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Alberghini-Dos-Santos JV, Sanchez CA, Bordon KDCF, Pucca MB, Antunes LMG, Arantes EC, Oliveira ISD. Effects of crotamine in human prostate cancer cell line. Toxicon 2024; 243:107746. [PMID: 38704124 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107746] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Our study presents the anticancer potential of crotamine from Crotalus durissus terrificus in human prostate cancer cell line DU-145. Crotamine isolation was conducted through RP-FPLC, its molecular mass analyzed by MALDI-TOF was 4881.4 kDa, and N-terminal sequencing confirmed crotamine identity. Crotamine demonstrated no toxicity and did not inhibit migration in HUVEC cells. Although no cell death occurred in DU-145 cells, crotamine inhibited their migration. Thus, crotamine presented potential to be a prototype of anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Victor Alberghini-Dos-Santos
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Caroline Andolfato Sanchez
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Karla de Castro Figueiredo Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Manuela Berto Pucca
- Health and Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil; Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lusânia Maria Greggi Antunes
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Isadora Sousa de Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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2
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AlShammari AK, Abd El-Aziz TM, Al-Sabi A. Snake Venom: A Promising Source of Neurotoxins Targeting Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 16:12. [PMID: 38251229 PMCID: PMC10820993 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010012] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The venom derived from various sources of snakes represents a vast collection of predominantly protein-based toxins that exhibit a wide range of biological actions, including but not limited to inflammation, pain, cytotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. The venom of a particular snake species is composed of several toxins, while the venoms of around 600 venomous snake species collectively encompass a substantial reservoir of pharmacologically intriguing compounds. Despite extensive research efforts, a significant portion of snake venoms remains uncharacterized. Recent findings have demonstrated the potential application of neurotoxins derived from snake venom in selectively targeting voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv). These neurotoxins include BPTI-Kunitz polypeptides, PLA2 neurotoxins, CRISPs, SVSPs, and various others. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on the significance of Kv channels in various tissues, highlighting their crucial role as proteins susceptible to modulation by diverse snake venoms. These toxins have demonstrated potential as valuable pharmacological resources and research tools for investigating the structural and functional characteristics of Kv channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altaf K. AlShammari
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Ahmed Al-Sabi
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
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3
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Jang J, Nguyen MQ, Park S, Ryu D, Park H, Lee G, Kim CJ, Jang YJ, Choe H. Crotamine-based recombinant immunotoxin targeting HER2 for enhanced cancer cell specificity and cytotoxicity. Toxicon 2023; 230:107157. [PMID: 37196787 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107157] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Crotamine, one of the major toxins present in the venom of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus, exhibits potent cytotoxic properties and has been suggested for cancer therapy applications. However, its selectivity for cancer cells needs to be improved. This study designed and produced a novel recombinant immunotoxin, HER2(scFv)-CRT, composed of crotamine and single-chain Fv (scFv) derived from trastuzumab targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The recombinant immunotoxin was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using various chromatographic techniques. The cytotoxicity of HER2(scFv)-CRT was assessed in three breast cancer cell lines, demonstrating enhanced specificity and toxicity in HER2-expressing cells. These findings suggest that the crotamine-based recombinant immunotoxin has the potential to expand the repertoire of recombinant immunotoxin applications in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaepyeong Jang
- Department of Physiology, Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Minh Quan Nguyen
- Department of Physiology, Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Sangsu Park
- Department of Physiology, Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Dayoung Ryu
- Department of Physiology, Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Hyeseon Park
- Department of Physiology, Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Gunsup Lee
- R&D Center, Fatiabgen Co. Ltd., Seoul, 05855, South Korea
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Department of Pathology, Asan-Minnesota Institute for Innovating Transplantation, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Yeon Jin Jang
- Department of Physiology, Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Han Choe
- Department of Physiology, Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea.
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4
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Lodato M, Plaisance V, Pawlowski V, Kwapich M, Barras A, Buissart E, Dalle S, Szunerits S, Vicogne J, Boukherroub R, Abderrahmani A. Venom Peptides, Polyphenols and Alkaloids: Are They the Next Antidiabetics That Will Preserve β-Cell Mass and Function in Type 2 Diabetes? Cells 2023; 12:cells12060940. [PMID: 36980281 PMCID: PMC10047094 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Improvement of insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells and preservation of their mass are the current challenges that future antidiabetic drugs should meet for achieving efficient and long-term glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The successful development of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogues, derived from the saliva of a lizard from the Helodermatidae family, has provided the proof of concept that antidiabetic drugs directly targeting pancreatic β-cells can emerge from venomous animals. The literature reporting on the antidiabetic effects of medicinal plants suggests that they contain some promising active substances such as polyphenols and alkaloids, which could be active as insulin secretagogues and β-cell protectors. In this review, we discuss the potential of several polyphenols, alkaloids and venom peptides from snake, frogs, scorpions and cone snails. These molecules could contribute to the development of new efficient antidiabetic medicines targeting β-cells, which would tackle the progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Lodato
- University Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, University Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520, IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Valérie Plaisance
- University Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, University Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520, IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Valérie Pawlowski
- University Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, University Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520, IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Maxime Kwapich
- University Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, University Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520, IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France
- Service de Diabétologie et d’Endocrinologie, CH Dunkerque, 59385 Dunkirk, France
| | - Alexandre Barras
- University Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, University Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520, IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Emeline Buissart
- University Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, University Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520, IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Stéphane Dalle
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34094 Montpellier, France
| | - Sabine Szunerits
- University Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, University Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520, IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Jérôme Vicogne
- University Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Rabah Boukherroub
- University Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, University Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520, IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Amar Abderrahmani
- University Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, University Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520, IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-362531704
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5
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Biological and Medical Aspects Related to South American Rattlesnake Crotalus durissus (Linnaeus, 1758): A View from Colombia. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14120875. [PMID: 36548772 PMCID: PMC9784998 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14120875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In Colombia, South America, there is a subspecies of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus, C. d. cumanensis, a snake of the Viperidae family, whose presence has been reduced due to the destruction of its habitat. It is an enigmatic snake from the group of pit vipers, venomous, with large articulated front fangs, special designs on its body, and a characteristic rattle on its tail. Unlike in Brazil, the occurrence of human envenomation by C. durisus in Colombia is very rare and contributes to less than 1% of envenomation caused by snakes. Its venom is a complex cocktail of proteins with different biological effects, which evolved with the purpose of paralyzing the prey, killing it, and starting its digestive process, as well as having defense functions. When its venom is injected into humans as the result of a bite, the victim presents with both local tissue damage and with systemic involvement, including a diverse degree of neurotoxic, myotoxic, nephrotoxic, and coagulopathic effects, among others. Its biological effects are being studied for use in human health, including the possible development of analgesic, muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, anti-infection, and antineoplastic drugs. Several groups of researchers in Brazil are very active in their contributions in this regard. In this work, a review is made of the most relevant biological and medical aspects related to the South American rattlesnake and of what may be of importance for a better understanding of the snake C. d. cumanensis, present in Colombia and Venezuela.
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González García MC, Radix C, Villard C, Breuzard G, Mansuelle P, Barbier P, Tsvetkov PO, De Pomyers H, Gigmes D, Devred F, Kovacic H, Mabrouk K, Luis J. Myotoxin-3 from the Pacific Rattlesnake Crotalus oreganus oreganus Venom Is a New Microtubule-Targeting Agent. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27238241. [PMID: 36500334 PMCID: PMC9739105 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule targeting agents (MTA) are anti-cancer molecules that bind tubulin and interfere with the microtubule functions, eventually leading to cell death. In the present study, we used an in vitro microtubule polymerization assay to screen several venom families for the presence of anti-microtubule activity. We isolated myotoxin-3, a peptide of the crotamine family, and three isoforms from the venom of the Northern Pacific rattlesnake Crotalus oreganus oreganus, which was able to increase tubulin polymerization. Myotoxin-3 turned out to be a cell-penetrating peptide that slightly diminished the viability of U87 glioblastoma and MCF7 breast carcinoma cells. Myotoxin 3 also induced remodeling of the U87 microtubule network and decreased MCF-7 microtubule dynamic instability. These effects are likely due to direct interaction with tubulin. Indeed, we showed that myotoxin-3 binds to tubulin heterodimer with a Kd of 5.3 µM and stoichiometry of two molecules of peptide per tubulin dimer. Our results demonstrate that exogenous peptides are good candidates for developing new MTA and highlight the richness of venoms as a source of pharmacologically active molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cecilia González García
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Caroline Radix
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Claude Villard
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Gilles Breuzard
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Mansuelle
- Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (Marseille Protéomique), IMM (MaP), CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Pascale Barbier
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Philipp O. Tsvetkov
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Harold De Pomyers
- Laboratoire LATOXAN SAS, 845 Avenue Pierre Brossolette, 26800 Portes-lès-Valence, France
| | - Didier Gigmes
- Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, ICR, Faculté des Sciences de Saint Jérôme, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13397 Marseille, France
| | - François Devred
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Hervé Kovacic
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Kamel Mabrouk
- Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, ICR, Faculté des Sciences de Saint Jérôme, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13397 Marseille, France
| | - José Luis
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-4-91-32-47-34
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7
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Valentim-Silva JR, de Barros NB, Macedo SRA, Ferreira ADS, Silva RS, Dill LSM, Zanchi FB, do Nascimento JR, do Nascimento FRF, Lourenzoni MR, Soares AM, Calderon LDA, Nicolete R. Antileishmanial activity, cytotoxicity and cellular response of amphotericin B in combination with crotamine derived from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom using in vitro and in silico approaches. Toxicon 2022; 217:96-106. [PMID: 35977615 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.08.009] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the in vitro activity, synergism, cytotoxicity and cellular immunological response, as well as the molecular affinity between amphotericin B (AmB) and crotamine (CTA), derived from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom against Leishmania amazonensis. METHODS This study performed the inhibition of promastigotes and amastigotes' growth under different concentrations of the drug and pharmacological combinations (AmB + CTA) based on the Berimbaum method (synergism study). The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) quantification method was used to determine the cytotoxicity of the drug and combinations employing four cell lines (J774, HepG2, VERO, and C2C12). Following, the levels of Tumour Necrose Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-12 (IL-12) cytokines, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and nitrites, as an indirect measure of Nitric Oxide (NO), using the Griess reaction were assessed in the supernatants of infected macrophages. In silico approach (molecular docking and dynamics) and binding affinity (surface plasmon resonance) between the drug and toxin were also investigated. RESULTS CTA enhanced AmB effect against promastigote and amastigote forms of L. amazonensis, decreased the drug toxicity in different cell lines and induced the production of important Th1-like cytokines and NO by infected macrophages. The pharmacological combination also displayed consistent molecular interactions with low energy of coupling and a concentration-dependent profile. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that this pharmacological approach is a promising alternative treatment against L. amazonensis infection due to the improved activity (synergistic effect) achieved against the parasites' forms and to the decreased cytotoxic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- João R Valentim-Silva
- Post-Doctoral Fellow in Health Sciences, Federal University of Acre (UFAC), Rio Branco, AC, Brazil; Physical Education Department of Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Rondônia), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rodrigo S Silva
- Center of Study of Biomolecules Applied in Medicine (CEBio), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Rondônia) and Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Leandro S M Dill
- Center of Study of Biomolecules Applied in Medicine (CEBio), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Rondônia) and Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Fernando B Zanchi
- Center of Study of Biomolecules Applied in Medicine (CEBio), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Rondônia) and Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Johnny R do Nascimento
- Immunophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Flávia R F do Nascimento
- Immunophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | | | - Andreimar M Soares
- Center of Study of Biomolecules Applied in Medicine (CEBio), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Rondônia) and Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; eCentro Universitário São Lucas (UniSL), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Leonardo de A Calderon
- Center of Study of Biomolecules Applied in Medicine (CEBio), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Rondônia) and Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Roberto Nicolete
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Rondônia), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Ceará), Eusébio, CE, Brazil.
