1
|
Uzal FA, Henderson E, Asin J. Botulism in fish: a review. J Vet Diagn Invest 2024; 36:312-318. [PMID: 38465871 PMCID: PMC11110784 DOI: 10.1177/10406387241236725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Published information about fish botulism is scant. We review here the current literature on fish botulism. Freshwater fish are susceptible to botulism. Only anecdotal evidence exists about possible botulism cases in saltwater fish. With only a few exceptions, the etiology of all cases of fish botulism reported is Clostridium botulinum type E, although fish are sensitive to, and may carry, various C. botulinum types. Clinical signs of botulism in fish include loss of equilibrium and motion, abducted opercula, open mouths, dark pigmentation, and head up/tail down orientation in which attempts to swim result in breaching the surface of the water. Dark pigmentation is thought to be associated with acetylcholine imbalance in botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT)-affected fish. Rarely, but similar to the situation in other animal species, fish can recover from botulism. Fish botulism can cause secondary outbreaks of the disease in birds, as botulism-affected fish stand out from normal fish, and are selectively preyed upon by fish-eating birds, which thus become intoxicated by the BoNT present in sick fish. The source of BoNT in fish has not been definitively confirmed. Fish may ingest C. botulinum spores that then germinate in their digestive tract, but the possibility that fish ingest preformed BoNT from the environment (e.g., dead fish, shellfish, insects) cannot be ruled out. The presumptive diagnosis of botulism in fish is established based on clinical signs, and as in other species, confirmation should be based on detection of BoNT in intestinal content, liver, and/or serum of affected fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A. Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System–San Bernardino Branch, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, CA, USA
| | - Eileen Henderson
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System–San Bernardino Branch, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, CA, USA
| | - Javier Asin
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System–San Bernardino Branch, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou X, Qi M, Yang M. Detection of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) enzymatic activity by pregnancy test strips based on hCG-modified magnetic nanoparticles. Mikrochim Acta 2024; 191:114. [PMID: 38286853 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-024-06197-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The detection of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) endopeptidase activity by pregnancy test paper based on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-functionalized peptide-modified magnetic nanoparticles (MNs) is described for the first time. HCG-functionalized SNAP-25 peptide substrate with hydrolysis recognition sites was optimally designed. HCG can be recognized by pregnancy test strips. BoNT/A light chain (BoNT-LcA) is the central part of the endopeptidase function in holotoxin, which can specifically hydrolyze SNAP-25 peptide to release the hCG-peptide probe, and the hCG-peptide probe released can be quantitatively detected by pregnancy test strips, achieving indirect determination of BoNT/A. By quantifying the T-line color intensity of test strips, the visual detection limit for BoNT-LcA is 12.5 pg/mL, and the linear range of detection for BoNT-LcA and BoNT/A holotoxin was 100 pg/mL to 1 ng/mL and 25 to 250 ng/mL. The ability of the method to quantify BoNT/A was validated in human serum samples. This method shows the potential for sensitive detecting BoNT/A and has prospects for the diagnosis and prognosis of clinical botulism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Zhou
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Min Qi
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Minghui Yang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rawson AM, Dempster AW, Humphreys CM, Minton NP. Pathogenicity and virulence of Clostridium botulinum. Virulence 2023; 14:2205251. [PMID: 37157163 PMCID: PMC10171130 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2205251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum, a polyphyletic Gram-positive taxon of bacteria, is classified purely by their ability to produce botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). BoNT is the primary virulence factor and the causative agent of botulism. A potentially fatal disease, botulism is classically characterized by a symmetrical descending flaccid paralysis, which is left untreated can lead to respiratory failure and death. Botulism cases are classified into three main forms dependent on the nature of intoxication; foodborne, wound and infant. The BoNT, regarded as the most potent biological substance known, is a zinc metalloprotease that specifically cleaves SNARE proteins at neuromuscular junctions, preventing exocytosis of neurotransmitters, leading to muscle paralysis. The BoNT is now used to treat numerous medical conditions caused by overactive or spastic muscles and is extensively used in the cosmetic industry due to its high specificity and the exceedingly small doses needed to exert long-lasting pharmacological effects. Additionally, the ability to form endospores is critical to the pathogenicity of the bacteria. Disease transmission is often facilitated via the metabolically dormant spores that are highly resistant to environment stresses, allowing persistence in the environment in unfavourable conditions. Infant and wound botulism infections are initiated upon germination of the spores into neurotoxin producing vegetative cells, whereas foodborne botulism is attributed to ingestion of preformed BoNT. C. botulinum is a saprophytic bacterium, thought to have evolved its potent neurotoxin to establish a source of nutrients by killing its host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Rawson
- Clostridia Research Group, BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC), School of Life Sciences, The Biodiscovery Institute, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew W Dempster
- Clostridia Research Group, BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC), School of Life Sciences, The Biodiscovery Institute, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Christopher M Humphreys
- Clostridia Research Group, BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC), School of Life Sciences, The Biodiscovery Institute, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Clostridial Diseases of Horses: A Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020318. [PMID: 35214776 PMCID: PMC8876495 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The clostridial diseases of horses can be divided into three major groups: enteric/enterotoxic, histotoxic, and neurotoxic. The main enteric/enterotoxic diseases include those produced by Clostridium perfringens type C and Clostridioides difficile, both of which are characterized by enterocolitis. The main histotoxic diseases are gas gangrene, Tyzzer disease, and infectious necrotic hepatitis. Gas gangrene is produced by one or more of the following microorganisms: C. perfringens type A, Clostridium septicum, Paeniclostridium sordellii, and Clostridium novyi type A, and it is characterized by necrotizing cellulitis and/or myositis. Tyzzer disease is produced by Clostridium piliforme and is mainly characterized by multifocal necrotizing hepatitis. Infectious necrotic hepatitis is produced by Clostridium novyi type B and is characterized by focal necrotizing hepatitis. The main neurotoxic clostridial diseases are tetanus and botulism, which are produced by Clostridium tetani and Clostridium botulinum, respectively. Tetanus is characterized by spastic paralysis and botulism by flaccid paralysis. Neither disease present with specific gross or microscopic lesions. The pathogenesis of clostridial diseases involves the production of toxins. Confirming a diagnosis of some of the clostridial diseases of horses is sometimes difficult, mainly because some agents can be present in tissues of normal animals. This paper reviews the main clostridial diseases of horses.
Collapse
|
5
|
Cai S, Kumar R, Singh BR. Clostridial Neurotoxins: Structure, Function and Implications to Other Bacterial Toxins. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2206. [PMID: 34835332 PMCID: PMC8618262 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Gram-positive bacteria are ancient organisms. Many bacteria, including Gram-positive bacteria, produce toxins to manipulate the host, leading to various diseases. While the targets of Gram-positive bacterial toxins are diverse, many of those toxins use a similar mechanism to invade host cells and exert their functions. Clostridial neurotoxins produced by Clostridial tetani and Clostridial botulinum provide a classical example to illustrate the structure-function relationship of bacterial toxins. Here, we critically review the recent progress of the structure-function relationship of clostridial neurotoxins, including the diversity of the clostridial neurotoxins, the mode of actions, and the flexible structures required for the activation of toxins. The mechanism clostridial neurotoxins use for triggering their activity is shared with many other Gram-positive bacterial toxins, especially molten globule-type structures. This review also summarizes the implications of the molten globule-type flexible structures to other Gram-positive bacterial toxins. Understanding these highly dynamic flexible structures in solution and their role in the function of bacterial toxins not only fills in the missing link of the high-resolution structures from X-ray crystallography but also provides vital information for better designing antidotes against those toxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuowei Cai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA 02747, USA
| | - Raj Kumar
- Botulinum Research Center, Institute of Advanced Sciences, Dartmouth, MA 02747, USA; (R.K.); (B.R.S.)
