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Kozlowska J, Humphryes-Kirilov N, Pavlovets A, Connolly M, Kuncheva Z, Horner J, Manso AS, Murray C, Fox JC, McCarthy A. Unveiling new genetic insights in rheumatoid arthritis for drug discovery through Taxonomy3 analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14153. [PMID: 38898196 PMCID: PMC11186831 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64970-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic support for a drug target has been shown to increase the probability of success in drug development, with the potential to reduce attrition in the pharmaceutical industry alongside discovering novel therapeutic targets. It is therefore important to maximise the detection of genetic associations that affect disease susceptibility. Conventional statistical methods such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) only identify some of the genetic contribution to disease, so novel analytical approaches are required to extract additional insights. C4X Discovery has developed Taxonomy3, a unique method for analysing genetic datasets based on mathematics that is novel in drug discovery. When applied to a previously published rheumatoid arthritis GWAS dataset, Taxonomy3 identified many additional novel genetic signals associated with this autoimmune disease. Follow-up studies using tool compounds support the utility of the method in identifying novel biology and tractable drug targets with genetic support for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Kozlowska
- C4X Discovery Ltd, Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3LD, UK.
| | | | - Anastasia Pavlovets
- C4X Discovery Ltd, Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3LD, UK
| | - Martin Connolly
- C4X Discovery Ltd, Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3LD, UK
| | - Zhana Kuncheva
- C4X Discovery Ltd, Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3LD, UK
| | - Jonathan Horner
- C4X Discovery Ltd, Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3LD, UK
| | - Ana Sousa Manso
- C4X Discovery Ltd, Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3LD, UK
| | - Clare Murray
- C4X Discovery Ltd, Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3LD, UK
| | - J Craig Fox
- C4X Discovery Ltd, Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3LD, UK
| | - Alun McCarthy
- C4X Discovery Ltd, Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3LD, UK
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Lintermans LL, Stegeman CA, Muñoz-Elías EJ, Tarcha EJ, Iadonato SP, Rutgers A, Heeringa P, Abdulahad WH. Kv1.3 blockade by ShK186 modulates CD4+ effector memory T-cell activity of patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:198-208. [PMID: 37086441 PMCID: PMC10765141 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a chronic relapsing systemic autoimmune vasculitis. Current treatment of GPA is unsatisfactory, as it relies on strong immunosuppressive regimens, with either CYC or rituximab, which reduce the immunogenicity of several vaccines and are risk factors for a severe form of COVID-19. This emphasizes the need to identify new drug targets and to develop treatment strategies with less harmful side effects. Since CD4+ effector memory T cells (TEM) play a key role in the pathogenesis of GPA, we aimed in this study to modulate CD4+TEM cell activity via Kv1.3 blockade using the specific peptide inhibiter, ShK-186. METHODS Peripheral blood samples from 27 patients with GPA in remission and 16 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were pre-incubated in vitro in the presence or absence of ShK-186, followed by stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate, calcium ionophore and brefeldin-A. The effect of ShK-186 on the cytokine production (IFNγ, TNFα, IL-4, IL-17, IL-21) within total and subsets of CD4+ T helper (CD4+TH) cells were assessed using flow cytometry. RESULTS ShK-186 reduced the expression level of IFNγ, TNFα, IL-4, IL-17 and IL-21 in CD4+TH cells from patients with GPA in vitro. Further analysis performed on sorted CD4+T cell subsets, revealed that ShK-186 predominantly inhibited the cytokine production of CD4+TEM cells. ShK-186 treatment reduced the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines to the level seen in CD4+ TH cells from HCs. CONCLUSIONS Modulation of cellular effector function by ShK-186 may constitute a novel treatment strategy for GPA with high specificity and less harmful side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas L Lintermans
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Coen A Stegeman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Abraham Rutgers
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wayel H Abdulahad
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Navarro-Pérez M, Capera J, Benavente-Garcia A, Cassinelli S, Colomer-Molera M, Felipe A. Kv1.3 in the spotlight for treating immune diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:67-82. [PMID: 38316438 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2315021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Kv1.3 is the main voltage-gated potassium channel of leukocytes from both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Channel function is required for common processes such as Ca2+ signaling but also for cell-specific events. In this context, alterations in Kv1.3 are associated with multiple immune disorders. Excessive channel activity correlates with numerous autoimmune diseases, while reduced currents result in increased cancer prevalence and immunodeficiencies. AREAS COVERED This review offers a general view of the role of Kv1.3 in every type of leukocyte. Moreover, diseases stemming from dysregulations of the channel are detailed, as well as current advances in their therapeutic research. EXPERT OPINION Kv1.3 arises as a potential immune target in a variety of diseases. Several lines of research focused on channel modulation have yielded positive results. However, among the great variety of specific channel blockers, only one has reached clinical trials. Future investigations should focus on developing simpler administration routes for channel inhibitors to facilitate their entrance into clinical trials. Prospective Kv1.3-based treatments will ensure powerful therapies while minimizing undesired side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Navarro-Pérez
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesusa Capera
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna Benavente-Garcia
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Cassinelli
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magalí Colomer-Molera
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Felipe
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Chen Y, Liu H, Yan Y, Chen H, Ye S, Qiu F, Liang CL, Zhang Q, Zheng F, Han L, Lu C, Dai Z. Methotrexate and electrostimulation cooperate to alleviate the relapse of psoriasiform skin inflammation by suppressing memory T cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115979. [PMID: 38081367 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) is an immunosuppressant used to treat autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis. However, like other immunosuppressants, MTX alone does not prevent their recurrence. Electrostimulation (ES) has been utilized to treat some inflammatory disorders without any major side-effect. But it remains unknown if ES alone, or together with MTX, ameliorates autoimmune disease relapse: a sticky medical problem. In particular, the mechanisms underlying ES action remain unclear. The objective of this study was to determine an impact of ES and/or MTX on psoriasis relapse and their potential cooperation. We found that regional ES, but not MTX, ameliorated psoriasiform skin inflammation recurrence. Interestingly, treatment with both MTX and ES further prevented psoriasis recurrence compared to ES alone. Moreover, ES downregulated potassium channel Kv1.3 on T-cells and reduced CD4+/CD8+ effector memory (TEM) and CD8+ skin-resident memory T (TRM) cells, while ES plus MTX further decreased CD8+ TEM/TRM cells compared to ES alone. However, ES failed to further attenuate psoriasis recurrence or suppress T cell memory in Kv1.3-deficient mice, whereas lack of Kv1.3 itself ameliorated psoriasis relapse by shrinking T cell memory pool. Importantly, ES moderately inhibited T-cell proliferation in vitro. ES also reduced human CD8+ TRM cells and attenuated human skin lesions in humanized mice grafted with lesional skin from patients with recurrent psoriasis, with an enhanced efficacy in mice treated with both ES and MTX. Thus, ES and MTX cooperated to prevent psoriasis relapse by reducing T-cell memory via targeting potassium channel Kv1.3. Our studies may be implicated for treating human psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Joint Immunology Program, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Huazhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Joint Immunology Program, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Yuhong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Haiming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Shuyan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Feifei Qiu
- Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Chun-Ling Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Qunfang Zhang
- Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Fang Zheng
- Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Ling Han
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Chuanjian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Joint Immunology Program, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| | - Zhenhua Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Joint Immunology Program, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
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Zhao R, Qasim A, Sophanpanichkul P, Dai H, Nayak M, Sher I, Chill J, Goldstein SAN. Selective block of human Kv1.1 channels and an epilepsy-associated gain-of-function mutation by AETX-K peptide. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23381. [PMID: 38102952 PMCID: PMC10754259 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302061r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the human voltage-gated K+ channel Kv1.1 has been associated with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, episodic ataxia, myokymia, and cardiorespiratory dysregulation. We report here that AETX-K, a sea anemone type I (SAK1) peptide toxin we isolated from a phage display library, blocks Kv1.1 with high affinity (Ki ~ 1.6 pM) and notable specificity, inhibiting other Kv channels we tested a million-fold less well. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was employed both to determine the three-dimensional structure of AETX-K, showing it to employ a classic SAK1 scaffold while exhibiting a unique electrostatic potential surface, and to visualize AETX-K bound to the Kv1.1 pore domain embedded in lipoprotein nanodiscs. Study of Kv1.1 in Xenopus oocytes with AETX-K and point variants using electrophysiology demonstrated the blocking mechanism to employ a toxin-channel configuration we have described before whereby AETX-K Lys23 , two positions away on the toxin interaction surface from the classical blocking residue, enters the pore deeply enough to interact with K+ ions traversing the pathway from the opposite side of the membrane. The mutant channel Kv1.1-L296 F is associated with pharmaco-resistant multifocal epilepsy in infants because it significantly increases K+ currents by facilitating opening and slowing closure of the channels. Consistent with the therapeutic potential of AETX-K for Kv1.1 gain-of-function-associated diseases, AETX-K at 4 pM decreased Kv1.1-L296 F currents to wild-type levels; further, populations of heteromeric channels formed by co-expression Kv1.1 and Kv1.2, as found in many neurons, showed a Ki of ~10 nM even though homomeric Kv1.2 channels were insensitive to the toxin (Ki > 2000 nM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiming Zhao
- Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology & Biophysics, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Arwa Qasim
- Department of Chemistry, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Punyanuch Sophanpanichkul
- Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology & Biophysics, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Hui Dai
- Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology & Biophysics, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Maha Nayak
- Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology & Biophysics, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Inbal Sher
- Department of Chemistry, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Jordan Chill
- Department of Chemistry, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Steve A. N. Goldstein
- Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology & Biophysics, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Chandy KG, Sanches K, Norton RS. Structure of the voltage-gated potassium channel K V1.3: Insights into the inactivated conformation and binding to therapeutic leads. Channels (Austin) 2023; 17:2253104. [PMID: 37695839 PMCID: PMC10496531 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2023.2253104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 is an important therapeutic target for the treatment of autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases. The recent structures of KV1.3, Shaker-IR (wild-type and inactivating W434F mutant) and an inactivating mutant of rat KV1.2-KV2.1 paddle chimera (KVChim-W362F+S367T+V377T) reveal that the transition of voltage-gated potassium channels from the open-conducting conformation into the non-conducting inactivated conformation involves the rupture of a key intra-subunit hydrogen bond that tethers the selectivity filter to the pore helix. Breakage of this bond allows the side chains of residues at the external end of the selectivity filter (Tyr447 and Asp449 in KV1.3) to rotate outwards, dilating the outer pore and disrupting ion permeation. Binding of the peptide dalazatide (ShK-186) and an antibody-ShK fusion to the external vestibule of KV1.3 narrows and stabilizes the selectivity filter in the open-conducting conformation, although K+ efflux is blocked by the peptide occluding the pore through the interaction of ShK-Lys22 with the backbone carbonyl of KV1.3-Tyr447 in the selectivity filter. Electrophysiological studies on ShK and the closely-related peptide HmK show that ShK blocks KV1.3 with significantly higher potency, even though molecular dynamics simulations show that ShK is more flexible than HmK. Binding of the anti-KV1.3 nanobody A0194009G09 to the turret and residues in the external loops of the voltage-sensing domain enhances the dilation of the outer selectivity filter in an exaggerated inactivated conformation. These studies lay the foundation to further define the mechanism of slow inactivation in KV channels and can help guide the development of future KV1.3-targeted immuno-therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. George Chandy
- LKCMedicine-ICESing Ion Channel Platform, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karoline Sanches
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Raymond S. Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Akter R, Rahman MR, Ahmed ZS, Afrose A. Plausibility of natural immunomodulators in the treatment of COVID-19-A comprehensive analysis and future recommendations. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17478. [PMID: 37366526 PMCID: PMC10284624 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted millions of deaths worldwide. Despite the availability of several vaccines and some special drugs approved for emergency use to prevent or treat this disease still, there is a huge concern regarding their effectiveness, adverse effects, and most importantly, their efficacy against the new variants. A cascade of immune-inflammatory responses is involved with the pathogenesis and severe complications with COVID-19. People with dysfunctional and compromised immune systems display severe complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, multiple organ failure etc., when they get infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Plant-derived natural immune-suppressant compounds, such as resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, berberine, luteolin, etc., have been reported to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Therefore, natural products with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential could be plausible targets to treat this contagious disease. This review aims to delineate the clinical trials status and outcomes of natural compounds with immunomodulatory potential in COVID-19 patients along with the outcomes of their in-vivo studies. In clinical trials several natural immunomodulators resulted in significant improvement of COVID-19 patients by diminishing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and breathlessness. Most importantly, they reduced the duration of hospitalization and the need for supplemental oxygen therapy, improved clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19, especially weakness, and eliminated acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. This paper also discusses many potent natural immunomodulators yet to undergo clinical trials. In-vivo studies with natural immunomodulators demonstrated reduction of a wide range of proinflammatory cytokines. Natural immunomodulators that were found effective, safe, and well tolerated in small-scale clinical trials are warranted to undergo large-scale trials to be used as drugs to treat COVID-19 infections. Alongside, compounds yet to test clinically must undergo clinical trials to find their effectiveness and safety in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raushanara Akter
