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Ascoët S, Touchard A, Téné N, Lefranc B, Leprince J, Paquet F, Jouvensal L, Barassé V, Treilhou M, Billet A, Bonnafé E. The mechanism underlying toxicity of a venom peptide against insects reveals how ants are master at disrupting membranes. iScience 2023; 26:106157. [PMID: 36879819 PMCID: PMC9985030 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hymenopterans represent one of the most abundant groups of venomous organisms but remain little explored due to the difficult access to their venom. The development of proteo-transcriptomic allowed us to explore diversity of their toxins offering interesting perspectives to identify new biological active peptides. This study focuses on U9 function, a linear, amphiphilic and polycationic peptide isolated from ant Tetramorium bicarinatum venom. It shares physicochemical properties with M-Tb1a, exhibiting cytotoxic effects through membrane permeabilization. In the present study, we conducted a comparative functional investigation of U9 and M-Tb1a and explored the mechanisms underlying their cytotoxicity against insect cells. After showing that both peptides induced the formation of pores in cell membrane, we demonstrated that U9 induced mitochondrial damage and, at high concentrations, localized into cells and induced caspase activation. This functional investigation highlighted an original mechanism of U9 questioning on potential valorization and endogen activity in T. bicarinatum venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Ascoët
- BTSB-UR 7417, Université de Toulouse, Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81000 Albi, France
| | - Axel Touchard
- CNRS, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane, AgroParisTech, CIRAD, INRA, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles, Campus Agronomique, BP316 97310 Kourou, France
| | - Nathan Téné
- BTSB-UR 7417, Université de Toulouse, Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81000 Albi, France
| | - Benjamin Lefranc
- Inserm U1239, NorDiC, Laboratoire de Différenciation et Communication Neuroendocrine, Endocrine et Germinale, Université de Rouen-Normandie, 76000 Rouen, France
- Inserm US51, HeRacLeS, Université de Rouen-Normandie, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Inserm U1239, NorDiC, Laboratoire de Différenciation et Communication Neuroendocrine, Endocrine et Germinale, Université de Rouen-Normandie, 76000 Rouen, France
- Inserm US51, HeRacLeS, Université de Rouen-Normandie, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Françoise Paquet
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 4301, Rue Charles Sadron CS-80054, 45071 Orléans, France
| | - Laurence Jouvensal
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 4301, Rue Charles Sadron CS-80054, 45071 Orléans, France
| | - Valentine Barassé
- BTSB-UR 7417, Université de Toulouse, Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81000 Albi, France
| | - Michel Treilhou
- BTSB-UR 7417, Université de Toulouse, Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81000 Albi, France
| | - Arnaud Billet
- BTSB-UR 7417, Université de Toulouse, Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81000 Albi, France
| | - Elsa Bonnafé
- BTSB-UR 7417, Université de Toulouse, Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81000 Albi, France
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Kawamoto S, Liu H, Miyazaki Y, Seo S, Dixit M, DeVane R, MacDermaid C, Fiorin G, Klein ML, Shinoda W. SPICA Force Field for Proteins and Peptides. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:3204-3217. [PMID: 35413197 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.1c01207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A coarse-grained (CG) model for peptides and proteins was developed as an extension of the Surface Property fItting Coarse grAined (SPICA) force field (FF). The model was designed to examine membrane proteins that are fully compatible with the lipid membranes of the SPICA FF. A preliminary version of this protein model was created using thermodynamic properties, including the surface tension and density in the SPICA (formerly called SDK) FF. In this study, we improved the CG protein model to facilitate molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with a reproduction of multiple properties from both experiments and all-atom (AA) simulations. An elastic network model was adopted to maintain the secondary structure within a single chain. The side-chain analogues reproduced the transfer free energy profiles across the lipid membrane and demonstrated reasonable association free energy (potential of mean force) in water compared to those from AA MD. A series of peptides/proteins adsorbed onto or penetrated into the membrane simulated by the CG MD correctly predicted the penetration depths and tilt angles of peripheral and transmembrane peptides/proteins as comparable to those in the orientations of proteins in membranes (OPM) database. In addition, the dimerization free energies of several transmembrane helices within a lipid bilayer were comparable to those from experimental estimation. Application studies on a series of membrane protein assemblies, scramblases, and poliovirus capsids demonstrated the good performance of the SPICA FF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Kawamoto
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
| | - Huihui Liu
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
| | - Yusuke Miyazaki
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan.,Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Sangjae Seo
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan.,Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, 245 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Mayank Dixit
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
| | - Russell DeVane
- Modeling & Simulation, Corporate Research & Development, The Procter and Gamble Company, West Chester, Ohio 45069, United States
| | - Christopher MacDermaid
- Institute for Computational Molecular Science, Temple University, 1925 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - Giacomo Fiorin
- Institute for Computational Molecular Science, Temple University, 1925 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - Michael L Klein
- Institute for Computational Molecular Science, Temple University, 1925 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - Wataru Shinoda
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan.,Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
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3
