1
|
Kumar P, Kayastha A, Singh VK, Kayastha AM. In Silico Structural and Functional Insight into the Binding Interactions of the Modeled Structure of Watermelon Urease with Urea. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:2272-2285. [PMID: 38250402 PMCID: PMC10795036 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Urease (EC 3.5.1.5) is an amidohydrolase. This nickel-dependent metalloenzyme converts urea into NH3 and CO2. Despite their vital role in plants, the structure and function of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) urease are unknown. We used third- and fourth-generation gene prediction algorithms to annotate the C. lanatus urease sequence in this investigation. The solved urease structure from Canavalia ensiformis (PDB ID: 4GY7) was utilized as a template model to identify the target 3-D model structure of the unknown C. lanatus urease for the first time. Cluretox, the C. lanatus urease intrinsic disordered area identical to Jaburetox, was also found. The C. lanatus urease structure was docked with urea to study atom interaction, amino acid interactions, and binding analyses in the urease-urea complex at 3.5 Å. This study found that amino acids His517, Gly548, Asp631, Ala634, Thr569, His543, Met635, His407, His490, and Ala438 of C. lanatus urease bind urea. To study the molecular basis and mode of action of C. lanatus urease, molecular dynamics simulation was performed and RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SAS, and H-bond analyses were done. The calculated binding free energy (ΔG) for the urea-urease complex at 100 ns using the MM/PBSA method is -7.61 kJ/mol. Understanding its catalytic principles helps scientists construct more efficient enzymes, tailor fertilization to boost agricultural output, and create sustainable waste management solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prince Kumar
- School
of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Arpan Kayastha
- Department
of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, India
| | - Vinay Kumar Singh
- School
of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Arvind M. Kayastha
- School
of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Broll V, Perin APA, Lopes FC, Martinelli AHS, Moyetta NR, Fruttero LL, Grahl MV, Uberti AF, Demartini DR, Ligabue-Braun R, Carlini CR. Non-enzymatic properties of Proteus mirabilis urease subunits. Process Biochem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2021.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
3
|
Grahl MVC, Lopes FC, Martinelli AHS, Carlini CR, Fruttero LL. Structure-Function Insights of Jaburetox and Soyuretox: Novel Intrinsically Disordered Polypeptides Derived from Plant Ureases. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25225338. [PMID: 33207637 PMCID: PMC7696265 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) do not have a stable 3D structure but still have important biological activities. Jaburetox is a recombinant peptide derived from the jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) urease and presents entomotoxic and antimicrobial actions. The structure of Jaburetox was elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance which reveals it is an IDP with small amounts of secondary structure. Different approaches have demonstrated that Jaburetox acquires certain folding upon interaction with lipid membranes, a characteristic commonly found in other IDPs and usually important for their biological functions. Soyuretox, a recombinant peptide derived from the soybean (Glycine max) ubiquitous urease and homologous to Jaburetox, was also characterized for its biological activities and structural properties. Soyuretox is also an IDP, presenting more secondary structure in comparison with Jaburetox and similar entomotoxic and fungitoxic effects. Moreover, Soyuretox was found to be nontoxic to zebra fish, while Jaburetox was innocuous to mice and rats. This profile of toxicity affecting detrimental species without damaging mammals or the environment qualified them to be used in biotechnological applications. Both peptides were employed to develop transgenic crops and these plants were active against insects and nematodes, unveiling their immense potentiality for field applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matheus V. Coste Grahl
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre CEP 90610-000, Brazil;
| | - Fernanda Cortez Lopes
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, Porto Alegre CEP 91501-970, RS, Brazil;
| | - Anne H. Souza Martinelli
- Department of Biophysics & Deparment of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Biosciences Institute (IB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil;
| | - Celia R. Carlini
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre CEP 90610-000, Brazil;
- Brain Institute and School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil
- Correspondence: (C.R.C.); (L.L.F.); Tel.: +55-51-3320-3485 (C.R.C.); +54-351-535-3850 (L.L.F.)