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8
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Joshi R, Sweidan K, Jha D, Kerkis I, Scheffler K, Engelmann J. Evaluation of crotamine based probes as intracellular targeted contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 69:116863. [PMID: 35752142 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116863] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Crotamine is a lysine and cysteine rich 42 amino acids long bio-active polypeptide, isolated from the venom of a South American rattlesnake, that can also be used as cell penetrating peptide. A facile synthetic scheme for coupling cargo molecules like fluorophores (carboxyfluorescein) or MRI probes (Gd-DO3A-based macrocycle) is presented. The toxicity, cellular internalization and steady-state accumulation after long-term incubation for 18 h, as well as magnetic resonance relaxivities and cellular relaxation rates of crotamine based probes were evaluated and compared to its shorter synthetic fragment CyLoP-1. The longitudinal relaxivity (r1) of the conjugates of CyLoP-1 and crotamine is significantly lower in medium than in water indicating to the lower contrast enhancement efficacy of DO3A-based probes in biological samples. Carboxyfluorescein labeled crotamine did not exhibit toxicity up to a concentration of 2.5 µM. CyLoP-1 accumulated about four times better within the cells compared to crotamine. Fluorescence microscopy suggests different predominant uptake mechanisms for crotamine and CyLoP-1 in 3T3 cells. While crotamine is predominantly localized in vesicular structures (most likely endosomes and lysosomes) within the cell, CyLoP-1 is mainly homogeneously distributed in the cytosol. The cellular relaxation rate (R1, cell) of the crotamine based probe was not significantly increased whereas the corresponding CyLoP-1-derivative showed a slightly elevated R1, cell. This study indicates the potential of crotamine and in particular the shorter fragment CyLoP-1 to be useful for an efficient transmembrane delivery of agents directed to intracellular (cytosolic) targets. However, the applicability of the conjugates synthesized here as contrast agents in MR imaging is limited. Further improvement is needed to prepare more efficient probes for MRI applications, i.e., by replacing the DO3A- with a DOTA-based chelate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Joshi
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal.
| | - Kamal Sweidan
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Deepti Jha
- High-Field MR Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Irina Kerkis
- Laboratory of Genetics Butantan Institute São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Klaus Scheffler
- High-Field MR Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Joern Engelmann
- High-Field MR Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
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9
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Oliveira AL, Viegas MF, da Silva SL, Soares AM, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. The chemistry of snake venom and its medicinal potential. Nat Rev Chem 2022; 6:451-469. [PMID: 37117308 PMCID: PMC9185726 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-022-00393-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The fascination and fear of snakes dates back to time immemorial, with the first scientific treatise on snakebite envenoming, the Brooklyn Medical Papyrus, dating from ancient Egypt. Owing to their lethality, snakes have often been associated with images of perfidy, treachery and death. However, snakes did not always have such negative connotations. The curative capacity of venom has been known since antiquity, also making the snake a symbol of pharmacy and medicine. Today, there is renewed interest in pursuing snake-venom-based therapies. This Review focuses on the chemistry of snake venom and the potential for venom to be exploited for medicinal purposes in the development of drugs. The mixture of toxins that constitute snake venom is examined, focusing on the molecular structure, chemical reactivity and target recognition of the most bioactive toxins, from which bioactive drugs might be developed. The design and working mechanisms of snake-venom-derived drugs are illustrated, and the strategies by which toxins are transformed into therapeutics are analysed. Finally, the challenges in realizing the immense curative potential of snake venom are discussed, and chemical strategies by which a plethora of new drugs could be derived from snake venom are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Matilde F Viegas
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Saulo L da Silva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreimar M Soares
- Biotechnology Laboratory for Proteins and Bioactive Compounds from the Western Amazon, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, National Institute of Epidemiology in the Western Amazon (INCT-EpiAmO), Porto Velho, Brazil.,Sao Lucas Universitary Center (UniSL), Porto Velho, Brazil
| | - Maria J Ramos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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10
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Design of D-Amino Acids SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors Using the Cationic Peptide from Rattlesnake Venom as a Scaffold. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050540. [PMID: 35631367 PMCID: PMC9146215 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The C30 endopeptidase (3C-like protease; 3CLpro) is essential for the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2) since it plays a pivotal role in viral replication and transcription and, hence, is a promising drug target. Molecules isolated from animals, insects, plants, or microorganisms can serve as a scaffold for the design of novel biopharmaceutical products. Crotamine, a small cationic peptide from the venom of the rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus, has been the focus of many studies since it exhibits activities such as analgesic, in vitro antibacterial, and hemolytic activities. The crotamine derivative L-peptides (L-CDP) that inhibit the 3CL protease in the low µM range were examined since they are susceptible to proteolytic degradation; we explored the utility of their D-enantiomers form. Comparative uptake inhibition analysis showed D-CDP as a promising prototype for a D-peptide-based drug. We also found that the D-peptides can impair SARS-CoV-2 replication in vivo, probably targeting the viral protease 3CLpro.
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El Chamy Maluf S, Hayashi MAF, Campeiro JD, Oliveira EB, Gazarini ML, Carmona AK. South American rattlesnake cationic polypeptide crotamine trafficking dynamic in Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes: Pharmacological inhibitors, parasite cycle and incubation time influences in uptake. Toxicon 2022; 208:47-52. [PMID: 35074306 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a parasitic infectious disease caused by Plasmodium sp, which was responsible for about 409 thousand deaths only in 2019. The clinical manifestations in patients with malaria, which may include fever and anemia and that can occasionally lead to the death of the host, are mainly associated to the asexual blood stage of parasite. The discovery of novel compounds active against stages of the intraerythrocytic cell cycle has been the focus of many researches seeking for alternatives to the control of malaria. The antimalarial effect of a native cationic polypeptide from the venom of a South American rattlesnake named crotamine, with ability of targeting and disrupting the acidic compartments of Plasmodium falciparum parasite, was previously described by us. Herein, we extended our previous studies by investigating the internalization and trafficking of crotamine in P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes at different blood-stages of parasites and periods of incubation. In addition, the effects of several pharmacological inhibitors in the uptake of this snake polypeptide with cell-penetrating properties were also assessed, showing that crotamine internalization was dependent on ATP generated via glycolytic pathway. We show here that crotamine uptake is blocked by the glycolysis inhibitor 2- deoxy-D-glucose, and the most efficient internalization is observed at trophozoite stage of parasite after at least 30 min of incubation. The present data provide important insights into biochemical pathway and cellular features determined by the parasite cycle, which may be underlying the internalization and effects of cationic antimalarials as crotamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- S El Chamy Maluf
- Departamento de Biofísica, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M A F Hayashi
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - J D Campeiro
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - E B Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP-RP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - M L Gazarini
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - A K Carmona
- Departamento de Biofísica, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
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Pompeia C, Frare EO, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, da Silva ÁP, de Oliveira EB, Pereira A, Kerkis I, Kolonin MG. Synthetic polypeptide crotamine: characterization as a myotoxin and as a target of combinatorial peptides. J Mol Med (Berl) 2022; 100:65-76. [PMID: 34643765 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02140-9] [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: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Crotamine is a rattlesnake-derived toxin that causes fast-twitch muscle paralysis. As a cell-penetrating polypeptide, crotamine has been investigated as an experimental anti-cancer and immunotherapeutic agent. We hypothesized that molecules targeting crotamine could be designed to study its function and intervene in its adverse activities. Here, we characterize synthetic crotamine and show that, like the venom-purified toxin, it induces hindlimb muscle paralysis by affecting muscle contraction and inhibits KCNA3 (Kv1.3) channels. Synthetic crotamine, labeled with a fluorophore, displayed cell penetration, subcellular myofiber distribution, ability to induce myonecrosis, and bind to DNA and heparin. Here, we used this functionally validated synthetic polypeptide to screen a combinatorial phage display library for crotamine-binding cyclic peptides. Selection for tryptophan-rich peptides was observed, binding of which to crotamine was confirmed by ELISA and gel shift assays. One of the peptides (CVWSFWGMYC), synthesized chemically, was shown to bind both synthetic and natural crotamine and to block crotamine-DNA binding. In summary, our study establishes a functional synthetic substitute to the venom-derived toxin and identifies peptides that could further be developed as probes to target crotamine. KEY MESSAGES: Synthetic crotamine was characterized as a functional substitute for venom-derived crotamine based on myotoxic effects. A combinatorial peptide library was screened for crotamine-binding peptides. Tryptophan-rich peptides were shown to bind to crotamine and interfere with its DNA binding. Crotamine myofiber distribution and affinity for tryptophan-rich peptides provide insights on its mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Pompeia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Genetics Laboratory, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Currently an Independent Researcher, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Irina Kerkis
- Genetics Laboratory, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mikhail G Kolonin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
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13
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Correlating biological activity to thermo-structural analysis of the interaction of CTX with synthetic models of macrophage membranes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23712. [PMID: 34887428 PMCID: PMC8660830 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02552-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The important pharmacological actions of Crotoxin (CTX) on macrophages, the main toxin in the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus, and its important participation in the control of different pathophysiological processes, have been demonstrated. The biological activities performed by macrophages are related to signaling mediated by receptors expressed on the membrane surface of these cells or opening and closing of ion channels, generation of membrane curvature and pore formation. In the present work, the interaction of the CTX complex with the cell membrane of macrophages is studied, both using biological cells and synthetic lipid membranes to monitor structural alterations induced by the protein. Here we show that CTX can penetrate THP-1 cells and induce pores only in anionic lipid model membranes, suggesting that a possible access pathway for CTX to the cell is via lipids with anionic polar heads. Considering that the selectivity of the lipid composition varies in different tissues and organs of the human body, the thermostructural studies presented here are extremely important to open new investigations on the biological activities of CTX in different biological systems.