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Borrego J, Feher A, Jost N, Panyi G, Varga Z, Papp F. Peptide Inhibitors of Kv1.5: An Option for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1303. [PMID: 34959701 PMCID: PMC8704205 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human voltage gated potassium channel Kv1.5 that conducts the IKur current is a key determinant of the atrial action potential. Its mutations have been linked to hereditary forms of atrial fibrillation (AF), and the channel is an attractive target for the management of AF. The development of IKur blockers to treat AF resulted in small molecule Kv1.5 inhibitors. The selectivity of the blocker for the target channel plays an important role in the potential therapeutic application of the drug candidate: the higher the selectivity, the lower the risk of side effects. In this respect, small molecule inhibitors of Kv1.5 are compromised due to their limited selectivity. A wide range of peptide toxins from venomous animals are targeting ion channels, including mammalian channels. These peptides usually have a much larger interacting surface with the ion channel compared to small molecule inhibitors and thus, generally confer higher selectivity to the peptide blockers. We found two peptides in the literature, which inhibited IKur: Ts6 and Osu1. Their affinity and selectivity for Kv1.5 can be improved by rational drug design in which their amino acid sequences could be modified in a targeted way guided by in silico docking experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Borrego
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Adam Feher
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Norbert Jost
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary;
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Research Group for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Zoltan Varga
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Ferenc Papp
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
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Trim CM, Byrne LJ, Trim SA. Utilisation of compounds from venoms in drug discovery. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2021; 60:1-66. [PMID: 34147202 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmch.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Difficult drug targets are becoming the normal course of business in drug discovery, sometimes due to large interacting surfaces or only small differences in selectivity regions. For these, a different approach is merited: compounds lying somewhere between the small molecule and the large antibody in terms of many properties including stability, biodistribution and pharmacokinetics. Venoms have evolved over millions of years to be complex mixtures of stable molecules derived from other somatic molecules, the stability comes from the pressure to be ready for delivery at a moment's notice. Snakes, spiders, scorpions, jellyfish, wasps, fish and even mammals have evolved independent venom systems with complex mixtures in their chemical arsenal. These venom-derived molecules have been proven to be useful tools, such as for the development of antihypotensive angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and have also made successful drugs such as Byetta® (Exenatide), Integrilin® (Eptifibatide) and Echistatin. Only a small percentage of the available chemical space from venoms has been investigated so far and this is growing. In a new era of biological therapeutics, venom peptides present opportunities for larger target engagement surface with greater stability than antibodies or human peptides. There are challenges for oral absorption and target engagement, but there are venom structures that overcome these and thus provide substrate for engineering novel molecules that combine all desired properties. Venom researchers are characterising new venoms, species, and functions all the time, these provide great substrate for solving the challenges presented by today's difficult targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol M Trim
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Social Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Lee J Byrne
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Social Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
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An Integrated Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Venom Complexity of the Bullet Ant Paraponera clavata. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12050324. [PMID: 32422990 PMCID: PMC7290781 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12050324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A critical hurdle in ant venom proteomic investigations is the lack of databases to comprehensively and specifically identify the sequence and function of venom proteins and peptides. To resolve this, we used venom gland transcriptomics to generate a sequence database that was used to assign the tandem mass spectrometry (MS) fragmentation spectra of venom peptides and proteins to specific transcripts. This was performed alongside a shotgun liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of the venom to confirm that these assigned transcripts were expressed as proteins. Through the combined transcriptomic and proteomic investigation of Paraponera clavata venom, we identified four times the number of proteins previously identified using 2D-PAGE alone. In addition to this, by mining the transcriptomic data, we identified several novel peptide sequences for future pharmacological investigations, some of which conform with inhibitor cysteine knot motifs. These types of peptides have the potential to be developed into pharmaceutical or bioinsecticide peptides.
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Identification and Functional Characterization of a Novel Insecticidal Decapeptide from the Myrmicine Ant Manica rubida. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11100562. [PMID: 31557881 PMCID: PMC6832575 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ant venoms contain many small, linear peptides, an untapped source of bioactive peptide toxins. The control of agricultural insect pests currently depends primarily on chemical insecticides, but their intensive use damages the environment and human health, and encourages the emergence of resistant pest populations. This has promoted interest in animal venoms as a source of alternative, environmentally-friendly bio-insecticides. We tested the crude venom of the predatory ant, Manica rubida, and observed severe fitness costs in the parthenogenetic pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), a common agricultural pest. Therefore, we explored the M. rubida venom peptidome and identified a novel decapeptide U-MYRTX-MANr1 (NH2-IDPKVLESLV-CONH2) using a combination of Edman degradation and de novo peptide sequencing. Although this myrmicitoxin was inactive against bacteria and fungi, it reduced aphid survival and reproduction. Furthermore, both crude venom and U-MYRTX-MANr1 reversibly paralyzed injected aphids and induced a loss of body fluids. Components of M. rubida venom may act on various biological targets including ion channels and hemolymph coagulation proteins, as previously shown for other ant venom toxins. The remarkable insecticidal activity of M. rubida venom suggests it may be a promising source of additional bio-insecticide leads.