| | - Leonardo L. Fruttero
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba CP 5000, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba CP 5000, Argentina
- Correspondence: (C.R.C.); (L.L.F.); Tel.: +55-51-3320-3485 (C.R.C.); +54-351-535-3850 (L.L.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Perin APA, Noronha MS, Moyetta NR, Coste Grahl MV, Fruttero LL, Staniscuaski F. Jaburetox, a urease-derived peptide: Effects on enzymatic pathways of the cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 105:e21731. [PMID: 32761928 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Jaburetox is a recombinant peptide derived from one of the Canavalia ensiformis urease isoforms. This peptide induces several toxic effects on insects of different orders, including interference on muscle contractility in cockroaches, modulation of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase (UAP) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activities in the central nervous system of triatomines, as well as activation of the immune system in Rhodnius prolixus. When injected, the peptide is lethal for R. prolixus and Triatoma infestans. Here, we evaluated Jaburetox toxicity to Nauphoeta cinerea cockroaches, exploring the effects on the central nervous system through the activities of UAP, NOS, acid phosphatases (ACP), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The results indicated that N. cinerea is not susceptible to the lethal effect of the peptide. Moreover, both in vivo and in vitro treatments with Jaburetox inhibited NOS activity, without modifying the protein levels. No alterations on ACP activity were observed. In addition, the enzyme activity of UAP only had its activity affected at 18 hr after injection. The peptide increased the AChE activity, suggesting a mechanism involved in overcoming the toxic effects. In conclusion, our findings indicate that Jaburetox affects the nitrinergic signaling as well as the AChE and UAP activities and establishes N. cinerea as a Jaburetox-resistant model for future comparative studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana P A Perin
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Mila S Noronha
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Natalia R Moyetta
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Matheus V Coste Grahl
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Leonardo L Fruttero
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Staniscuaski
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Coste Grahl MV, Perin APA, Lopes FC, Porto BN, Uberti AF, Canavoso LE, Stanisçuaski F, Fruttero LL. The role of extracellular nucleic acids in the immune system modulation of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 167:104591. [PMID: 32527424 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2020.104591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular traps (ETs) are extracellular nucleic acids associated with cytoplasmic proteins that may aid in the capture and killing of pathogens. To date, only a few insects were shown to display this kind of immune response. Jaburetox, a peptide derived from jack bean urease, showed toxic effects in Rhodnius prolixus, affecting its immune response. The present study aims to evaluate the role of extracellular nucleic acids in R. prolixus' immune response, using Jaburetox as a model entomotoxin. The insects were treated with extracellular nucleic acids and/or Jaburetox, and the cellular and humoral responses were assessed. We also evaluated the release of extracellular nucleic acids induced by toxins, and performed immunocompetence assays using pathogenic bacteria. Our results demonstrated that extracellular nucleic acids can modulate the insect immune responses, either alone or associated with the toxin. Although RNA and DNA induced a cellular immune response, only DNA was able to neutralize the Jaburetox-induced aggregation of hemocytes. Likewise, the activation of the humoral response was different for RNA and DNA. Nevertheless, it was observed that both, extracellular DNA and RNA, immunocompensated the Jaburetox effects on insect defenses upon the challenge of a pathogenic bacterium. The toxin was not able to alter cellular viability, in spite of inducing an increase in the reactive species of oxygen formation. In conclusion, we have demonstrated a protective role for extracellular nucleic acids in R. prolixus´ immune response to toxins and pathogenic bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matheus V Coste Grahl
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Ana Paula A Perin
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda C Lopes
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Bárbara N Porto
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, Building 60, CEP 90610-000 Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Augusto F Uberti
- Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 90610-000 Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Lilian E Canavoso
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Fernanda Stanisçuaski
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo L Fruttero
