantly improved antiviral activity and development potential. Methods: A venomous gland cDNA library was constructed from the scorpion Euscorpiops validus in the Yunnan Province of China. Six putative AMPs were characterized from this cDNA library, and the synthesized peptides were screened via plaque-forming assays to determine their virucidal potential. Time of addition experiments according to the infection progress of HSV-1 were used to identify the modes of action for peptides of interest. The histidine-rich modification was designed based on structural analysis of peptides by a helical wheel model and CD spectroscopy. Peptide cellular uptake and distribution were measured by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, respectively. Results: The peptide Eval418 was found to have high clearance activity in an HSV-1 plaque reduction assay. Eval418 exhibited dose-dependent and time-dependent inactivation of HSV-1 and dose-dependent inhibition of HSV-1 attachment to host cells. However, Eval418 scarcely suppressed an established HSV-1 infection due to poor cellular uptake. We further designed and modified Eval418 into four histidine-rich derivative peptides with enhanced antiviral activities and lower cytotoxicities. All of the derivative peptides suppressed established HSV-1 infections. One of these peptides, Eval418-FH5, not only had strong viral inactivation activity and enhanced attachment inhibitory activity but also had high inhibitory activity against intracellular HSV-1, which was consistent with its improved intracellular uptake and distribution as confirmed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Conclusion: We successfully identified an anti-HSV-1 peptide, Eval418, from a scorpion venom peptide library and designed a histidine-rich Eval418 derivative with significantly improved potential for further development as an anti-HSV-1 drug. This successful modification can provide a design strategy to improve the bioavailability, cellular distribution and antiviral activity of peptide agents.
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Molecular characterization and expression analysis of CSαβ defensin genes from the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20171282. [PMID: 29162666 PMCID: PMC6435467 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20171282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Defensins are important components of innate host defence system against bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Here, we predicted six potential defensin genes from the genome of the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii and then validated four genes from them via the combination of PCR and genomic sequence analysis. These four scorpion defensin genes share the same gene organization and structure of two exons and one phase-I intron with the GT-AG rule. Conserved motif and phylogenetic analysis showed that they belonged to the members of the invertebrate cysteine-stabilized α-helix/β-sheet motif defensin (CSαβ) defensin family. All these four CSαβ defensin genes have the expression feature of constitutive transcription (CON) by the whole scorpion infection model, promoter sequence analysis and dual luciferase assays. Further evolution and comparison analysis found that the invertebrate CSαβ defensin genes from most of arachnids and mollusks appear to share the expression pattern of CON, but those from insects and lower invertebrates (nematodes, annelids, cnidarians and sponges) seem to have identical inducible transcription (IND) after being challenged by microorganisms. Together, we identified four scorpion CSαβ defensin genes with the expression feature of CON, and characterized the diversified expression patterns of the invertebrate CSαβ defensin genes, which will shed insights into the evolution of the invertebrate CSαβ defensin genes and their expression patterns.
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Romero-Gutierrez T, Peguero-Sanchez E, Cevallos MA, Batista CVF, Ortiz E, Possani LD. A Deeper Examination of Thorellius atrox Scorpion Venom Components with Omic Techonologies. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E399. [PMID: 29231872 PMCID: PMC5744119 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9120399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This communication reports a further examination of venom gland transcripts and venom composition of the Mexican scorpion Thorellius atrox using RNA-seq and tandem mass spectrometry. The RNA-seq, which was performed with the Illumina protocol, yielded more than 20,000 assembled transcripts. Following a database search and annotation strategy, 160 transcripts were identified, potentially coding for venom components. A novel sequence was identified that potentially codes for a peptide with similarity to spider ω-agatoxins, which act on voltage-gated calcium channels, not known before to exist in scorpion venoms. Analogous transcripts were found in other scorpion species. They could represent members of a new scorpion toxin family, here named omegascorpins. The mass fingerprint by LC-MS identified 135 individual venom components, five of which matched with the theoretical masses of putative peptides translated from the transcriptome. The LC-MS/MS de novo sequencing allowed to reconstruct and identify 42 proteins encoded by assembled transcripts, thus validating the transcriptome analysis. Earlier studies conducted with this scorpion venom permitted the identification of only twenty putative venom components. The present work performed with more powerful and modern omic technologies demonstrates the capacity of accomplishing a deeper characterization of scorpion venom components and the identification of novel molecules with potential applications in biomedicine and the study of ion channel physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Romero-Gutierrez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Esteban Peguero-Sanchez
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Miguel A Cevallos
- Programa de Genómica Evolutiva, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Cesar V F Batista
- Laboratorio Universitario de Proteómica, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Ernesto Ortiz
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca CP: 62210, Morelos, Mexico.