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Hayashi MAF, Campeiro JD, Yonamine CM. Revisiting the potential of South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus toxins as therapeutic, theranostic and/or biotechnological agents. Toxicon 2021; 206:1-13. [PMID: 34896407 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The potential biotechnological and biomedical applications of the animal venom components are widely recognized. Indeed, many components have been used either as drugs or as templates/prototypes for the development of innovative pharmaceutical drugs, among which many are still used for the treatment of human diseases. A specific South American rattlesnake, named Crotalus durissus terrificus, shows a venom composition relatively simpler compared to any viper or other snake species belonging to the Crotalus genus, although presenting a set of toxins with high potential for the treatment of several still unmet human therapeutic needs, as reviewed in this work. In addition to the main toxin named crotoxin, which is under clinical trials studies for antitumoral therapy and which has also anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities, other toxins from the C. d. terrificus venom are also being studied, aiming for a wide variety of therapeutic applications, including as antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumoral or antiparasitic agent, or as modulator of animal metabolism, fibrin sealant (fibrin glue), gene carrier or theranostic agent. Among these rattlesnake toxins, the most relevant, considering the potential clinical applications, are crotamine, crotalphine and gyroxin. In this narrative revision, we propose to organize and present briefly the updates in the accumulated knowledge on potential therapeutic applications of toxins collectively found exclusively in the venom of this specific South American rattlesnake, with the objective of contributing to increase the chances of success in the discovery of drugs based on toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirian A F Hayashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), SP, Brazil.
| | - Joana D Campeiro
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), SP, Brazil
| | - Camila M Yonamine
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), SP, Brazil.
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15
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Baudou FG, Rodriguez JP, Fusco L, de Roodt AR, De Marzi MC, Leiva L. South American snake venoms with abundant neurotoxic components. Composition and toxicological properties. A literature review. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106119. [PMID: 34481791 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In South America there are three snake genera with predominantly neurotoxic venoms: Crotalus, Micrurus and Hydrophis, which include nine species/subspecies, 97 species and a single marine species, respectively. Although accidents with neurotoxic venoms are less frequent than those with anticoagulant, cytotoxic or necrotic venoms (e.g. from Bothrops), they are of major public health importance. Venoms from genus Crotalus have been extensively studied, while data on the venoms from the other two genera are very limited, especially for Hydrophis. The venoms of North and South American Crotalus species show biochemical and physiopathological differences. The former species cause bothrops-like envenomation symptoms, while the latter mainly have neurotoxic and myotoxic effects, leading to respiratory paralysis and, occasionally, renal failure by myoglobinuria and death, often with no local lesions. Micrurus and Hydrophis also cause neurotoxic envenomations. Many studies have isolated, identified and characterized new enzymes and toxins, thus expanding the knowledge of snake venom composition. The present review summarizes the currently available information on neurotoxic venoms from South American snakes, with a focus on protein composition and toxicological properties. It also includes some comments concerning potential medical applications of elapid and crotalic toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico G Baudou
- Universidad Nacional de Luján (UNLu), Depto. de Ciencias Básicas, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Inmunología, Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), UNLu-CONICET, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Juan P Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de la Facultad de Medicina (LIBIM), Instituto de Química Básica y Aplicada del Nordeste Argentino (IQUIBA-NEA), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNNE-CONICET), Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Luciano Fusco
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Proteínas (LabInPro), IQUIBA-NEA (UNNE, CONICET), FaCENA, (UNNE), Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Adolfo R de Roodt
- Área Investigación y Desarrollo-Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos, Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina; Primera Cátedra de Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Toxinopatología, Centro de Patología Experimental y Aplicada, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauricio C De Marzi
- Universidad Nacional de Luján (UNLu), Depto. de Ciencias Básicas, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Inmunología, Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), UNLu-CONICET, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Leiva
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Proteínas (LabInPro), IQUIBA-NEA (UNNE, CONICET), FaCENA, (UNNE), Corrientes, Argentina
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Giribaldi J, Smith JJ, Schroeder CI. Recent developments in animal venom peptide nanotherapeutics with improved selectivity for cancer cells. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 50:107769. [PMID: 33989705 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venoms are a rich source of bioactive peptides that efficiently modulate key receptors and ion channels involved in cellular excitability to rapidly neutralize their prey or predators. As such, they have been a wellspring of highly useful pharmacological tools for decades. Besides targeting ion channels, some venom peptides exhibit strong cytotoxic activity and preferentially affect cancer over healthy cells. This is unlikely to be driven by an evolutionary impetus, and differences in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment are probably behind the serendipitous selectivity shown by some venom peptides. However, strategies such as bioconjugation and nanotechnologies are showing potential to improve their selectivity and potency, thereby paving the way to efficiently harness new anticancer mechanisms offered by venom peptides. This review aims to highlight advances in nano- and chemotherapeutic tools and prospective anti-cancer drug leads derived from animal venom peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Giribaldi
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jennifer J Smith
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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Coulter-Parkhill A, McClean S, Gault VA, Irwin N. Therapeutic Potential of Peptides Derived from Animal Venoms: Current Views and Emerging Drugs for Diabetes. Clin Med Insights Endocrinol Diabetes 2021; 14:11795514211006071. [PMID: 34621137 PMCID: PMC8491154 DOI: 10.1177/11795514211006071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of venom-derived drugs is evident today. Currently, several significant drugs are FDA approved for human use that descend directly from animal venom products, with others having undergone, or progressing through, clinical trials. In addition, there is growing awareness of the important cosmeceutical application of venom-derived products. The success of venom-derived compounds is linked to their increased bioactivity, specificity and stability when compared to synthetically engineered compounds. This review highlights advancements in venom-derived compounds for the treatment of diabetes and related disorders. Exendin-4, originating from the saliva of Gila monster lizard, represents proof-of-concept for this drug discovery pathway in diabetes. More recent evidence emphasises the potential of venom-derived compounds from bees, cone snails, sea anemones, scorpions, snakes and spiders to effectively manage glycaemic control. Such compounds could represent exciting exploitable scaffolds for future drug discovery in diabetes, as well as providing tools to allow for a better understanding of cell signalling pathways linked to insulin secretion and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Victor A Gault
- Diabetes Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Nigel Irwin
- Diabetes Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
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18
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Rádis-Baptista G. Cell-Penetrating Peptides Derived from Animal Venoms and Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:147. [PMID: 33671927 PMCID: PMC7919042 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) comprise a class of short polypeptides that possess the ability to selectively interact with the cytoplasmic membrane of certain cell types, translocate across plasma membranes and accumulate in the cell cytoplasm, organelles (e.g., the nucleus and mitochondria) and other subcellular compartments. CPPs are either of natural origin or de novo designed and synthesized from segments and patches of larger proteins or designed by algorithms. With such intrinsic properties, along with membrane permeation, translocation and cellular uptake properties, CPPs can intracellularly convey diverse substances and nanomaterials, such as hydrophilic organic compounds and drugs, macromolecules (nucleic acids and proteins), nanoparticles (nanocrystals and polyplexes), metals and radionuclides, which can be covalently attached via CPP N- and C-terminals or through preparation of CPP complexes. A cumulative number of studies on animal toxins, primarily isolated from the venom of arthropods and snakes, have revealed the cell-penetrating activities of venom peptides and toxins, which can be harnessed for application in biomedicine and pharmaceutical biotechnology. In this review, I aimed to collate examples of peptides from animal venoms and toxic secretions that possess the ability to penetrate diverse types of cells. These venom CPPs have been chemically or structurally modified to enhance cell selectivity, bioavailability and a range of target applications. Herein, examples are listed and discussed, including cysteine-stabilized and linear, α-helical peptides, with cationic and amphipathic character, from the venom of insects (e.g., melittin, anoplin, mastoparans), arachnids (latarcin, lycosin, chlorotoxin, maurocalcine/imperatoxin homologs and wasabi receptor toxin), fish (pardaxins), amphibian (bombesin) and snakes (crotamine and cathelicidins).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil
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Salazar E, Rodriguez-Acosta A, Lucena S, Gonzalez R, McLarty MC, Sanchez O, Suntravat M, Garcia E, Finol HJ, Giron ME, Fernandez I, Deba F, Bessac BF, Sánchez EE. Biological activities of a new crotamine-like peptide from Crotalus oreganus helleri on C2C12 and CHO cell lines, and ultrastructural changes on motor endplate and striated muscle. Toxicon 2020; 188:95-107. [PMID: 33065200 PMCID: PMC7720416 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.10.010] [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: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Crotamine and crotamine-like peptides are non-enzymatic polypeptides, belonging to the family of myotoxins, which are found in high concentration in the venom of the Crotalus genus. Helleramine was isolated and purified from the venom of the Southern Pacific rattlesnake, Crotalus oreganus helleri. This peptide had a similar, but unique, identity to crotamine and crotamine-like proteins isolated from other rattlesnakes species. The variability of crotamine-like protein amino acid sequences may allow different toxic effects on biological targets or optimize the action against the same target of different prey. Helleramine was capable of increasing intracellular Ca2+ in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell line. It inhibited cell migration as well as cell viability (IC50 = 11.44 μM) of C2C12, immortalized skeletal myoblasts, in a concentration dependent manner, and promoted early apoptosis and cell death under our experimental conditions. Skeletal muscle harvested from mice 24 h after helleramine injection showed contracted myofibrils and profound vacuolization that enlarged the subsarcolemmal space, along with loss of plasmatic and basal membrane integrity. The effects of helleramine provide further insights and evidence of myotoxic activities of crotamine-like peptides and their possible role in crotalid envenomings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emelyn Salazar