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sá CA, Vieira LR, Pereira Almeida Filho LC, Real-Guerra R, Lopes FC, Souza TM, Vasconcelos IM, Staniscuaski F, Carlini CR, Urano Carvalho AF, Farias DF. Risk assessment of the antifungal and insecticidal peptide Jaburetox and its parental protein the Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) urease. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 136:110977. [PMID: 31759068 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Jaburetox (JBTX) is an insecticidal and antifungal peptide derived from jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) urease that has been considered a candidate for developing genetically modified crops. This study aimed to perform the risk assessment of the peptide JBTX following the general recommendations of the two-tiered, weight-of-evidence approach proposed by International Life Sciences Institute. The urease of C. ensiformis (JBU) and its isoform JBURE IIb (the JBTX parental protein) were assessed. The history of safe use revealed no hazard reports for the studied proteins. The available information shows that JBTX possesses selective activity against insects and fungi. JBTX and JBU primary amino acids sequences showed no relevant similarity to toxic, antinutritional or allergenic proteins. Additionally, JBTX and JBU were susceptible to in vitro digestibility, and JBU was also susceptible to heat treatment. The results did not identify potential risks of adverse effects and reactions associated to JBTX. However, further allergen (e.g. serum IgE binding test) and toxicity (e.g. rodent toxicity tests) experimentation can be done to gather additional safety information on JBTX, and to meet regulatory inquiries for commercial approval of transgenic cultivars expressing this peptide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chayenne Alves Sá
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Ceará, 60440-900, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Rogério Vieira
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Ceará, 60440-900, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael Real-Guerra
- Center for Coastal, Limnological and Marine Studies (CECLIMAR), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, 95625-000, Imbé, RS, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, 95625-000, Tramandaí, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Cortez Lopes
- Center of Biotechnology and Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Terezinha Maria Souza
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
| | - Ilka Maria Vasconcelos
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Ceará, 60440-900, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Staniscuaski
- Center of Biotechnology and Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Célia Regina Carlini
- Center of Biotechnology and Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Av. Ipiranga 6690, Building 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ana Fontenele Urano Carvalho
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Ceará, 60440-900, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Department of Biology, Federal University of Ceará, 60440-900, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Davi Felipe Farias
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Ceará, 60440-900, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Laboratory for Risk Assesment of Novel Technologies - LabRisk, Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, 58051-900, João Pessoa, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kappaun K, Martinelli AHS, Broll V, Zambelli B, Lopes FC, Ligabue-Braun R, Fruttero LL, Moyetta NR, Bonan CD, Carlini CR, Ciurli S. Soyuretox, an Intrinsically Disordered Polypeptide Derived from Soybean (Glycine Max) Ubiquitous Urease with Potential Use as a Biopesticide. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5401. [PMID: 31671552 PMCID: PMC6862595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ureases from different biological sources display non-ureolytic properties that contribute to plant defense, in addition to their classical enzymatic urea hydrolysis. Antifungal and entomotoxic effects were demonstrated for Jaburetox, an intrinsically disordered polypeptide derived from jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) urease. Here we describe the properties of Soyuretox, a polypeptide derived from soybean (Glycine max) ubiquitous urease. Soyuretox was fungitoxic to Candida albicans, leading to the production of reactive oxygen species. Soyuretox further induced aggregation of Rhodnius prolixus hemocytes, indicating an interference on the insect immune response. No relevant toxicity of Soyuretox to zebrafish larvae was observed. These data suggest the presence of antifungal and entomotoxic portions of the amino acid sequences encompassing both Soyuretox and Jaburetox, despite their small sequence identity. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic data revealed that Soyuretox, in analogy with Jaburetox, possesses an intrinsic and largely disordered nature. Some folding is observed upon interaction of Soyuretox with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles, taken here as models for membranes. This observation suggests the possibility for this protein to modify its secondary structure upon interaction with the cells of the affected organisms, leading to alterations of membrane integrity. Altogether, Soyuretox can be considered a promising biopesticide for use in plant protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karine Kappaun
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
| | - Anne H S Martinelli
- Department of Biophysics and Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Valquiria Broll
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Barbara Zambelli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Fernanda C Lopes
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo L Fruttero
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina.
| | - Natalia R Moyetta
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina.
