1
|
Tyler TJ, Durek T, Craik DJ. Native and Engineered Cyclic Disulfide-Rich Peptides as Drug Leads. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073189. [PMID: 37049950 PMCID: PMC10096437 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive peptides are a highly abundant and diverse group of molecules that exhibit a wide range of structural and functional variation. Despite their immense therapeutic potential, bioactive peptides have been traditionally perceived as poor drug candidates, largely due to intrinsic shortcomings that reflect their endogenous heritage, i.e., short biological half-lives and poor cell permeability. In this review, we examine the utility of molecular engineering to insert bioactive sequences into constrained scaffolds with desired pharmaceutical properties. Applying lessons learnt from nature, we focus on molecular grafting of cyclic disulfide-rich scaffolds (naturally derived or engineered), shown to be intrinsically stable and amenable to sequence modifications, and their utility as privileged frameworks in drug design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tristan J. Tyler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shelukhina I, Siniavin A, Kasheverov I, Ojomoko L, Tsetlin V, Utkin Y. α7- and α9-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Functioning of Immune System and in Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076524. [PMID: 37047495 PMCID: PMC10095066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) present as many different subtypes in the nervous and immune systems, muscles and on the cells of other organs. In the immune system, inflammation is regulated via the vagus nerve through the activation of the non-neuronal α7 nAChR subtype, affecting the production of cytokines. The analgesic properties of α7 nAChR-selective compounds are mostly based on the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain relief mediated by the inhibition of α9-containing nAChRs is not fully understood yet, but the role of immune factors in this process is becoming evident. To obtain appropriate drugs, a search of selective agonists, antagonists and modulators of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs is underway. The naturally occurring three-finger snake α-neurotoxins and mammalian Ly6/uPAR proteins, as well as neurotoxic peptides α-conotoxins, are not only sophisticated tools in research on nAChRs but are also considered as potential medicines. In particular, the inhibition of the α9-containing nAChRs by α-conotoxins may be a pathway to alleviate neuropathic pain. nAChRs are involved in the inflammation processes during AIDS and other viral infections; thus they can also be means used in drug design. In this review, we discuss the role of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs in the immune processes and in pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yuri Utkin
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +7-495-3366522
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Krishnarjuna B, Sunanda P, Seow J, Tae HS, Robinson SD, Belgi A, Robinson AJ, Safavi-Hemami H, Adams DJ, Norton RS. Characterisation of Elevenin-Vc1 from the Venom of Conus victoriae: A Structural Analogue of α-Conotoxins. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21020081. [PMID: 36827123 PMCID: PMC9963005 DOI: 10.3390/md21020081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevenins are peptides found in a range of organisms, including arthropods, annelids, nematodes, and molluscs. They consist of 17 to 19 amino acid residues with a single conserved disulfide bond. The subject of this study, elevenin-Vc1, was first identified in the venom of the cone snail Conus victoriae (Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 2017, 244, 11-18). Although numerous elevenin sequences have been reported, their physiological function is unclear, and no structural information is available. Upon intracranial injection in mice, elevenin-Vc1 induced hyperactivity at doses of 5 or 10 nmol. The structure of elevenin-Vc1, determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, consists of a short helix and a bend region stabilised by the single disulfide bond. The elevenin-Vc1 structural fold is similar to that of α-conotoxins such as α-RgIA and α-ImI, which are also found in the venoms of cone snails and are antagonists at specific subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In an attempt to mimic the functional motif, Asp-Pro-Arg, of α-RgIA and α-ImI, we synthesised an analogue, designated elevenin-Vc1-DPR. However, neither elevenin-Vc1 nor the analogue was active at six different human nAChR subtypes (α1β1εδ, α3β2, α3β4, α4β2, α7, and α9α10) at 1 µM concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bankala Krishnarjuna
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Punnepalli Sunanda
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Seow
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Samuel D. Robinson
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Alessia Belgi
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | | | | | - David J. Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Raymond S. Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-9903-9167
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liang J, Tae HS, Zhao Z, Li X, Zhang J, Chen S, Jiang T, Adams DJ, Yu R. Mechanism of Action and Structure-Activity Relationship of α-Conotoxin Mr1.1 at the Human α9α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor. J Med Chem 2022; 65:16204-16217. [PMID: 36137181 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
α-Conotoxins (α-CTxs) can selectively target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and are important drug leads for the treatment of cancer, chronic pain, and neuralgia. Here, we chemically synthesized a formerly defined rat α7 nAChR targeting α-CTx Mr1.1 and evaluated its activity at human nAChRs. Mr1.1 was most potent at the human (h) α9α10 nAChR with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 92.0 nM. Molecular dynamic simulations suggested that Mr1.1 favorably binds at the α10(+)α9(-) and α9(+)α9(-) sites via hydrogen bonds and salt bridges, stabilizing the channel in a closed conformation. Although Mr1.1 and another antagonist, α-CTx Vc1.1 share high sequence similarity and disulfide-bond framework, Mr1.1 has distinct orientations at hα9α10. Based on the Mr1.1-hα9α10 model, analogues were generated, and the more potent Mr1.1[S4Dap], antagonized hα9α10 with an IC50 of 4.0 nM. Furthermore, Mr1.1[S4Dap] displayed analgesic activity in the rat chronic constriction injury (CCI) pain model and therefore presents a promising drug candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiazhen Liang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales2522, Australia
| | - Zitong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Jinghui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Shen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China.,Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales2522, Australia
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China.,Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao266003, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
A Single Amino Acid Replacement Boosts the Analgesic Activity of α-Conotoxin AuIB through the Inhibition of the GABA BR-Coupled N-Type Calcium Channel. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20120750. [PMID: 36547897 PMCID: PMC9781320 DOI: 10.3390/md20120750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
α-conotoxin AuIB is the only one of the 4/6 type α-conotoxins (α-CTxs) that inhibits the γ-aminobutyric acid receptor B (GABABR)-coupled N-type calcium channel (CaV2.2). To improve its inhibitory activity, a series of variants were synthesized and evaluated according to the structure-activity relationships of 4/7 type α-CTxs targeting GABABR-coupled CaV2.2. Surprisingly, only the substitution of Pro7 with Arg results in a 2-3-fold increase in the inhibition of GABABR-coupled CaV2.2 (IC50 is 0.74 nM); substitutions of position 9-12 with basic or hydrophobic amino acid and the addition of hydrophobic amino acid Leu or Ile at the second loop to mimic 4/7 type α-CTxs all failed to improve the inhibitory activity of AuIB against GABABR-coupled CaV2.2. Interestingly, the most potent form of AuIB[P7R] has disulfide bridges of "1-4, 2-3" (ribbon), which differs from the "1-3, 2-4" (globular) in the isoforms of wildtype AuIB. In addition, AuIB[P7R](globular) displays potent analgesic activity in the acetic acid writhing model and the partial sciatic nerve injury (PNL) model. Our study demonstrated that 4/6 type α-CTxs, with the disulfide bridge connectivity "1-4, 2-3," are also potent inhibitors for GABABR-coupled CaV2.2, exhibiting potent analgesic activity.