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Proteomic Analysis of the Venom from the Ruby Ant Myrmica rubra and the Isolation of a Novel Insecticidal Decapeptide. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10020042. [PMID: 30717163 PMCID: PMC6409562 DOI: 10.3390/insects10020042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Ants are a biodiverse group of insects that have evolved toxic venom containing many undiscovered bioactive molecules. In this study, we found that the venom of the ruby ant Myrmica rubra is a rich source of peptides. LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 142 different peptides varying in molecular weight, sequence length, and hydrophobicity. One of the most abundant peaks was selected for further biochemical and functional characterization. Combined Edman degradation and de novo peptide sequencing revealed the presence of a novel decapeptide (myrmicitoxin) with the amino acid sequence NH2-IDPKLLESLA-CONH2. The decapeptide was named U-MYRTX-MRArub1 and verified against a synthetic standard. The amidated peptide was tested in a synthetic form to determine the antimicrobial activity towards the bacterial pathogens and insecticidal potential against pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum). This peptide did not show antimicrobial activity but it significantly reduced the survival of aphids. It also increased the sensitivity of the aphids to two commonly used chemical insecticides (imidacloprid and methomyl). Since ant venom research is still in its infancy, the findings of this first study on venom peptides derived from M. rubra highlight these insects as an important and rich source for discovery of novel lead structures with potential application in pest control.
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8
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Li H, Xia Y. High-yield production of spider short-chain insecticidal neurotoxin Tx4(6-1) in Pichia pastoris and bioactivity assays in vivo. Protein Expr Purif 2018; 154:66-73. [PMID: 30292807 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2018.10.004] [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: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Short-chain insecticidal neurotoxin Tx4(6-1) from the spider Phoneutria nigriventer can be prepared by reversed-phase high-performance liquid-chromatography (HPLC) fractionation of PhTx4, but this is difficult and represents an obstacle preventing analyses of its insecticidal activity against agricultural insect pests. Herein, we performed secretory expression of recombinant Tx4(6-1) using Pichia pastoris strain X33 as the host, and screened transformants using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In flasks, ∼5 mg/l rTx4(6-1) was expressed as a secreted protein following induction with methanol, and this was increased to 45 mg/l rTx4(6-1) in a fed-batch reactor. Approximately 4 mg of high-purity rTx4(6-1) was purified from a 400 ml fed-batch culture supernatant by Ni+-nitriloacetic acid affinity chromatography, followed by carboxymethyl (CM) sepharose ion-exchange chromatography. Purified rTx4(6-1) was determined by mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, revealing a molecular weight (MW) of 7660.5 Da, larger than the expected size due to O-linked glycosylation. Insect bioactivity tests of rTx4(6-1)-treated fifth-instar silkworm larvae (Bombyx mori Linnaeus) showed neurotoxin symptoms such as contraction paralysis, abdominal contraction, and mouth movement syndrome, with a half lethal dose at 12 h post-injection of ∼4.5-8.5 μg/g body weight. Dietary toxicity was not observed in silkworm larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Li
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, 418008, China; Postdoctoral Mobile Station of Biology, Genetic Engineering Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
| | - Yuxian Xia
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Huaihua University, Huaihua, 418008, China.