- National Natural Toxins Research Center (NNTRC), Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - Alexis Rodriguez-Acosta
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Ultraestructura, Instituto Anatómico, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Sara Lucena
- National Natural Toxins Research Center (NNTRC), Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - Roschman Gonzalez
- Centro de Microscopía Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Morgan C McLarty
- National Natural Toxins Research Center (NNTRC), Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - Oscar Sanchez
- National Natural Toxins Research Center (NNTRC), Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - Montamas Suntravat
- National Natural Toxins Research Center (NNTRC), Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - Estefanie Garcia
- Centro de Microscopía Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Hector J Finol
- Centro de Microscopía Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Maria E Giron
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Ultraestructura, Instituto Anatómico, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Irma Fernandez
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Ultraestructura, Instituto Anatómico, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Farah Deba
- Texas A&M Rangel College of Pharmacy, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - Bret F Bessac
- Texas A&M Rangel College of Pharmacy, Kingsville, TX, USA; Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University HSC, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Elda E Sánchez
- National Natural Toxins Research Center (NNTRC), Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA; Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA.
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de Carvalho Porta L, Fadel V, D'Arc Campeiro J, Oliveira EB, Godinho RO, Hayashi MAF. Biophysical and pharmacological characterization of a full-length synthetic analog of the antitumor polypeptide crotamine. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1561-1571. [PMID: 32895732 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01975-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Crotamine is a polypeptide isolated from the venom of a South American rattlesnake. Among the properties and biological activities of crotamine, the most extraordinary is its ability to enter cells with unique selective affinity and cytotoxic activity against actively proliferating cells, such as tumor cells. This peptide is also a cargo carrier, and anticipating commercial application of this native polypeptide as a potential theranostic compound against cancer, we performed here a side-by-side characterization of a chemically synthesized full-length crotamine compared with its native counterpart. The structural, biophysical, and pharmacological properties were evaluated. Comparative NMR studies showed structural conservation of synthetic crotamine. Moreover, similarly to native crotamine, the synthetic polypeptide was also capable of inhibiting tumor growth in vivo, increasing the survival of mice bearing subcutaneous tumor. We also confirmed the ability of synthetic crotamine to transfect and transport DNA into eukaryotic cells, in addition to the importance of proteoglycans on cell surface for its internalization. This work opens new opportunities for future evaluation of chimeric and/or point-mutated analogs of this snake polypeptide, aiming for improving crotamine properties and applications, as well as possibly diminishing its potential toxic effects. KEY MESSAGES: • Synthetic crotamine showed ex vivo and in vivo activities similar to native peptide. • Synthetic crotamine structure conservation was demonstrated by NMR analysis. • Synthetic crotamine is able to transfect and transport DNA into eukaryotic cells. • Synthetic crotamine shows tumor growth inhibition in vivo. • Synthetic crotamine increases survival of mice bearing tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas de Carvalho Porta
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua 3 de maio 100, Ed. INFAR, 3rd floor, São Paulo, CEP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Valmir Fadel
- Universidade Estadual de São Paulo (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Joana D'Arc Campeiro
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua 3 de maio 100, Ed. INFAR, 3rd floor, São Paulo, CEP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Brandt Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP-FMRP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rosely Oliveira Godinho
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua 3 de maio 100, Ed. INFAR, 3rd floor, São Paulo, CEP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Mirian Akemi Furuie Hayashi
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua 3 de maio 100, Ed. INFAR, 3rd floor, São Paulo, CEP 04044-020, Brazil.
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21
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Bordon KDCF, Cologna CT, Fornari-Baldo EC, Pinheiro-Júnior EL, Cerni FA, Amorim FG, Anjolette FAP, Cordeiro FA, Wiezel GA, Cardoso IA, Ferreira IG, de Oliveira IS, Boldrini-França J, Pucca MB, Baldo MA, Arantes EC. From Animal Poisons and Venoms to Medicines: Achievements, Challenges and Perspectives in Drug Discovery. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1132. [PMID: 32848750 PMCID: PMC7396678 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal poisons and venoms are comprised of different classes of molecules displaying wide-ranging pharmacological activities. This review aims to provide an in-depth view of toxin-based compounds from terrestrial and marine organisms used as diagnostic tools, experimental molecules to validate postulated therapeutic targets, drug libraries, prototypes for the design of drugs, cosmeceuticals, and therapeutic agents. However, making these molecules applicable requires extensive preclinical trials, with some applications also demanding clinical trials, in order to validate their molecular target, mechanism of action, effective dose, potential adverse effects, as well as other fundamental parameters. Here we go through the pitfalls for a toxin-based potential therapeutic drug to become eligible for clinical trials and marketing. The manuscript also presents an overview of the current picture for several molecules from different animal venoms and poisons (such as those from amphibians, cone snails, hymenopterans, scorpions, sea anemones, snakes, spiders, tetraodontiformes, bats, and shrews) that have been used in clinical trials. Advances and perspectives on the therapeutic potential of molecules from other underexploited animals, such as caterpillars and ticks, are also reported. The challenges faced during the lengthy and costly preclinical and clinical studies and how to overcome these hindrances are also discussed for that drug candidates going to the bedside. It covers most of the drugs developed using toxins, the molecules that have failed and those that are currently in clinical trials. The article presents a detailed overview of toxins that have been used as therapeutic agents, including their discovery, formulation, dosage, indications, main adverse effects, and pregnancy and breastfeeding prescription warnings. Toxins in diagnosis, as well as cosmeceuticals and atypical therapies (bee venom and leech therapies) are also reported. The level of cumulative and detailed information provided in this review may help pharmacists, physicians, biotechnologists, pharmacologists, and scientists interested in toxinology, drug discovery, and development of toxin-based products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla de Castro Figueiredo Bordon
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Takeno Cologna
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Ernesto Lopes Pinheiro-Júnior
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Felipe Augusto Cerni
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Gobbi Amorim
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vila Velha University, Vila Velha, Brazil
| | | | - Francielle Almeida Cordeiro
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gisele Adriano Wiezel
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Iara Aimê Cardoso
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isabela Gobbo Ferreira
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isadora Sousa de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mateus Amaral Baldo
- Health and Science Institute, Paulista University, São José do Rio Pardo, Brazil
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Valentim Silva JR, de Barros NB, Aragão Macedo SR, Ferreira ADS, Moreira Dill LS, Zanchi FB, do Nascimento JR, Fernandes do Nascimento FR, Lourenzoni MR, de Azevedo Calderon L, Soares AM, Nicolete R. A natural cell-penetrating nanopeptide combined with pentavalent antimonial as experimental therapy against cutaneous leishmaniasis. Exp Parasitol 2020; 217:107934. [PMID: 32698075 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The inadequacy of available treatments for leishmaniasis has presented up to 40% therapeutic failure. This fact suggests an urgency in the discovery of new drugs or alternative approaches for treating this disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antileishmanial activity of combined therapy between crotamine (CTA) from Crotalus durissus terrificus and the pentavalent antimonial Glucantime® (GLU). The assays were in vitro performed measuring the inhibition of Leishmania amazonensis amastigotes, followed by the evaluation of cellular production of cytokines and nitrites. After that, analytical methods were performed in order to characterize the molecules involved in the study by Mass Spectrometry, molecular affinity through an in silico assay and Surface Plasmon Resonance. In vivo experiments with BALB/c mice were performed by analyzing parasitemia, lesion size and immunological mediators. In the in vitro experiments, the pharmacological association improved the inhibition of the amastigotes, modulated the production of cytokines and nitric oxide. The therapy improved the effectiveness of the GLU, demonstrating a decreased parasitemia in the infected tissues. Altogether, the results suggest that the combined approach with CTA and GLU may be a promising alternative for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Rafael Valentim Silva
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Physical Education Department of Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Physical Education Department of University Center UNINORTE, Rio Branco, AC, Brazil
| | - Neuza Biguinati de Barros
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Sharon Rose Aragão Macedo
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde (CEBio), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz - Rondônia e Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Amália Dos Santos Ferreira
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Leandro Soares Moreira Dill
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde (CEBio), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz - Rondônia e Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Fernando Berton Zanchi
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde (CEBio), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz - Rondônia e Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Johnny Ramos do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Department of Pathology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Flávia Raquel Fernandes do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Department of Pathology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo de Azevedo Calderon
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde (CEBio), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz - Rondônia e Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Andreimar Martins Soares
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde (CEBio), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz - Rondônia e Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; eCentro Universitário São Lucas (UniSL), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Roberto Nicolete
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz Ceará), Eusébio, CE, Brazil.