Collapse
|
6
|
Wiere S, Sugai C, Espiritu MJ, Aurelio VP, Reyes CD, Yuzon N, Whittal RM, Tytgat J, Peigneur S, Bingham JP. Research into the Bioengineering of a Novel α-Conotoxin from the Milked Venom of Conus obscurus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12096. [PMID: 36292948 PMCID: PMC9602734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The marine cone snail produces one of the fastest prey strikes in the animal kingdom. It injects highly efficacious venom, often causing prey paralysis and death within seconds. Each snail has hundreds of conotoxins, which serve as a source for discovering and utilizing novel analgesic peptide therapeutics. In this study, we discovered, isolated, and synthesized a novel α3/5-conotoxins derived from the milked venom of Conus obscurus (α-conotoxin OI) and identified the presence of α-conotoxin SI-like sequence previously found in the venom of Conus striatus. Five synthetic analogs of the native α-conotoxin OI were generated. These analogs incorporated single residue or double residue mutations. Three synthetic post-translational modifications (PTMs) were synthetically incorporated into these analogs: N-terminal truncation, proline hydroxylation, and tryptophan bromination. The native α-conotoxin OI demonstrated nanomolar potency in Poecilia reticulata and Homosapiens muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) isoforms. Moreover, the synthetic α-[P9K] conotoxin OI displayed enhanced potency in both bioassays, ranging from a 2.85 (LD50) to 18.4 (IC50) fold increase in comparative bioactivity. The successful incorporation of PTMs, with retention of both potency and nAChR isoform selectivity, ultimately pushes new boundaries of peptide bioengineering and the generation of novel α-conotoxin-like sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean Wiere
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Christopher Sugai
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Michael J. Espiritu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
- School of Pharmacy, Pacific University Oregon, Hillsboro, OR 97123, USA
| | - Vincent P. Aurelio
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Chloe D. Reyes
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Nicole Yuzon
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Randy M. Whittal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N II, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N II, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jon-Paul Bingham
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bony AR, McArthur JR, Komori A, Wong AR, Hung A, Adams DJ. Analgesic α -Conotoxin Binding Site on the Human GABAB Receptor. Mol Pharmacol 2022; 102:196-208. [PMID: 35944919 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.122.000543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The analgesic α-conotoxins Vc1.1, RgIA, and PeIA attenuate nociceptive transmission via activation of G protein-coupled GABAB receptors (GABABR) to modulate N-type calcium channels in primary afferent neurons and recombinantly co-expressed human GABABR and Cav2.2 channels in HEK293T cells. Here, we investigated the effects of analgesic α-conotoxins following the mutation of amino acid residues in the Venus Flytrap (VFT) domains of the GABABR subunits predicted through computational peptide docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Our docking calculations predicted that all three of the α-conotoxins form close contacts with VFT residues in both B1 and B2 subunits, comprising a novel GABABR ligand-binding site. The effects of baclofen and α-conotoxins on the peak Ba2+ current (IBa) amplitude were investigated on wild-type and 15 GABABR mutants individually co-expressed with human Cav2.2 channels. Mutations at the interface of the VFT domains of both GABABR subunits attenuated baclofen-sensitive IBa inhibition by the analgesic α-conotoxins. In contrast, mutations located outside the putative peptide-binding site (D380A and R98A) did not. The key GABABR residues involved in interactions with the α-conotoxins are K168 and R207 on the B2 subunit and S130, S153, R162, E200, F227, and E253 on the B1 subunit. The double mutant, S130A+S153A, abolished inhibition by both baclofen and the α-conotoxins. Depolarization-activated IBa mediated by both wild-type and all GABAαBR mutants were inhibited by the selective GABABR antagonist CGP 55845. This study identifies specific residues of GABABR involved in the binding of the analgesic α-conotoxins to the VFT domains of the GABABR. Significance Statement This study defines the binding site of analgesic α-conotoxins Vc1.1, RgIA, and PeIA on the human GABAB receptor to activate Gi/o proteins and inhibit Cav2.2 channels. Computational docking and MD simulations of GABABR identified amino acids of the Venus flytrap (VFT) domains with which the α-conotoxins interact. GABABR alanine mutants attenuated baclofen-sensitive Cav2.2 inhibition by the α-conotoxins. We identify an allosteric binding site at the interface of the VFT domains of the GABABR subunits for the analgesic α-conotoxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anuja R Bony
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Jeffrey R McArthur
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | | | - Ann R Wong
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, RMIT University, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Giglio ML, Boland W, Heras H. Egg toxic compounds in the animal kingdom. A comprehensive review. Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:1938-1969. [PMID: 35916025 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00029f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 1951 to 2022Packed with nutrients and unable to escape, eggs are the most vulnerable stage of an animal's life cycle. Consequently, many species have evolved chemical defenses and teamed up their eggs with a vast array of toxic molecules for defense against predators, parasites, or pathogens. However, studies on egg toxins are rather scarce and the available information is scattered. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of animal egg toxins and to analyze the trends and patterns with respect to the chemistry and biosynthesis of these toxins. We analyzed their ecology, distribution, sources, occurrence, structure, function, relative toxicity, and mechanistic aspects and include a brief section on the aposematic coloration of toxic eggs. We propose criteria for a multiparametric classification that accounts for the complexity of analyzing the full set of toxins of animal eggs. Around 100 properly identified egg toxins are found in 188 species, distributed in 5 phyla: cnidarians (2) platyhelminths (2), mollusks (9), arthropods (125), and chordates (50). Their scattered pattern among animals suggests that species have evolved this strategy independently on numerous occasions. Alkaloids are the most abundant and widespread, among the 13 types of egg toxins recognized. Egg toxins are derived directly from the environment or are endogenously synthesized, and most of them are transferred by females inside the eggs. Their toxicity ranges from ρmol kg-1 to mmol kg-1, and for some species, experiments support their role in predation deterrence. There is still a huge gap in information to complete the whole picture of this field and the number of toxic eggs seems largely underestimated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matías L Giglio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Prof. Dr Rodolfo R. Brenner", INIBIOLP, CONICET CCT La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Wilhelm Boland
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Horacio Heras
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Prof. Dr Rodolfo R. Brenner", INIBIOLP, CONICET CCT La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina. .,Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Olson KM, Traynor JR, Alt A. Allosteric Modulator Leads Hiding in Plain Site: Developing Peptide and Peptidomimetics as GPCR Allosteric Modulators. Front Chem 2021; 9:671483. [PMID: 34692635 PMCID: PMC8529114 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.671483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Allosteric modulators (AMs) of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are desirable drug targets because they can produce fewer on-target side effects, improved selectivity, and better biological specificity (e.g., biased signaling or probe dependence) than orthosteric drugs. An underappreciated source for identifying AM leads are peptides and proteins-many of which were evolutionarily selected as AMs-derived from endogenous protein-protein interactions (e.g., transducer/accessory proteins), intramolecular receptor contacts (e.g., pepducins or extracellular domains), endogenous peptides, and exogenous libraries (e.g., nanobodies or conotoxins). Peptides offer distinct advantages over small molecules, including high affinity, good tolerability, and good bioactivity, and specific disadvantages, including relatively poor metabolic stability and bioavailability. Peptidomimetics are molecules that combine the advantages of both peptides and small molecules by mimicking the peptide's chemical features responsible for bioactivity while improving its druggability. This review 1) discusses sources and strategies to identify peptide/peptidomimetic AMs, 2) overviews strategies to convert a peptide lead into more drug-like "peptidomimetic," and 3) critically analyzes the advantages, disadvantages, and future directions of peptidomimetic AMs. While small molecules will and should play a vital role in AM drug discovery, peptidomimetics can complement and even exceed the advantages of small molecules, depending on the target, site, lead, and associated factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith M. Olson
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - John R. Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Andrew Alt
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bekbossynova A, Zharylgap A, Filchakova O. Venom-Derived Neurotoxins Targeting Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113373. [PMID: 34204855 PMCID: PMC8199771 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter described. The receptors targeted by acetylcholine are found within organisms spanning different phyla and position themselves as very attractive targets for predation, as well as for defense. Venoms of snakes within the Elapidae family, as well as those of marine snails within the Conus genus, are particularly rich in proteins and peptides that target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Such compounds are invaluable tools for research seeking to understand the structure and function of the cholinergic system. Proteins and peptides of venomous origin targeting nAChR demonstrate high affinity and good selectivity. This review aims at providing an overview of the toxins targeting nAChRs found within venoms of different animals, as well as their activities and the structural determinants important for receptor binding.