| | - Bal Ram Singh
- Botulinum Research Center, Institute of Advanced Sciences, Dartmouth, MA 02747, USA; (R.K.); (B.R.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Human-Relevant Sensitivity of iPSC-Derived Human Motor Neurons to BoNT/A1 and B1. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13080585. [PMID: 34437455 PMCID: PMC8402508 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13080585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) for medical treatments necessitates a potency quantification of these lethal bacterial toxins, resulting in the use of a large number of test animals. Available alternative methods are limited in their relevance, as they are based on rodent cells or neuroblastoma cell lines or applicable for single toxin serotypes only. Here, human motor neurons (MNs), which are the physiological target of BoNTs, were generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and compared to the neuroblastoma cell line SiMa, which is often used in cell-based assays for BoNT potency determination. In comparison with the mouse bioassay, human MNs exhibit a superior sensitivity to the BoNT serotypes A1 and B1 at levels that are reflective of human sensitivity. SiMa cells were able to detect BoNT/A1, but with much lower sensitivity than human MNs and appear unsuitable to detect any BoNT/B1 activity. The MNs used for these experiments were generated according to three differentiation protocols, which resulted in distinct sensitivity levels. Molecular parameters such as receptor protein concentration and electrical activity of the MNs were analyzed, but are not predictive for BoNT sensitivity. These results show that human MNs from several sources should be considered in BoNT testing and that human MNs are a physiologically relevant model, which could be used to optimize current BoNT potency testing.
Collapse
|
7
|
Mostafa A, Ganguli A, Berger J, Rayabharam A, Saavedra C, Aluru NR, Bashir R. Culture-free biphasic approach for sensitive detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from beef samples. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:4516-4529. [PMID: 34415570 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Foodborne illnesses are a major threat to public health also leading to significant mortality and financial and reputational damage to industry. It is very important to detect pathogen presence in food products early, rapidly, and accurately to avoid potential outbreaks and economic loss. However, "gold standard" culture methods, including enrichment of pathogens, can take up to several days. Moreover, the food matrix often interferes with nucleic acid amplification methods of detection, requiring DNA extraction from the sample for successful molecular detection of pathogens. Here, we introduce a "biphasic" amplification method that can achieve high sensitivity detection with background noise from ground beef food samples without culture or other extraction methods in 2.5 h. Homogenized ground beef is dried resulting in an increase in porosity of the dried food matrix to allowing amplification enzymes and primers to access the target DNA and initiate the reaction within the dried food matrix. Using Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification, we demonstrate the detection of 1-3 cfu of Escherichia coli bacteria in 30 mg of dried food matrix. Our approach significantly lowers the time to result to less than a few hours and have a pronounced impact on reduction of instrumentation complexity and costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Mostafa
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
- Nick Holonyak Jr. Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Anurup Ganguli
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
- Nick Holonyak Jr. Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Jacob Berger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
- Nick Holonyak Jr. Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Archith Rayabharam
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Carlos Saavedra
- Nick Holonyak Jr. Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Narayana R Aluru
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Rashid Bashir
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
- Nick Holonyak Jr. Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Antonucci L, Locci C, Schettini L, Clemente MG, Antonucci R. Infant botulism: an underestimated threat. Infect Dis (Lond) 2021; 53:647-660. [PMID: 33966588 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2021.1919753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Infant botulism (IB) is defined as a potentially life-threatening neuroparalytic disorder affecting children younger than 12 months. It is caused by ingestion of food or dust contaminated by Clostridium botulinum spores, which germinate in the infant's large bowel and produce botulinum neurotoxin. Although the real impact of IB is likely underestimated worldwide, the USA has the highest number of cases. The limited reporting of IB in many countries is probably due to diagnostic difficulties and nonspecific presentation. The onset is usually heralded by constipation, followed by bulbar palsy, and then by a descending bilateral symmetric paralysis; ultimately, palsy can involve respiratory and diaphragmatic muscles, leading to respiratory failure. The treatment is based on supportive care and specific therapy with Human Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (BIG-IV), and should be started as early as possible. The search for new human-like antibody preparations that are both highly effective and well tolerated has led to the creation of a mixture of oligoclonal antibodies that are highly protective and can be produced in large quantities without the use of animals. Ongoing research for future treatment of IB involves the search for new molecular targets to produce a new generation of laboratory-produced antitoxins, and the development of new vaccines with safety and efficacy profiles that can be scaled up for clinical use. This narrative literature review aims to provide a readable synthesis of the best current literature on microbiological, epidemiological and clinical features of IB, and a practical guide for its treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Antonucci
- Academic Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Cristian Locci
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Livia Schettini
- Academic Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Clemente
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Roberto Antonucci
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Toxemia in Human Naturally Acquired Botulism. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12110716. [PMID: 33202855 PMCID: PMC7697460 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12110716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human botulism is a severe disease characterized by flaccid paralysis and inhibition of certain gland secretions, notably salivary secretions, caused by inhibition of neurotransmitter release. Naturally acquired botulism occurs in three main forms: food-borne botulism by ingestion of preformed botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) in food, botulism by intestinal colonization (infant botulism and intestinal toxemia botulism in infants above one year and adults), and wound botulism. A rapid laboratory confirmation of botulism is required for the appropriate management of patients. Detection of BoNT in the patient's sera is the most direct way to address the diagnosis of botulism. Based on previous published reports, botulinum toxemia was identified in about 70% of food-borne and wound botulism cases, and only in about 28% of infant botulism cases, in which the diagnosis is mainly confirmed from stool sample investigation. The presence of BoNT in serum depends on the BoNT amount ingested with contaminated food or produced locally in the intestine or wound, and the timeframe between serum sampling and disease onset. BoNT levels in patient's sera are most frequently low, requiring a highly sensitive method of detection. Mouse bioassay is still the most used method of botulism identification from serum samples. However, in vitro methods based on BoNT endopeptidase activity with detection by mass spectrometry or immunoassay have been developed and depending on BoNT type, are more sensitive than the mouse bioassay. These new assays show high specificity for individual BoNT types and allow more accurate differentiation between positive toxin sera from botulism and autoimmune neuropathy patients.
Collapse
|
10
|
Azinheiro S, Kant K, Shahbazi MA, Garrido-Maestu A, Prado M, Dieguez L. A smart microfluidic platform for rapid multiplexed detection of foodborne pathogens. Food Control 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
11
|
Nepal MR, Jeong TC. Alternative Methods for Testing Botulinum Toxin: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2020; 28:302-310. [PMID: 32126735 PMCID: PMC7327137 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2019.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum toxins are neurotoxic modular proteins composed of a heavy chain and a light chain connected by a disulfide bond and are produced by Clostridium botulinum. Although lethally toxic, botulinum toxin in low doses is clinically effective in numerous medical conditions, including muscle spasticity, strabismus, hyperactive urinary bladder, excessive sweating, and migraine. Globally, several companies are now producing products containing botulinum toxin for medical and cosmetic purposes, including the reduction of facial wrinkles. To test the efficacy and toxicity of botulinum toxin, animal tests have been solely and widely used, resulting in the inevitable sacrifice of hundreds of animals. Hence, alternative methods are urgently required to replace animals in botulinum toxin testing. Here, the various alternative methods developed to test the toxicity and efficacy of botulinum toxins have been briefly reviewed and future perspectives have been detailed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Raj Nepal
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Cheon Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cenciarelli O, Riley PW, Baka A. Biosecurity Threat Posed by Botulinum Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11120681. [PMID: 31757074 PMCID: PMC6950065 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11120681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The deliberate release of biological agents with terrorist or criminal intent continues to pose concerns in the current geopolitical situation. Therefore, attention is still needed to ensure preparedness against the potential use of pathogens as unconventional weapons. Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is one such biological threat, characterized by an extremely low lethal dose, high morbidity and mortality when appropriately disseminated, and the capacity to cause panic and social disruption. This paper addresses the risks of a potential release of the botulinum neurotoxin and summarizes the relevant aspects of the threat.