| | - Carla D Bonan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Celia R Carlini
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
- Brain Institute-InsCer, Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
| | - Stefano Ciurli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Veaudor T, Cassier-Chauvat C, Chauvat F. Genomics of Urea Transport and Catabolism in Cyanobacteria: Biotechnological Implications. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2052. [PMID: 31551986 PMCID: PMC6737895 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are widely-diverse prokaryotes that colonize our planet. They use solar energy to assimilate huge amounts of atmospheric CO2 and produce a large part of the biomass and oxygen that sustain most life forms. Cyanobacteria are therefore increasingly studied for basic research objectives, as well as for the photosynthetic production of chemicals with industrial interests. One potential approach to reduce the cost of future bioproduction processes is to couple them with wastewater treatment, often polluted with urea, which in any case is cheaper than nitrate. As of yet, however, research has mostly focused on a very small number of model cyanobacteria growing on nitrate. Thus, the genetic inventory of the cyanobacterial phylum is still insufficiently employed to meaningfully select the right host for the right purpose. This review reports what is known about urea transport and catabolism in cyanobacteria, and what can be inferred from the comparative analysis of the publicly available genome sequence of the 308 cyanobacteria. We found that most cyanobacteria mostly harbor the genes encoding the urea catabolytic enzymes urease (ureABCDEFG), but not systematically, together with the urea transport (urtABCDE). These findings are consistent with the capacity of the few tested cyanobacteria that grow on urea as the sole nitrogen source. They also indicate that urease is important for the detoxification of internally generated urea (re-cycling its carbon and nitrogen). In contrast, several cyanobacteria have urtABCDE but not ureABCDEFG, suggesting that urtABCDE could operate in the transport of not only urea but also of other nutrients. Only four cyanobacteria appeared to have the genes encoding the urea carboxylase (uc) and allophanate hydrolase (ah) enzymes that sequentially catabolize urea. Three of these cyanobacteria belongs to the genera Gloeobacter and Gloeomargarita that have likely diverged early from other cyanobacteria, suggesting that the urea carboxylase and allophanate hydrolase enzymes appeared in cyanobacteria before urease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Théo Veaudor
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Corinne Cassier-Chauvat
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Franck Chauvat
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kumar A, Parveen S, Sharma I, Pathak H, Deshmukh MV, Sharp JA, Kumar S. Structural and mechanistic insights into EchAMP: A antimicrobial protein from the Echidna milk. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1861:1260-1274. [PMID: 30951703 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotic resistance is a problem that necessitates the identification of new antimicrobial molecules. Milk is known to have molecules with antimicrobial properties (AMPs). Echidna Antimicrobial Protein (EchAMP) is one such lactation specific AMP exclusively found in the milk of Echidna, an egg-laying mammal geographically restricted to Australia and New Guinea. Previous studies established that EchAMP exhibits substantial bacteriostatic activity against multiple bacterial genera. However, the subsequent structural and functional studies were hindered due to the unavailability of pure protein. RESULTS In this study, we expressed EchAMP protein using a heterologous expression system and successfully purified it to >95% homogeneity. The purified recombinant protein exhibits bacteriolytic activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as confirmed by live-dead staining and scanning electron microscopy. Structurally, this AMP belongs to the family of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) as deciphered by the circular-dichroism, tryptophan fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopy. Nonetheless, EchAMP has the propensity to acquire structure with amphipathic molecules, or membrane mimics like SDS, lipopolysaccharides, and liposomes as again observed through multiple spectroscopic techniques. CONCLUSIONS Recombinant EchAMP exhibits broad-spectrum bacteriolytic activity by compromising the bacterial cell membrane integrity. Hence, we propose that this intrinsically disordered antimicrobial protein interact with the bacterial cell membrane and undergoes conformational changes to form channels in the membrane resulting in cell lysis. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE EchAMP, the evolutionarily conserved, lactation specific AMP from an oviparous mammal may find application as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial against pathogens that affect mammary gland or otherwise cause routine infections in humans and livestock.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alok Kumar
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Sadiya Parveen
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Isha Sharma
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Himani Pathak
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Mandar V Deshmukh
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Julie A Sharp
- Instit for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Satish Kumar