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23
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Falcao CB, Radis-Baptista G. Crotamine and crotalicidin, membrane active peptides from Crotalus durissus terrificus rattlesnake venom, and their structurally-minimized fragments for applications in medicine and biotechnology. Peptides 2020; 126:170234. [PMID: 31857106 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.170234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A global public health crisis has emerged with the extensive dissemination of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from plants and animals have represented promising tools to counteract those resistant pathogens due to their multiple pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, anticancer, immunomodulatory and cell-penetrating activities. In this review, we will focus on crotamine and crotalicidin, which are two interesting examples of membrane active peptides derived from the South America rattlesnake Crotalus durrisus terrificus venom. Their full-sequences and structurally-minimized fragments have potential applications, as anti-infective and anti-proliferative agents and diagnostics in medicine and in pharmaceutical biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Borges Falcao
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Brazil; Peter Pan Association to Fight Childhood Cancer, Fortaleza, CE, 60410-770, Brazil.
| | - Gandhi Radis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate program in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Av da Abolição 3207, Fortaleza, CE, 60165-081, Brazil.
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24
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Hayashi MAF, Campeiro JD, Porta LC, Szychowski B, Alves WA, Oliveira EB, Kerkis I, Daniel MC, Karpel RL. Crotamine Cell-Penetrating Nanocarriers: Cancer-Targeting and Potential Biotechnological and/or Medical Applications. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2118:61-89. [PMID: 32152971 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0319-2_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Crotamine is a basic, 42-residue polypeptide from snake venom that has been shown to possess cell-penetrating properties. Here we describe the preparation, purification, biochemical and biophysical analysis of venom-derived, recombinant, chemically synthesized, and fluorescent-labeled crotamine. We also describe the formation and characterization of crotamine-DNA and crotamine-RNA nanoparticles; and the delivery of these nanoparticles into cells and animals. Crotamine forms nanoparticles with a variety of DNA and RNA molecules, and crotamine-plasmid DNA nanoparticles are selectively delivered into actively proliferating cells in culture or in living organisms such as mice, Plasmodium, and worms. As such, these nanoparticles could form the basis for a nucleic acid drug-delivery system. We also describe here the design and characterization of crotamine-functionalized gold nanoparticles, and the delivery of these nanoparticles into cells. We also evaluated the viability of using the combination of crotamine with silica nanoparticles in animal models, aiming to provide slow delivery, and to decrease the crotamine doses needed for the biological effects. In addition, the efficacy of administering crotamine orally was also demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirian A F Hayashi
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Joana Darc Campeiro
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Carvalho Porta
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Brian Szychowski
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wendel Andrade Alves
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo B Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Irina Kerkis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marie-Christine Daniel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard L Karpel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
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25
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Disulphide-less crotamine is effective for formation of DNA-peptide complex but is unable to improve bovine embryo transfection. ZYGOTE 2019; 28:72-79. [PMID: 31662126 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199419000716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the ability of disulphide-less crotamine (dLCr) to complex DNA and to evaluate whether the DNA-dLCr complex is capable of improving transfection in bovine embryos. Three experiments were performed to: (i) evaluate the formation and stability of the DNA-dLCr complex; (ii) assess the dLCr embryotoxicity by exposure of bovine embryos to dLCr; and (iii) assess the efficiency of bovine embryo transfection after microinjection of the DNA-dLCr complex or green fluorescent protein (GFP) plasmid alone (control). DNA complexation by dLCr after 30 min of incubation at 1:100 and 1:50 proportions presented higher efficiency (P < 0.05) than the two controls: native crotamine (NCr) 1:10 and lipofectamine. There was no difference between DNA-dLCr 1:25 and the controls. The DNA-dLCr complexation was evaluated at different proportions and times. In all, at least half of maximum complexation was achieved within the initial 30 min. No embryotoxicity of dLCr was verified after exposure of in vitro fertilized embryos to different concentrations of the peptide. The effectiveness of dLCr to improve exogenous gene expression was evaluated by microinjection of the DNA-dLCr complex into in vitro fertilized zygotes, followed by verification of both embryo development and GFP expression. From embryos microinjected with DNA only, 4.6% and 2.8% expressed the GFP transgene at day 5 and day 7, respectively. The DNA-dLCr complex did not increase the number of GFP-positive embryos. In conclusion, dLCr forms a complex with DNA and its application in in vitro culture is possible. However, the dLCr peptide sequence should be redesigned to improve GFP expression.
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26
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Campeiro JD, Dam W, Monte GG, Porta LC, Oliveira LCGD, Nering MB, Viana GM, Carapeto FC, Oliveira EB, van den Born J, Hayashi MAF. Long term safety of targeted internalization of cell penetrating peptide crotamine into renal proximal tubular epithelial cells in vivo. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3312. [PMID: 30824773 PMCID: PMC6397221 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39842-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) play a crucial role in progressive tubulo-interstitial fibrosis in native and transplanted kidneys. Targeting PTECs by non-viral delivery vectors might be useful to influence the expression of important genes and/or proteins in order to slow down renal function loss. However, no clinical therapies that specifically target PTECs are available at present. We earlier showed that a cationic cell penetrating peptide isolated from South American rattlesnake venom, named crotamine, recognizes cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans and accumulates in cells. In healthy mice, crotamine accumulates mainly in kidneys after intraperitoneal (ip) injection. Herein we demonstrate for the first time, the overall safety of acute or long-term treatment with daily ip administrated crotamine for kidneys functions. Accumulation of ip injected crotamine in the kidney brush border zone of PTECs, and its presence inside these cells were observed. In addition, significant lower in vitro crotamine binding, uptake and reporter gene transport and expression could be observed in syndecan-1 deficient HK-2 PTECs compared to wild-type cells, indicating that the absence of syndecan-1 impairs crotamine uptake into PTECs. Taken together, our present data show the safety of in vivo long-term treatment with crotamine, and its preferential uptake into PTECs, which are especially rich in HSPGs such as syndecan-1. In addition to the demonstrated in vitro gene delivery mediated by crotamine in HK-2 cells, the potential applicability of crotamine as prototypic non-viral (gene) delivery nanocarrier to modulate PTEC gene and/or protein expression was confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Darc Campeiro
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Wendy Dam
- Department Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriela Guilherme Monte
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Carvalho Porta
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Marcela Bego Nering
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Monteiro Viana
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Cintra Carapeto
- Departamento de Patologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Brandt Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP-FMRP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jacob van den Born
- Department Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Mirian A F Hayashi
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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27
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Silvestrini AVP, de Macedo LH, de Andrade TAM, Mendes MF, Pigoso AA, Mazzi MV. Intradermal Application of Crotamine Induces Inflammatory and Immunological Changes In Vivo. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11010039. [PMID: 30646542 PMCID: PMC6357061 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crotamine is a single-chain polypeptide with cell-penetrating properties, which is considered a promising molecule for clinical use. Nevertheless, its biosafety data are still scarce. Herein, we assessed the in vivo proinflammatory properties of crotamine, including its local effect and systemic serum parameters. Sixty male Wistar rats were intradermically injected with 200, 400 and 800 µg crotamine and analyzed after 1, 3 and 7 days. Local effect of crotamine was assessed by determination of MPO and NAG activities, NO levels and angiogenesis. Systemic inflammatory response was assessed by determination of IL-10, TNF-α, CRP, NO, TBARS and SH groups. Crotamine induced macrophages and neutrophils chemotaxis as evidenced by the upregulation of both NAG (0.5–0.6 OD/mg) and MPO (0.1–0.2 OD/mg) activities, on the first and third day of analysis, respectively. High levels of NO were observed for all concentrations and time-points. Moreover, 800 μg crotamine resulted in serum NO (64.7 μM) and local tissue NO (58.5 μM) levels higher or equivalent to those recorded for their respective histamine controls (55.7 μM and 59.0 μM). Crotamine also induced a significant angiogenic response compared to histamine. Systemically, crotamine induced a progressive increase in serum CRP levels up to the third day of analysis (22.4–45.8 mg/mL), which was significantly greater than control values. Crotamine (400 μg) also caused an increase in serum TNF-α, in the first day of analysis (1095.4 pg/mL), however a significant increase in IL-10 (122.2 pg/mL) was also recorded for the same time-point, suggesting the induction of an anti-inflammatory effect. Finally, crotamine changed the systemic redox state by inducing gradual increase in serum levels of TBARS (1.0–1.8 μM/mL) and decrease in SH levels (124.7–19.5 μM/mL) throughout the experimental period of analysis. In summary, rats intradermally injected with crotamine presented local and systemic acute inflammatory responses similarly to histamine, which limits crotamine therapeutic use on its original form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Vitória Pupo Silvestrini
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Luana Henrique de Macedo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Thiago Antônio Moretti de Andrade
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences Hermínio Ometto University Center, FHO-UNIARARAS, Av. Dr. Maximiliano Baruto, 500, CEP 13607-339 Araras, SP, Brazil.
| | - Maíra Felonato Mendes
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences Hermínio Ometto University Center, FHO-UNIARARAS, Av. Dr. Maximiliano Baruto, 500, CEP 13607-339 Araras, SP, Brazil.
| | - Acácio Antônio Pigoso
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences Hermínio Ometto University Center, FHO-UNIARARAS, Av. Dr. Maximiliano Baruto, 500, CEP 13607-339 Araras, SP, Brazil.
| | - Maurício Ventura Mazzi
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences Hermínio Ometto University Center, FHO-UNIARARAS, Av. Dr. Maximiliano Baruto, 500, CEP 13607-339 Araras, SP, Brazil.