- School of Pharmacy, Brac University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rashidur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Zainab Syed Ahmed
- School of Pharmacy, Brac University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Afrina Afrose
- School of Pharmacy, Brac University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Wang Y, Hurley A, De Giorgi M, Tanner MR, Hu RC, Pennington MW, Lagor WR, Beeton C. Adeno-Associated virus 8 delivers an immunomodulatory peptide to mouse liver more efficiently than to rat liver. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283996. [PMID: 37040361 PMCID: PMC10089316 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting the Kv1.3 potassium channel has proven effective in reducing obesity and the severity of animal models of autoimmune disease. Stichodactyla toxin (ShK), isolated from the sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus, is a potent blocker of Kv1.3. Several of its analogs are some of the most potent and selective blockers of this channel. However, like most biologics, ShK and its analogs require injections for their delivery, and repeated injections reduce patient compliance during the treatment of chronic diseases. We hypothesized that inducing the expression of an ShK analog by hepatocytes would remove the requirement for frequent injections and lead to a sustained level of Kv1.3 blocker in the circulation. To this goal, we tested the ability of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)8 vectors to target hepatocytes for expressing the ShK analog, ShK-235 (AAV-ShK-235) in rodents. We designed AAV8 vectors expressing the target transgene, ShK-235, or Enhanced Green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Transduction of mouse livers led to the production of sufficient levels of functional ShK-235 in the serum from AAV-ShK-235 single-injected mice to block Kv1.3 channels. However, AAV-ShK-235 therapy was not effective in reducing high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice. In addition, injection of even high doses of AAV8-ShK-235 to rats resulted in a very low liver transduction efficiency and failed to reduce inflammation in a well-established rat model of delayed-type hypersensitivity. In conclusion, the AAV8-based delivery of ShK-235 was highly effective in inducing the secretion of functional Kv1.3-blocking peptide in mouse, but not rat, hepatocytes yet did not reduce obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Wang
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ayrea Hurley
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Marco De Giorgi
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mark R. Tanner
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rong-Chi Hu
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - William R. Lagor
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Christine Beeton
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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Kumar A, Fitoussi N, Sanadhya P, Sichov N, Bucki P, Bornstein M, Belausuv E, Brown Miyara S. Two Candidate Meloidogyne javanica Effector Genes, MjShKT and MjPUT3: A Functional Investigation of Their Roles in Regulating Nematode Parasitism. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2023; 36:79-94. [PMID: 36324054 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-10-22-0212-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
During parasitism, root-knot nematode Meloidogyne spp. inject molecules termed effectors that have multifunctional roles in construction and maintenance of nematode feeding sites. As an outcome of transcriptomic analysis of Meloidogyne javanica, we identified and characterized two differentially expressed genes encoding the predicted proteins MjShKT, carrying a Stichodactyla toxin (ShKT) domain, and MjPUT3, carrying a ground-like domain, both expressed during nematode parasitism of the tomato plant. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization revealed expression of MjShKT and MjPUT3 in the dorsal esophageal glands, suggesting their injection into host cells. MjShKT expression was upregulated during the parasitic life stages, to a maximum at the mature female stage, whereas MjPUT3 expression increased in third- to fourth-stage juveniles. Subcellular in-planta localization of MjShKT and MjPUT3 using a fused fluorescence marker indicated MjShKT co-occurrence with the endoplasmic reticulum, the perinuclear endoplasmatic reticulum, and the Golgi organelle markers, while MjPUT3 localized, to some extent, within the endoplasmatic reticulum and was clearly observed within the nucleoplasm. MjShKT inhibited programmed cell death induced by overexpression of MAPKKKα and Gpa2/RBP-1. Overexpression of MjShKT in tomato hairy roots allowed an increase in nematode reproduction, as indicated by the high number of eggs produced on roots overexpressing MjShKT. Roots overexpressing MjPUT3 were characterized by enhanced root growth, with no effect on nematode development on those roots. Investigation of the two candidate effectors suggested that MjShKT is mainly involved in manipulating the plant effector-triggered immune response toward establishment and maintenance of active feeding sites, whereas MjPUT3 might modulate roots morphology in favor of nematode fitness in the host roots. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar
- Department of Entomology, Nematology and Chemistry units, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Nathalia Fitoussi
- Department of Entomology, Nematology and Chemistry units, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Payal Sanadhya
- Department of Entomology, Nematology and Chemistry units, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Natalia Sichov
- Department of Entomology, Nematology and Chemistry units, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Patricia Bucki
- Department of Entomology, Nematology and Chemistry units, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Menachem Bornstein
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Eduard Belausuv
- Department of Plant Sciences, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Sigal Brown Miyara
- Department of Entomology, Nematology and Chemistry units, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
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Bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms: therapeutic scaffolds and pharmacological tools. Chin J Nat Med 2023; 21:19-35. [PMID: 36641229 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(23)60382-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Evolution and natural selection have endowed animal venoms, including scorpion venoms, with a wide range of pharmacological properties. Consequently, scorpions, their venoms, and/or their body parts have been used since time immemorial in traditional medicines, especially in Africa and Asia. With respect to their pharmacological potential, bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms have become an important source of scientific research. With the rapid increase in the characterization of various components from scorpion venoms, a large number of peptides are identified with an aim of combating a myriad of emerging global health problems. Moreover, some scorpion venom-derived peptides have been established as potential scaffolds helpful for drug development. In this review, we summarize the promising scorpion venoms-derived peptides as drug candidates. Accordingly, we highlight the data and knowledge needed for continuous characterization and development of additional natural peptides from scorpion venoms, as potential drugs that can treat related diseases.