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Jiménez-Vargas JM, Possani LD, Luna-Ramírez K. Arthropod toxins acting on neuronal potassium channels. Neuropharmacology 2017; 127:139-160. [PMID: 28941737 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Arthropod venoms are a rich mixture of biologically active compounds exerting different physiological actions across diverse phyla and affecting multiple organ systems including the central nervous system. Venom compounds can inhibit or activate ion channels, receptors and transporters with high specificity and affinity providing essential insights into ion channel function. In this review, we focus on arthropod toxins (scorpions, spiders, bees and centipedes) acting on neuronal potassium channels. A brief description of the K+ channels classification and structure is included and a compendium of neuronal K+ channels and the arthropod toxins that modify them have been listed. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Juana María Jiménez-Vargas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Karen Luna-Ramírez
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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33
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Kim CH, Lee YJ, Go HJ, Oh HY, Lee TK, Park JB, Park NG. Defensin-neurotoxin dyad in a basally branching metazoan sea anemone. FEBS J 2017; 284:3320-3338. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.14194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Hee Kim
- Department of Biotechnology; College of Fisheries Sciences; Pukyong National University; Busan Korea
| | - Ye Jin Lee
- Department of Biotechnology; College of Fisheries Sciences; Pukyong National University; Busan Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Go
- Department of Biotechnology; College of Fisheries Sciences; Pukyong National University; Busan Korea
| | - Hye Young Oh
- Department of Biotechnology; College of Fisheries Sciences; Pukyong National University; Busan Korea
| | - Tae Kwan Lee
- Department of Biotechnology; College of Fisheries Sciences; Pukyong National University; Busan Korea
| | - Ji Been Park
- Department of Biotechnology; College of Fisheries Sciences; Pukyong National University; Busan Korea
| | - Nam Gyu Park
- Department of Biotechnology; College of Fisheries Sciences; Pukyong National University; Busan Korea
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Shen B, Cao Z, Li W, Sabatier JM, Wu Y. Treating autoimmune disorders with venom-derived peptides. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 17:1065-1075. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2017.1346606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bingzheng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Wu W, Li Z, Ma Y. Adaptive evolution of insect selective excitatory β-type sodium channel neurotoxins from scorpion venom. Peptides 2017; 92:31-37. [PMID: 28363794 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Insect selective excitatory β-type sodium channel neurotoxins from scorpion venom (β-NaScTxs) are composed of about 70-76 amino acid residues and share a common scaffold stabilized by four unique disulfide bonds. The phylogenetic analysis of these toxins was hindered by limited sequence data. In our recent study, two new insect selective excitatory β-NaScTxs, LmIT and ImIT, were isolated from Lychas mucronatus and Isometrus maculatus, respectively. With the sequences previously reported, we examined the adaptive molecular evolution of insect selective excitatory β-NaScTxs by estimating the nonsynonymous-to-synonymous rate ratio (ω=dN/dS). The results revealed 12 positively selected sites in the genes of insect selective excitatory β-NaScTxs. Moreover, these positively selected sites match well with the sites important for interacting with sodium channels, as demonstrated in previous mutagenesis study. These results reveal that adaptive evolution after gene duplication is one of the most important genetic mechanisms of scorpion neurotoxin diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlan Wu
- Medical School, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, PR China.