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kappaun K, Piovesan AR, Carlini CR, Ligabue-Braun R. Ureases: Historical aspects, catalytic, and non-catalytic properties - A review. J Adv Res 2018; 13:3-17. [PMID: 30094078 PMCID: PMC6077230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Urease (urea amidohydrolase, EC 3.5.1.5) is a nickel-containing enzyme produced by plants, fungi, and bacteria that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and carbamate. Urease is of historical importance in Biochemistry as it was the first enzyme ever to be crystallized (1926). Finding nickel in urease's active site (1975) was the first indication of a biological role for this metal. In this review, historical and structural features, kinetics aspects, activation of the metallocenter and inhibitors of the urea hydrolyzing activity of ureases are discussed. The review also deals with the non-enzymatic biological properties, whose discovery 40 years ago started a new chapter in the study of ureases. Well recognized as virulence factors due to the production of ammonia and alkalinization in diseases by urease-positive microorganisms, ureases have pro-inflammatory, endocytosis-inducing and neurotoxic activities that do not require ureolysis. Particularly relevant in plants, ureases exert insecticidal and fungitoxic effects. Data on the jack bean urease and on jaburetox, a recombinant urease-derived peptide, have indicated that interactions with cell membrane lipids may be the basis of the non-enzymatic biological properties of ureases. Altogether, with this review we wanted to invite the readers to take a second look at ureases, very versatile proteins that happen also to catalyze the breakdown of urea into ammonia and carbamate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karine Kappaun
- Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Prédio 63, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90610-000, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Angela Regina Piovesan
- Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Prédio 63, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90610-000, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Celia Regina Carlini
- Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Prédio 63, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90610-000, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Saikhedkar NS, Joshi RS, Bhoite AS, Mohandasan R, Yadav AK, Fernandes M, Kulkarni KA, Giri AP. Tripeptides derived from reactive centre loop of potato type II protease inhibitors preferentially inhibit midgut proteases of Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 95:17-25. [PMID: 29486250 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Potato type II protease inhibitors (Pin-II PIs) impede the growth of lepidopteran insects by inhibiting serine protease-like enzymes in the larval gut. The three amino acid reactive centre loop (RCL) of these proteinaceous inhibitors is crucial for protease binding and is conserved across the Pin-II family. However, the molecular mechanism and inhibitory potential of the RCL tripeptides in isolation of the native protein has remained elusive. In this study, six peptides corresponding to the RCLs of the predominant Pin-II PIs were identified, synthesized and evaluated for in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity against serine proteases of the polyphagous insect, Helicoverpa armigera. RCL peptides with sequences PRN, PRY and TRE were found to be potent inhibitors that adversely affected the growth and development of H. armigera. The binding mechanism and differential affinity of the RCL peptides with serine proteases was delineated by crystal structures of complexes of the RCL peptides with trypsin. Residues P1 and P2 of the inhibitors play a crucial role in the interaction and specificity of these inhibitors. Important features of RCL peptides like higher inhibition of insect proteases, enhanced efficacy at alkaline gut pH, longer retention and high stability in insect gut make them suitable molecules for the development of sustainable pest management strategies for crop protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi S Saikhedkar
- Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India
| | - Rakesh S Joshi
- Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India; Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Ashiwini S Bhoite
- Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India
| | - Radhika Mohandasan
- Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India
| | - Amit Kumar Yadav
- Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune 411 008, India
| | - Moneesha Fernandes
- Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune 411 008, India
| | - Kiran A Kulkarni
- Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India.
| | - Ashok P Giri
- Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Broll V, Martinelli AHS, Lopes FC, Fruttero LL, Zambelli B, Salladini E, Dobrovolska O, Ciurli S, Carlini CR. Structural analysis of the interaction between Jaburetox, an intrinsically disordered protein, and membrane models. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2017; 159:849-860. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.08.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
|
13
|
Moyetta NR, Broll V, Perin APA, Uberti AF, Coste Grahl MV, Staniscuaski F, Carlini CR, Fruttero LL. Jaburetox-induced toxic effects on the hemocytes of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 200:17-26. [PMID: 28602911 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Jaburetox is a recombinant peptide derived from a Canavalia ensiformis urease that presents toxic effects upon several species of insects, phytopathogenic fungi and yeasts of medical importance. So far, no toxicity of Jaburetox to mammals has been shown. Previous reports have identified biochemical targets of this toxic peptide in insect models, although its mechanism of action is not completely understood. In this work, we aimed to characterize the effects of Jaburetox in hemolymphatic insect cells. For this purpose, the model insect and Chagas' disease vector Rhodnius prolixus was used. In vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that Jaburetox interacts with a subset of hemocytes and it can be found in various subcellular compartments. In insects injected with Jaburetox there was an increase in the gene expression of the enzymes UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase (UAP), chitin synthase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Nevertheless, the expression of NOS protein, the enzyme activities of UAP and acid phosphatase (a possible link between UAP and NOS) as well as the phosphorylation state of proteins remained unchanged upon the in vivo Jaburetox treatment. Nitric oxide (NO) imaging using fluorescent probes showed that Jaburetox augmented NO production in the hemocyte aggregates when compared to controls. Even though Jaburetox activated the hemocytes, as demonstrated by wheat germ agglutinin binding assays, the peptide did not lead to an increase of their phagocytic behavior. Taken together, these findings contribute to our understanding of toxic effects of Jaburetox, a peptide with biotechnological applications and a prospective tool for rational insect control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia R Moyetta