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9
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Structural diversity of arthropod venom toxins. Toxicon 2018; 152:46-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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10
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Efficient resolution of (R,S)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine by Candida antarctica lipase B in ionic liquids. MOLECULAR CATALYSIS 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcat.2018.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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11
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Johnson SR, Rikli HG, Schmidt JO, Evans MS. A reexamination of poneratoxin from the venom of the bullet ant Paraponera clavata. Peptides 2017; 98:51-62. [PMID: 27266841 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Revised: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In 1991, Piek et al. [45] described a voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) modifier from "bullet ant" (Paraponera clavata) venom they called poneratoxin (PoTx). Using UV chromatography and Edman degradation they showed two "identical peptides" of 25 residues. We reinvestigated PoTx using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-TMS). De novo sequencing showed the two peptides were actually structurally different peptides: the originally described PoTx and a glycyl pro-peptide (glycyl-PoTx) that lacks C-terminus amidation. We examined P. clavata venom from different geographical locations and discovered two additional PoTx analogs: an A23E substitution analog and a D22N; A23V substitutions analog. We tested PoTx and these three natural analogs on the mammalian sensory voltage-gated sodium channel, Nav1.7, using whole cell voltage-clamp. PoTx and each analog induced slowly activating currents in response to small depolarizing steps and sustained currents due to blockade of channel inactivation, similar to that described previously in skeletal muscle [19]. Glycyl-PoTx had the same potency and efficacy as PoTx. A23E PoTx, with a decrease in both C-terminal net positive charge and hydrophobicity, had an eight-fold reduction in potency compared to PoTx. In contrast, the D22N; A23V PoTx, with an increase in both C-terminal net positive charge and hydrophobicity, had a nearly five-fold increase in potency compared to PoTx. We found that changes in PoTx C-terminus caused a significant change in PoTx potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Johnson
- Department of Biology, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL, United States; Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL, United States; Carbon Dynamics Institute, LLC, Sherman, IL, United States.
| | - Hillary G Rikli
- Department of Biology, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL, United States; Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL, United States
| | | | - M Steven Evans
- Department of Neurology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
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12
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Santos PP, Games PD, Azevedo DO, Barros E, de Oliveira LL, de Oliveira Ramos HJ, Baracat-Pereira MC, Serrão JE. Proteomic analysis of the venom of the predatory ant Pachycondyla striata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 96:e21424. [PMID: 29024043 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The ants use their venom for predation, defense, and communication. The venom of these insects is rich in peptides and proteins, and compared with other animal venoms, ant venoms remain poorly explored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protein content of the venom in the Ponerinae ant Pachycondyla striata. Venom samples were collected by manual gland reservoir dissection, and samples were submitted to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and separation by ion-exchange and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography followed by mass spectrometry using tanden matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization with time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization-quadrupole with time-of-flight (ESI-Q/TOF) mass spectrometry for obtaining amino acid sequence. Spectra obtained were searched against the NCBInr and SwissProt database. Additional analysis was performed using PEAKS Studio 7.0 (Sequencing de novo). The venom of P. striata has a complex mixture of proteins from which 43 were identified. Within the identified proteins are classical venom proteins (phospholipase A, hyaluronidase, and aminopeptidase N), allergenic proteins (different venom allergens), and bioactive peptides (U10-ctenitoxin Pn1a). Venom allergens are among the most expressed proteins, suggesting that P. striata venom has high allergenic potential. This study discusses the possible functions of the proteins identified in the venom of P. striata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pollyanna Pereira Santos
- Coordenação de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Bacabal, Maranhão, Brazil
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Patricia Dias Games
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Edvaldo Barros
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - José Eduardo Serrão
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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13
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Aili SR, Touchard A, Petitclerc F, Dejean A, Orivel J, Padula MP, Escoubas P, Nicholson GM. Combined Peptidomic and Proteomic Analysis of Electrically Stimulated and Manually Dissected Venom from the South American Bullet Ant Paraponera clavata. J Proteome Res 2017; 16:1339-1351. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.6b00948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Samira R. Aili
- Neurotoxin
Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Axel Touchard
- CNRS,
UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), AgroParisTech,
Cirad, INRA, Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles, 97310 Kourou, France
| | - Frédéric Petitclerc
- CNRS,
UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), AgroParisTech,
Cirad, INRA, Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles, 97310 Kourou, France
| | - Alain Dejean
- CNRS,
UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), AgroParisTech,