Collapse
|
11
|
Belgi A, Burnley JV, MacRaild CA, Chhabra S, Elnahriry KA, Robinson SD, Gooding SG, Tae HS, Bartels P, Sadeghi M, Zhao FY, Wei H, Spanswick D, Adams DJ, Norton RS, Robinson AJ. Alkyne-Bridged α-Conotoxin Vc1.1 Potently Reverses Mechanical Allodynia in Neuropathic Pain Models. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3222-3233. [PMID: 33724033 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several Conus-derived venom peptides are promising lead compounds for the management of neuropathic pain, with α-conotoxins being of particular interest. Modification of the interlocked disulfide framework of α-conotoxin Vc1.1 has been achieved using on-resin alkyne metathesis. Although introduction of a metabolically stable alkyne motif significantly disrupts backbone topography, the structural modification generates a potent and selective GABAB receptor agonist that inhibits Cav2.2 channels and exhibits dose-dependent reversal of mechanical allodynia in a behavioral rat model of neuropathic pain. The findings herein support the hypothesis that analgesia can be achieved via activation of GABABRs expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Belgi
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - James V Burnley
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Christopher A MacRaild
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Sandeep Chhabra
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Khaled A Elnahriry
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Samuel D Robinson
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Simon G Gooding
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Peter Bartels
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Mahsa Sadeghi
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | | | | | - David Spanswick
- NeuroSolutions Ltd., Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Andrea J Robinson
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li X, Tae HS, Chu Y, Jiang T, Adams DJ, Yu R. Medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential of α-conotoxins antagonizing the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 222:107792. [PMID: 33309557 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
α-Conotoxins are disulfide-rich and well-structured peptides, most of which can block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) with exquisite selectivity and potency. There are various nAChR subtypes, of which the α9α10 nAChR functions as a heteromeric ionotropic receptor in the mammalian cochlea and mediates postsynaptic transmission from the medial olivocochlear. The α9α10 nAChR subtype has also been proposed as a target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and the suppression of breast cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, α-conotoxins targeting the α9α10 nAChR are potentially useful in the development of specific therapeutic drugs and pharmacological tools. Despite dissimilarities in their amino acid sequence and structures, these conopeptides are potent antagonists of the α9α10 nAChR subtype. Consequently, the activity and stability of these peptides have been subjected to chemical modifications. The resulting synthetic analogues have not only functioned as molecular probes to explore ligand binding sites of the α9α10 nAChR, but also have the potential to become candidates for drug development. From the perspectives of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, we highlight the structure and function of the α9α10 nAChR and review studies of α-conotoxins targeting it, including their three-dimensional structures, structure optimization strategies, and binding modes at the α9α10 nAChR, as well as their therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Yanyan Chu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China; Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia.
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China; Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Safronova VG, Vulfius CA, Astashev ME, Tikhonova IV, Serov DA, Jirova EA, Pershina EV, Senko DA, Zhmak MN, Kasheverov IE, Tsetlin VI. α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors regulate murine bone marrow granulocyte functions. Immunobiology 2020; 226:152047. [PMID: 33340828 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2020.152047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes (PMNs) are extremely important in defense of the organism against infections and in inflammatory processes including neuroinflammation and pain sensation. Different subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are involved in modulation of PMN activities. Earlier we determined expression of α2-7, α9, β3, β4 subunits and regulatory role of α7 and α3β2 nAChR subtypes in functions of inflammatory PMNs. Other authors detected mRNA of α9 subunit in bone marrow neutrophils (BM-PMNs). Murine BM-PMNs coming out from the bone marrow, where they develop, to blood were characterized as mature. There was no data for α10 and for the presence of functionally active α9α10 nAChRs in BM-PMNs. Here we detected for the first time mRNA expression of the α10 nAChR subunit in BM-PMNs and confirmed the expression of mRNA for α9 nAChR. With the help of α-conotoxins RgIA and Vc1.1, highly selective antagonists of α9α10 nAChRs, we have revealed participation of α9 and/or α9α10 nAChRs in regulation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, cell adhesion, and in generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nicotine, choline, RgIA, and Vc1.1 induced Ca2+ transients in BM-PMNs, enhanced cell adhesiveness and decreased production of ROS indicating involvement of α9, possibly co-assembled with α10, nAChRs in the BM-PMN activity for recruitment and cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina G Safronova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Catherine A Vulfius
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Maxim E Astashev
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Irina V Tikhonova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Dmitriy A Serov
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Elina A Jirova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Ekaterina V Pershina
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St., 3, 142290 Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Dmitry A Senko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Maxim N Zhmak
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Igor E Kasheverov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Victor I Tsetlin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Venom peptides in cancer therapy: An updated review on cellular and molecular aspects. Pharmacol Res 2020; 164:105327. [PMID: 33276098 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Based on the high incidence and mortality rates of cancer, its therapy remains one of the most vital challenges in the field of medicine. Consequently, enhancing the efficacy of currently applied treatments and finding novel strategies are of great importance for cancer treatment. Venoms are important sources of a variety of bioactive compounds including salts, small molecules, macromolecules, proteins, and peptides that are defined as toxins. They can exhibit different pharmacological effects, and in recent years, their anti-tumor activities have gained significant attention. Several different compounds are responsible for the anti-tumor activity of venoms, and peptides are one of them. In the present review, we discuss the possible anti-tumor activities of venom peptides by highlighting molecular pathways and mechanisms through which these molecules can act effectively. Venom peptides can induce cell death in cancer cells and can substantially enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Also, the venom peptides can mitigate the migration of cancer cells via suppression of angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Notably, nanoparticles have been applied in enhancing the bioavailability of venom peptides and providing targeted delivery, thereby leading to their elevated anti-tumor activity and potential application for cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
15
|
Turner A, Kaas Q, Craik DJ. Hormone-like conopeptides - new tools for pharmaceutical design. RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:1235-1251. [PMID: 34095838 PMCID: PMC8126879 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00173b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Conopeptides are a diverse family of peptides found in the venoms of marine cone snails and are used in prey capture and host defence. Because of their potent activity on a range of mammalian targets they have attracted interest as leads in drug design. Until recently most focus had been on studying conopeptides having activity at ion channels and related neurological targets but, with recent discoveries that some conopeptides might play hormonal roles, a new area of conopeptide research has opened. In this article we first summarize the canonical pharmaceutical families of Conus venom peptides and then focus on new research relating to hormone-like conopeptides and their potential applications. Finally, we briefly examine methods of chemically stabilizing conopeptides to improve their pharmacological properties. A summary is presented of conopeptides in clinical trials and a call for future work on hormone-like conopeptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashlin Turner
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kennedy AC, Belgi A, Husselbee BW, Spanswick D, Norton RS, Robinson AJ. α-Conotoxin Peptidomimetics: Probing the Minimal Binding Motif for Effective Analgesia. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E505. [PMID: 32781580 PMCID: PMC7472027 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12080505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Several analgesic α-conotoxins have been isolated from marine cone snails. Structural modification of native peptides has provided potent and selective analogues for two of its known biological targets-nicotinic acetylcholine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) G protein-coupled (GABAB) receptors. Both of these molecular targets are implicated in pain pathways. Despite their small size, an incomplete understanding of the structure-activity relationship of α-conotoxins at each of these targets has hampered the development of therapeutic leads. This review scrutinises the N-terminal domain of the α-conotoxin family of peptides, a region defined by an invariant disulfide bridge, a turn-inducing proline residue and multiple polar sidechain residues, and focusses on structural features that provide analgesia through inhibition of high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. Elucidating the bioactive conformation of this region of these peptides may hold the key to discovering potent drugs for the unmet management of debilitating chronic pain associated with a wide range of medical conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam C. Kennedy
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
| | - Alessia Belgi
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
| | - Benjamin W. Husselbee
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
| | - David Spanswick
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Physiology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia;
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- NeuroSolutions Ltd., Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Raymond S. Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia;
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Andrea J. Robinson
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wilson DT, Bansal PS, Carter DA, Vetter I, Nicke A, Dutertre S, Daly NL. Characterisation of a Novel A-Superfamily Conotoxin. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8050128. [PMID: 32443665 PMCID: PMC7277881 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Conopeptides belonging to the A-superfamily from the venomous molluscs, Conus, are typically α-conotoxins. The α-conotoxins are of interest as therapeutic leads and pharmacological tools due to their selectivity and potency at nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes. Structurally, the α-conotoxins have a consensus fold containing two conserved disulfide bonds that define the two-loop framework and brace a helical region. Here we report on a novel α-conotoxin Pl168, identified from the transcriptome of Conus planorbis, which has an unusual 4/8 loop framework. Unexpectedly, NMR determination of its three-dimensional structure reveals a new structural type of A-superfamily conotoxins with a different disulfide-stabilized fold, despite containing the conserved cysteine framework and disulfide connectivity of classical α-conotoxins. The peptide did not demonstrate activity on a range of nAChRs, or Ca2+ and Na+ channels suggesting that it might represent a new pharmacological class of conotoxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David T. Wilson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia; (D.T.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Paramjit S. Bansal
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia; (D.T.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - David A. Carter
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (D.A.C.); (I.V.)
| | - Irina Vetter
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (D.A.C.); (I.V.)