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Valquiria Broll
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Ana Paula A Perin
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Augusto F Uberti
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus V Coste Grahl
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Staniscuaski
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Celia R Carlini
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo L Fruttero
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Covarrubias AA, Cuevas-Velazquez CL, Romero-Pérez PS, Rendón-Luna DF, Chater CCC. Structural disorder in plant proteins: where plasticity meets sessility. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:3119-3147. [PMID: 28643166 PMCID: PMC11107788 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2557-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Plants are sessile organisms. This intriguing nature provokes the question of how they survive despite the continual perturbations caused by their constantly changing environment. The large amount of knowledge accumulated to date demonstrates the fascinating dynamic and plastic mechanisms, which underpin the diverse strategies selected in plants in response to the fluctuating environment. This phenotypic plasticity requires an efficient integration of external cues to their growth and developmental programs that can only be achieved through the dynamic and interactive coordination of various signaling networks. Given the versatility of intrinsic structural disorder within proteins, this feature appears as one of the leading characters of such complex functional circuits, critical for plant adaptation and survival in their wild habitats. In this review, we present information of those intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) from plants for which their high level of predicted structural disorder has been correlated with a particular function, or where there is experimental evidence linking this structural feature with its protein function. Using examples of plant IDPs involved in the control of cell cycle, metabolism, hormonal signaling and regulation of gene expression, development and responses to stress, we demonstrate the critical importance of IDPs throughout the life of the plant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra A Covarrubias
- Departamento de Biología Molecular de Plantas, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62250, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
| | - Cesar L Cuevas-Velazquez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular de Plantas, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62250, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Paulette S Romero-Pérez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular de Plantas, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62250, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - David F Rendón-Luna
- Departamento de Biología Molecular de Plantas, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62250, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Caspar C C Chater
- Departamento de Biología Molecular de Plantas, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62250, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Urease from Canavalia ensiformis seeds was the first enzyme ever to be crystallized, in 1926. These proteins, found in plants, bacteria and fungi, present different biological properties including catalytic hydrolysis of urea, and also enzyme-independent activities, such as induction of exocytosis, pro-inflammatory effects, neurotoxicity, antifungal and insecticidal properties. Urease is toxic to insects and fungi per se but part of this toxicity relies on an internal peptide (~11 kDa), which is released upon digestion of the protein by insect enzymes. A recombinant form of this peptide, called jaburetox (JBTX), was constructed using jbureII gene as a template. The peptide exhibits liposome disruption properties, and insecticidal and fungicidal activities. Here we review the known biological properties activities of JBTX, and comment on new ones not yet fully characterized. JBTX was able to cause mortality of Aedes aegypti larvae in a feeding assay whereas in a dose as low as of 0.1 μg it provoked death of Triatoma infestans bugs. JBTX (10−5–10−6 M) inhibits the growth of E. coli, P. aeruginosa and B. cereus after 24 h incubation. Multilamellar liposomes interacting with JBTX undergo reorganization of the membrane’s lipids as detected by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies. Encapsulating JBTX into lipid nanoparticles led to an increase of the peptide’s antifungal activity. Transgenic tobacco and sugarcane plants expressing the insecticidal peptide JBTX, showed increased resistance to attack of the insect pests Spodoptera frugiperda, Diatraea saccharalis and Telchin licus licus. Many questions remain unanswered; however, so far, JBTX has shown to be a versatile peptide that can be used against various insect and fungus species, and in new bacterial control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arlete Beatriz Becker-Ritt
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology Applied to Health, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS Brazil
| | - Camila Saretta Portugal
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology Applied to Health, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS Brazil
| | - Célia Regina Carlini