Cirad, INRA, Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles, 97310 Kourou, France
- Ecolab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Jérôme Orivel
- CNRS,
UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), AgroParisTech,
Cirad, INRA, Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles, 97310 Kourou, France
| | - Matthew P. Padula
- Proteomics
Core Facility, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Pierre Escoubas
- VenomeTech, 473 Route des Dolines — Villa
3, Valbonne 06560, France
| | - Graham M. Nicholson
- Neurotoxin
Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
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14
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Nôga DAMF, Brandão LEM, Cagni FC, Silva D, de Azevedo DLO, Araújo A, Dos Santos WF, Miranda A, da Silva RH, Ribeiro AM. Anticonvulsant Effects of Fractions Isolated from Dinoponera quadriceps (Kempt) Ant Venom (Formicidae: Ponerinae). Toxins (Basel) 2016; 9:toxins9010005. [PMID: 28025529 PMCID: PMC5308238 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products, sources of new pharmacological substances, have large chemical diversity and architectural complexity. In this context, some toxins obtained from invertebrate venoms have anticonvulsant effects. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects about 65 million people worldwide, and approximately 30% of cases are resistant to pharmacological treatment. Previous studies from our group show that the denatured venom of the ant Dinoponera quadriceps (Kempt) protects mice against bicuculline (BIC)-induced seizures and death. The aim of this study was to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of compounds isolated from D. quadriceps venom against seizures induced by BIC in mice. Crude venom was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) resulting in six fractions referred to as DqTx1-DqTx6. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis revealed a major 431 Da compound in fractions DqTx1 and DqTx2. Fractions DqTx3 and DqTx4 showed a compound of 2451 Da and DqTx5 revealed a 2436 Da compound. Furthermore, the DqTx6 fraction exhibited a major component with a molecular weight of 13,196 Da. Each fraction (1 mg/mL) was microinjected into the lateral ventricle of mice, and the animals were observed in an open field. We did not observe behavioral alterations when the fractions were given alone. Conversely, when the fractions were microinjected 20 min prior to the administration of BIC (21.6 nM), DqTx1, DqTx4, and DqTx6 fractions increased the latency for onset of tonic-clonic seizures. Moreover, all fractions, except DqTx5, increased latency to death. The more relevant result was obtained with the DqTx6 fraction, which protected 62.5% of the animals against tonic-clonic seizures. Furthermore, this fraction protected 100% of the animals from seizure episodes followed by death. Taken together, these findings indicate that compounds from ant venom might be a potential source of new anticonvulsants molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernanda Carvalho Cagni
- Physiology Department, University Federal of Rio Grande of Norte, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil.
| | - Delano Silva
- Physiology Department, University Federal of Rio Grande of Norte, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil.
| | | | - Arrilton Araújo
- Physiology Department, University Federal of Rio Grande of Norte, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil.
| | | | - Antonio Miranda
- Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil.
| | - Regina Helena da Silva
- Pharmacology Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil.
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Touchard A, Aili SR, Fox EGP, Escoubas P, Orivel J, Nicholson GM, Dejean A. The Biochemical Toxin Arsenal from Ant Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:E30. [PMID: 26805882 PMCID: PMC4728552 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ants (Formicidae) represent a taxonomically diverse group of hymenopterans with over 13,000 extant species, the majority of which inject or spray secretions from a venom gland. The evolutionary success of ants is mostly due to their unique eusociality that has permitted them to develop complex collaborative strategies, partly involving their venom secretions, to defend their nest against predators, microbial pathogens, ant competitors, and to hunt prey. Activities of ant venom include paralytic, cytolytic, haemolytic, allergenic, pro-inflammatory, insecticidal, antimicrobial, and pain-producing pharmacologic activities, while non-toxic functions include roles in chemical communication involving trail and sex pheromones, deterrents, and aggregators. While these diverse activities in ant venoms have until now been largely understudied due to the small venom yield from ants, modern analytical and venomic techniques are beginning to reveal the diversity of toxin structure and function. As such, ant venoms are distinct from other venomous animals, not only rich in linear, dimeric and disulfide-bonded peptides and bioactive proteins, but also other volatile and non-volatile compounds such as alkaloids and hydrocarbons. The present review details the unique structures and pharmacologies of known ant venom proteinaceous and alkaloidal toxins and their potential as a source of novel bioinsecticides and therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Touchard
- CNRS, UMR Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (AgroParisTech, CIRAD, CNRS, INRA, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, Kourou Cedex 97379, France.
- BTSB (Biochimie et Toxicologie des Substances Bioactives) Université de Champollion, Place de Verdun, Albi 81012, France.
| | - Samira R Aili
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | | | - Pierre Escoubas
- VenomeTech, 473 Route des Dolines-Villa 3, Valbonne 06560, France.
| | - Jérôme Orivel
- CNRS, UMR Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (AgroParisTech, CIRAD, CNRS, INRA, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, Kourou Cedex 97379, France.
| | - Graham M Nicholson
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Alain Dejean
- CNRS, UMR Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (AgroParisTech, CIRAD, CNRS, INRA, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, Kourou Cedex 97379, France.
- Laboratoire Écologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, 118 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse 31062, France.