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Annette Nicke
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany;
| | - Sébastien Dutertre
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34095 Montpellier, France;
| | - Norelle L. Daly
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia; (D.T.W.); (P.S.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-4232-1815
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Muttenthaler M, Nevin ST, Inserra M, Lewis RJ, Adams DJ, Alewood P. On-resin strategy to label α-conotoxins: Cy5-RgIA, a potent α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor imaging probe. Aust J Chem 2019; 73:327-333. [PMID: 32394983 PMCID: PMC7212043 DOI: 10.1071/ch19456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In-solution conjugation is the most commonly used strategy to label peptides and proteins with fluorophores. However, lack of site-specific control and high costs of fluorophores are recognised limitations of this approach. Here, we established facile access to grams of Cy5-COOH via a two-step synthetic route, demonstrated that Cy5 is stable to HF treatment and therefore compatible with Boc-SPPS, and coupled Cy5 to the N-terminus of α-conotoxin RgIA while still attached to the resin. Folding of the two-disulfide containing Cy5-RgIA benefitted from the hydrophobic nature of Cy5 resulting in only the globular disulfide bond isomer. In contrast, wild-type α-RgIA folded into the inactive ribbon and bioactive globular isomer under the same conditions. Labelled α-RgIA retained its ability to inhibit acetylcholine(100 μM)-evoked current reversibly with an IC50 of 5.0 nM (Hill coefficient = 1.7) for α-RgIA and an IC50 of 1.6 (Hill coefficient = 1.2) for Cy5-RgIA at the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) heterologeously expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Cy5-RgIA was then used to successfully visualise nAChRs in RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cell line. This work introduced not only a new and valuable nAChR probe, but also a new versatile synthetic strategy that facilitates production of milligram to gram quantities of fluorophore-labelled peptides at low cost, which is often required for in vivo experiments. The strategy is compatible with Boc- and Fmoc-chemistry, allows for site-specific labelling of free amines anywhere in the peptide sequence, and can also be used for the introduction of Cy3/Cy5 FRET pairs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon T Nevin
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Marco Inserra
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Paul Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sudewi AA, Susilawathi NM, Mahardika BK, Mahendra AN, Pharmawati M, Phuong MA, Mahardika GN. Selecting Potential Neuronal Drug Leads from Conotoxins of Various Venomous Marine Cone Snails in Bali, Indonesia. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:19483-19490. [PMID: 31763573 PMCID: PMC6868881 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b03122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Many conotoxins, natural peptides of marine cone snails, have been identified to target neurons. Here, we provide data on pharmacological families of the conotoxins of 11 species of cone snails collected in Bali. The identified definitive pharmacological families possibly targeting neuronal tissues were α (alpha), ι (iota), κ (kappa), and ρ (rho). These classes shall target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, voltage-gated Na channels, voltage-gated K channels, and α1-adrenoceptors, respectively. The VI/VII-O3 conotoxins might be prospected as an inhibitor of N-methyl-d-aspartate. Con-ikot-ikot could be applied as an α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptor blocker medicine. The definitive pharmacology classes of conotoxins as well as those yet to be elucidated need to be further established and verified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anak A.
R. Sudewi
- Neurology
Department of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacology Department of the Faculty
of Medicine, Udayana University, Jl. Sudirman, Denpasar 80226, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Ni M. Susilawathi
- Neurology
Department of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacology Department of the Faculty
of Medicine, Udayana University, Jl. Sudirman, Denpasar 80226, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Bayu K. Mahardika
- The
Animal Biomedical and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Udayana University of Bali, Jl. Sesetan-Markisa 6, Denpasar 80223, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Agung N. Mahendra
- Neurology
Department of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacology Department of the Faculty
of Medicine, Udayana University, Jl. Sudirman, Denpasar 80226, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Made Pharmawati
- Faculty
of Mathematic and Natural Sciences, Udayana
University of Bali, Kampus
Bukit Jimbaran, Badung 80361, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Mark A. Phuong
- Department
of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University
of California, Los Angeles, Los
Angeles 90095, California, United States
| | - Gusti N. Mahardika
- The
Animal Biomedical and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Udayana University of Bali, Jl. Sesetan-Markisa 6, Denpasar 80223, Bali, Indonesia
- The Indonesian
Biodiversity Research Center, Jl. Sudirman, Denpasar 80225, Bali, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chu X, Tae HS, Xu Q, Jiang T, Adams DJ, Yu R. α-Conotoxin Vc1.1 Structure-Activity Relationship at the Human α9α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Investigated by Minimal Side Chain Replacement. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:4328-4336. [PMID: 31411453 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Conotoxin Vc1.1 inhibits the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α9α10 subtype and has the potential to treat neuropathic chronic pain. To date, the crystal structure of Vc1.1-bound α9α10 nAChR remains unavailable; thus, understanding the structure-activity relationship of Vc1.1 with the α9α10 nAChR remains challenging. In this study, the Vc1.1 side chains were minimally modified to avoid introducing large local conformation perturbation to the interactions between Vc1.1 and α9α10 nAChR. The results suggest that the hydroxyl group of Vc1.1, Y10, forms a hydrogen bond with the carbonyl group of α9 N107 and a hydrogen bond donor is required. However, Vc1.1 S4 is adjacent to the α9 D166 and D169, and a positive charge residue at this position increases the binding affinity of Vc1.1. Furthermore, the carboxyl group of Vc1.1, D11, forms two hydrogen bonds with α9 N154 and R81, respectively, whereas introducing an extra carboxyl group at this position significantly decreases the potency of Vc1.1. Second-generation mutants of Vc1.1 [S4 Dab, N9A] and [S4 Dab, N9W] increased potency at the α9α10 nAChR by 20-fold compared with that of Vc1.1. The [S4 Dab, N9W] mutational effects at positions 4 and 9 of Vc1.1 are not cumulative but are coupled with each other. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights into the structure-activity relationship of Vc1.1 with the α9α10 nAChR and will contribute to further development of more potent and specific Vc1.1 analogues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Qingliang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - David J. Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ning J, Ren J, Xiong Y, Wu Y, Zhangsun M, Zhangsun D, Zhu X, Luo S. Identification of Crucial Residues in α-Conotoxin EI Inhibiting Muscle Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11100603. [PMID: 31623211 PMCID: PMC6832962 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Conotoxins (α-CTxs) are small disulfide-rich peptides from venom of Conus species that target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The muscle-type nAChRs have been recognized as a potential target for several diseases, such as myogenic disorders, muscle dystrophies, and myasthenia gravis. EI, an α4/7-CTx, mainly blocks α1β1δε nAChRs and has an extra N-terminal extension of three amino acids. In this study, the alanine scanning (Ala-scan) mutagenesis was applied in order to identify key residues of EI for binding with mouse α1β1δε nAChR. The Ala-substituted analogues were tested for their abilities of modulating muscle and neuronal nAChRs in Xenopus laevis oocytes using two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) recordings. Electrophysiological results indicated that the vital residues for functional activity of EI were His-7, Pro-8, Met-12, and Pro-15. These changes exhibited a significant decrease in potency of EI against mouse α1β1δε nAChR. Interestingly, replacing the critical serine (Ser) at position 13 with an alanine (Ala) residue resulted in a 2-fold increase in potency at the α1β1δε nAChR, and showed loss of activity on α3β2 and α3β4 nAChRs. Selectivity and potency of [S13A] EI was improved compared with wild-type EI (WT EI). In addition, the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of EI revealed that the “Arg1–Asn2–Hyp3” residues at the N-terminus conferred potency at the muscle-type nAChRs, and the deletion analogue △1–3 EI caused a total loss of activity at the α1β1δε nAChR. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy studies demonstrated that activity loss of truncated analogue △1–3 EI for α1β1δε nAChR is attributed to disturbance of the secondary structure. In this report, an Ala-scan mutagenesis strategy is presented to identify crucial residues that are significantly affecting potency of E1 for mouse α1β1δε nAChR. It may also be important in remodeling of some novel ligands for inhibiting muscle-type nAChRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiong Ning
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Jie Ren
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Yang Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Yong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Manqi Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Sulan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Li R, Li X, Jiang J, Tian Y, Liu D, Zhangsun D, Fu Y, Wu Y, Luo S. Interaction of rat α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor with α-conotoxin RgIA and Vc1.1: Insights from docking, molecular dynamics and binding free energy contributions. J Mol Graph Model 2019; 92:55-64. [PMID: 31330438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2019.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is an effective therapeutic target for neuropathic pain. α-Conotoxin RgIA and Vc1.1 are two well-known peptides blocking α9α10 nAChR potently and selectively, which have been extensively investigated as drug candidates. Several key residues were established in previous experimental research. However, the mechanism of the specific interaction still needs to be elucidated in more detail. In this work, we explored the interaction mechanism between RgIA/Vc1.1 and rat α9α10 nAChR using docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Energy and network analysis programs were used to reveal key residues responsible for their interaction. Our results indicated that the most critical residues were in accord with previous studies. Importantly, several novel residues, including Tyr95, Trp151 in α9 (+)α10 (-) interface as well as Tyr196, Arg59in α10 (+)α9 (-) interface, were found in our models. Furthermore, we analyzed noncovalent interaction energies between RgIA/Vc1.1 and rat α9α10 nAChR. The results showed that three negatively charged residues (Glu197 in α10 subunit, Asp168 in α9 subunit and Asp205 in α10 subunit) were involved in the interaction between RgIA and rat α9α10 nAChR. In contrast, the interaction between Vc1.1 and rat α9α10 nAChR was mediated by the positively charged residues Arg59, Arg81 in α9 (-) subunit. These findings provided further insights into the molecular mechanisms of interaction between RgIA and Vc1.1 and rat α9α10 nAChR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Xincan Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Jiemei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tian
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Danrui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Donting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Ying Fu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China.