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fruttero LL, Moyetta NR, Krug MS, Broll V, Grahl MVC, Real-Guerra R, Stanisçuaski F, Carlini CR. Jaburetox affects gene expression and enzyme activities in Rhodnius prolixus, a Chagas' disease vector. Acta Trop 2017; 168:54-63. [PMID: 28108369 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Jaburetox, a recombinant peptide of ∼11kDa derived from one of the Canavalia ensiformis (Jack Bean) urease isoforms, is toxic and lethal to insects belonging to different orders when administered orally or via injection. Previous findings indicated that Jaburetox acts on insects in a complex fashion, inhibiting diuresis and the transmembrane potential of Malpighian tubules, interfering with muscle contractility and affecting the immune system. In vitro, Jaburetox forms ionic channels and alters permeability of artificial lipid membranes. Moreover, recent data suggested that the central nervous system (CNS) is a target organ for ureases and Jaburetox. In this work, we employed biochemical, molecular and cellular approaches to explore the mode of action of Jaburetox using Rhodnius prolixus, one of the main Chagas' disease vectors, as experimental model. In vitro incubations with fluorescently labeled Jaburetox indicated a high affinity of the peptide for the CNS but not for salivary glands (SG). The in vitro treatment of CNS or SG homogenates with Jaburetox partially inhibited the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), thus disrupting nitrinergic signaling. This inhibitory effect was also observed in vivo (by feeding) for CNS but not for SG, implying differential modulation of NOS in these organs. The inhibition of NOS activity did not correlate to a decrease in expression of its mRNA, as assessed by qPCR. UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase (UAP), a key enzyme in chitin synthesis and glycosylation pathways and a known target of Jaburetox in insect CNS, was also affected in SG, with activation of the enzyme seen after both in vivo or in vitro treatments with the peptide. Unexpectedly, incubation of Jaburetox with a recombinant R. prolixus UAP had no effect on its activity, implying that the enzyme's modulation by the peptide requires the participation of other factor(s) present in CNS or SG homogenates. Feeding Jaburetox to R. prolixus decreased the mRNA levels of UAP and chitin synthase, indicating a complex regulation exerted by the peptide on these enzymes. No changes were observed upon Jaburetox treatment in vivo and in vitro on the activity of the enzyme acid phosphatase, a possible link between UAP and NOS. Here we have demonstrated for the first time that the Jaburetox induces changes in gene expression and that SG are another target for the toxic action of the peptide. Taken together, these findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of action of Jaburetox as well as to the knowledge on basic aspects of the biochemistry and neurophysiology of insects, and might help in the development of optimized strategies for insect control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo L Fruttero
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Natalia R Moyetta
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Monique Siebra Krug
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Valquiria Broll
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Matheus V Coste Grahl
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Real-Guerra
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Stanisçuaski
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Celia R Carlini
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fruttero LL, Moyetta NR, Uberti AF, Grahl MVC, Lopes FC, Broll V, Feder D, Carlini CR. Humoral and cellular immune responses induced by the urease-derived peptide Jaburetox in the model organism Rhodnius prolixus. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:412. [PMID: 27455853 PMCID: PMC4960889 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1710-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the entomotoxicity of plant ureases has been reported almost 20 years ago, their insecticidal mechanism of action is still not well understood. Jaburetox is a recombinant peptide derived from one of the isoforms of Canavalia ensiformis (Jack Bean) urease that presents biotechnological interest since it is toxic to insects of different orders. Previous studies of our group using the Chagas disease vector and model insect Rhodnius prolixus showed that the treatment with Jack Bean Urease (JBU) led to hemocyte aggregation and hemolymph darkening, among other effects. In this work, we employed cell biology and biochemical approaches to investigate whether Jaburetox would induce not only cellular but also humoral immune responses in this species. RESULTS The findings indicated that nanomolar doses of Jaburetox triggered cation-dependent, in vitro aggregation of hemocytes of fifth-instar nymphs and adults. The use of specific eicosanoid synthesis inhibitors revealed that the cellular immune response required cyclooxygenase products since indomethacin prevented the Jaburetox-dependent aggregation whereas baicalein and esculetin (inhibitors of the lipoxygenases pathway) did not. Cultured hemocytes incubated with Jaburetox for 24 h showed cytoskeleton disorganization, chromatin condensation and were positive for activated caspase 3, an apoptosis marker, although their phagocytic activity remained unchanged. Finally, in vivo treatments by injection of Jaburetox induced both a cellular response, as observed by hemocyte aggregation, and a humoral response, as seen by the increase of spontaneous phenoloxidase activity, a key enzyme involved in melanization and defense. On the other hand, the humoral response elicited by Jaburetox injections did not lead to an increment of antibacterial or lysozyme activities. Jaburetox injections also impaired the clearance of the pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus from the hemolymph leading to increased mortality, indicating a possible immunosuppression induced by treatment with the peptide. CONCLUSIONS In our experimental conditions and as part of its toxic action, Jaburetox activates some responses of the immune system of R. prolixus both in vivo and in vitro, although this induction does not protect the insects against posterior bacterial infections. Taken together, these findings contribute to the general knowledge of insect immunity and shed light on Jaburetox's mechanism of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo L Fruttero