Collapse
|
13
|
Hobbs RJ, Thomas CA, Halliwell J, Gwenin CD. Rapid Detection of Botulinum Neurotoxins-A Review. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E418. [PMID: 31319550 PMCID: PMC6669533 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11070418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A toxin is a poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms. One of the most potent groups of toxins currently known are the Botulinum Neurotoxins (BoNTs). These are so deadly that as little as 62 ng could kill an average human; to put this into context that is approximately 200,000 × less than the weight of a grain of sand. The extreme toxicity of BoNTs leads to the need for methods of determining their concentration at very low levels of sensitivity. Currently the mouse bioassay is the most widely used detection method monitoring the activity of the toxin; however, this assay is not only lengthy, it also has both cost and ethical issues due to the use of live animals. This review focuses on detection methods both existing and emerging that remove the need for the use of animals and will look at three areas; speed of detection, sensitivity of detection and finally cost. The assays will have wide reaching interest, ranging from the pharmaceutical/clinical industry for production quality management or as a point of care sensor in suspected cases of botulism, the food industry as a quality control measure, to the military, detecting BoNT that has been potentially used as a bio warfare agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Hobbs
- Applied Research in Chemistry and Health (ARCH) Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Carol A Thomas
- Applied Research in Chemistry and Health (ARCH) Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Jennifer Halliwell
- Applied Research in Chemistry and Health (ARCH) Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Christopher D Gwenin
- Applied Research in Chemistry and Health (ARCH) Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales LL57 2UW, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Vidic J, Vizzini P, Manzano M, Kavanaugh D, Ramarao N, Zivkovic M, Radonic V, Knezevic N, Giouroudi I, Gadjanski I. Point-of-Need DNA Testing for Detection of Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 19:E1100. [PMID: 30836707 PMCID: PMC6427207 DOI: 10.3390/s19051100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Foodborne pathogenic bacteria present a crucial food safety issue. Conventional diagnostic methods are time-consuming and can be only performed on previously produced food. The advancing field of point-of-need diagnostic devices integrating molecular methods, biosensors, microfluidics, and nanomaterials offers new avenues for swift, low-cost detection of pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity. These analyses and screening of food items can be performed during all phases of production. This review presents major developments achieved in recent years in point-of-need diagnostics in land-based sector and sheds light on current challenges in achieving wider acceptance of portable devices in the food industry. Particular emphasis is placed on methods for testing nucleic acids, protocols for portable nucleic acid extraction and amplification, as well as on the means for low-cost detection and read-out signal amplification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Vidic
- Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Priya Vizzini
- Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università di Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - Marisa Manzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università di Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - Devon Kavanaugh
- Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Nalini Ramarao
- Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Milica Zivkovic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE), University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Vasa Radonic
- BioSense-Research and Development Institute for Information Technologies in Biosystems, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Nikola Knezevic
- BioSense-Research and Development Institute for Information Technologies in Biosystems, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Ioanna Giouroudi
- BioSense-Research and Development Institute for Information Technologies in Biosystems, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Ivana Gadjanski
- BioSense-Research and Development Institute for Information Technologies in Biosystems, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
A novel protein binding strategy for energy-transfer-based photoelectrochemical detection of enzymatic activity of botulinum neurotoxin A. Electrochem commun 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
|
16
|
Scalfaro C, Auricchio B, De Medici D, Anniballi F. Foodborne botulism: an evolving public health challenge. Infect Dis (Lond) 2018; 51:97-101. [DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2018.1524584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Scalfaro
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruna Auricchio
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Dario De Medici
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Anniballi
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Natural Compounds and Their Analogues as Potent Antidotes against the Most Poisonous Bacterial Toxin. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.01280-18. [PMID: 30389764 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01280-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), the most poisonous proteins known to humankind, are a family of seven (serotype A to G) immunologically distinct proteins synthesized primarily by different strains of the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum Being the causative agents of botulism, the toxins block neurotransmitter release by specifically cleaving one of the three soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor (SNARE) proteins, thereby inducing flaccid paralysis. The development of countermeasures and therapeutics against BoNTs is a high-priority research area for public health because of their extreme toxicity and potential for use as biowarfare agents. Extensive research has focused on designing antagonists that block the catalytic activity of BoNTs. In this study, we screened 300 small natural compounds and their analogues extracted from Indian plants for their activity against BoNT serotype A (BoNT/A) as well as its light chain (LCA) using biochemical and cellular assays. One natural compound, a nitrophenyl psoralen (NPP), was identified to be a specific inhibitor of LCA with an in vitro 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 4.74 ± 0.03 µM. NPP was able to rescue endogenous synaptosome-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) from cleavage by BoNT/A in human neuroblastoma cells with an IC50 of 12.2 ± 1.7 µM, as well as to prolong the time to the blocking of neutrally elicited twitch tensions in isolated mouse phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations.IMPORTANCE The long-lasting endopeptidase activity of BoNT is a critical biological activity inside the nerve cell, as it prompts proteolysis of the SNARE proteins, involved in the exocytosis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Thus, the BoNT endopeptidase activity is an appropriate clinical target for designing new small-molecule antidotes against BoNT with the potential to reverse the paralysis syndrome of botulism. In principle, small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs) can gain entry into BoNT-intoxicated cells if they have a suitable octanol-water partition coefficient (log P) value and other favorable characteristics (P. Leeson, Nature 481:455-456, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1038/481455a). Several efforts have been made in the past to develop SMIs, but inhibitors effective under in vitro conditions have not in general been effective in vivo or in cellular models (L. M. Eubanks, M. S. Hixon, W. Jin, S. Hong, et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 104:2602-2607, 2007, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0611213104). The difference between the in vitro and cellular efficacy presumably results from difficulties experienced by the compounds in crossing the cell membrane, in conjunction with poor bioavailability and high cytotoxicity. The screened nitrophenyl psoralen (NPP) effectively antagonized BoNT/A in both in vitro and ex vivo assays. Importantly, NPP inhibited the BoNT/A light chain but not other general zinc endopeptidases, such as thermolysin, suggesting high selectivity for its target. Small-molecule (nonpeptidic) inhibitors have better oral bioavailability, better stability, and better tissue and cell permeation than antitoxins or peptide inhibitors.