| | - Sulan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Lab for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Morales Duque H, Campos Dias S, Franco OL. Structural and Functional Analyses of Cone Snail Toxins. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17060370. [PMID: 31234371 PMCID: PMC6628382 DOI: 10.3390/md17060370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone snails are marine gastropod mollusks with one of the most powerful venoms in nature. The toxins, named conotoxins, must act quickly on the cone snails´ prey due to the fact that snails are extremely slow, reducing their hunting capability. Therefore, the characteristics of conotoxins have become the object of investigation, and as a result medicines have been developed or are in the trialing process. Conotoxins interact with transmembrane proteins, showing specificity and potency. They target ion channels and ionotropic receptors with greater regularity, and when interaction occurs, there is immediate physiological decompensation. In this review we aimed to evaluate the structural features of conotoxins and the relationship with their target types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Morales Duque
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF 70.790-160, Brazil.
| | - Simoni Campos Dias
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF 70.790-160, Brazil.
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF 70.790-160, Brazil.
- S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande-MS 79.117-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zouridakis M, Papakyriakou A, Ivanov IA, Kasheverov IE, Tsetlin V, Tzartos S, Giastas P. Crystal Structure of the Monomeric Extracellular Domain of α9 Nicotinic Receptor Subunit in Complex With α-Conotoxin RgIA: Molecular Dynamics Insights Into RgIA Binding to α9α10 Nicotinic Receptors. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:474. [PMID: 31118896 PMCID: PMC6504684 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The α9 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) exists mainly in heteropentameric assemblies with α10. Accumulating data indicate the presence of three different binding sites in α9α10 nAChRs: the α9(+)/α9(−), the α9(+)/α10(−), and the α10(+)/α9(−). The major role of the principal (+) side of the extracellular domain (ECD) of α9 subunit in binding of the antagonists methyllylcaconitine and α-bungarotoxin was shown previously by the crystal structures of the monomeric α9-ECD with these molecules. Here we present the 2.26-Å resolution crystal structure of α9-ECD in complex with α-conotoxin (α-Ctx) RgIA, a potential drug for chronic pain, the first structure reported for a complex between an nAChR domain and an α-Ctx. Superposition of this structure with those of other α-Ctxs bound to the homologous pentameric acetylcholine binding proteins revealed significant similarities in the orientation of bound conotoxins, despite the monomeric state of the α9-ECD. In addition, ligand-binding studies calculated a binding affinity of RgIA to the α9-ECD at the low micromolar range. Given the high identity between α9 and α10 ECDs, particularly at their (+) sides, the presented structure was used as template for molecular dynamics simulations of the ECDs of the human α9α10 nAChR in pentameric assemblies. Our results support a favorable binding of RgIA at α9(+)/α9(−) or α10(+)/α9(−) rather than the α9(+)/α10(−) interface, in accordance with previous mutational and functional data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marios Zouridakis
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Igor A Ivanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor E Kasheverov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor Tsetlin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,PhysBio of MEPhI, Moscow, Russia
| | - Socrates Tzartos
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Petros Giastas
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wulff H, Christophersen P, Colussi P, Chandy KG, Yarov-Yarovoy V. Antibodies and venom peptides: new modalities for ion channels. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:339-357. [PMID: 30728472 PMCID: PMC6499689 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels play fundamental roles in both excitable and non-excitable tissues and therefore constitute attractive drug targets for myriad neurological, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases as well as for cancer and immunomodulation. However, achieving selectivity for specific ion channel subtypes with small-molecule drugs has been challenging, and there currently is a growing trend to target ion channels with biologics. One approach is to improve the pharmacokinetics of existing or novel venom-derived peptides. In parallel, after initial studies with polyclonal antibodies demonstrated the technical feasibility of inhibiting channel function with antibodies, multiple preclinical programmes are now using the full spectrum of available technologies to generate conventional monoclonal and engineered antibodies or nanobodies against extracellular loops of ion channels. After a summary of the current state of ion channel drug discovery, this Review discusses recent developments using the purinergic receptor channel P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2X7), the voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 and the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 as examples of targeting ion channels with biologics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | | | | | - K George Chandy
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Infection and Immunity Theme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology & Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Turner MW, Marquart LA, Phillips PD, McDougal OM. Mutagenesis of α-Conotoxins for Enhancing Activity and Selectivity for Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E113. [PMID: 30781866 PMCID: PMC6409848 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11020113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are found throughout the mammalian body and have been studied extensively because of their implication in a myriad of diseases. α-Conotoxins (α-CTxs) are peptide neurotoxins found in the venom of marine snails of genus Conus. α-CTxs are potent and selective antagonists for a variety of nAChR isoforms. Over the past 40 years, α-CTxs have proven to be valuable molecular probes capable of differentiating between closely related nAChR subtypes and have contributed greatly to understanding the physiological role of nAChRs in the mammalian nervous system. Here, we review the amino acid composition and structure of several α-CTxs that selectively target nAChR isoforms and explore strategies and outcomes for introducing mutations in native α-CTxs to direct selectivity and enhance binding affinity for specific nAChRs. This review will focus on structure-activity relationship studies involving native α-CTxs that have been rationally mutated and molecular interactions that underlie binding between ligand and nAChR isoform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Turner
- Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Programs, Boise State University; Boise, ID 83725, USA.
| | - Leanna A Marquart
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Boise State University; Boise, ID 83725, USA.
| | - Paul D Phillips
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Boise State University; Boise, ID 83725, USA.