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11
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Wang ZL, Zhang SY, Hao SL, Yang WX. Neurotoxins and pore forming toxins in sea anemones: Potential candidates for new drug development. Histol Histopathol 2023; 38:9-28. [PMID: 35880756 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
There are two kinds of toxins in sea anemones: neurotoxins and pore forming toxins. As a representative of the sodium channel toxin, the neurotoxin ATX II in neurotoxin mainly affects the process of action potential and the release of transmitter to affect the inactivation of the sodium channel. As the representatives of potassium channel toxins, BgK and ShK mainly affect the potassium channel current. EqTx and Sticholysins are representative of pore forming toxins, which can form specific ion channels in cell membranes and change the concentration of internal and external ions, eventually causing hemolytic effects. Based on the above mechanism, toxins such as ATX II can also cause toxic effects in tissues and organs such as heart, lung and muscle. As an applied aspect it was shown that sea anemone toxins often have strong toxic effects on tumor cells, induce cancer cells to enter the pathway of apoptosis, and can also bind to monoclonal antibodies or directly inhibit relevant channels for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Lin Wang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Yi Zhang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuang-Li Hao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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12
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Zhao R, Lopez B, Schwingshackl A, Goldstein SA. Protection from acute lung injury by a peptide designed to inhibit the voltage-gated proton channel. iScience 2022; 26:105901. [PMID: 36660473 PMCID: PMC9843441 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
There are no targeted medical therapies for Acute Lung Injury (ALI) or its most severe form acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Infections are the most common cause of ALI/ARDS and these disorders present clinically with alveolar inflammation and barrier dysfunction due to the influx of neutrophils and inflammatory mediator secretion. We designed the C6 peptide to inhibit voltage-gated proton channels (Hv1) and demonstrated that it suppressed the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proteases from neutrophils in vitro. We now show that intravenous C6 counteracts bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice, and suppresses the accumulation of neutrophils, ROS, and proinflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Confirming the salutary effects of C6 are via Hv1, genetic deletion of the channel similarly protects mice from LPS-induced ALI. This report reveals that Hv1 is a key regulator of ALI, that Hv1 is a druggable target, and that C6 is a viable agent to treat ALI/ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiming Zhao
- Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology & Biophysics, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Benjamin Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Andreas Schwingshackl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Steve A.N. Goldstein
- Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology & Biophysics, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA,Corresponding author
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13
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Wai DCC, Naseem MU, Mocsár G, Babu Reddiar S, Pan Y, Csoti A, Hajdu P, Nowell C, Nicolazzo JA, Panyi G, Norton RS. Fluorescent Peptide Toxin for Selective Visualization of the Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel K V1.3. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:2197-2212. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy C. C. Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria3052, Australia
| | - Muhammad Umair Naseem
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen4032, Hungary
| | - Gábor Mocsár
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen4032, Hungary
- Damjanovich Cell Analysis Core Facility, Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen4032, Hungary
| | - Sanjeevini Babu Reddiar
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria3052, Australia
| | - Yijun Pan
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria3052, Australia
| | - Agota Csoti
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen4032, Hungary
| | - Peter Hajdu
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen4032, Hungary
- Department of Dental Biochemistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen4032, Hungary
| | - Cameron Nowell
- Imaging, FACS and Analysis Core, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria3052, Australia
| | - Joseph A. Nicolazzo
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria3052, Australia
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen4032, Hungary
| | - Raymond S. Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria3052, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria3052, Australia
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14
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Kolling LJ, Tatti R, Lowry T, Loeven AM, Fadool JM, Fadool DA. Modulating the Excitability of Olfactory Output Neurons Affects Whole-Body Metabolism. J Neurosci 2022; 42:5966-5990. [PMID: 35710623 PMCID: PMC9337614 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0190-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic state can alter olfactory sensitivity, but it is unknown whether the activity of the olfactory bulb (OB) may fine tune metabolic homeostasis. Our objective was to use CRISPR gene editing in male and female mice to enhance the excitability of mitral/tufted projection neurons (M/TCs) of the OB to test for improved metabolic health. Ex vivo slice recordings of MCs in CRISPR mice confirmed increased excitability due the targeted loss of Kv1.3 channels, which resulted in a less negative resting membrane potential (RMP), enhanced action potential (AP) firing, and insensitivity to the selective channel blocker margatoxin (MgTx). CRISPR mice exhibited enhanced odor discrimination using a habituation/dishabituation paradigm. CRISPR mice were challenged for 25 weeks with a moderately high-fat (MHF) diet, and compared with littermate controls, male mice were resistance to diet-induced obesity (DIO). Female mice did not exhibit DIO. CRISPR male mice gained less body weight, accumulated less white adipose tissue, cleared a glucose challenge more quickly, and had less serum leptin and liver triglycerides. CRISPR male mice consumed equivalent calories as control littermates, and had unaltered energy expenditure (EE) and locomotor activity, but used more fats for metabolic substrate over that of carbohydrates. Counter to CRISPR-engineered mice, by using chemogenetics to decrease M/TC excitability in male mice, activation of inhibitory designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) caused a decrease in odor discrimination, and resulted in a metabolic profile that was obesogenic, mice had reduced EE and oxygen consumption (VO2). We conclude that the activity of M/TC projection neurons canonically carries olfactory information and simultaneously can regulate whole-body metabolism.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The olfactory system drives food choice, and olfactory sensitivity is strongly correlated to hunger and fullness. Olfactory function thereby influences nutritional balance and obesity outcomes. Obesity has become a health and financial crisis in America, shortening life expectancy and increasing the severity of associated illnesses. It is expected that 51% of Americans will be obese by the year 2030. Using CRISPR gene editing and chemogenetic approaches, we discovered that changing the excitability of output neurons in the olfactory bulb (OB) affects metabolism and body weight stabilization in mice. Our results suggest that long-term therapeutic targeting of OB activity to higher processing centers may be a future clinical treatment of obesity or type II Diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis John Kolling
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
| | - Roberta Tatti
- Department of Biological Science, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
| | - Troy Lowry
- Department of Biological Science, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
| | - Ashley M Loeven
- Department of Biological Science, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
| | - James M Fadool
- Department of Biological Science, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
- Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
| | - Debra Ann Fadool
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
- Department of Biological Science, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
- Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306
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15
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Denisova KR, Orlov NA, Yakimov SA, Kirpichnikov MP, Feofanov AV, Nekrasova OV. Atto488-Agitoxin 2—A Fluorescent Ligand with Increased Selectivity for Kv1.3 Channel Binding Site. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9070295. [PMID: 35877346 PMCID: PMC9312206 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9070295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescently labeled peptide blockers of ion channels are useful probes in studying the localization and functioning of the channels and in the performance of a search for new channel ligands with bioengineering screening systems. Here, we report on the properties of Atto488-agitoxin 2 (A-AgTx2), a derivative of the Kv1 channel blocker agitoxin 2 (AgTx2), which was N-terminally labeled with Atto 488 fluorophore. The interactions of A-AgTx2 with the outer binding sites of the potassium voltage-gated Kv1.x (x = 1, 3, 6) channels were studied using bioengineered hybrid KcsA–Kv1.x (x = 1, 3, 6) channels. In contrast to AgTx2, A-AgTx2 was shown to lose affinity for the Kv1.1 and Kv1.6 binding sites but to preserve it for the Kv1.3 site. Thus, Atto488 introduces two new functionalities to AgTx2: fluorescence and the selective targeting of the Kv1.3 channel, which is known for its pharmacological significance. In the case of A-AgTx2, fluorescent labeling served as an alternative to site-directed mutagenesis in modulating the pharmacological profile of the channel blocker. Although the affinity of A-AgTx2 for the Kv1.3 binding site was decreased as compared to the unlabeled AgTx2, its dissociation constant value was within a low nanomolar range (4.0 nM). The properties of A-AgTx2 allow one to use it for the search and study of Kv1.3 channel blockers as well as to consider it for the imaging of the Kv1.3 channel in cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina R. Denisova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (K.R.D.); (N.A.O.); (M.P.K.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.Y.); (O.V.N.)