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28
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Ojeda PG, Henriques ST, Pan Y, Nicolazzo JA, Craik DJ, Wang CK. Lysine to arginine mutagenesis of chlorotoxin enhances its cellular uptake. Biopolymers 2018; 108. [PMID: 28459137 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chlorotoxin (CTX), a disulfide-rich peptide from the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus, has several promising biopharmaceutical properties, including preferential affinity for certain cancer cells, high serum stability, and cell penetration. These properties underpin its potential for use as a drug design scaffold, especially for the treatment of cancer; indeed, several analogs of CTX have reached clinical trials. Here, we focus on its ability to internalize into cells-a trait associated with a privileged subclass of peptides called cell-penetrating peptides-and whether it can be improved through conservative substitutions. Mutants of CTX were made using solid-phase peptide synthesis and internalization into human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells was monitored by fluorescence and confocal microscopy. CTX_M1 (ie, [K15R/K23R]CTX) and CTX_M2 (ie, [K15R/K23R/Y29W]CTX) mutants showed at least a twofold improvement in uptake compared to CTX. We further showed that these mutants internalize into HeLa cells largely via an energy-dependent mechanism. Importantly, the mutants have high stability, remaining intact in serum for over 24 h; thus, retaining the characteristic stability of their parent peptide. Overall, we have shown that simple conservative substitutions can enhance the cellular uptake of CTX, suggesting that such type of mutations might be useful for improving uptake of other peptide toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola G Ojeda
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.,Centro de Bioinformática y Simulación Molecular (CBSM), Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Yijun Pan
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Joseph A Nicolazzo
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Conan K Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
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29
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Tansi FL, Filatova MP, Koroev DO, Volpina OM, Lange S, Schumann C, Teichgräber UK, Reissmann S, Hilger I. New generation CPPs show distinct selectivity for cancer and noncancer cells. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:6528-6541. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felista L. Tansi
- Department of Experimental Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Jena University Hospital Jena Germany
| | - Margarita P. Filatova
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russia
| | - Dmitri O. Koroev
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russia
| | - Olga M. Volpina
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russia
| | | | | | - Ulf K. Teichgräber
- Department of Experimental Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Jena University Hospital Jena Germany
| | - Siegmund Reissmann
- Jena Bioscience GmbH Jena Germany
- Centrum of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich‐Schiller‐University Jena Germany
| | - Ingrid Hilger
- Department of Experimental Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Jena University Hospital Jena Germany
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30
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Mambelli-Lisboa NC, Sciani JM, Brandão Prieto da Silva AR, Kerkis I. Co-Localization of Crotamine with Internal Membranes and Accentuated Accumulation in Tumor Cells. Molecules 2018; 23:E968. [PMID: 29693555 PMCID: PMC6017820 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23040968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Crotamine is a highly cationic; cysteine rich, cross-linked, low molecular mass cell penetrating peptide (CPP) from the venom of the South American rattlesnake. Potential application of crotamine in biomedicine may require its large-scale purification. To overcome difficulties related with the purification of natural crotamine (nCrot) we aimed in the present study to synthesize and characterize a crotamine analog (sCrot) as well investigate its CPP activity. Mass spectrometry analysis demonstrates that sCrot and nCrot have equal molecular mass and biological function—the capacity to induce spastic paralysis in the hind limbs in mice. sCrot CPP activity was evaluated in a wide range of tumor and non-tumor cell tests performed at different time points. We demonstrate that sCrot-Cy3 showed distinct co-localization patterns with intracellular membranes inside the tumor and non-tumor cells. Time-lapse microscopy and quantification of sCrot-Cy3 fluorescence signalss in living tumor versus non-tumor cells revealed a significant statistical difference in the fluorescence intensity observed in tumor cells. These data suggest a possible use of sCrot as a molecular probe for tumor cells, as well as, for the selective delivery of anticancer molecules into these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Caroline Mambelli-Lisboa
- Laboratory of Genetics, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
- CENTD-Center of Excellence in New Target Discovery, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Mozer Sciani
- CENTD-Center of Excellence in New Target Discovery, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Alvaro Rossan Brandão Prieto da Silva
- Laboratory of Genetics, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
- CENTD-Center of Excellence in New Target Discovery, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Irina Kerkis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
- CENTD-Center of Excellence in New Target Discovery, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
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Marinovic MP, Campeiro JD, Lima SC, Rocha AL, Nering MB, Oliveira EB, Mori MA, Hayashi MAF. Crotamine induces browning of adipose tissue and increases energy expenditure in mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5057. [PMID: 29567992 PMCID: PMC5864908 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22988-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Crotamine, originally isolated from rattlesnake venom, has been extensively studied due to its pleiotropic biological properties, and special attention has been paid to its antitumor activity. However, long-term treatment with crotamine was accompanied by a reduction in animal body weight gain and by increases in glucose tolerance. As cancer is commonly associated with cachexia, to preclude the possible cancer cachexia-like effect of crotamine, herein this polypeptide was administered in healthy wild-type C57/BL6 mice by the oral route daily, for 21 days. Reduced body weight gain, in addition to decreased white adipose tissue (WAT) and increased brown adipose tissue (BAT) mass were observed in healthy animals in the absence of tumor. In addition, we observed improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin sensitivity, accompanied by a reduction of plasma lipid levels and decreased levels of biomarkers of liver damage and kidney disfunctions. Importantly, long-term treatment with crotamine increased the basal metabolic rate in vivo, which was consistent with the increased expression of thermogenic markers in BAT and WAT. Interestingly, cultured brown adipocyte cells induced to differentiation in the presence of crotamine also showed increases in some of these markers and in lipid droplets number and size, indicating increased brown adipocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo P Marinovic
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Joana D Campeiro
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sunamita C Lima
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrea L Rocha
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcela B Nering
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo B Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP-RP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A Mori
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Mirian A F Hayashi
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Batista da Cunha D, Pupo Silvestrini AV, Gomes da Silva AC, Maria de Paula Estevam D, Pollettini FL, de Oliveira Navarro J, Alves AA, Remédio Zeni Beretta AL, Annichino Bizzacchi JM, Pereira LC, Mazzi MV. Mechanistic insights into functional characteristics of native crotamine. Toxicon 2018; 146:1-12. [PMID: 29574214 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The chemical composition of snake venoms is a complex mixture of proteins and peptides that can be pharmacologically active. Crotamine, a cell-penetrating peptide, has been described to have antimicrobial properties and it exerts its effects by interacting selectively with different structures, inducing changes in the ion flow pattern and cellular responses. However, its real therapeutic potential is not yet fully known. Bearing in mind that crotamine is a promising molecule in therapeutics, this study investigated the action of purified molecule in three aspects: I) antibacterial action on different species of clinical interest, II) the effect of two different concentrations of the molecule on platelet aggregation, and III) its effects on isolated mitochondria. Crotamine was purified to homogeneity in a single step procedure using Heparin Sepharose. The molecular mass of the purified enzyme was 4881.4 Da, as determined by mass spectrometry. To assess antibacterial action, changes in the parameters of bacterial oxidative stress were determined. The peptide showed antibacterial activity on Escherichia coli (MIC: 2.0 μg/μL), Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 8-16 μg/μL) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 4.0-8.0 μg/μL), inducing bacterial death by lipid peroxidation and oxidation of target proteins, determined by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and sulfhydryl groups, respectively. Crotamine induced increased platelet aggregation (IPA) at the two concentrations analyzed (0.1 and 1.4 μg/μL) compared to ADP-induced aggregation of PRP. Mitochondrial respiratory parameters and organelle structure assays were used to elucidate the action of the compound in this organelle. The exposure of mitochondria to crotamine caused a decrease in oxidative phosphorylation and changes in mitochondrial permeability, without causing damage in the mitochondrial redox state. Together, these results support the hypothesis that, besides the antimicrobial potential, crotamine acts on different molecular targets, inducing platelet aggregation and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Batista da Cunha
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences Hermínio Ometto University Center, UNIARARAS, 7 Av. Dr. Maximiliano Baruto, 500, CEP 13607-339, Araras, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Vitória Pupo Silvestrini
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences Hermínio Ometto University Center, UNIARARAS, 7 Av. Dr. Maximiliano Baruto, 500, CEP 13607-339, Araras, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Gomes da Silva
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences Hermínio Ometto University Center, UNIARARAS, 7 Av. Dr. Maximiliano Baruto, 500, CEP 13607-339, Araras, SP, Brazil
| | - Deborah Maria de Paula Estevam
- Graduate Program in Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, State University Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho-UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Flávia Lino Pollettini
- Graduate Program in Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, State University Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho-UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Oliveira Navarro
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences Hermínio Ometto University Center, UNIARARAS, 7 Av. Dr. Maximiliano Baruto, 500, CEP 13607-339, Araras, SP, Brazil
| | - Armindo Antônio Alves
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences Hermínio Ometto University Center, UNIARARAS, 7 Av. Dr. Maximiliano Baruto, 500, CEP 13607-339, Araras, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Laura Remédio Zeni Beretta
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences Hermínio Ometto University Center, UNIARARAS, 7 Av. Dr. Maximiliano Baruto, 500, CEP 13607-339, Araras, SP, Brazil
| | - Joyce M Annichino Bizzacchi
- Blood Hemostasis Laboratory, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Lilian Cristina Pereira
- Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, State University Paulista Júlio Mesquita Filho-UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Maurício Ventura Mazzi
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences Hermínio Ometto University Center, UNIARARAS, 7 Av. Dr. Maximiliano Baruto, 500, CEP 13607-339, Araras, SP, Brazil.