| | - Owen M McDougal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Boise State University; Boise, ID 83725, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Fu Y, Li C, Dong S, Wu Y, Zhangsun D, Luo S. Discovery Methodology of Novel Conotoxins from Conus Species. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:md16110417. [PMID: 30380764 PMCID: PMC6266589 DOI: 10.3390/md16110417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone snail venoms provide an ideal resource for neuropharmacological tools and drug candidates discovery, which have become a research hotspot in neuroscience and new drug development. More than 1,000,000 natural peptides are produced by cone snails, but less than 0.1% of the estimated conotoxins has been characterized to date. Hence, the discovery of novel conotoxins from the huge conotoxin resources with high-throughput and sensitive methods becomes a crucial key for the conotoxin-based drug development. In this review, we introduce the discovery methodology of new conotoxins from various Conus species. It focuses on obtaining full N- to C-terminal sequences, regardless of disulfide bond connectivity through crude venom purification, conotoxin precusor gene cloning, venom duct transcriptomics, venom proteomics and multi-omic methods. The protocols, advantages, disadvantages, and developments of different approaches during the last decade are summarized and the promising prospects are discussed as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Fu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Cheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Yong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Sulan Luo
- Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Cai F, Xu N, Liu Z, Ding R, Yu S, Dong M, Wang S, Shen J, Tae HS, Adams DJ, Zhang X, Dai Q. Targeting of N-Type Calcium Channels via GABAB-Receptor Activation by α-Conotoxin Vc1.1 Variants Displaying Improved Analgesic Activity. J Med Chem 2018; 61:10198-10205. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fengtao Cai
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Ning Xu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zhuguo Liu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Rong Ding
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Shuo Yu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Mingxin Dong
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jintao Shen
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - David J. Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Xuerong Zhang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qiuyun Dai
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wu X, Tae HS, Huang YH, Adams DJ, Craik DJ, Kaas Q. Stoichiometry dependent inhibition of rat α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor by the ribbon isomer of α-conotoxin AuIB. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 155:288-297. [PMID: 30009767 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The ribbon isomer of α-conotoxin AuIB has 10-fold greater potency than the wild-type globular isomer at inhibiting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in rat parasympathetic neurons, and unlike its globular isoform, ribbon AuIB only targets a specific stoichiometry of the α3β4 nAChR subtype. Previous electrophysiological recordings of AuIB indicated that ribbon AuIB binds to the α3(+)α3(-) interface within the nAChR extracellular domain, which is displayed by the (α3)3(β4)2 stoichiometry but not by (α3)2(β4)3. This specificity for a particular stoichiometry is remarkable and suggests that ribbon isoforms of α-conotoxins might have great potential in drug design. In this study, we investigated the binding mode and structure-activity relationships of ribbon AuIB using a combination of molecular modeling and electrophysiology recording to determine the features that underpin its selectivity. An alanine scan showed that positions 4 and 9 of ribbon AuIB are the main determinants of the interaction with (α3)3(β4)2 nAChR. Our computational models indicate that the first loop of ribbon AuIB binds in the "aromatic box" of the acetylcholine orthosteric binding site, similar to that of globular AuIB. In contrast, the second loop and the termini of the ribbon isomer have different orientations and interactions in the binding sites to those of the globular isomer. The structure-activity relationships reported herein should be useful to design peptides displaying a ribbon α-conotoxin scaffold for inhibition of nAChR subtypes that have hitherto been difficult to selectively target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosa Wu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), The University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), The University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sadeghi M, Carstens BB, Callaghan BP, Daniel JT, Tae HS, O’Donnell T, Castro J, Brierley SM, Adams DJ, Craik DJ, Clark RJ. Structure-Activity Studies Reveal the Molecular Basis for GABA B-Receptor Mediated Inhibition of High Voltage-Activated Calcium Channels by α-Conotoxin Vc1.1. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:1577-1587. [PMID: 29746088 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
α-Conotoxins are disulfide-bonded peptides from cone snail venoms and are characterized by their affinity for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). Several α-conotoxins with distinct selectivity for nAChR subtypes have been identified as potent analgesics in animal models of chronic pain. However, a number of α-conotoxins have been shown to inhibit N-type calcium channel currents in rodent dissociated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons via activation of G protein-coupled GABAB receptors (GABABR). Therefore, it is unclear whether activation of GABABR or inhibition of α9α10 nAChRs is the analgesic mechanism. To investigate the mechanisms by which α-conotoxins provide analgesia, we synthesized a suite of Vc1.1 analogues where all residues, except the conserved cysteines, in Vc1.1 were individually replaced by alanine (A), lysine (K), and aspartic acid (D). Our results show that the amino acids in the first loop play an important role in binding of the peptide to the receptor, whereas those in the second loop play an important role for the selectivity of the peptide for the GABABR over α9α10 nAChRs. We designed a cVc1.1 analogue that is >8000-fold selective for GABABR-mediated inhibition of high voltage-activated (HVA) calcium channels over α9α10 nAChRs and show that it is analgesic in a mouse model of chronic visceral hypersensitivity (CVH). cVc1.1[D11A,E14A] caused dose-dependent inhibition of colonic nociceptors with greater efficacy in ex vivo CVH colonic nociceptors relative to healthy colonic nociceptors. These findings suggest that selectively targeting GABABR-mediated HVA calcium channel inhibition by α-conotoxins could be effective for the treatment of chronic visceral pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Sadeghi
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Bodil B. Carstens
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Brid P. Callaghan
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - James T. Daniel
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Tracey O’Donnell
- Visceral Pain Research Group, Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
- Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, Southern Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Joel Castro
- Visceral Pain Research Group, Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
- Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, Southern Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Stuart M. Brierley
- Visceral Pain Research Group, Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
- Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, Southern Australia 5000, Australia
| | - David J. Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Richard J. Clark
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
|
32
|
Hamad MK, He K, Abdulrazeq HF, Mustafa AM, Luceri R, Kamal N, Ali M, Nakhla J, Herzallah MM, Mammis A. Potential Uses of Isolated Toxin Peptides in Neuropathic Pain Relief: A Literature Review. World Neurosurg 2018; 113:333-347.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.01.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
|
33
|
Castro J, Grundy L, Deiteren A, Harrington AM, O'Donnell T, Maddern J, Moore J, Garcia-Caraballo S, Rychkov GY, Yu R, Kaas Q, Craik DJ, Adams DJ, Brierley SM. Cyclic analogues of α-conotoxin Vc1.1 inhibit colonic nociceptors and provide analgesia in a mouse model of chronic abdominal pain. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:2384-2398. [PMID: 29194563 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Patients with irritable bowel syndrome suffer from chronic visceral pain (CVP) and limited analgesic therapeutic options are currently available. We have shown that α-conotoxin Vc1.1 induced activation of GABAB receptors on the peripheral endings of colonic afferents and reduced nociceptive signalling from the viscera. However, the analgesic efficacy of more stable, cyclized versions of Vc1.1 on CVP remains to be determined. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using ex vivo colonic afferent preparations from mice, we determined the inhibitory actions of cyclized Vc1.1 (cVc1.1) and two cVc1.1 analogues on mouse colonic nociceptors in healthy and chronic visceral hypersensitivity (CVH) states. Using whole-cell patch clamp recordings, we also assessed the inhibitory actions of these peptides on the neuronal excitability of colonic innervating dorsal root ganglion neurons. In vivo, the analgesic efficacy of these analogues was assessed by determining the visceromotor response to colorectal distension in healthy and CVH mice. KEY RESULTS cVc1.1 and the cVc1.1 analogues, [C2H,C8F]cVc1.1 and [N9W]cVc1.1, all caused concentration-dependent inhibition of colonic nociceptors from healthy mice. Inhibition by these peptides was greater than those evoked by linear Vc1.1 and was substantially greater in colonic nociceptors from CVH mice. cVc1.1 also reduced excitability of colonic dorsal root ganglion neurons, with greater effect in CVH neurons. CVH mice treated with cVc1.1 intra-colonically displayed reduced pain responses to noxious colorectal distension compared with vehicle-treated CVH mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Cyclic versions of Vc1.1 evoked significant anti-nociceptive actions in CVH states, suggesting that they could be novel candidates for treatment of CVP. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Recent Advances in Targeting Ion Channels to Treat Chronic Pain. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.12/issuetoc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel Castro
- Visceral Pain Research Group, Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.,Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Luke Grundy
- Visceral Pain Research Group, Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.,Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Annemie Deiteren
- Visceral Pain Research Group, Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.,Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Andrea M Harrington
- Visceral Pain Research Group, Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.,Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Tracey O'Donnell
- Visceral Pain Research Group, Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.,Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Jessica Maddern
- Visceral Pain Research Group, Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.,Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Jessi Moore
- Visceral Pain Research Group, Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.,Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Sonia Garcia-Caraballo
- Visceral Pain Research Group, Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.,Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Grigori Y Rychkov
- Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Rilei Yu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Stuart M Brierley
- Visceral Pain Research Group, Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.,Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
G-Protein Coupled Receptors Targeted by Analgesic Venom Peptides. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9110372. [PMID: 29144441 PMCID: PMC5705987 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9110372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a complex and debilitating condition associated with a large personal and socioeconomic burden. Current pharmacological approaches to treating chronic pain such as opioids, antidepressants and anticonvulsants exhibit limited efficacy in many patients and are associated with dose-limiting side effects that hinder their clinical use. Therefore, improved strategies for the pharmacological treatment of pathological pain are urgently needed. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are ubiquitously expressed on the surface of cells and act to transduce extracellular signals and regulate physiological processes. In the context of pain, numerous and diverse families of GPCRs expressed in pain pathways regulate most aspects of physiological and pathological pain and are thus implicated as potential targets for therapy of chronic pain. In the search for novel compounds that produce analgesia via GPCR modulation, animal venoms offer an enormous and virtually untapped source of potent and selective peptide molecules. While many venom peptides target voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels to inhibit neuronal excitability and blunt synaptic transmission of pain signals, only a small proportion are known to interact with GPCRs. Of these, only a few have shown analgesic potential in vivo. Here we review the current state of knowledge regarding venom peptides that target GPCRs to produce analgesia, and their development as therapeutic compounds.