Collapse
|
18
|
Thirunavukkarasu N, Johnson E, Pillai S, Hodge D, Stanker L, Wentz T, Singh B, Venkateswaran K, McNutt P, Adler M, Brown E, Hammack T, Burr D, Sharma S. Botulinum Neurotoxin Detection Methods for Public Health Response and Surveillance. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:80. [PMID: 29988463 PMCID: PMC6024544 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulism outbreak due to consumption of food contaminated with botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) is a public health emergency. The threat of bioterrorism through deliberate distribution in food sources and/or aerosolization of BoNTs raises global public health and security concerns due to the potential for high mortality and morbidity. Rapid and reliable detection methods are necessary to support clinical diagnosis and surveillance for identifying the source of contamination, performing epidemiological analysis of the outbreak, preventing and responding to botulism outbreaks. This review considers the applicability of various BoNT detection methods and examines their fitness-for-purpose in safeguarding the public health and security goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nagarajan Thirunavukkarasu
- Division of Microbiology, Office of Regulatory Science, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Eric Johnson
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Segaran Pillai
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Laboratory Science and Safety, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - David Hodge
- Chemical and Biological Defense Division, Science and Technology Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Larry Stanker
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service Albany, Albany, CA, United States
| | - Travis Wentz
- Division of Microbiology, Office of Regulatory Science, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, United States
| | - BalRam Singh
- Institute of Advanced Sciences, Botulinum Research Center, Dartmouth, MA, United States
| | | | - Patrick McNutt
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen, MD, United States
| | - Michael Adler
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen, MD, United States
| | - Eric Brown
- Division of Microbiology, Office of Regulatory Science, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Thomas Hammack
- Division of Microbiology, Office of Regulatory Science, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Donald Burr
- Office of Regulatory Affairs, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Shashi Sharma
- Division of Microbiology, Office of Regulatory Science, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Duracova M, Klimentova J, Fucikova A, Dresler J. Proteomic Methods of Detection and Quantification of Protein Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10030099. [PMID: 29495560 PMCID: PMC5869387 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10030099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological toxins are a heterogeneous group of compounds that share commonalities with biological and chemical agents. Among them, protein toxins represent a considerable, diverse set. They cover a broad range of molecular weights from less than 1000 Da to more than 150 kDa. This review aims to compare conventional detection methods of protein toxins such as in vitro bioassays with proteomic methods, including immunoassays and mass spectrometry-based techniques and their combination. Special emphasis is given to toxins falling into a group of selected agents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, such as Staphylococcal enterotoxins, Bacillus anthracis toxins, Clostridium botulinum toxins, Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin, ricin from Ricinus communis, Abrin from Abrus precatorius or control of trade in dual-use items in the European Union, including lesser known protein toxins such as Viscumin from Viscum album. The analysis of protein toxins and monitoring for biological threats, i.e., the deliberate spread of infectious microorganisms or toxins through water, food, or the air, requires rapid and reliable methods for the early identification of these agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miloslava Duracova
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defense in Brno, Třebešská 1575, CZ-500 01 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Jana Klimentova
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defense in Brno, Třebešská 1575, CZ-500 01 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Alena Fucikova
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defense in Brno, Třebešská 1575, CZ-500 01 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiri Dresler
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Tychonova 1, CZ-160 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
An in vitro cell-based potency assay for pharmaceutical type A botulinum antitoxins. Vaccine 2017; 35:7213-7216. [PMID: 29174678 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Botulism therapy relies on passive immunization with antitoxin. The mouse neutralization test is the only pharmacopeia assay to measure the potency of antitoxin preparations. Herein, we present an in vitro cell-based assay for the measurement of pharmaceutical type A antitoxin potency. Accuracy, reproducibility and compatibility with the mouse bioassay were demonstrated using different batches of standard antitoxin and toxin preparations. The established assay may substantially reduce the use of laboratory animals in the process of pharmaceutical antitoxin production.
Collapse
|
21
|
Development of a multiplex Endopep-MS assay for simultaneous detection of botulinum toxins A, B and E. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14859. [PMID: 29093524 PMCID: PMC5665860 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14911-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are bacterial proteins that cause botulism, a life-threatening disease. The Endopep-MS assay permits rapid detection and serotypic differential diagnosis of BoNTs. The serotype-specific nature of this assay requires that each serum sample be aliquoted and individually tested, which in addition to the limited volume of clinical samples, especially in infants, points to the need for a multiplex assay. However, previous attempts to develop such an assay have been challenging, mainly due to inhibition of BoNT/A activity by the BoNT/E peptide substrate. BoNT/A and BoNT/E share the same native target protein as their substrate. We hypothesized that the steric interference between the BoNT/A and BoNT/E substrate peptides is responsible for the difficulty in simultaneously assaying these two toxins. To explore the basis for steric interference, we used the reported structure of BoNT/A in complex with SNAP-25 and modelled the structure of BoNT/E with SNAP-25. Following this thorough structural analysis, we designed a new peptide substrate for BoNT/A that maintained the assay sensitivity and allowed, for the first time, simultaneous detection of the three most abundant human botulinum serotypes. Adopting the multiplex assay will minimize the required sample volume and assay time for botulinum detection while maintaining the superior Endopep-MS assay performance.
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang Y, Fry HC, Skinner GE, Schill KM, Duncan TV. Detection and Quantification of Biologically Active Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotypes A and B Using a Förster Resonance Energy Transfer-Based Quantum Dot Nanobiosensor. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:31446-31457. [PMID: 28840718 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b08736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is the most potent toxin known. The ingestion of food contaminated with biologically active BoNT causes foodborne botulism, which can lead to respiratory paralysis, coma, and death after ingestion of as little as 70 μg for a 70 kg human. Because of its lethality and challenges associated with current detection methods, there is an urgent need for highly sensitive rapid screening techniques capable of detecting biologically active BoNT. Here, we describe a Förster resonance energy transfer-based nanobiosensor that uses quantum dots (QDs) and two specific quencher-labeled peptide probes to detect and differentiate two biologically active forms of BoNT, serotypes A and B, which were responsible for 80% of human foodborne botulism cases in the U.S. from 2012 to 2015. Each peptide probe contains an enzymatic cleavage site specific to only one serotype. QDs were selected based on the spectral overlap with the quenchers. In the presence of the target BoNT serotype, the peptide probe is cleaved and the quenching of QD photoluminescence (PL) is reduced, giving a signal that is easily detected by a PL spectrophotometer. This sensor performance was evaluated with light chains of BoNT/A and BoNT/B (LcA and LcB), catalytic domains of the respective serotypes. LcA and LcB were detected in 3 h with limits of detection of 0.2 and 2 ng/mL, respectively. The specificity of the sensor was evaluated, and no cross-reactivity from nontarget serotypes was observed with 2 h of incubation. Because each serotype-specific peptide is conjugated to a QD with a unique emission wavelength, multiple biologically active BoNT serotypes could be detected in one PL spectrum. The sensor was also shown to be responsive to BoNT/A and BoNT/B holotoxins. Good performance of this sensor implies its potential application as a rapid screening method for biologically active BoNT/A and BoNT/B in the laboratory and in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 6502 S. Archer Road, Bedford Park, Cook County, Illinois 60501, United States
| | - H Christopher Fry
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory , 9700 S. Cass Avenue, Lemont, DuPage County, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Guy E Skinner
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 6502 S. Archer Road, Bedford Park, Cook County, Illinois 60501, United States
| | - Kristin M Schill
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 6502 S. Archer Road, Bedford Park, Cook County, Illinois 60501, United States
| | - Timothy V Duncan
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 6502 S. Archer Road, Bedford Park, Cook County, Illinois 60501, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
A Novel Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor for the Rapid Detection of Botulinum Neurotoxins. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2017; 7:bios7030032. [PMID: 28783115 PMCID: PMC5618038 DOI: 10.3390/bios7030032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are Category A agents on the NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) priority pathogen list owing to their extreme toxicity and the relative ease of production. These deadly toxins, in minute quantities (estimated human i.v. lethal dose LD50 of 1-2 ng/kg body weight), cause fatal flaccid paralysis by blocking neurotransmitter release. The current gold standard detection method, the mouse-bioassay, often takes days to confirm botulism. Furthermore, there are no effective antidotes known to reverse the symptoms of botulism, and as a result, patients with severe botulism often require meticulous care during the prolonged paralytic illness. To combat potential bio-terrorism incidents of botulinum neurotoxins, their rapid detection is paramount. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a very sensitive technique to examine bio-molecular interactions. The label-free, real-time analysis, with high sensitivity and low sample consumption makes this technology particularly suitable for detection of the toxin. In this study, we demonstrated the feasibility in an assay with a newly designed SPR instrument for the rapid detection of botulinum neurotoxins. The LOD (limit of detection) of the Newton Photonics (NP) SPR based assay is 6.76 pg/mL for Botulinum Neurotoxin type A Light Chain (BoNT/A LC). We established that the detection sensitivity of the system is comparable to the traditional mouse LD50 bioassay in BoNT/A using this SPR technology.