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. .,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. .,Instituto do Cérebro (InsCer) - Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Natalia R Moyetta
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Augusto F Uberti
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus V Coste Grahl
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda C Lopes
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Valquiria Broll
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Denise Feder
- Department of General Biology l, Insect Biology Laboratory, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - Celia R Carlini
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Department of Biophysics, Biosciences Institute (IB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Micheletto YMS, Moro CF, Lopes FC, Ligabue-Braun R, Martinelli AHS, Marques CM, Schroder AP, Carlini CR, da Silveira NP. Interaction of jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) urease and a derived peptide with lipid vesicles. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2016; 145:576-585. [PMID: 27281243 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ureases are metalloenzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide. Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) produces three isoforms of urease (Canatoxin, JBU and JBURE-II). Canatoxin and JBU display several biological properties independent of their ureolytic activity, such as neurotoxicity, exocytosis-inducing and pro-inflammatory effects, blood platelets activation, insecticidal and antifungal activities. The Canatoxin entomotoxic activity is mostly due to an internal peptide, named pepcanatox, released upon the hydrolysis of the protein by insect cathepsin-like digestive enzymes. Based on pepcanatox sequence, Jaburetox-2Ec was produced in Escherichia coli. JBU and its peptides were shown to permeabilize membranes through an ion channel-based mechanism. Here we studied the JBU and Jaburetox-2Ec interaction with platelet-like multilamellar liposomes (PML) using Dynamic Light Scattering and Small Angle X-ray Scattering techniques. We also analyzed the interaction of JBU with giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) using Fluorescence Microscopy. The interaction of vesicles with JBU led to a slight reduction of hydrodynamic radius, and caused an increase in the lamellar repeat distance of PML, suggesting a membrane disordering effect. In contrast, Jaburetox-2Ec decreased the lamellar repeat distance of PML membranes, while also diminishing their hydrodynamic radius. Fluorescence microscopy showed that the interaction of GUVs with JBU caused membrane perturbation with formation of tethers. In conclusion, JBU can interact with PML, probably by inserting its Jaburetox "domain" into the PML external membrane. Additionally, the interaction of Jaburetox-2Ec affects the vesicle's internal bilayers and hence causes more drastic changes in the PML membrane organization in comparison with JBU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlo Frederico Moro
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Cortez Lopes
- Instituto do Cérebro, Pontíficia Universidade Católicado Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Célia Regina Carlini
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Instituto do Cérebro, Pontíficia Universidade Católicado Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Nádya Pesce da Silveira
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Carlini CR, Ligabue-Braun R. Ureases as multifunctional toxic proteins: A review. Toxicon 2015; 110:90-109. [PMID: 26690979 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ureases are metalloenzymes that hydrolyze urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. They were the first enzymes to be crystallized and, with them, the notion that enzymes are proteins became accepted. Novel toxic properties of ureases that are independent of their enzyme activity have been discovered in the last three decades. Since our first description of the neurotoxic properties of canatoxin, an isoform of the jack bean urease, which appeared in Toxicon in 1981, about one hundred articles have been published on "new" properties of plant and microbial ureases. Here we review the present knowledge on the non-enzymatic properties of ureases. Plant ureases and microbial ureases are fungitoxic to filamentous fungi and yeasts by a mechanism involving fungal membrane permeabilization. Plant and at least some bacterial ureases have potent insecticidal effects. This entomotoxicity relies partly on an internal peptide released upon proteolysis of ingested urease by insect digestive enzymes. The intact protein and its derived peptide(s) are neurotoxic to insects and affect a number of other physiological functions, such as diuresis, muscle contraction and immunity. In mammal models some ureases are acutely neurotoxic upon injection, at least partially by enzyme-independent effects. For a long time bacterial ureases have been recognized as important virulence factors of diseases by urease-producing microorganisms. Ureases activate exocytosis in different mammalian cells recruiting eicosanoids and Ca(2+)-dependent pathways, even when their ureolytic activity is blocked by an irreversible inhibitor. Ureases are chemotactic factors recognized by neutrophils (and some bacteria), activating them and also platelets into a pro-inflammatory "status". Secretion-induction by ureases may play a role in fungal and bacterial diseases in humans and other animals. The now recognized "moonlighting" properties of these proteins have renewed interest in ureases for their biotechnological potential to improve plant defense against pests and as potential targets to ameliorate diseases due to pathogenic urease-producing microorganisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celia R Carlini
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|