Collapse
|
35
|
Pennington MW, Czerwinski A, Norton RS. Peptide therapeutics from venom: Current status and potential. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 26:2738-2758. [PMID: 28988749 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Peptides are recognized as being highly selective, potent and relatively safe as potential therapeutics. Peptides isolated from the venom of different animals satisfy most of these criteria with the possible exception of safety, but when isolated as single compounds and used at appropriate concentrations, venom-derived peptides can become useful drugs. Although the number of venom-derived peptides that have successfully progressed to the clinic is currently limited, the prospects for venom-derived peptides look very optimistic. As proteomic and transcriptomic approaches continue to identify new sequences, the potential of venom-derived peptides to find applications as therapeutics, cosmetics and insecticides grows accordingly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrzej Czerwinski
- Peptides International, Inc., 11621 Electron Drive, Louisville, KY 40299, USA
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 381 Royal Parade, Monash University, Parkville, 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Tabassum N, Tae HS, Jia X, Kaas Q, Jiang T, Adams DJ, Yu R. Role of Cys I-Cys III Disulfide Bond on the Structure and Activity of α-Conotoxins at Human Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. ACS OMEGA 2017; 2:4621-4631. [PMID: 30023726 PMCID: PMC6044955 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.7b00639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
α-Conotoxins preferentially antagonize muscle and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Native α-conotoxins have two disulfide links, CI-CIII and CII-CIV, and owing to the inherent properties of disulfide bonds, α-conotoxins have been systematically engineered to improve their chemical and biological properties. In this study, we explored the possibility of simplifying the disulfide framework of α-conotoxins Vc1.1, BuIA, ImI, and AuIB, by introducing [C2H,C8F] modification to the CI-CIII bond. We therefore explored the possibility of using hydrophobic packing of standard amino acid side chains to replace disulfide bonds as an alternative strategy to nonnatural amino acid cross-links. The impact of CI-CIII disulfide bond replacement on the conformation of the α-conotoxins was investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift index study. Two-electrode voltage clamp techniques and MD simulations were used to study the impact of disulfide bond deletion on the activities of the peptides at human neuronal nAChRs. All disulfide-deleted variants except ImI[C2H,C8F] had reduced potency for inhibiting nAChRs. Our results suggest that the CI-CIII disulfide bond is important to stabilize the secondary structure of α-conotoxins as well as their interaction with neuronal nAChR targets. Results from this study enrich our understanding of the function of the CI-CIII disulfide bond and are useful in guiding future structural engineering of the α-conotoxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nargis Tabassum
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School
of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory
for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for
Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra
Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Xinying Jia
- The Centre for Advanced Imaging and Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- The Centre for Advanced Imaging and Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School
of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - David J. Adams
- Illawarra
Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School
of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory
for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for
Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hone AJ, Servent D, McIntosh JM. α9-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and the modulation of pain. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 175:1915-1927. [PMID: 28662295 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a complex and debilitating syndrome for which there are few effective pharmacological treatments. Opioid-based medications are initially effective for acute pain, but tolerance to their analgesic effects quickly develops, and long-term use often leads to physical dependence and addiction. Furthermore, neuropathic pain is generally resistant to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Other classes of medications including antidepressants, antiepileptics and voltage-gated calcium channel inhibitors are only partially effective in most patients, may be associated with significant side effects and have few disease-modifying effects on the underlying pathology. Medications that act through new mechanisms of action, and particularly ones that have disease-modifying properties, would be highly desirable. In the last decade, a potential new target for the treatment of neuropathic pain has emerged: the α9-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Recent studies indicate that antagonists of α9-containing nAChRs are analgesic in animal models of neuropathic pain. These nerve injury models include chronic constriction injury, partial sciatic nerve ligation, streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapeutic-induced neuropathy. This review details the history and state of the field regarding the role that α9-containing nAChRs may play in neuropathic pain. An alternative hypothesis that α-conotoxins exert their therapeutic effect through blocking N-type calcium channels via activation of GABAB receptors is also reviewed. Understanding how antagonists of α9-containing nAChRs exert their therapeutic effects may ultimately result in the development of medications that not only treat but also prevent the development of neuropathic pain states. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.11/issuetoc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arik J Hone
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Denis Servent
- Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines (SIMOPRO), IBITECS, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
|
39
|
Molecular Engineering of Conus Peptides as Therapeutic Leads. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1030:229-254. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-66095-0_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
40
|
Carstens BB, Swedberg J, Berecki G, Adams DJ, Craik DJ, Clark RJ. Effects of linker sequence modifications on the structure, stability, and biological activity of a cyclic α-conotoxin. Biopolymers 2016; 106:864-875. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.22848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bodil B. Carstens
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences; the University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Joakim Swedberg
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Géza Berecki
- Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University; Melbourne Victoria 3083 Australia
| | - David J. Adams
- Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University; Melbourne Victoria 3083 Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Richard J. Clark
- School of Biomedical Sciences; the University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Bourinet E, Zamponi GW. Block of voltage-gated calcium channels by peptide toxins. Neuropharmacology 2016; 127:109-115. [PMID: 27756538 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Venoms from various predatory species, such as fish hunting molluscs scorpions, snakes and arachnids contain a large spectrum of toxins that include blockers of voltage-gated calcium channels. These peptide blockers act by two principal manners - physical occlusion of the pore and prevention of activation gating. Many of the calcium channel-blocking peptides have evolved to tightly occupy their binding pocket on the principal pore forming subunit of the channel, often rendering block poorly reversible. Moreover, several of the best characterized blocking peptides have developed a high degree of channel subtype selectivity. Here we give an overview of different types of calcium channel-blocking toxins, their mechanism of action, channel subtype specificity, and potential use as therapeutic agents. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Bourinet
- Institute for Functional Genomics, CNRS UMR5203, INSERM U1191, University of Montpellier, LABEX ICST, Montpellier, France
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Residues Responsible for the Selectivity of α-Conotoxins for Ac-AChBP or nAChRs. Mar Drugs 2016; 14:md14100173. [PMID: 27727162 PMCID: PMC5082321 DOI: 10.3390/md14100173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are targets for developing new drugs to treat severe pain, nicotine addiction, Alzheimer disease, epilepsy, etc. α-Conotoxins are biologically and chemically diverse. With 12–19 residues and two disulfides, they can be specifically selected for different nAChRs. Acetylcholine-binding proteins from Aplysia californica (Ac-AChBP) are homologous to the ligand-binding domains of nAChRs and pharmacologically similar. X-ray structures of the α-conotoxin in complex with Ac-AChBP in addition to computer modeling have helped to determine the binding site of the important residues of α-conotoxin and its affinity for nAChR subtypes. Here, we present the various α-conotoxin residues that are selective for Ac-AChBP or nAChRs by comparing the structures of α-conotoxins in complex with Ac-AChBP and by modeling α-conotoxins in complex with nAChRs. The knowledge of these binding sites will assist in the discovery and design of more potent and selective α-conotoxins as drug leads.