| | - Nikita A. Orlov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (K.R.D.); (N.A.O.); (M.P.K.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.Y.); (O.V.N.)
| | - Sergey A. Yakimov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.Y.); (O.V.N.)
| | - Mikhail P. Kirpichnikov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (K.R.D.); (N.A.O.); (M.P.K.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.Y.); (O.V.N.)
| | - Alexey V. Feofanov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (K.R.D.); (N.A.O.); (M.P.K.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.Y.); (O.V.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Oksana V. Nekrasova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.Y.); (O.V.N.)
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16
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Centipede Venom: A Potential Source of Ion Channel Modulators. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137105. [PMID: 35806107 PMCID: PMC9266919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Centipedes are one of the most ancient and successful living venomous animals. They have evolved spooky venoms to deter predators or hunt prey, and are widely distributed throughout the world besides Antarctica. Neurotoxins are the most important virulence factor affecting the function of the nervous system. Ion channels and receptors expressed in the nervous system, including NaV, KV, CaV, and TRP families, are the major targets of peptide neurotoxins. Insight into the mechanism of neurotoxins acting on ion channels contributes to our understanding of the function of both channels and centipede venoms. Meanwhile, the novel structure and selective activities give them the enormous potential to be modified and exploited as research tools and biological drugs. Here, we review the centipede venom peptides that act on ion channels.
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sVmKTx, a transcriptome analysis-based synthetic peptide analogue of Vm24, inhibits Kv1.3 channels of human T cells with improved selectivity. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 199:115023. [PMID: 35358481 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Kv1.3 K+ channels play a central role in the regulation of T cell activation and Ca2+ signaling under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Peptide toxins targeting Kv1.3 have a significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of autoimmune diseases; thus, the discovery of new toxins is highly motivated. Based on the transcriptome analysis of the venom gland of V. mexicanus smithi a novel synthetic peptide, sVmKTx was generated, containing 36 amino acid residues. sVmKTx shows high sequence similarity to Vm24, a previously characterized peptide from the same species, but contains a Glu at position 32 as opposed to Lys32 in Vm24. Vm24 inhibits Kv1.3 with high affinity (Kd = 2.9 pM). However, it has limited selectivity (~1,500-fold) for Kv1.3 over hKv1.2, hKCa3.1, and mKv1.1. sVmKTx displays reduced Kv1.3 affinity (Kd = 770 pM) but increased selectivity for Kv1.3 over hKv1.2 (~9,000-fold) as compared to Vm24, other channels tested in the panel (hKCa3.1, hKv1.1, hKv1.4, hKv1.5, rKv2.1, hKv11.1, hKCa1.1, hNav1.5) were practically insensitive to the toxin at 2.5 μM. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that introduction of a Glu instead of Lys at position 32 led to a decreased structural fluctuation of the N-terminal segment of sVmKTx, which may explain its increased selectivity for Kv1.3. sVmKTx at 100 nM concentration decreased the expression level of the Ca2+ -dependent T cell activation marker, CD40 ligand. The high affinity block of Kv1.3 and increased selectivity over the natural peptide makes sVmKTx a potential candidate for Kv1.3 blockade-mediated treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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18
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Menezes C, Thakur NL. Sea anemone venom: Ecological interactions and bioactive potential. Toxicon 2022; 208:31-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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19
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Melo-Braga MND, Moreira RDS, Gervásio JHDB, Felicori LF. Overview of protein posttranslational modifications in Arthropoda venoms. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20210047. [PMID: 35519418 PMCID: PMC9036706 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Cañas CA, Castaño-Valencia S, Castro-Herrera F. Pharmacological blockade of KV1.3 channel as a promising treatment in autoimmune diseases. J Transl Autoimmun 2022; 5:100146. [PMID: 35146402 PMCID: PMC8818563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2022.100146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There are more than 100 autoimmune diseases (AD), which have a high prevalence that ranges between 5% and 8% of the general population. Type I diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis remain the health problem of highest concern among people worldwide due to its high morbidity and mortality. The development of new treatment strategies has become a research hotspot. In recent years, the study of the ion channels presents in the cells of the immune system, regarding their functional role, the consequences of mutations in their genes and the different ways of blocking them are the subject of intense research. Pharmacological blockade of KV1.3 channel inhibits Ca2+ signaling, T cell proliferation, and pro-inflammatory interleukins production in human CD4+ effector memory T cells. These cells mediated most of the AD and their inhibition is a promising therapeutic target. In this review, we will highlight the biological function of KV1.3 channel in T cells, consequence of the pharmacological inhibition (through anemone and scorpion toxins, synthetic peptides, nanoparticles, or monoclonal antibodies) as well as the possible therapeutical application in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A. Cañas
- Universidad Icesi, CIRAT, Centro de Investigación en Reumatología, Autoinmunidad y Medicina Traslacional, Cali, Colombia
- Unit of Rheumatology, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia
- Corresponding author. Rheumatology Unit, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cra. 98 18-49, Cali, 760032, Colombia.
| | - Santiago Castaño-Valencia
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Fernando Castro-Herrera
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
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21
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The Kv1.3 K + channel in the immune system and its "precision pharmacology" using peptide toxins. Biol Futur 2021; 72:75-83. [PMID: 34554500 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-021-00071-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the Kv1.3 voltage-gated K+ channel in human T cells in 1984, ion channels are considered crucial elements of the signal transduction machinery in the immune system. Our knowledge about Kv1.3 and its inhibitors is outstanding, motivated by their potential application in autoimmune diseases mediated by Kv1.3 overexpressing effector memory T cells (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis). High affinity Kv1.3 inhibitors are either small organic molecules (e.g., Pap-1) or peptides isolated from venomous animals. To date, the highest affinity Kv1.3 inhibitors with the best Kv1.3 selectivity are the engineered analogues of the sea anemone peptide ShK (e.g., ShK-186), the engineered scorpion toxin HsTx1[R14A] and the natural scorpion toxin Vm24. These peptides inhibit Kv1.3 in picomolar concentrations and are several thousand-fold selective for Kv1.3 over other biologically critical ion channels. Despite the significant progress in the field of Kv1.3 molecular pharmacology several progressive questions remain to be elucidated and discussed here. These include the conjugation of the peptides to carriers to increase the residency time of the peptides in the circulation (e.g., PEGylation and engineering the peptides into antibodies), use of rational drug design to create novel peptide inhibitors and understanding the potential off-target effects of Kv1.3 inhibition.