Collapse
|
24
|
Rosen O, Feldberg L, Dor E, Gura S, Zichel R. Optimization of SNAP-25-derived peptide substrate for improved detection of botulinum A in the Endopep-MS assay. Anal Biochem 2017; 528:34-37. [PMID: 28450105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most toxic proteins in nature. Endopeptidase-mass-spectrometry (Endopep-MS) is used as a specific and rapid in-vitro assay to detect BoNTs. In this assay, immunocaptured toxin cleaves a serotype-specific-peptide-substrate, and the cleavage products are then detected by MS. Here we describe the design of a new peptide substrate for improved detection of BoNT type A (BoNT/A). Our strategy was based on reported BoNT/A-SNAP-25 interactions integrated with analysis method efficiency considerations. Integration of the newly designed substrate led to a 10-fold increase in the assay sensitivity both in buffer and in clinically relevant samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Osnat Rosen
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Israel
| | - Liron Feldberg
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Israel
| | - Eyal Dor
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Israel
| | - Sigalit Gura
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Israel
| | - Ran Zichel
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ren S, Shin HS, Gedi V, Dua P, Lee DK, Kim S. Selection of DNA Aptamers Against Botulinum Neurotoxin E for Development of Fluorescent Aptasensor. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/bkcs.11085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Dongguk University; Seoul 100-715 Korea
| | - Hye-Soo Shin
- Global Research Laboratory (GRL) for RNAi Medicine, Department of Chemistry; Sungkyunkwan University; Suwon 16419 Korea
| | - Vinayakumar Gedi
- Global Research Laboratory (GRL) for RNAi Medicine, Department of Chemistry; Sungkyunkwan University; Suwon 16419 Korea
| | - Pooja Dua
- Global Research Laboratory (GRL) for RNAi Medicine, Department of Chemistry; Sungkyunkwan University; Suwon 16419 Korea
| | - Dong-Ki Lee
- Global Research Laboratory (GRL) for RNAi Medicine, Department of Chemistry; Sungkyunkwan University; Suwon 16419 Korea
| | - Soyoun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Dongguk University; Seoul 100-715 Korea
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Selection of RNA Aptamers Against Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Light Chain Through a Non-Radioactive Approach. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2016; 180:10-25. [PMID: 27085355 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-016-2081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), a category A agent, is the most toxic molecule known to mankind. The endopeptidase activity of light chain domain of BoNT is the cause for the inhibition of the neurotransmitter release and the flaccid paralysis that leads to lethality in botulism. Currently, antidotes are not available to reverse the flaccid paralysis caused by BoNT. In the present study, a non-radioactive-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) process is developed by utilizing surface plasmon resonance to monitor the binding enrichment. Two RNA aptamers have been identified as strong binders against light chain of botulinum neurotoxin type A. These two aptamers showed strong inhibition activity on LCA, with IC50 in nanomolar range. Inhibition kinetic studies reveal mid nanomolar KI and non-competitive nature of their inhibition, suggesting that they have strong potential as antidotes that can reverse the symptom caused by BoNT/A. More importantly, we observed that the 2'-fluorine-pyrimidine-modified RNA aptamers identified here do not change their binding and biological activities. This observation could lead to a cost-effective way for SELEX, by using regular nucleotide during SELEX, and 2'-fluorine-pyrimidine-modified nucleotide for final application to enhance their RNase-resistance.
Collapse
|
27
|
Rapid Microfluidic Assay for the Detection of Botulinum Neurotoxin in Animal Sera. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8010013. [PMID: 26742073 PMCID: PMC4728535 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Potent Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) represent a threat to public health and safety. Botulism is a disease caused by BoNT intoxication that results in muscle paralysis that can be fatal. Sensitive assays capable of detecting BoNTs from different substrates and settings are essential to limit foodborne contamination and morbidity. In this report, we describe a rapid 96-well microfluidic double sandwich immunoassay for the sensitive detection of BoNT-A from animal sera. This BoNT microfluidic assay requires only 5 μL of serum, provides results in 75 min using a standard fluorescence microplate reader and generates minimal hazardous waste. The assay has a <30 pg·mL−1 limit of detection (LOD) of BoNT-A from spiked human serum. This sensitive microfluidic BoNT-A assay offers a fast and simplified workflow suitable for the detection of BoNT-A from serum samples of limited volume in most laboratory settings.
Collapse
|
28
|
Cheng LW, Henderson TD, Lam TI, Stanker LH. Use of Monoclonal Antibodies in the Sensitive Detection and Neutralization of Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotype B. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:5068-78. [PMID: 26633496 PMCID: PMC4690113 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7124863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) are some of nature’s most potent toxins. Due to potential food contamination, and bioterrorism concerns, the development of detection reagents, therapeutics and countermeasures are of urgent interest. Recently, we have developed a sensitive electrochemiluminescent (ECL) immunoassay for BoNT/B, using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) MCS6-27 and anti-BoNT/B rabbit polyclonal antibodies as the capture and detector. The ECL assay detected as little as 1 pg/mL BoNT/B in the buffer matrix, surpassing the detection sensitivities of the gold standard mouse bioassays. The ECL assay also allowed detection of BoNT/B in sera matrices of up to 100% sera with negligible matrix effects. This highly-sensitive assay allowed the determination of the biological half-lives of BoNT/B holotoxin in vivo. We further tested the toxin neutralization potential of our monoclonal antibodies using the mouse systemic and oral intoxication models. A combination of mAbs protected mice in both pre- and post-exposure models to lethal doses of BoNT/B. MAbs were capable of increasing survival of animals when administered even 10 h post-intoxication in an oral model, suggesting a likely time for BoNT/B complexes to reach the blood stream. More sensitive detection assays and treatments against BoNT intoxication will greatly enhance efforts to combat botulism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa W Cheng
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Thomas D Henderson
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Tina I Lam
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA 94404, USA.
| | - Larry H Stanker
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lee J, Brennan MB, Wilton R, Rowland CE, Rozhkova EA, Forrester S, Hannah DC, Carlson J, Shevchenko EV, Schabacker DS, Schaller RD. Fast, Ratiometric FRET from Quantum Dot Conjugated Stabilized Single Chain Variable Fragments for Quantitative Botulinum Neurotoxin Sensing. NANO LETTERS 2015; 15:7161-7167. [PMID: 26397120 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b03442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) presents a significant hazard under numerous realistic scenarios. The standard detection scheme for this fast-acting toxin is a lab-based mouse lethality assay that is sensitive and specific, but slow (∼2 days) and requires expert administration. As such, numerous efforts have aimed to decrease analysis time and reduce complexity. Here, we describe a sensitive ratiometric fluorescence resonance energy transfer scheme that utilizes highly photostable semiconductor quantum dot (QD) energy donors and chromophore conjugation to compact, single chain variable antibody fragments (scFvs) to yield a fast, fieldable sensor for BoNT with a 20-40 pM detection limit, toxin quantification, adjustable dynamic range, sensitivity in the presence of interferents, and sensing times as fast as 5 min. Through a combination of mutations, we achieve stabilized scFv denaturation temperatures of more than 60 °C, which bolsters fieldability. We also describe adaptation of the assay into a microarray format that offers persistent monitoring, reuse, and multiplexing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joonseok Lee
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory , Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Melissa B Brennan
- Biosciences, Argonne National Laboratory , Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Rosemarie Wilton
- Biosciences, Argonne National Laboratory , Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Clare E Rowland
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory , Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University , Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Elena A Rozhkova
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory , Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Sara Forrester
- Global Security Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory , Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Daniel C Hannah
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University , Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Julia Carlson
- College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin , Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Elena V Shevchenko
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory , Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Daniel S Schabacker
- Global Security Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory , Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Richard D Schaller
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory , Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University , Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Rosen O, Feldberg L, Gura S, Zichel R. A new peptide substrate for enhanced botulinum neurotoxin type B detection by endopeptidase–liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry/multiple reaction monitoring assay. Anal Biochem 2015; 473:7-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2014.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
31
|
Koh CY, Schaff UY, Piccini M, Stanker L, Cheng LW, Ravichandran E, Singh BR, Sommer GJ, Singh AK. Centrifugal microfluidic platform for ultrasensitive detection of botulinum toxin. Anal Chem 2015; 87:922-8. [PMID: 25521812 PMCID: PMC4303339 DOI: 10.1021/ac504054u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We present an innovative centrifugal microfluidic immunoassay platform (SpinDx) to address the urgent biodefense and public health need for ultrasensitive point-of-care/incident detection of botulinum toxin. The simple, sample-to-answer centrifugal microfluidic immunoassay approach is based on binding of toxins to antibody-laden capture particles followed by sedimentation of the particles through a density-media in a microfluidic disk and quantification by laser-induced fluorescence. A blind, head-to-head comparison study of SpinDx versus the gold-standard mouse bioassay demonstrates 100-fold improvement in sensitivity (limit of detection = 0.09 pg/mL), while achieving total sample-to-answer time of <30 min with 2-μL required volume of the unprocessed sample. We further demonstrate quantification of botulinum toxin in both exogeneous (human blood and serum spiked with toxins) and endogeneous (serum from mice intoxicated via oral, intranasal, and intravenous routes) samples. SpinDx can analyze, without any sample preparation, multiple sample types including whole blood, serum, and food. It is readily expandable to additional analytes as the assay reagents (i.e., the capture beads and detection antibodies) are disconnected from the disk architecture and the reader, facilitating rapid development of new assays. SpinDx can also serve as a general-purpose immunoassay platform applicable to diagnosis of other conditions and diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Yan Koh