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Ojeda PG, Ramírez D, Alzate-Morales J, Caballero J, Kaas Q, González W. Computational Studies of Snake Venom Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 10:E8. [PMID: 29271884 PMCID: PMC5793095 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Most snake venom toxins are proteins, and participate to envenomation through a diverse array of bioactivities, such as bleeding, inflammation, and pain, cytotoxic, cardiotoxic or neurotoxic effects. The venom of a single snake species contains hundreds of toxins, and the venoms of the 725 species of venomous snakes represent a large pool of potentially bioactive proteins. Despite considerable discovery efforts, most of the snake venom toxins are still uncharacterized. Modern bioinformatics tools have been recently developed to mine snake venoms, helping focus experimental research on the most potentially interesting toxins. Some computational techniques predict toxin molecular targets, and the binding mode to these targets. This review gives an overview of current knowledge on the ~2200 sequences, and more than 400 three-dimensional structures of snake toxins deposited in public repositories, as well as of molecular modeling studies of the interaction between these toxins and their molecular targets. We also describe how modern bioinformatics have been used to study the snake venom protein phospholipase A2, the small basic myotoxin Crotamine, and the three-finger peptide Mambalgin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola G Ojeda
- Center for Bioinformatics and Molecular Simulations (CBSM), Universidad de Talca, 3460000 Talca, Chile.
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidad Autonoma de Chile, 3460000 Talca, Chile.
| | - David Ramírez
- Center for Bioinformatics and Molecular Simulations (CBSM), Universidad de Talca, 3460000 Talca, Chile.
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidad Autonoma de Chile, 3460000 Talca, Chile.
| | - Jans Alzate-Morales
- Center for Bioinformatics and Molecular Simulations (CBSM), Universidad de Talca, 3460000 Talca, Chile.
| | - Julio Caballero
- Center for Bioinformatics and Molecular Simulations (CBSM), Universidad de Talca, 3460000 Talca, Chile.
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Wendy González
- Center for Bioinformatics and Molecular Simulations (CBSM), Universidad de Talca, 3460000 Talca, Chile.
- Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Universidad de Talca, 3460000 Talca, Chile.
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Karpel RL, da Silva Liberato M, Campeiro JD, Bergeon L, Szychowski B, Butler A, Marino G, Cusic JF, de Oliveira LCG, Oliveira EB, de Farias MA, Portugal RV, Alves WA, Daniel MC, Hayashi MAF. Design and characterization of crotamine-functionalized gold nanoparticles. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2017; 163:1-8. [PMID: 29268209 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the development of a facile and environmentally friendly strategy for supporting crotamine on gold nanoparticles (GNPs). Our approach was based on the covalent binding interaction between the cell penetrating peptide crotamine, which is a snake venom polypeptide with preference to penetrate dividing cells, and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) ligand, which is a nontoxic, water-soluble and easily obtainable commercial polymer. Crotamine was derivatized with ortho-pyridyldisulfide-polyethyleneglycol-N-hydroxysuccinimide (OPSS-PEG-SVA) cross-linker to produce OPSS-PEG-crotamine as the surface modifier of GNP. OPSS-PEG-SVA can serve not only as a surface modifier, but also as a stabilizing agent for GNPs. The successful PEGylation of the nanoparticles was demonstrated using different physicochemical techniques, while the grafting densities of the PEG ligands and crotamine on the surface of the nanoparticles were estimated using a combination of electron microscopy and mass spectrometry analysis. In vitro assays confirmed the internalization of these GNPs, into living HeLa cells. The results described herein suggest that our approach may serve as a simple platform for the synthesis of GNPs decorated with crotamine with well-defined morphologies and uniform dispersion, opening new roads for crotamine biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Karpel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | - Joana D Campeiro
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lorna Bergeon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brian Szychowski
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew Butler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Giovanni Marino
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joelle F Cusic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Eduardo B Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP-RP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wendel Andrade Alves
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Marie-Christine Daniel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mirian A F Hayashi
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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35
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Chan JYW, Zhou H, Kwan YW, Chan SW, Radis-Baptista G, Lee SMY. Evaluation in zebrafish model of the toxicity of rhodamine B-conjugated crotamine, a peptide potentially useful for diagnostics and therapeutics. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2017; 31. [PMID: 28815806 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.21964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Crotamine is defensin-like cationic peptide from rattlesnake venom that possesses anticancer, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. Despite these promising biological activities, toxicity is a major concern associated with the development of venom-derived peptides as therapeutic agents. In the present study, we used zebrafish as a system model to evaluate the toxicity of rhodamine B-conjugated (RhoB) crotamine derivative. The lethal toxic concentration of RhoB-crotamine was as low as 4 μM, which effectively kill zebrafish larvae in less than 10 min. With non-lethal concentrations (<1 μM), crotamine caused malformation in zebrafish embryos, delayed or completely halted hatching, adversely affected embryonic developmental programming, decreased the cardiac functions, and attenuated the swimming distance of zebrafish. The RhoB-crotamine translocated across vitelline membrane and accumulated in zebrafish yolk sac. These results demonstrate the sensitive responsivity of zebrafish to trial crotamine analogues for the development of novel therapeutic peptides with improved safety, bioavailability, and efficacy profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy Yuet-Wa Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Hefeng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yiu Wa Kwan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shun Wan Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gandhi Radis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Simon Ming-Yuen Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
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Piotrowska U, Sobczak M, Oledzka E. Current state of a dual behaviour of antimicrobial peptides-Therapeutic agents and promising delivery vectors. Chem Biol Drug Des 2017; 90:1079-1093. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Piotrowska
- Chair of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry; Department of Biomaterials Chemistry; Faculty of Pharmacy with the Laboratory Medicine Division; Medical University of Warsaw; Warsaw Poland
| | - Marcin Sobczak
- Chair of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry; Department of Biomaterials Chemistry; Faculty of Pharmacy with the Laboratory Medicine Division; Medical University of Warsaw; Warsaw Poland
| | - Ewa Oledzka
- Chair of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry; Department of Biomaterials Chemistry; Faculty of Pharmacy with the Laboratory Medicine Division; Medical University of Warsaw; Warsaw Poland
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Rádis-Baptista G, Campelo IS, Morlighem JÉRL, Melo LM, Freitas VJF. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs): From delivery of nucleic acids and antigens to transduction of engineered nucleases for application in transgenesis. J Biotechnol 2017; 252:15-26. [PMID: 28479163 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been studied for their capacity to translocate across the lipid membrane of several cell types. In membrane translocation, these peptides can remarkably transport biologically active hydrophilic molecules, such as pharmaceuticals, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and even high-molecular-weight proteins, Fig. 3 into the cell cytoplasm and organelles. The development of CPPs as transduction agents includes the modification of gene and protein expression, the reprogramming and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells and the preparation of cellular vaccines. A relatively recent field of CPP application is the transduction of plasmid DNA vectors and CPP-fusion proteins to modify genomes and introduce new traits in cells and organisms. CPP-mediated transduction of components for genome editing is an advantageous alternative to viral DNA vectors. Engineered site-specific nucleases, such as Cre recombinase, ZFN, TALENs and CRISPR associated protein (Cas), have been coupled to CPPs, and the fused proteins have been used to permeate targeted cells and tissues. The functionally active fusion CPP-nucleases subsequently home to the nucleus, incise genomic DNA at specific sites and induce repair and recombination. This review has the objective of discussing CPPs and elucidating the prospective use of CPP-mediated transduction technology, particularly in genome modification and transgenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, 60.165-081, Brazil.
| | - Iana S Campelo
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, 60.714-903, Brazil
| | - Jean-Étienne R L Morlighem
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, 60.165-081, Brazil; Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Post-graduation program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, 60.455-900, Brazil
| | - Luciana M Melo
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, 60.714-903, Brazil
| | - Vicente J F Freitas
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, 60.714-903, Brazil.
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Ponnappan N, Chugh A. Cell-penetrating and cargo-delivery ability of a spider toxin-derived peptide in mammalian cells. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2017; 114:145-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2017.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Dissanayake S, Denny WA, Gamage S, Sarojini V. Recent developments in anticancer drug delivery using cell penetrating and tumor targeting peptides. J Control Release 2017; 250:62-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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40
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Kerkis I, de Brandão Prieto da Silva AR, Pompeia C, Tytgat J, de Sá Junior PL. Toxin bioportides: exploring toxin biological activity and multifunctionality. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:647-661. [PMID: 27554773 PMCID: PMC11107510 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2343-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxins have been shown to have many biological functions and to constitute a rich source of drugs and biotechnological tools. We focus on toxins that not only have a specific activity, but also contain residues responsible for transmembrane penetration, which can be considered bioportides-a class of cell-penetrating peptides that are also intrinsically bioactive. Bioportides are potential tools in pharmacology and biotechnology as they help deliver substances and nanoparticles to intracellular targets. Bioportides characterized so far are peptides derived from human proteins, such as cytochrome c (CYCS), calcitonin receptor (camptide), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (nosangiotide). However, toxins are usually disregarded as potential bioportides. In this review, we discuss the inclusion of some toxins and molecules derived thereof as a new class of bioportides based on structure activity relationship, minimization, and biological activity studies. The comparative analysis of the amino acid residue composition of toxin-derived bioportides and their short molecular variants is an innovative analytical strategy which allows us to understand natural toxin multifunctionality in vivo and plan novel pharmacological and biotechnological products. Furthermore, we discuss how many bioportide toxins have a rigid structure with amphiphilic properties important for both cell penetration and bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kerkis
- Laboratório de Genética, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil.
| | | | - Celine Pompeia
- Laboratório de Genética, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Louvain, Belgium
| | - Paulo L de Sá Junior
- Laboratório de Genética, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil.