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22
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Fattahi H, Esmaeil N, Aliomrani M. Apamin as a BBB Shuttle and Its Effects on T Cell Population During the Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis-Induced Model of Multiple Sclerosis. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:1880-1891. [PMID: 34487326 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00412-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system presented by autoimmune manifestations. This study aimed at investigating the effects of apamin administration on the activated T cell population in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) MS model. Thirty mice underwent EAE induction and were then randomly divided into 5 groups. Three groups received 10, 50, and 100 µg/kg apamin; the fourth group received 1 mg/kg dexamethasone; and the fifth group received the equivalent amount of PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) intraperitoneally. Peripheral CD4 + cell and memory T cell distribution was measured with a flow cytometer every week. Also, CD4 + and CD8 + cell infiltration to the brain was assessed with immunohistochemistry. It was observed that the group receiving 50 µg/kg apamin had a lower EAE score in comparison with the groups receiving 100 µg/kg apamin (p 0.014). Also, peripheral blood memory cells with CD44 + , CD62L - , and CD4 + markers were decreased in apamin-administered groups. Regarding the infiltrated CD8 + cells, a significant decrease (p 0.002) was observed in the group receiving 50 µg/kg apamin compared with the control group. These results indicate that 50-µg/kg doses of apamin had an effective treatment over 14 days; it reduced both the severity of symptoms and the infiltration of CD8 + cells into the CNS. Moreover, it increased myelin density and decreased the circulation of CD62L - , CD44L - , and CD44 + memory T cells. So, it appears that apamin plays a critical role in regulating immunity and reducing the complications of autoimmune MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haniye Fattahi
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Esmaeil
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Aliomrani
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
- Isfahan Pharmaceutical Science Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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23
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Ryan RYM, Seymour J, Loukas A, Lopez JA, Ikonomopoulou MP, Miles JJ. Immunological Responses to Envenomation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:661082. [PMID: 34040609 PMCID: PMC8141633 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.661082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Venoms are complex mixtures of toxic compounds delivered by bite or sting. In humans, the consequences of envenomation range from self-limiting to lethal. Critical host defence against envenomation comprises innate and adaptive immune strategies targeted towards venom detection, neutralisation, detoxification, and symptom resolution. In some instances, venoms mediate immune dysregulation that contributes to symptom severity. This review details the involvement of immune cell subtypes and mediators, particularly of the dermis, in host resistance and venom-induced immunopathology. We further discuss established venom-associated immunopathology, including allergy and systemic inflammation, and investigate Irukandji syndrome as a potential systemic inflammatory response. Finally, this review characterises venom-derived compounds as a source of immune modulating drugs for treatment of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Y. M. Ryan
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Jamie Seymour
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - J. Alejandro Lopez
- School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Maria P. Ikonomopoulou
- Translational Venomics Group, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA) in Food, CEI UAM+CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - John J. Miles
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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24
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Tabakmakher VM, Kuzmenkov AI, Gigolaev AM, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Peigneur S, Efremov RG, Tytgat J, Vassilevski AA. Artificial Peptide Ligand of Potassium
Channel KV1.1 with High Selectivity. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093021020186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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25
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Saikia C, Dym O, Altman-Gueta H, Gordon D, Reuveny E, Karbat I. A Molecular Lid Mechanism of K + Channel Blocker Action Revealed by a Cone Peptide. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166957. [PMID: 33771569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Many venomous organisms carry in their arsenal short polypeptides that block K+ channels in a highly selective manner. These toxins may compete with the permeating ions directly via a "plug" mechanism or indirectly via a "pore-collapse" mechanism. An alternative "lid" mechanism was proposed but remained poorly defined. Here we study the Drosophila Shaker channel block by Conkunitzin-S1 and Conkunitzin-C3, two highly similar toxins derived from cone venom. Despite their similarity, the two peptides exhibited differences in their binding poses and biophysical assays, implying discrete action modes. We show that while Conkunitzin-S1 binds tightly to the channel turret and acts via a "pore-collapse" mechanism, Conkunitzin-C3 does not contact this region. Instead, Conk-C3 uses a non-conserved Arg to divert the permeant ions and trap them in off-axis cryptic sites above the SF, a mechanism we term a "molecular-lid". Our study provides an atomic description of the "lid" K+ blocking mode and offers valuable insights for the design of therapeutics based on venom peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandamita Saikia
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Orly Dym
- Structural Proteomic Unit, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Hagit Altman-Gueta
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Ecology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Dalia Gordon
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Eitan Reuveny
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
| | - Izhar Karbat
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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26
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Olivencia MA, Martínez-Casales M, Peraza DA, García-Redondo AB, Mondéjar-Parreño G, Hernanz R, Salaices M, Cogolludo A, Pennington MW, Valenzuela C, Briones AM. K V 1.3 channels are novel determinants of macrophage-dependent endothelial dysfunction in angiotensin II-induced hypertension in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:1836-1854. [PMID: 33556997 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE KV 1.3 channels are expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), where they contribute to proliferation rather than contraction and participate in vascular remodelling. KV 1.3 channels are also expressed in macrophages, where they assemble with KV 1.5 channels (KV 1.3/KV 1.5), whose activation generates a KV current. In macrophages, the KV 1.3/KV 1.5 ratio is increased by classical activation (M1). Whether these channels are involved in angiotensin II (AngII)-induced vascular remodelling, and whether they can modulate the macrophage phenotype in hypertension, remains unknown. We characterized the role of KV 1.3 channels in vascular damage in hypertension. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used AngII-infused mice treated with two selective KV 1.3 channel inhibitors (HsTX[R14A] and [EWSS]ShK). Vascular function and structure were measured using wire and pressure myography, respectively. VSMC and macrophage electrophysiology were studied using the patch-clamp technique; gene expression was analysed using RT-PCR. KEY RESULTS AngII increased KV 1.3 channel expression in mice aorta and peritoneal macrophages which was abolished by HsTX[R14A] treatment. KV 1.3 inhibition did not prevent hypertension, vascular remodelling, or stiffness but corrected AngII-induced macrophage infiltration and endothelial dysfunction in the small mesenteric arteries and/or aorta, via a mechanism independent of electrophysiological changes in VSMCs. AngII modified the electrophysiological properties of peritoneal macrophages, indicating an M1-like activated state, with enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokines that induced endothelial dysfunction. These effects were prevented by KV 1.3 blockade. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We unravelled a new role for KV 1.3 channels in the macrophage-dependent endothelial dysfunction induced by AngII in mice which might be due to modulation of macrophage phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Olivencia
- Departamento de Farmacología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain.,Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Spain
| | - Marta Martínez-Casales
- Departamento de Farmacología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Diego A Peraza
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana B García-Redondo