- Sandia National
Laboratories, 7011 East Avenue, Livermore, California 94551, United States
| | - Ulrich Y. Schaff
- Sandia National
Laboratories, 7011 East Avenue, Livermore, California 94551, United States
| | - Matthew
E. Piccini
- Sandia National
Laboratories, 7011 East Avenue, Livermore, California 94551, United States
| | - Larry
H. Stanker
- Western Regional
Research Center, Foodborne Contaminants Research Unit, U.S. Department
of Agriculture − Agricultural Research Service, Albany, California 94710, United States
| | - Luisa W. Cheng
- Western Regional
Research Center, Foodborne Contaminants Research Unit, U.S. Department
of Agriculture − Agricultural Research Service, Albany, California 94710, United States
| | - Easwaran Ravichandran
- University
of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North
Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747, United States
| | - Bal-Ram Singh
- University
of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North
Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747, United States
| | - Greg J. Sommer
- Sandia National
Laboratories, 7011 East Avenue, Livermore, California 94551, United States
| | - Anup K. Singh
- Sandia National
Laboratories, 7011 East Avenue, Livermore, California 94551, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wang Y, Montana V, Grubišić V, Stout RF, Parpura V, Gu LQ. Nanopore sensing of botulinum toxin type B by discriminating an enzymatically cleaved Peptide from a synaptic protein synaptobrevin 2 derivative. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2015; 7:184-92. [PMID: 25511125 PMCID: PMC4296922 DOI: 10.1021/am5056596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most lethal toxin known to human. Biodefense requires early and rapid detection of BoNTs. Traditionally, BoNTs can be detected by looking for signs of botulism in mice that receive an injection of human material, serum or stool. While the living animal assay remains the most sensitive approach, it is costly, slow and associated with legal and ethical constrains. Various biochemical, optical and mechanical methods have been developed for BoNTs detection with improved speed, but with lesser sensitivity. Here, we report a novel nanopore-based BoNT type B (BoNT-B) sensor that monitors the toxin's enzymatic activity on its substrate, a recombinant synaptic protein synaptobrevin 2 derivative. By analyzing the modulation of the pore current caused by the specific BoNT-B-digested peptide as a marker, the presence of BoNT-B at a subnanomolar concentration was identified within minutes. The nanopore detector would fill the niche for a much needed rapid and highly sensitive detection of neurotoxins, and provide an excellent system to explore biophysical mechanisms for biopolymer transportation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Department
of Bioengineering and Dalton Cardiovascular Research
Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
- Dr. Yong Wang. E-mail:
| | - Vedrana Montana
- Department
of Neurobiology, Center for Glial Biology in Medicine,
Atomic Force Microscopy & Nanotechnology Laboratories, Civitan
International Research Center, Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Grubišić
- Department
of Neurobiology, Center for Glial Biology in Medicine,
Atomic Force Microscopy & Nanotechnology Laboratories, Civitan
International Research Center, Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Randy F. Stout
- Department
of Neurobiology, Center for Glial Biology in Medicine,
Atomic Force Microscopy & Nanotechnology Laboratories, Civitan
International Research Center, Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein
College of Medicine, Bronx, New
York, New York 10461, United States
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department
of Neurobiology, Center for Glial Biology in Medicine,
Atomic Force Microscopy & Nanotechnology Laboratories, Civitan
International Research Center, Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Dr. Vladimir Parpura.
E-mail:
| | - Li-Qun Gu
- Department
of Bioengineering and Dalton Cardiovascular Research
Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
- Dr. Li-Qun Gu. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Shi J, Guo J, Bai G, Chan C, Liu X, Ye W, Hao J, Chen S, Yang M. A graphene oxide based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) enzymatic activity. Biosens Bioelectron 2014; 65:238-44. [PMID: 25461164 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2014.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are among the most potent toxic bacterial proteins for humans, which make them potential agents for bioterrorism. Therefore, an ultrasensitive detection of BoNTs and their active states is in great need as field-deployable systems for anti-terrorism applications. We report the construction of a novel graphene oxide (GO)-peptide based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of the BoNT serotype A light chain (BoNT-LcA) protease activity. A green fluorescence protein (GFP) modified SNAP-25 peptide substrate (SNAP-25-GFP) was optimally designed and synthesized with the centralized recognition/cleavage sites. This FRET platform was constructed by covalent immobilization of peptide substrate on GO with BSA passivation which have advantages of low non-specific adsorption and high stability in protein abundant solution. BoNT-LcA can specifically cleave SNAP-25-GFP substrate covalently immobilized on GO to release the fragment with GFP. Based on fluorescence signal recovery measurement, the target BoNT-LcA was detected sensitively and selectively with the linear detection range from 1fg/mL to 1pg/mL. The limit of detection (LOD) for BoNT-LcA is around 1fg/mL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Shi
- Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Jiubiao Guo
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Gongxun Bai
- Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Chunyu Chan
- Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Institute of Textiles & Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Weiwei Ye
- Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Jianhua Hao
- Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Mo Yang
- Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wang D, Baudys J, Krilich J, Smith TJ, Barr JR, Kalb SR. A two-stage multiplex method for quantitative analysis of botulinum neurotoxins type A, B, E, and F by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Anal Chem 2014; 86:10847-54. [PMID: 25285509 DOI: 10.1021/ac502948v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In this publication, we report on the development of a quantitative enzymatic method for the detection of four botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotypes responsible for human botulism by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Factors that might affect the linearity and dynamic range for detection of BoNT cleavage products were initially examined, including the amount of peptide substrate and internal standard, the timing of cleavage reaction, and the components in the reaction solution. It was found that a long incubation time produced sensitive results, but was not capable of determining higher toxin concentrations, whereas a short incubation time was less sensitive so that lower toxin concentrations were not detected. In order to overcome these limitations, a two-stage analysis strategy was applied. The first stage analysis involved a short incubation period (e.g., 30 min). If no toxin was detected at this stage, the cleavage reaction was allowed to continue and the samples were analyzed at a second time point (4 h), so that toxin levels lower than 1 mouse LD50 or 55 attomoles per milliliter (55 amol/mL) could be quantified. By combining the results from two-stage quantification, 4 or 5 orders of magnitude in dynamic range were achieved for the detection of the serotypes of BoNT/A, BoNT/B, BoNT/E, or BoNT/F. The effect of multiplexing the assay by mixing substrates for different BoNT serotypes into a single reaction was also investigated in order to reduce the numbers of the cleavage reactions and save valuable clinical samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongxia Wang
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kamstra RL, Dadgar S, Wigg J, Chowdhury MA, Phenix CP, Floriano WB. Creating and virtually screening databases of fluorescently-labelled compounds for the discovery of target-specific molecular probes. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2014; 28:1129-42. [PMID: 25150502 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-014-9789-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Our group has recently demonstrated that virtual screening is a useful technique for the identification of target-specific molecular probes. In this paper, we discuss some of our proof-of-concept results involving two biologically relevant target proteins, and report the development of a computational script to generate large databases of fluorescence-labelled compounds for computer-assisted molecular design. The virtual screening of a small library of 1,153 fluorescently-labelled compounds against two targets, and the experimental testing of selected hits reveal that this approach is efficient at identifying molecular probes, and that the screening of a labelled library is preferred over the screening of base compounds followed by conjugation of confirmed hits. The automated script for library generation explores the known reactivity of commercially available dyes, such as NHS-esters, to create large virtual databases of fluorescence-tagged small molecules that can be easily synthesized in a laboratory. A database of 14,862 compounds, each tagged with the ATTO680 fluorophore was generated with the automated script reported here. This library is available for downloading and it is suitable for virtual ligand screening aiming at the identification of target-specific fluorescent molecular probes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon L Kamstra
- Department of Chemistry, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5E1, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
|
37
|
Woudstra C, Tevell Åberg A, Skarin H, Anniballi F, De Medici D, Bano L, Koene M, Löfström C, Hansen T, Hedeland M, Fach P. Animal botulism outcomes in the AniBioThreat project. Biosecur Bioterror 2014; 11 Suppl 1:S177-82. [PMID: 23971804 DOI: 10.1089/bsp.2012.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Botulism disease in both humans and animals is a worldwide concern. Botulinum neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum and other Clostridium species are the most potent biological substances known and are responsible for flaccid paralysis leading to a high mortality rate. Clostridium botulinum and botulinum neurotoxins are considered potential weapons for bioterrorism and have been included in the Australia Group List of Biological Agents. In 2010 the European Commission (DG Justice, Freedom and Security) funded a 3-year project named AniBioThreat to improve the EU's capacity to counter animal bioterrorism threats. A detection portfolio with screening methods for botulism agents and incidents was needed to improve tracking and tracing of accidental and deliberate contamination of the feed and food chain with botulinum neurotoxins and other Clostridia. The complexity of this threat required acquiring new genetic information to better understand the diversity of these Clostridia and develop detection methods targeting both highly specific genetic markers of these Clostridia and the neurotoxins they are able to produce. Several European institutes participating in the AniBioThreat project collaborated on this program to achieve these objectives. Their scientific developments are discussed here.