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16
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Touchard A, Koh JMS, Aili SR, Dejean A, Nicholson GM, Orivel J, Escoubas P. The complexity and structural diversity of ant venom peptidomes is revealed by mass spectrometry profiling. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2015; 29:385-396. [PMID: 26349460 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Compared with other animal venoms, ant venoms remain little explored. Ants have evolved complex venoms to rapidly immobilize arthropod prey and to protect their colonies from predators and pathogens. Many ants have retained peptide-rich venoms that are similar to those of other arthropod groups. METHODS With the goal of conducting a broad and comprehensive survey of ant venom peptide diversity, we investigated the peptide composition of venoms from 82 stinging ant species from nine subfamilies using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS). We also conducted an in-depth investigation of eight venoms using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) separation coupled with offline MALDI-TOFMS. RESULTS Our results reveal that the peptide compositions of ant venom peptidomes from both poneroid and formicoid ant clades comprise hundreds of small peptides (<4 kDa), while large peptides (>4 kDa) are also present in the venom of formicoids. Chemical reduction revealed the presence of disulfide-linked peptides in most ant subfamilies, including peptides structured by one, two or three disulfide bonds as well as dimeric peptides reticulated by three disulfide bonds. CONCLUSIONS The biochemical complexity of ant venoms, associated with an enormous ecological and taxonomic diversity, suggests that stinging ant venoms constitute a promising source of bioactive molecules that could be exploited in the search for novel drug and biopesticide leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Touchard
- CNRS, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, 97379, Kourou Cedex, France
| | - Jennifer M S Koh
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samira R Aili
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alain Dejean
- CNRS, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, 97379, Kourou Cedex, France
- Laboratoire Écologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Graham M Nicholson
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jérôme Orivel
- CNRS, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, 97379, Kourou Cedex, France
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17
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Expression, delivery and function of insecticidal proteins expressed by recombinant baculoviruses. Viruses 2015; 7:422-55. [PMID: 25609310 PMCID: PMC4306846 DOI: 10.3390/v7010422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the development of methods for inserting and expressing genes in baculoviruses, a line of research has focused on developing recombinant baculoviruses that express insecticidal peptides and proteins. These recombinant viruses have been engineered with the goal of improving their pesticidal potential by shortening the time required for infection to kill or incapacitate insect pests and reducing the quantity of crop damage as a consequence. A wide variety of neurotoxic peptides, proteins that regulate insect physiology, degradative enzymes, and other potentially insecticidal proteins have been evaluated for their capacity to reduce the survival time of baculovirus-infected lepidopteran host larvae. Researchers have investigated the factors involved in the efficient expression and delivery of baculovirus-encoded insecticidal peptides and proteins, with much effort dedicated to identifying ideal promoters for driving transcription and signal peptides that mediate secretion of the expressed target protein. Other factors, particularly translational efficiency of transcripts derived from recombinant insecticidal genes and post-translational folding and processing of insecticidal proteins, remain relatively unexplored. The discovery of RNA interference as a gene-specific regulation mechanism offers a new approach for improvement of baculovirus biopesticidal efficacy through genetic modification.
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Aili SR, Touchard A, Escoubas P, Padula MP, Orivel J, Dejean A, Nicholson GM. Diversity of peptide toxins from stinging ant venoms. Toxicon 2014; 92:166-78. [PMID: 25448389 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) represent a taxonomically diverse group of arthropods comprising nearly 13,000 extant species. Sixteen ant subfamilies have individuals that possess a stinger and use their venom for purposes such as a defence against predators, competitors and microbial pathogens, for predation, as well as for social communication. They exhibit a range of activities including antimicrobial, haemolytic, cytolytic, paralytic, insecticidal and pain-producing pharmacologies. While ant venoms are known to be rich in alkaloids and hydrocarbons, ant venoms rich in peptides are becoming more common, yet remain understudied. Recent advances in mass spectrometry techniques have begun to reveal the true complexity of ant venom peptide composition. In the few venoms explored thus far, most peptide toxins appear to occur as small polycationic linear toxins, with antibacterial properties and insecticidal activity. Unlike other venomous animals, a number of ant venoms also contain a range of homodimeric and heterodimeric peptides with one or two interchain disulfide bonds possessing pore-forming, allergenic and paralytic actions. However, ant venoms seem to have only a small number of monomeric disulfide-linked peptides. The present review details the structure and pharmacology of known ant venom peptide toxins and their potential as a source of novel bioinsecticides and therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira R Aili
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Axel Touchard
- CNRS, UMR Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, 97379 Kourou Cedex, France
| | - Pierre Escoubas
- VenomeTech, 473 Route des Dolines - Villa 3, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Matthew P Padula
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Jérôme Orivel
- CNRS, UMR Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, 97379 Kourou Cedex, France
| | - Alain Dejean
- CNRS, UMR Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), Campus Agronomique, BP 316, 97379 Kourou Cedex, France; Laboratoire Écologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université de Toulouse, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France.