| | - Zhongjie Li
- Medical School, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Yibao Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
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Ding L, Chen J, Hao J, Zhang J, Huang X, Hu F, Wu Z, Liu Y, Li W, Cao Z, Wu Y, Li J, Li S, Liu H, Wu W, Chen Z. Discovery of three toxin peptides with Kv1.3 channel and IL-2 cytokine-inhibiting activities from Non-Buthidae scorpions, Chaerilus tricostatus and Chaerilus tryznai. Peptides 2017; 91:13-19. [PMID: 28300672 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Non-Buthidae venomous scorpions are huge natural sources of toxin peptides; however, only a few studies have been done to understand their toxin peptides. Herein, we describe three new potential immunomodulating toxin peptides, Ctri18, Ctry68 and Ctry2908, from two non-Buthidae scorpions, Chaerilus tricostatus and Chaerilus tryznai. Sequence alignment analyses showed that Ctri18, Ctry68 and Ctry2908 are three new members of the scorpion toxin α-KTx15 subfamily. Electrophysiological experiments showed that Ctri18, Ctry68 and Ctry2908 blocked the Kv1.3 channel at micromole to nanomole levels, but had weak effects on potassium channel KCNQ1 and sodium channel Nav1.4, which indicated that Ctri18, Ctry68 and Ctry2908 might have specific inhibiting effects on the Kv1.3 channel. ELISA experiments showed that Ctri18, Ctry68 and Ctry2908 inhibited IL-2 cytokine secretions of activated T lymphocyte in human PBMCs. Excitingly, consistent with the good Kv1.3 channel inhibitory activity, Ctry2908 inhibited cytokine IL-2 secretion in nanomole level, which indicated that Ctry2908 might be a new lead drug template toward Kv1.3 channels. Together, these studies discovered three new toxin peptides, Ctri18, Ctry68 and Ctry2908, with Kv1.3 channel and IL-2 cytokine-inhibiting activities from two scorpions, C. tricostatus and C. tryznai, and highlighted that non-Buthidae venomous scorpions are new natural toxin peptide sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Jinbo Hao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shiyan Occupational Disease Hospital, Hubei, China
| | - Jiahui Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Xuejun Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Fangfang Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Yaru Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Hongyan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Wenlong Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China.
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Zeng Z, Zhang Q, Hong W, Xie Y, Liu Y, Li W, Wu Y, Cao Z. A Scorpion Defensin BmKDfsin4 Inhibits Hepatitis B Virus Replication in Vitro. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8050124. [PMID: 27128943 PMCID: PMC4885039 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8050124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major worldwide health problem which can cause acute and chronic hepatitis and can significantly increase the risk of liver cirrhosis and primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nowadays, clinical therapies of HBV infection still mainly rely on nucleotide analogs and interferons, the usage of which is limited by drug-resistant mutation or side effects. Defensins had been reported to effectively inhibit the proliferation of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Here, we screened the anti-HBV activity of 25 scorpion-derived peptides most recently characterized by our group. Through evaluating anti-HBV activity and cytotoxicity, we found that BmKDfsin4, a scorpion defensin with antibacterial and Kv1.3-blocking activities, has a comparable high inhibitory rate of both HBeAg and HBsAg in HepG2.2.15 culture medium and low cytotoxicity to HepG2.2.15. Then, our experimental results further showed that BmKDfsin4 can dose-dependently decrease the production of HBV DNA and HBV viral proteins in both culture medium and cell lysate. Interestingly, BmKDfsin4 exerted high serum stability. Together, this study indicates that the scorpion defensin BmKDfsin4 also has inhibitory activity against HBV replication along with its antibacterial and potassium ion channel Kv1.3-blocking activities, which shows that BmKDfsin4 is a uniquely multifunctional defensin molecule. Our work also provides a good molecule material which will be used to investigate the link or relationship of its antiviral, antibacterial and ion channel–modulating activities in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Wei Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Yingqiu Xie
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University School of Science and Technology, Astana 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan.
| | - Yun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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