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El-Qassas J, Abd El-Atti M, El-Badri N. Harnessing the potency of scorpion venom-derived proteins: applications in cancer therapy. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2024; 11:93. [PMID: 39361208 PMCID: PMC11450130 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-024-00805-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite breakthroughs in the development of cancer diagnosis and therapy, most current therapeutic approaches lack precise specificity and sensitivity, resulting in damage to healthy cells. Selective delivery of anti-cancer agents is thus an important goal of cancer therapy. Scorpion venom (SV) and/or body parts have been used since early civilizations for medicinal purposes, and in cultures, SV is still applied to the treatment of several diseases including cancer. SV contains numerous active micro and macromolecules with diverse pharmacological effects. These include potent anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. This review focuses on the recent advances of SV-derived peptides as promising anti-cancer agents and their diagnostic and therapeutic potential applications in cancers such as glioma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. Well-characterized SV-derived peptides are thus needed to serve as potent and selective adjuvant therapy for cancer, to significantly enhance the patients' survival and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihad El-Qassas
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, 6th of October City, Giza, 12578, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Abd El-Atti
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Nagwa El-Badri
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, 6th of October City, Giza, 12578, Egypt.
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Nasr S, Borges A, Sahyoun C, Nasr R, Roufayel R, Legros C, Sabatier JM, Fajloun Z. Scorpion Venom as a Source of Antimicrobial Peptides: Overview of Biomolecule Separation, Analysis and Characterization Methods. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1380. [PMID: 37760677 PMCID: PMC10525675 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms have long captivated scientific researchers, primarily due to the potency and specificity of the mechanism of action of their derived components. Among other molecules, these venoms contain highly active compounds, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and ion channel-specific components that selectively target biological receptors with remarkable affinity. Some of these receptors have emerged as prime therapeutic targets for addressing various human pathologies, including cancer and infectious diseases, and have served as models for designing novel drugs. Consequently, extensive biochemical and proteomic investigations have focused on characterizing scorpion venoms. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the key methodologies used in the extraction, purification, analysis, and characterization of AMPs and other bioactive molecules present in scorpion venoms. Noteworthy techniques such as gel electrophoresis, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and "omics" approaches are explored, along with various combinations of methods that enable bioassay-guided venom fractionation. Furthermore, this review presents four adapted proteomic workflows that lead to the comprehensive dissection of the scorpion venom proteome, with an emphasis on AMPs. These workflows differ based on whether the venom is pre-fractionated using separation techniques or is proteolytically digested directly before further proteomic analyses. Since the composition and functionality of scorpion venoms are species-specific, the selection and sequence of the techniques for venom analyses, including these workflows, should be tailored to the specific parameters of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nasr
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (S.N.); (C.S.)
| | - Adolfo Borges
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Toxinas y Receptores, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 50587, Venezuela;
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, Asunción 1255, Paraguay
| | - Christina Sahyoun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (S.N.); (C.S.)
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Team 2 CarMe, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Riad Nasr
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Public Health 3, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1200, Lebanon;
| | - Rabih Roufayel
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Christian Legros
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Team 2 CarMe, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (S.N.); (C.S.)