| | - Graham M Nicholson
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Medical & Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
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Torres AFC, Huang C, Chong CM, Leung SW, Prieto-da-Silva ÁRB, Havt A, Quinet YP, Martins AMC, Lee SMY, Rádis-Baptista G. Transcriptome analysis in venom gland of the predatory giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps: insights into the polypeptide toxin arsenal of hymenopterans. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87556. [PMID: 24498135 PMCID: PMC3909188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dinoponera quadriceps is a predatory giant ant that inhabits the Neotropical region and subdues its prey (insects) with stings that deliver a toxic cocktail of molecules. Human accidents occasionally occur and cause local pain and systemic symptoms. A comprehensive study of the D. quadriceps venom gland transcriptome is required to advance our knowledge about the toxin repertoire of the giant ant venom and to understand the physiopathological basis of Hymenoptera envenomation. Results We conducted a transcriptome analysis of a cDNA library from the D. quadriceps venom gland with Sanger sequencing in combination with whole-transcriptome shotgun deep sequencing. From the cDNA library, a total of 420 independent clones were analyzed. Although the proportion of dinoponeratoxin isoform precursors was high, the first giant ant venom inhibitor cysteine-knot (ICK) toxin was found. The deep next generation sequencing yielded a total of 2,514,767 raw reads that were assembled into 18,546 contigs. A BLAST search of the assembled contigs against non-redundant and Swiss-Prot databases showed that 6,463 contigs corresponded to BLASTx hits and indicated an interesting diversity of transcripts related to venom gene expression. The majority of these venom-related sequences code for a major polypeptide core, which comprises venom allergens, lethal-like proteins and esterases, and a minor peptide framework composed of inter-specific structurally conserved cysteine-rich toxins. Both the cDNA library and deep sequencing yielded large proportions of contigs that showed no similarities with known sequences. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of the venom gland transcriptome of the New World giant ant D. quadriceps. The glandular venom system was dissected, and the toxin arsenal was revealed; this process brought to light novel sequences that included an ICK-folded toxins, allergen proteins, esterases (phospholipases and carboxylesterases), and lethal-like toxins. These findings contribute to the understanding of the ecology, behavior and venomics of hymenopterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba F. C. Torres
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Chen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Cheong-Meng Chong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Siu Wai Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | | | - Alexandre Havt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Yves P. Quinet
- Laboratory of Entomology, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Alice M. C. Martins
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
- * E-mail: (AMCM); (GRB)
| | - Simon M. Y. Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Brazil
- * E-mail: (AMCM); (GRB)
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Moreau SJM. "It stings a bit but it cleans well": venoms of Hymenoptera and their antimicrobial potential. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2013; 59:186-204. [PMID: 23073394 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Revised: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Venoms from Hymenoptera display a wide range of functions and biological roles. These notably include manipulation of the host, capture of prey and defense against competitors and predators thanks to endocrine and immune systems disruptors, neurotoxic, cytolytic and pain-inducing venom components. Recent works indicate that many hymenopteran species, whatever their life style, have also evolved a venom with properties which enable it to regulate microbial infections, both in stinging and stung animals. In contrast to biting insects and their salivary glands, stinging Hymenoptera seem to constitute an under-exploited ecological niche for agents of vector-borne disease. Few parasitic or mutualistic microorganisms have been reported to be hosted by venom-producing organs or to be transmitted to stung animals. This may result from the presence of potent antimicrobial molecules in venoms, histological features of venom apparatuses and selective effects of venoms on immune defenses of targeted organisms. The present paper reviews for the first time the venom antimicrobial potential of solitary and social Hymenoptera in molecular, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien J M Moreau
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, CNRS UMR 7261, Université François-Rabelais, UFR Sciences et Techniques, Parc Grandmont, 37200 Tours, France.
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21
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Haddad V, Cardoso JLC, Lupi O, Tyring SK. Tropical dermatology: Venomous arthropods and human skin: Part I. Insecta. J Am Acad Dermatol 2012; 67:331.e1-14; quiz 345. [PMID: 22890734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2012.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Revised: 04/01/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Although many tropical insects carry infectious diseases, cutaneous injury can occur by other mechanisms, for example erucism (envenomation by caterpillars) or lepidopterism (dermatitis from moths). Pararama is a unique form of erucism seen in workers in contact with rubber trees in the Amazon, and it is caused by Premolis larvae, resulting in progressive periarticular fibrosis, ankylosis, and the loss of articulation. Ants and aquatic insects of the Belostomatidae family can cause painful bites and stings. Anaphylactic shock and death can result from the venom of bees and wasps. Beetles can cause vesicular dermatitis via cantharidin or paederin. Myiasis results from fly larvae (maggots) feeding on live or necrotic tissue of humans or other hosts, while New World screwworm fly larvae feed only on living tissue and burrow (ie, screw) more deeply when attempts are made to remove them. Tungiasis is characterized by very pruritic and painful papules and ulcers resulting from a Tunga flea penetrating the host's skin. Dermatologists should be able to diagnose and treat the cutaneous manifestations of these tropical insects and educate their patients on prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidal Haddad