Collapse
|
38
|
Rosen O, Feldberg L, Gura S, Zichel R. Improved detection of botulinum type E by rational design of a new peptide substrate for endopeptidase-mass spectrometry assay. Anal Biochem 2014; 456:50-2. [PMID: 24721293 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2014.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most toxic substances known to humans. Endopeptidase-mass spectrometry (Endopep-MS) is used as a specific and rapid in vitro assay to detect BoNTs. In this assay, immunocaptured toxin cleaves a serotype-specific peptide substrate, and the cleavage products are then detected by MS. To further improve the sensitivity of the assay, we report here the rational design of a new substrate peptide for the detection of botulinum neurotoxin type E (BoNT/E). Our strategy was based on previously reported structural interactions integrated with analysis method efficiency considerations. Integration of the newly designed substrate has led to a more than one order of magnitude increased sensitivity of the assay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Osnat Rosen
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel
| | - Liron Feldberg
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel
| | - Sigalit Gura
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel
| | - Ran Zichel
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Liu X, Wang Y, Chen P, Wang Y, Zhang J, Aili D, Liedberg B. Biofunctionalized gold nanoparticles for colorimetric sensing of botulinum neurotoxin A light chain. Anal Chem 2014; 86:2345-52. [PMID: 24484451 DOI: 10.1021/ac402626g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin is considered as one of the most toxic food-borne substances and is a potential bioweapon accessible to terrorists. The development of an accurate, convenient, and rapid assay for botulinum neurotoxins is therefore highly desirable for addressing biosafety concerns. Herein, novel biotinylated peptide substrates designed to mimic synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) are utilized in gold nanoparticle-based assays for colorimetric detection of botulinum neurotoxin serotype A light chain (BoLcA). In these proteolytic assays, biotinylated peptides serve as triggers for the aggregation of gold nanoparticles, while the cleavage of these peptides by BoLcA prevents nanoparticle aggregation. Two different assay strategies are described, demonstrating limits of detection ranging from 5 to 0.1 nM of BoLcA with an overall assay time of 4 h. These hybrid enzyme-responsive nanomaterials provide rapid and sensitive detection for one of the most toxic substances known to man.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohu Liu
- Centre for Biomimetic Sensor Science, Nanyang Technological University , 50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637553, Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Tevell Åberg A, Björnstad K, Hedeland M. Mass Spectrometric Detection of Protein-Based Toxins. Biosecur Bioterror 2013; 11 Suppl 1:S215-26. [DOI: 10.1089/bsp.2012.0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annica Tevell Åberg
- Annica Tevell Åberg, PhD, is a Senior Researcher; Kristian Björnstad, PhD, is a Senior Researcher; and Mikael Hedeland, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Deputy Head of Department; all at the Department of Chemistry, Environment and Feed Hygiene, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden. Dr. Åberg and Dr. Hedeland are also affiliated with the Division of Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kristian Björnstad
- Annica Tevell Åberg, PhD, is a Senior Researcher; Kristian Björnstad, PhD, is a Senior Researcher; and Mikael Hedeland, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Deputy Head of Department; all at the Department of Chemistry, Environment and Feed Hygiene, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden. Dr. Åberg and Dr. Hedeland are also affiliated with the Division of Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mikael Hedeland
- Annica Tevell Åberg, PhD, is a Senior Researcher; Kristian Björnstad, PhD, is a Senior Researcher; and Mikael Hedeland, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Deputy Head of Department; all at the Department of Chemistry, Environment and Feed Hygiene, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden. Dr. Åberg and Dr. Hedeland are also affiliated with the Division of Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Characterization of botulinum neurotoxin A subtypes 1 through 5 by investigation of activities in mice, in neuronal cell cultures, and in vitro. Infect Immun 2013; 81:3894-902. [PMID: 23918782 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00536-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are synthesized by Clostridium botulinum and exist as seven immunologically distinct serotypes designated A through G. For most serotypes, several subtypes have now been described based on nominal differences in the amino acid sequences. BoNT/A1 is the most well-characterized subtype of the BoNT/A serotype, and many of its properties, including its potency, its prevalence as a food poison, and its utility as a pharmaceutical, have been thoroughly studied. In contrast, much remains unknown of the other BoNT/A subtypes. In this study, BoNT/A subtype 1 (BoNT/A1) to BoNT/A5 were characterized utilizing a mouse bioassay, an in vitro cleavage assay, and several neuronal cell-based assays. The data indicate that BoNT/A1 to -5 have distinct in vitro and in vivo toxicological properties and that, unlike those for BoNT/A1, the neuronal and mouse results for BoNT/A2 to -5 do not correlate with their enzymatic activity. These results indicate that BoNT/A1 to -5 have distinct characteristics, which are of importance for a greater understanding of botulism and for pharmaceutical applications.