Collapse
|
43
|
Wu X, Huang Y, Kaas Q, Craik DJ. Cyclisation of Disulfide‐Rich Conotoxins in Drug Design Applications. European J Org Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.201600402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosa Wu
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of Queensland306 Carmody Road (Building 80)4072BrisbaneAustralia
| | - Yen‐Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of Queensland306 Carmody Road (Building 80)4072BrisbaneAustralia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of Queensland306 Carmody Road (Building 80)4072BrisbaneAustralia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of Queensland306 Carmody Road (Building 80)4072BrisbaneAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Zhu X, Bi J, Yu J, Li X, Zhang Y, Zhangsun D, Luo S. Recombinant Expression and Characterization of α-Conotoxin LvIA in Escherichia coli. Mar Drugs 2016; 14:11. [PMID: 26742048 PMCID: PMC4728508 DOI: 10.3390/md14010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Conotoxin LvIA is derived from Conus lividus, native to Hainan, and is the most selective inhibitor of α3β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) known to date. In this study, an efficient approach for the production of recombinant α-Conotoxin LvIA is described. Tandem repeats of a LvIA gene fragment were constructed and fused with a KSI gene and a His6 tag in a Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression vector pET-31b(+). The recombinant plasmids were transformed into E. coli and were found to express well. The KSI-(LvIA)n-His6 fusion protein was purified by metal affinity chromatography and then cleaved with CNBr to release recombinant LvIA (rLvIA). High yields of fusion protein ranging from 100 to 500 mg/L culture were obtained. The pharmacological profile of rLvIA was determined by two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing rat nAChR subtypes. The rLvIA antagonized the α3β2 nAChR subtype selectively with a nano-molar IC50. The rLvIA was analgesic in a mouse hot-plate test model of pain. Overall, this study provides an effective method to synthesize α-conotoxin LvIA in an E. coli recombinant expression system, and this approach could be useful to obtain active conopeptides in large quantity and at low cost.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
- College of Horticulture and Landscapes, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
- College of Marine Science, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Jianpeng Bi
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Jinpeng Yu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Xiaodan Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Yaning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
- College of Marine Science, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Sulan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
- College of Marine Science, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Lippiello P, Bencherif M, Hauser T, Jordan K, Letchworth S, Mazurov A. Nicotinic receptors as targets for therapeutic discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2015; 2:1185-203. [PMID: 23496128 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2.9.1185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) represent a class of therapeutic targets with the potential to impact numerous diseases and disorders where significant unmet medical needs remain. The latter include cognitive and neurodegenerative diseases; psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia; acute nociceptive, neuropathic and inflammatory pain; affective disorders, such as depression and inflammation, where nAChR subtypes modulate key cellular pathways involved in anti-inflammatory processes as well as cell survival. Our increased understanding of the heterogeneity of nAChR targets is defining the relationship of biologic effects to specific receptor subtypes, which in turn, will allow further refinement of desired therapeutic activities. Both preclinical and clinical evidence support the notion that novel compounds targeting specific nAChR subtypes will offer increased potency and efficacy, longer lasting effects, fewer side effects and a more rapid onset of action and less dependence, compared with existing therapies. Clinical proof-of-concept is rapidly emerging and will solidify the position of this new therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pm Lippiello
- Targacept, Inc., 200 East 1st Street, Suite 300, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA +1 336 480 2100 ; +1 336 480 2107 ;
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mohammadi SA, Christie MJ. Conotoxin Interactions with α9α10-nAChRs: Is the α9α10-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor an Important Therapeutic Target for Pain Management? Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:3916-32. [PMID: 26426047 PMCID: PMC4626711 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7103916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The α9α10-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) has been implicated in pain and has been proposed to be a novel target for analgesics. However, the evidence to support the involvement of the α9α10-nAChR in pain is conflicted. This receptor was first implicated in pain with the characterisation of conotoxin Vc1.1, which is highly selective for α9α10-nAChRs and is an efficacious analgesic in chronic pain models with restorative capacities and no reported side effects. Numerous other analgesic conotoxin and non-conotoxin molecules have been subsequently characterised that also inhibit α9α10-nAChRs. However, there is evidence that α9α10-nAChR inhibition is neither necessary nor sufficient for analgesia. α9α10-nAChR-inhibiting analogues of Vc1.1 have no analgesic effects. Genetically-modified α9-nAChR knockout mice have a phenotype that is markedly different from the analgesic profile of Vc1.1 and similar conotoxins, suggesting that the conotoxin effects are largely independent of α9α10-nAChRs. Furthermore, an alternative mechanism of analgesia by Vc1.1 and other similar conotoxins involving non-canonical coupling of GABAB receptors to voltage-gated calcium channels is known. Additional incongruities regarding α9α10-nAChRs in analgesia are discussed. A more comprehensive characterisation of the role of α9α10-nAChRs in pain is crucial for understanding the analgesic action of conotoxins and for improved drug design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarasa A Mohammadi
- Discipline of Pharmacology, the University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - MacDonald J Christie
- Discipline of Pharmacology, the University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Yu R, Seymour VAL, Berecki G, Jia X, Akcan M, Adams DJ, Kaas Q, Craik DJ. Less is More: Design of a Highly Stable Disulfide-Deleted Mutant of Analgesic Cyclic α-Conotoxin Vc1.1. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13264. [PMID: 26290113 PMCID: PMC4542547 DOI: 10.1038/srep13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic α-conotoxin Vc1.1 (cVc1.1) is an orally active peptide with analgesic activity in rat models of neuropathic pain. It has two disulfide bonds, which can have three different connectivities, one of which is the native and active form. In this study we used computational modeling and nuclear magnetic resonance to design a disulfide-deleted mutant of cVc1.1, [C2H,C8F]cVc1.1, which has a larger hydrophobic core than cVc1.1 and, potentially, additional surface salt bridge interactions. The new variant, hcVc1.1, has similar structure and serum stability to cVc1.1 and is highly stable at a wide range of pH and temperatures. Remarkably, hcVc1.1 also has similar selectivity to cVc1.1, as it inhibited recombinant human α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated currents with an IC50 of 13 μM and rat N-type (Cav2.2) and recombinant human Cav2.3 calcium channels via GABAB receptor activation, with an IC50 of ~900 pM. Compared to cVc1.1, the potency of hcVc1.1 is reduced three-fold at both analgesic targets, whereas previous attempts to replace Vc1.1 disulfide bonds by non-reducible dicarba linkages resulted in at least 30-fold decreased activity. Because it has only one disulfide bond, hcVc1.1 is not subject to disulfide bond shuffling and does not form multiple isomers during peptide synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rilei Yu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Victoria A L Seymour
- Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Géza Berecki
- Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Xinying Jia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Muharrem Akcan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Peptide neurotoxins from cone snails called conotoxins are renowned for their therapeutic potential to treat pain and several neurodegenerative diseases. Inefficient assay-guided discovery methods have been replaced by high-throughput bioassays integrated with advanced MS and next-generation sequencing, ushering in the era of 'venomics'. In this review, we focus on the impact of venomics on the understanding of cone snail biology as well as the application of venomics to accelerate the discovery of new conotoxins. We also discuss the continued importance of medicinal chemistry approaches to optimize conotoxins for clinical use, with a descriptive case study of MrIA featured.
Collapse
|
49
|
Undheim EAB, Grimm LL, Low CF, Morgenstern D, Herzig V, Zobel-Thropp P, Pineda SS, Habib R, Dziemborowicz S, Fry BG, Nicholson GM, Binford GJ, Mobli M, King GF. Weaponization of a Hormone: Convergent Recruitment of Hyperglycemic Hormone into the Venom of Arthropod Predators. Structure 2015; 23:1283-92. [PMID: 26073605 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Arthropod venoms consist primarily of peptide toxins that are injected into their prey with devastating consequences. Venom proteins are thought to be recruited from endogenous body proteins and mutated to yield neofunctionalized toxins with remarkable affinity for specific subtypes of ion channels and receptors. However, the evolutionary history of venom peptides remains poorly understood. Here we show that a neuropeptide hormone has been convergently recruited into the venom of spiders and centipedes and evolved into a highly stable toxin through divergent modification of the ancestral gene. High-resolution structures of representative hormone-derived toxins revealed they possess a unique structure and disulfide framework and that the key structural adaptation in weaponization of the ancestral hormone was loss of a C-terminal α helix, an adaptation that occurred independently in spiders and centipedes. Our results raise a new paradigm for toxin evolution and highlight the value of structural information in providing insight into protein evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eivind A B Undheim
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Lena L Grimm
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Chek-Fong Low
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David Morgenstern
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - Sandy Steffany Pineda
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Rosaline Habib
- School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Slawomir Dziemborowicz
- School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Bryan G Fry
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Graham M Nicholson
- School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Greta J Binford
- Department of Biology, Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR 97219, USA
| | - Mehdi Mobli
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; Centre for Advanced Imaging, 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.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
Chronic pain is very difficult to treat. Thus, novel analgesics are a critical area of research. Strong pre-clinical evidence supports the analgesic effects of α-conopeptides, Vc1.1 and RgIA, which block α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, the analgesic mechanism is controversial. Some evidence supports the block of α9α10 nAChRs as an analgesic mechanism, while other evidence supports the inhibition of N-type CaV (CaV2.2) current via activation of GABAB receptors. Here we reassess the effect of Vc1.1 and RgIA on CaV current in rat sensory neurons. Unlike the previous findings, we found highly variable effects among individual sensory neurons, but on average only minimal inhibition induced by Vc1.1, and no significant effect on the current by RgIA. We also investigated the potential involvement of GABAB receptors in the Vc1.1 induced inhibition, and found no correlation between the size of CaV current inhibition induced by baclofen (GABAB agonist) vs. that induced by Vc1.1. Thus, GABAB receptors are unlikely to mediate the Vc1.1 induced CaV current inhibition. Based on the present findings, CaV current inhibition in dorsal root ganglia is unlikely to be the predominant mechanism by which either Vc1.1 or RgIA induce analgesia. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Better analgesic drugs are desperately needed to help physicians to treat pain. While many pre-clinical studies support the analgesic effects of α-conopeptides, Vc1.1 and RgIA, the mechanism is controversial. The development of improved α-conopeptide analgesics would be greatly facilitated by a complete understanding of the analgesic mechanism. However, we show that we cannot reproduce one of the proposed analgesic mechanisms, which is an irreversible inhibition of CaV current in a majority of sensory neurons.
Collapse
|