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Crotamine, a cell-penetrating peptide, is able to translocate parthenogenetic and in vitro fertilized bovine embryos but does not improve exogenous DNA expression. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:1405-1413. [PMID: 27515309 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0772-7] [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: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Crotamine is capable of penetrating cells and embryos and transfecting cells with exogenous DNA. However, no studies are available regarding its uptake by parthenogenetic (PA) embryos or its use for transfection in in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos. This study aimed to determine the translocation kinetics of crotamine into PA and IVF bovine embryos and assess its effect over in vitro development of PA embryos. Moreover, crotamine-DNA complexes were used to test the transfection ability of crotamine in bovine IVF zygotes. METHODS PA and IVF embryos were exposed to labeled crotamine for four interval times. Embryo toxicity was assayed over PA embryos after 24 h of exposure to crotamine. Additionally, IVF embryos were exposed to or injected with a complex formed by crotamine and pCX-EGFP plasmid. RESULTS Confocal images revealed that crotamine was uptaken by PA and IVF embryos as soon as 1 h after exposure. Crotamine exposure did not affect two to eight cells and blastocyst rates or blastocyst cell number (p > 0.05) of PA embryos. Regarding transfection, exposure or injection into the perivitelline space with crotamine-DNA complex did not result in transgene-expressing embryos. Nevertheless, intracytoplasmic injection of plasmid alone showed higher expression rates than did injection with crotamine-DNA complex at days 4 and 7 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Crotamine is able to translocate through zona pellucida (ZP) of PA and IVF embryos within 1 h of exposure without impairing in vitro development. However, the use of crotamine does not improve exogenous DNA expression in cattle embryos, probably due to the tight complexation of DNA with crotamine.
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Ponnappan N, Budagavi DP, Yadav BK, Chugh A. Membrane-active peptides from marine organisms--antimicrobials, cell-penetrating peptides and peptide toxins: applications and prospects. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2016; 7:75-89. [PMID: 25559972 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-014-9182-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Marine organisms are known to be a rich and unique source of bioactive compounds as they are exposed to extreme conditions in the oceans. The present study is an attempt to briefly describe some of the important membrane-active peptides (MAPs) such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and peptide toxins from marine organisms. Since both AMPs and CPPs play a role in membrane perturbation and exhibit interchangeable role, they can speculatively fall under the broad umbrella of MAPs. The study focuses on the structural and functional characteristics of different classes of marine MAPs. Further, AMPs are considered as a potential remedy to antibiotic resistance acquired by several pathogens. Peptides from marine organisms show novel post-translational modifications such as cysteine knots, halogenation and histidino-alanine bridge that enable these peptides to withstand harsh marine environmental conditions. These unusual modifications of AMPs from marine organisms are expected to increase their half-life in living systems, contributing to their increased bioavailability and stability when administered as drug in in vivo systems. Apart from AMPs, marine toxins with membrane-perturbing properties could be essentially investigated for their cytotoxic effect on various pathogens and their cell-penetrating activity across various mammalian cells. The current review will help in identifying the MAPs from marine organisms with crucial post-translational modifications that can be used as template for designing novel therapeutic agents and drug-delivery vehicles for treatment of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Ponnappan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
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Anthelmintic effects of a cationic toxin from a South American rattlesnake venom. Toxicon 2016; 116:49-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Abstract
During the three decades of cell-penetrating peptides era the superfamily of CPPs has rapidly expanded, and the quest for new sequences continues. CPPs have been well recognized by scientific community and they have been used for transduction of a wide variety of molecules and particles into cultured cells and in vivo. In parallel with application of CPPs for delivering of active payloads, the mechanisms that such peptides take advantage of for gaining access to cells' insides have been in the focus of intense studies. Although the common denominator "cell penetration" unites all CPPs, the interaction partners on the cell surface, evoked cellular responses and even the uptake mechanisms might greatly vary between different peptide types. Here we present some possibilities for classification of CPPs based on their type of origin, physical-chemical properties, and the extent of modifications and design efforts. We also briefly analyze the internalization mechanisms with regard to their classification into groups based on physical-chemical characteristics.
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El Chamy Maluf S, Dal Mas C, Oliveira EB, Melo PM, Carmona AK, Gazarini ML, Hayashi MAF. Inhibition of malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum development by crotamine, a cell penetrating peptide from the snake venom. Peptides 2016; 78:11-6. [PMID: 26806200 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
We show here that crotamine, a polypeptide from the South American rattlesnake venom with cell penetrating and selective anti-fungal and anti-tumoral properties, presents a potent anti-plasmodial activity in culture. Crotamine inhibits the development of the Plasmodium falciparum parasites in a dose-dependent manner [IC50 value of 1.87 μM], and confocal microscopy analysis showed a selective internalization of fluorescent-labeled crotamine into P. falciparum infected erythrocytes, with no detectable fluorescence in uninfected healthy erythrocytes. In addition, similarly to the crotamine cytotoxic effects, the mechanism underlying the anti-plasmodial activity may involve the disruption of parasite acidic compartments H(+) homeostasis. In fact, crotamine promoted a reduction of parasites organelle fluorescence loaded with the lysosomotropic fluorochrome acridine orange, in the same way as previously observed mammalian tumoral cells. Taken together, we show for the first time crotamine not only compromised the metabolism of the P. falciparum, but this toxin also inhibited the parasite growth. Therefore, we suggest this snake polypeptide as a promising lead molecule for the development of potential new molecules, namely peptidomimetics, with selectivity for infected erythrocytes and ability to inhibit the malaria infection by its natural affinity for acid vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- S El Chamy Maluf
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - C Dal Mas
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - E B Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP-RP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - P M Melo
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A K Carmona
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M L Gazarini
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Santos, SP, Brazil.
| | - M A F Hayashi
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
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Emerging landscape of cell penetrating peptide in reprogramming and gene editing. J Control Release 2016; 226:124-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Durzyńska J, Przysiecka Ł, Nawrot R, Barylski J, Nowicki G, Warowicka A, Musidlak O, Goździcka-Józefiak A. Viral and Other Cell-Penetrating Peptides as Vectors of Therapeutic Agents in Medicine. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2015; 354:32-42. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.115.223305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Rodrigues M, Andreu D, Santos NC. Uptake and cellular distribution of nucleolar targeting peptides (NrTPs) in different cell types. Biopolymers 2015; 104:101-9. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.22610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Rodrigues
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular; Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa; Lisbon Portugal
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park; Barcelona Spain
| | - Nuno C. Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular; Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa; Lisbon Portugal
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Macedo SRA, de Barros NB, Ferreira AS, Moreira-Dill LS, Calderon LA, Soares AM, Nicolete R. Biodegradable microparticles containing crotamine isolated from Crotalus durissus terrificus display antileishmanial activity in vitro. Pharmacology 2015; 95:78-86. [PMID: 25633844 DOI: 10.1159/000371391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS To evaluate antileishmanial activity of crotamine, a toxin isolated from Crotalus durissus terrificus, in solution form and encapsulated in biodegradable microparticles in vitro. METHODS Particles were analyzed on-chip by surface plasmon resonance and characterized by testing their diameters, zeta potential and encapsulation rate. The viability of promastigotes as well as murine macrophages was assessed. Furthermore, the phagocytic index was determined for macrophages, and cell supernatants were collected for the determination of TNF-α levels. An infection assay using Leishmania amazonensis-infected macrophages was also conducted. RESULTS The diameters and zeta potential of control particles (1.35 μm; -12.3 mV) and of those containing crotamine (3.09 μm; -20.9 mV) were adequate for the assays conducted. Crotamine-loaded particles were better captured by macrophages than control particles (increase of 12% in the phagocytic index), leading to increased TNF-α levels (196 pg/ml), and they also induced a significant decrease in the numbers of amastigotes compared to infected macrophages only. CONCLUSION The approach presented here opens the possibility of working with safe concentrations of encapsulated toxins to reach antileishmanial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Rose A Macedo
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
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Effect of crotamine, a cell-penetrating peptide, on blastocyst production and gene expression of in vitro fertilized bovine embryos. ZYGOTE 2014; 24:48-57. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199414000707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummaryThe present study investigated the effects of crotamine, a cell-penetrating peptide from rattlesnake venom, at different exposure times and concentrations, on both developmental competence and gene expression (ATP1A1, AQP3, GLUT1 and GLUT3) of in vitro fertilized (IVF) bovine embryos. In Experiment 1, presumptive zygotes were exposed to 0.1 μM crotamine for 6, 12 or 24 h and control groups (vehicle and IVF) were included. In Experiment 2, presumptive zygotes were exposed to 0 (vehicle), 0.1, 1 and 10 μM crotamine for 24 h. Additionally, to visualize crotamine uptake, embryos were exposed to rhodamine B-labelled crotamine and subjected to confocal microscopy. In Experiment 1, no difference (P > 0.05) was observed among different exposure times and control groups for cleavage and blastocyst rates and total cells number per blastocyst. Within each exposure time, mRNA levels were similar (P > 0.05) in embryos cultured with or without crotamine. In Experiment 2, concentrations as high as 10 μM crotamine did not affect (P > 0.05) the blastocyst rate. Crotamine at 0.1 and 10 μM did not alter mRNA levels when compared with the control (P > 0.05). Remarkably, only 1 μM crotamine decreased both ATP1A1 and AQP3 expression levels relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Also, it was possible to visualize the intracellular localization of crotamine. These results indicate that crotamine can translocate intact IVF bovine embryos and its application in the culture medium is possible at concentrations from 0.1–10 μM for 6–24 h.
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