Collapse
|
42
|
Luo S, Li T, Wang Q, Tian R, Liu H, Fang H, Chen F, Wang H. Development of a fusion protein SNVP as substrate for assaying multi-serotype botulinum neurotoxins. Anal Biochem 2013; 463:75-81. [PMID: 23851341 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2013.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The SNARE super family has three core members, namely SNAP-25, VAMP-2, and syntaxin. SNAP-25 is cleaved by botulinum toxins (BoNTs)/A, /C, and /E, whereas VAMP-2 is the substrate for proteolytic BoNTs/B, /D, /F, and /G. In this study, we constructed a hybrid gene encoding the fusion protein SNVP that encompasses SNAP-25 residues Met1 to Gly206 and VAMP-2 residues Met1 to Lys94. The hybrid gene was cloned in a prokaryotic vector carrying an N-terminal pelB signal sequence and overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) Rosetta. To easily purify the protein, 6× His double-affinity tags were designed as the linker and C terminus of the fusion protein. SNVP was purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography on a HisTrap FF column and determined to be more than 97% pure by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. N-terminal sequencing of the purified protein showed that signal peptide was successfully removed. The fusion protein SNVP contained the protease cleavage sites of all seven serotypes of BoNTs. SNVP was also proved to be recognized and cleaved by the endopeptidase of BoNTs (BoNT/A-LC, BoNT/B-LC, BoNT/E-LC, and BoNT/G-LC). The novel fusion substrate SNVP exhibited high biological activity under the optimal conditions, suggesting its potential use as a reagent for BoNT assay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, PR China; Department of Microbiology, An Hui Medical University, An Hui 230032, PR China
| | - Tao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, PR China
| | - Qin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, PR China
| | - Renmao Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, PR China
| | - Hao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, PR China
| | - Huali Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, PR China
| | - Fanghong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Comparative immunochemical characteristics of botulinum neurotoxin type A and its associated proteins. Toxicon 2013; 72:126-32. [PMID: 23811077 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 06/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum strains secrete their neurotoxins (BoNT) along with a group of neurotoxin-associated proteins (NAPs) that enhance the oral toxicity and provide protection to the neurotoxin against acidity, temperature and proteases in the G.I. tract. A major component of NAPs is Hn-33, a 33 kDa protein, which is also protease resistant and strongly protects BoNT. The complex form of BoNT/A is used as a commercial therapeutic formulation against many neuromuscular disorders and for cosmetic purposes. Immune response against this formulation could hinder its long-term use; therefore, it is important to characterize the immunological properties of the associated proteins. This study aims to understand the immunological reactivity of BoNT/A complex, BoNT, NAPs, and Hn-33 through a series of competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The results indicated that BoNT/A complex competed 6 times more with complex antibodies compared to the neurotoxin confirming that the higher immunogenicity of BoNT/A complex was indeed a result of the associated proteins with the neurotoxin complex. While the nearly identical immuno-reactivity of BoNT/A complex and Hn-33 with Hn-33 antibodies indicated that the reactivity was due to the higher immunogenicity not the abundance of Hn-33 in the complex. Both the ELISA and immuno-blot results implied that Hn-33 is primarily responsible for eliciting the antibody response in BoNT/A complex.
Collapse
|
44
|
Mukherjee J, McCann C, Ofori K, Hill J, Baldwin K, Shoemaker CB, Harrison P, Tzipori S. Sheep monoclonal antibodies prevent systemic effects of botulinum neurotoxin A1. Toxins (Basel) 2013; 4:1565-81. [PMID: 23342681 PMCID: PMC3528263 DOI: 10.3390/toxins4121565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is responsible for causing botulism, a potentially fatal disease characterized by paralysis of skeletal muscle. Existing specific treatments include polyclonal antisera derived from immunized humans or horses. Both preparations have similar drawbacks, including limited supply, risk of adverse effects and batch to batch variation. Here, we describe a panel of six highly protective sheep monoclonal antibodies (SMAbs) derived from sheep immunized with BoNT/A1 toxoid (SMAbs 2G11, 4F7) or BoNT/A1 heavy chain C-terminus (HcC) (SMAbs 1G4, 5E2, 5F7, 16F9) with or without subsequent challenge immunization with BoNT/A1 toxin. Although each SMAb bound BoNT/A1 toxin, differences in specificity for native and recombinant constituents of BoNT/A1 were observed. Structural differences were suggested by pI (5E2 = 8.2; 2G11 = 7.1; 4F7 = 8.8; 1G4 = 7.4; 5F7 = 8.0; 16F9 = 5.1). SMAb protective efficacy vs. 10,000 LD50 BoNT/A1 was evaluated using the mouse lethality assay. Although not protective alone, divalent and trivalent combinations of SMabs, IG4, 5F7 and/or 16F9 were highly protective. Divalent combinations containing 0.5–4 μg/SMAb (1–8 μg total SMAb) were 100% protective against death with only mild signs of botulism observed; relative efficacy of each combination was 1G4 + 5F7 > 1G4 + 16F9 >> 5F7 + 16F9. The trivalent combination of 1G4 + 5F7 + 16F9 at 0.25 μg/SMAb (0.75 μg total SMAb) was 100% protective against clinical signs and death. These results reflect levels of protective potency not reported previously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Mukherjee
- Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Chase McCann
- Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Kwasi Ofori
- Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | | | - Karen Baldwin
- Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | | | | | - Saul Tzipori
- Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-508-839-7955; Fax: +1-508-839-7911
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Böhnel H, Gessler F. Presence of Clostridium botulinum
and botulinum toxin in milk and udder tissue of dairy cows with suspected botulism. Vet Rec 2013; 172:397. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.100418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H. Böhnel
- Department of Microbiology; Miprolab mikrobiologische Diagnostik GmbH; Marie-Curie-Str. 7 Göttingen 37079 Germany
| | - F. Gessler
- Department of Microbiology; Miprolab mikrobiologische Diagnostik GmbH; Marie-Curie-Str. 7 Göttingen 37079 Germany
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hong WS, Young EWK, Tepp WH, Johnson EA, Beebe DJ. A Microscale Neuron and Schwann Cell Coculture Model for Increasing Detection Sensitivity of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A. Toxicol Sci 2013; 134:64-72. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kft082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
|
47
|
Multi-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis for Clostridium botulinum type B isolates in Japan: comparison with other isolates and genotyping methods. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 16:298-304. [PMID: 23499776 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum produces botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) and causes botulism in humans and animals. Recently, 15-loci multi-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) for C. botulinum was developed for high-resolution and inter-lab comparative genotyping. This study examines the relation between MLVA and other genotyping methods such as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), BoNT/B subtyping and bont/b gene location to evaluate MLVA as a method applicable to the genetic markers for C. botulinum type B. Japanese isolates were genotyped using MLVA and were compared with strains from other sources reported previously. Results show that the discriminatory power of MLVA was comparable to that of PFGE and higher than that of MLST. The topology of the minimum spanning tree (MST) constructed using MLVA data was very consistent with the phylogenetic classifications of PFGE and MLST. The MST topology also represented genetic diversity between the strains possessing bont/b gene on chromosomes and plasmids. Some Japanese isolates including those associated with infant botulism were inferred to be related to isolates of Europe origin from MLVA genotyping results. The MLVA scheme used for this study is apparently useful not only for high-resolution molecular typing, but also for phylogenetic characterization of C. botulinum type B.
Collapse
|
48
|
Stevens GB, Silver DA, Zgaga-Griesz A, Bessler WG, Vashist SK, Patel P, Achazi K, Strotmeier J, Worbs S, Dorner MB, Dorner BG, Pauly D, Rummel A, Urban GA, Krueger M. Bioluminescence assay for the highly sensitive detection of botulinum neurotoxin A activity. Analyst 2013; 138:6154-62. [DOI: 10.1039/c3an00525a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
49
|
van Oordt T, Stevens GB, Vashist SK, Zengerle R, von Stetten F. Rapid and highly sensitive luciferase reporter assay for the automated detection of botulinum toxin in the centrifugal microfluidic LabDisk platform. RSC Adv 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ra44482a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
50
|
Li P, Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Zhang N, Zhang W, Ding X, Li R. Current development of microfluidic immunosensing approaches for mycotoxin detection via capillary electromigration and lateral flow technology. Electrophoresis 2012; 33:2253-65. [PMID: 22887149 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201200050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Mycotoxin contamination in the food chain has caused serious health issues in humans and animals. Thus, a rapid on-site and lab-independent detection method for mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins (AFTs), is desirable. Microfluidic chip based immunosensor technology is one of the most promising methods for fast mycotoxin assays. In this review, we cover the major microfluidic immunosensors used for mycotoxin analysis, via flow-through (capillary electromigration) and lateral flow technology. Sample preparation from different matrices of agricultural products and foodstuffs is summarized. The choice of materials, fabrication strategies, and detection methods for microfluidic immunosensors are further discussed in detail. The sensors application in mycotoxin determination is also outlined. Finally, future challenges and opportunities are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peiwu Li
- Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, P. R. China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|