- Departamento de Farmacología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain.,Ciber de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Spain
| | - Gema Mondéjar-Parreño
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain.,Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Spain
| | - Raquel Hernanz
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain.,Ciber de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Spain
| | - Mercedes Salaices
- Departamento de Farmacología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain.,Ciber de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Spain
| | - Angel Cogolludo
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain.,Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Spain
| | | | - Carmen Valenzuela
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Ciber de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Spain
| | - Ana M Briones
- Departamento de Farmacología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain.,Ciber de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Spain
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27
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Qin C, Wan X, Li S, Yang F, Yang L, Zuo Z, Cao Z, Chen Z, Wu Y. Different pharmacological properties between scorpion toxin BmKcug2 and its degraded analogs highlight the diversity of K + channel blockers from thermally processed scorpions. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 178:143-153. [PMID: 33636268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.02.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Novel degraded potassium channel-modulatory peptides were recently found in thermally processed scorpions, but their pharmacological properties remain unclear. Here, we identified a full-length scorpion toxin (i.e., BmKcug2) and its four truncated analogs (i.e., BmKcug2-P1, BmKcug2-P2, BmKcug2-P3 and BmKcug2-P4) with three conserved disulfide bonds in processed scorpion medicinal material by mass spectrometry. The pharmacological experiments revealed that the recombinant BmKcug2 and BmKcug2-P1 could selectively inhibit the human Kv1.2 and human Kv1.3 potassium channels, while the other three analogs showed a much weaker inhibitory effect on potassium channels. BmKcug2 inhibited hKv1.2 and hKv1.3 channels, with IC50 values of 45.6 ± 5.8 nM and 215.2 ± 39.7 nM, respectively, and BmKcug2-P1 inhibited hKv1.2 and hKv1.3, with IC50 values of 89.9 ± 9.6 nM and 1142.4 ± 64.5 nM, respectively. The chromatographic analysis and pharmacological properties of BmKcug2 and BmKcug2-P1 boiled in water for different times further strongly supported their good thermal stability. Structural and functional dissection indicated that one amino acid, i.e., Tyr36, determined the differential affinities of BmKcug2 and four BmKcug2 analogs. Altogether, this research investigated the different pharmacological properties of BmKcug2 and its truncated analogs, and the findings highlighted the diversity of K+ channel blockers from various scorpion species through thermal processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhu Qin
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiuping Wan
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Songryong Li
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Department of Biotechnology, Institute for Life Science, Kim Hyong Jik University of Education, Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
| | - Fan Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Liuting Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zheng Zuo
- Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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28
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Zöphel D, Hof C, Lis A. Altered Ca 2+ Homeostasis in Immune Cells during Aging: Role of Ion Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010110. [PMID: 33374304 PMCID: PMC7794837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010110] [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: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is an unstoppable process and begins shortly after birth. Each cell of the organism is affected by the irreversible process, not only with equal density but also at varying ages and with different speed. Therefore, aging can also be understood as an adaptation to a continually changing cellular environment. One of these very prominent changes in age affects Ca2+ signaling. Especially immune cells highly rely on Ca2+-dependent processes and a strictly regulated Ca2+ homeostasis. The intricate patterns of impaired immune cell function may represent a deficit or compensatory mechanisms. Besides, altered immune function through Ca2+ signaling can profoundly affect the development of age-related disease. This review attempts to summarize changes in Ca2+ signaling due to channels and receptors in T cells and beyond in the context of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Annette Lis
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-06841-1616318; Fax: +49-(0)-6841-1616302
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29
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Xie Z, Zhao Y, Yang W, Li W, Wu Y, Chen Z. Methotrexate, a small molecular scaffold targeting Kv1.3 channel extracellular pore region. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 532:265-270. [PMID: 32863001 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) has been widely used for the treatment of many types of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and dermatomyositis. However, its pharmacological mechanism is still unclear completely. In this study, we found that MTX is a potent and selective inhibitor of the Kv1.3 channel, a class of potassium channels highly associated with autoimmune diseases. Electrophysiological experiments showed that MTX inhibited human Kv1.3 channel with an IC50 of 41.5 ± 24.9 nM, and 1 μM MTX inhibited 32.6 ± 1.3% and 25.6 ± 2.2% of human Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 channel currents, respectively. These data implied the unique selectivity of MTX towards the Kv1.3 channel. Excitingly, using channel activation and chimeric experiments, we found that MTX bound to the outer pore region of Kv1.3 channel. Mutagenesis experiments in the Kv.3 channel extracellular pore region further showed that the Dsp371, Thr373 and His399 residues of outer pore region of Kv1.3 channel played important roles in MTX inhibiting activities. In conclusion, MTX inhibited Kv1.3 channel by targeting extracellular pore region, which is different form all the report small molecules, such as PAP-1 and 4-AP, but similar with many natural animal toxin peptides, such as ChTX, ShK and BmKTX. To the best of our knowledge, MTX is the first small molecular scaffold targeting the Kv1.3 channel extracellular pore region, suggesting its potential applications for designing novel Kv1.3 lead drugs and treating Kv1.3 channel-associated autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zili Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yonghui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Weishan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Zongyun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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30
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Herrmann AM, Cerina M, Bittner S, Meuth SG, Budde T. Intracellular fluoride influences TASK mediated currents in human T cells. J Immunol Methods 2020; 487:112875. [PMID: 33031794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2020.112875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The expression of Kv1.3 and KCa channels in human T cells is essential for maintaining cell activation, proliferation and migration during an inflammatory response. Recently, an additional residual current, sensitive to anandamide and A293, compounds specifically inhibiting currents mediated by TASK channels, was observed after complete pharmacological blockade of Kv1.3 and KCa channels. This finding was not consistently observed throughout different studies and, an in-depth review of the different recording conditions used for the electrophysiological analysis of K+ currents in T cells revealed fluoride as major anionic component of the pipette intracellular solutions in the initial studies. While fluoride is frequently used to stabilize electrophysiological recordings, it is known as G-protein activator and to influence the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which are mechanisms known to modulate TASK channel functioning. Therefore, we systemically addressed different fluoride- and chloride-based pipette solutions in whole-cell patch-clamp experiments in human T cells and used specific blockers to identify membrane currents carried by TASK and Kv1.3 channels. We found that fluoride increased the decay time constant of K+ outward currents, reduced the degree of the sustained current component and diminished the effect of the specific TASK channels blocker A293. These findings indicate that the use of fluoride-based pipette solutions may hinder the identification of a functional TASK channel component in electrophysiological experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Herrmann
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany.
| | - Manuela Cerina
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Bittner
- Department of Neurology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Budde
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische-Wilhems Universität Münster, Münster, Germany.