- Department of Dermatology of the Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, Brazil
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Schwartz EF, Mourão CBF, Moreira KG, Camargos TS, Mortari MR. Arthropod venoms: A vast arsenal of insecticidal neuropeptides. Biopolymers 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.22100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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23
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Kaczka P, Polkowska-Nowakowska A, Bolewska K, Zhukov I, Poznański J, Wierzchowski KL. Backbone dynamics of TFE-induced native-like fold of region 4 of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase sigma70 subunit. Proteins 2010; 78:754-68. [PMID: 19847776 DOI: 10.1002/prot.22607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Folding of a recombinant protein rECsigma(70) (4) comprising domain 4 of E. coli RNA polymerase sigma(70) subunit, upon addition of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) to its aqueous solution, was monitored by heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. The TFE-induced migration of resonance signals in a series of (15)N-HSQC spectra displayed sequence-dependent heterogeneity. A common trend of uniform upfield shift in both (1)H and (15)N dimensions, indicative of generation of helical structures, breaks down for some residues almost cooperatively at 10-15% TFE (v/v), pointing to the buildup of non-helical regions separating the initially induced helices. The preferences of residues to assume either helical or non-helical conformation are correlated with the location in the sequence rather than with their type. CSI descriptors and (15)N relaxation data obtained for the protein at 10% TFE allowed characterization of the stability of the pre-folded state of rECsigma(70) (4). By all the criteria applied, three highly populated alpha-helical regions separated by much more flexible residues forming a loop and a turn in the DNA-binding HLHTH motif were identified. The location of the secondary structure elements along the protein sequence coincides with those found in homologous proteins, and with the helix nucleation regions determined in unfolded rECsigma(70) (4) at low pH. The bimodal distribution of the (15)N relaxation parameters enabled identification of residues forming a framework of the folded protein strictly corresponding to the HLHTH motif, bracketed by unfolded terminal regions. Thus, in respect to rECsigma(70) (4) in aqueous solution TFE acts not only as a strong helix inducer, but also as a folding agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Kaczka
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warszawa, Poland
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24
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Dossey AT. Insects and their chemical weaponry: New potential for drug discovery. Nat Prod Rep 2010; 27:1737-57. [DOI: 10.1039/c005319h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Bel Haj Rhouma R, Cérutti-Duonor M, Benkhadir K, Goudey-Perrière F, El Ayeb M, Lopez-Ferber M, Karoui H. Insecticidal effects of Buthus occitanus tunetanus BotIT6 toxin expressed in Escherichia coli and baculovirus/insect cells. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2005; 51:1376-83. [PMID: 16216259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2005.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2005] [Revised: 08/24/2005] [Accepted: 08/26/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BotIT6 is a neurotoxin polypeptide derived from the venom of the scorpion Buthus occitanus tunetanus (Bot). Its mature form is composed of 62 amino acids. BotIT6 has been reported to be the most potent toxin from Bot venom that has a strict selectivity for insects. Such toxin may have potential as a potent animal-harmless tool against insects. Using RT-PCR, we isolated and sequenced a cDNA encoding 62 amino acid residues corresponding to the known amino acid sequence of BotIT6. We have expressed a recombinant active form of BotIT6 in significantly high amounts in Escherichia coli. We have also engineered the cDNA into the Autographa californica Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (AcMNPV) genome and expressed the protein under control of the polyhedrin promoter. Supernatants of AcIT6-virus infected Sf9 insect cells exhibit a typical intoxication effect when injected to Spodoptera littoralis larvae. Moreover, injection of the recombinant virus showed enhanced insecticidal potency against S. littoralis larvae compared with wild type AcMNPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahima Bel Haj Rhouma
- Laboratoire des Venins et Toxines, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis-Belvedère, Tunisia
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Haddad Junior V, Cardoso JLC, Moraes RHP. Description of an injury in a human caused by a false tocandira (Dinoponera gigantea, Perty, 1833) with a revision on folkloric, pharmacological and clinical aspects of the giant ants of the genera Paraponera and Dinoponera (sub-family Ponerinae). Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2005; 47:235-8. [PMID: 16138209 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652005000400012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors observed an injury caused by the sting of a false tocandira ant in the hand of an amateur fisherman and they describe the clinical findings and the evolution of the envenoming, which presented an acute and violent pain, cold sweating, nausea, a vomiting episode, malaise, tachycardia and left axillary's lymphadenopathy. About three hours after the accident, still feeling intense pain in the place of the sting, he presented an episode of great amount of blood in the feces with no history of digestive, hematological or vascular problems. The intense pain decreased after eight hours, but the place stayed moderately painful for about 24 hours. In that moment, he presented small grade of local edema and erythema. The authors still present the folkloric, pharmacological and clinical aspects related to the tocandiras stings, a very interesting family of ants, which presents the largest and more venomous ants of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidal Haddad Junior
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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