- Faculty of Sciences 3, Department of Biology, Lebanese University, Campus Michel Slayman Ras Maska, Tripoli 1352, Lebanon
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Jahangirian E, Zargan J, Rabbani H, Zamani J. Investigating the inhibitory and penetrating properties of three novel anticancer and antimicrobial scorpion peptides via molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:15354-15385. [PMID: 36927377 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2188956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The two types of bladder cancer, muscle invasive and non-muscle invasive (NMIBC), are among the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Despite this, even though muscle-invasive bladder cancer is more deadly, NMIBC requires more therapy due to a greater recurrence rate and more extended and expensive care. Immunotherapy, intravesical chemotherapy, cystoscopy, and transurethral resection (TUR) are among the treatments available. Crude scorpion venomand purified proteins and peptides, can suppress cancer metastasis in an in vitro or in vivo context, suppress cancer growth, halt the cell cycle, and cause cell apoptosis, according to an increasing number of experimental and preclinical studies. In this research, three novels discovered peptides (P2, P3 and P4. ProteomeXchange: PXD036231) from Buthotus saulcyi and, Odontobuthus doriae scorpions were used along with a peptide called pantinin (as a control). The phylogenetic tree showed that the peptides belong to Chaperonin HSP60, Chrysophsin2 and Pheromone-binding protein2, respectively. These peptides were docked with four known antigens, BAGE, BLCAP, PRAME and ROR1 related to bladder cancer and three bacterial antigens FliC, FliD and FimH to investigate their antimicrobial and anticancer properties. The results showed that peptides 2 and 3 have the best binding rate. The MD simulation results also confirmed the binding of peptides 2 and 3 to antigens. The penetration power of peptides 2 and 3 in the membrane of cancer cells and bacterial cells was also simulated, and the results of RMSD and PD confirmed it. QSAR suggests that peptides 2 and 3 can act as anti-cancer and anti-microbial peptides.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Jahangirian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jamil Zargan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hodjattallah Rabbani
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Zamani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
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Pashmforoosh N, Baradaran M. Peptides with Diverse Functions from Scorpion Venom: A Great Opportunity for the Treatment of a Wide Variety of Diseases. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:84-99. [PMID: 37070616 PMCID: PMC10314758 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran The venom glands are a rich source of biologically important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. Scorpion venoms have been identified as a reservoir for components that might be considered as great candidates for drug development. Pharmacological properties of the venom compounds have been confirmed in the treatment of different disorders. Ion channel blockers and AMPs are the main groups of scorpion venom components. Despite the existence of several studies about scorpion peptides, there are still valuable components to be discovered. Additionally, owing to the improvement of proteomics and transcriptomics, the number of peptide drugs is steadily increasing, which reflects the importance of these medications. This review evaluates available literatures on some important scorpion venom peptides with pharmaceutical activities. Given that the last three years have been dominated by the COVID-19 from the medical/pharmaceutical perspective, scorpion compounds with the potential against the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoumeh Baradaran
- Corresponding Author: Masoumeh Baradaran Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; E-mail:
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Antimicrobial Activity Developed by Scorpion Venoms and Its Peptide Component. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110740. [PMID: 36355990 PMCID: PMC9693228 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial infections represent a problem of great importance at the public health level, with a high rate of morbidity-mortality worldwide. However, treating the different diseases generated by microorganisms requires a gradual increase in acquired resistance when applying or using them against various antibiotic therapies. Resistance is caused by various molecular mechanisms of microorganisms, thus reducing their effectiveness. Consequently, there is a need to search for new opportunities through natural sources with antimicrobial activity. One alternative is using peptides present in different scorpion venoms, specifically from the Buthidae family. Different peptides with biological activity in microorganisms have been characterized as preventing their growth or inhibiting their replication. Therefore, they represent an alternative to be used in the design and development of new-generation antimicrobial drugs in different types of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Essential aspects for its disclosure, as shown in this review, are the studies carried out on different types of peptides in scorpion venoms with activity against pathogenic microorganisms, highlighting their high therapeutic potential.
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Moussaoui H, Ladjel-Mendil A, Laraba-Djebari F. Neuromodulation of neurological disorders in a demyelination model: effect of a potassium channel inhibitor from Androctonus scorpion venom. TOXIN REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2021.2022698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hadjila Moussaoui
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, USTHB, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Amina Ladjel-Mendil
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, USTHB, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Fatima Laraba-Djebari
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, USTHB, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Algiers, Algeria
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Ahmadi S, Knerr JM, Argemi L, Bordon KCF, Pucca MB, Cerni FA, Arantes EC, Çalışkan F, Laustsen AH. Scorpion Venom: Detriments and Benefits. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8050118. [PMID: 32408604 PMCID: PMC7277529 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom may cause severe medical complications and untimely death if injected into the human body. Neurotoxins are the main components of scorpion venom that are known to be responsible for the pathological manifestations of envenoming. Besides neurotoxins, a wide range of other bioactive molecules can be found in scorpion venoms. Advances in separation, characterization, and biotechnological approaches have enabled not only the development of more effective treatments against scorpion envenomings, but have also led to the discovery of several scorpion venom peptides with interesting therapeutic properties. Thus, scorpion venom may not only be a medical threat to human health, but could prove to be a valuable source of bioactive molecules that may serve as leads for the development of new therapies against current and emerging diseases. This review presents both the detrimental and beneficial properties of scorpion venom toxins and discusses the newest advances within the development of novel therapies against scorpion envenoming and the therapeutic perspectives for scorpion toxins in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
| | - Julius M. Knerr
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Lídia Argemi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Karla C. F. Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Roraima 69310-000, Brazil
| | - Felipe A. Cerni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Eliane C. Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Figen Çalışkan
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
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