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31
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Fan C, Yang X, Wang WW, Wang J, Li W, Guo M, Huang S, Wang Z, Liu K. Role of Kv1.3 Channels in Platelet Functions and Thrombus Formation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:2360-2375. [PMID: 32787516 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.314278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective:
Platelet activation by stimulatory factors leads to an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca
2+
]
i
), which is essential for almost all platelet functions. Modulation of Ca
2+
influx and [Ca
2+
]
i
in platelets has been emerging as a possible strategy for preventing and treating platelet-dependent thrombosis. Voltage-gated potassium 1.3 channels (Kv1.3) are highly expressed in platelets and able to regulate agonist-evoked [Ca
2+
]
i
increase. However, the role of Kv1.3 channels in regulating platelet functions and thrombosis has not yet been elucidated. In addition, it is difficult to obtain a specific blocker for this channel, since Kv1.3 shares identical drug-binding sites with other K
+
channels. Here, we investigate whether specific blockade of Kv1.3 channels by monoclonal antibodies affects platelet functions and thrombosis.
Approach and Results:
In this study, we produced the anti-Kv1.3 monoclonal antibody 6E12#15, which could specifically recognize both human and mouse Kv1.3 proteins and sufficiently block Kv1.3 channel currents. We found Kv1.3 blockade by 6E12#15 inhibited platelet aggregation, adhesion, and activation upon agonist stimulation. In vivo treatment with 6E12#15 alleviated thrombus formation in a mesenteric arteriole thrombosis mouse model and protected mice from collagen/epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboembolism. Furthermore, we observed Kv1.3 regulated platelet functions by modulating Ca
2+
influx and [Ca
2+
]
i
elevation, and that this is mediated in part by P2X
1
. Interestingly,
Kv1.3
−/−
mice showed impaired platelet aggregation while displayed no abnormalities in in vivo thrombus formation. This phenomenon was related to more megakaryocytes and platelets produced in
Kv1.3
−/−
mice compared with wild-type mice.
Conclusions:
We showed specific inhibition of Kv1.3 by the novel monoclonal antibody 6E12#15 suppressed platelet functions and platelet-dependent thrombosis through modulating platelet [Ca
2+
]
i
elevation. These results indicate that Kv1.3 could act as a promising therapeutic target for antiplatelet therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Fan
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (C.F., M.G., S.H., Z.W.)
| | - Xiaofang Yang
- Center for Cardiac Intensive Care, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, China (X.Y.)
| | | | - Jue Wang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (J.W.)
| | - Wenzhu Li
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (W.L.)
| | - Mengyuan Guo
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (C.F., M.G., S.H., Z.W.)
| | - Shiyuan Huang
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (C.F., M.G., S.H., Z.W.)
| | - Zhaohui Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (C.F., M.G., S.H., Z.W.)
| | - Kun Liu
- Institute of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (K.L.)
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32
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Singh DK, Dwivedi VP, Singh SP, Kumari A, Sharma SK, Ranganathan A, Kaer LV, Das G. Luteolin-mediated Kv1.3 K+ channel inhibition augments BCG vaccine efficacy against tuberculosis by promoting central memory T cell responses in mice. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008887. [PMID: 32956412 PMCID: PMC7529197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of multiple antibiotics, tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem worldwide, with one third of the population latently infected and ~2 million deaths annually. The only available vaccine for TB, Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG), is ineffective against adult pulmonary TB. Therefore, alternate strategies that enhance vaccine efficacy are urgently needed. Vaccine efficacy and long-term immune memory are critically dependent on central memory T (TCM) cells, whereas effector memory T (TEM) cells are important for clearing acute infections. Recently, it has been shown that inhibition of the Kv1.3 K+ ion channel, which is predominantly expressed on TEM but not TCM cells, profoundly enhances TCM cell differentiation. We exploited this phenomenon to improve TCM:TEM cell ratios and protective immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in response to BCG vaccination of mice. We demonstrate that luteolin, a plant-derived Kv1.3 K+ channel inhibitor, profoundly promotes TCM cells by selectively inhibiting TEM cells, and significantly enhances BCG vaccine efficacy. Thus, addition of luteolin to BCG vaccination may provide a sustainable means to improve vaccine efficacy by boosting host immunity via modulation of memory T cell differentiation. Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) is not effective against adult pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Inhibition of the Kv1.3 K+ ion channel by the antibiotic clofazimine has been shown to enhance BCG-induced immunity. However, clofazimine has limited efficacy and is associated with substantial side effects in treated patients. Therefore, we explored alternatives to clofazimine. Luteolin is a plant-based flavonoid that inhibits Kv1.3. We show that administration of luteolin during BCG vaccination enhances antigen-specific immunity by promoting the T central memory (TCM) cell pool, which is critically important for long term host protection. Consequently, luteolin-mediated immune modulation enhances vaccine efficacy. As luteolin is a biologically safe food supplement, it could be easily applied during vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine (SCMM), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ved Prakash Dwivedi
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine (SCMM), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Shashi Prakash Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine (SCMM), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Anjna Kumari
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Sharma
- School of Computer & Systems Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Anand Ranganathan
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine (SCMM), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Luc Van Kaer
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Gobardhan Das
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine (SCMM), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- * E-mail:
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33
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Gupta SS, Sharp R, Hofferek C, Kuai L, Dorn GW, Wang J, Chen M. NIX-Mediated Mitophagy Promotes Effector Memory Formation in Antigen-Specific CD8 + T Cells. Cell Rep 2020; 29:1862-1877.e7. [PMID: 31722203 PMCID: PMC6886713 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy plays a critical role in the maintenance of immunological memory. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in autophagy-regulated effector memory formation in CD8+ T cells remain unclear. Here we show that deficiency in NIX-dependent mitophagy leads to metabolic defects in effector memory T cells. Deletion of NIX caused HIF1α accumulation and altered cellular metabolism from long-chain fatty acid to short/branched-chain fatty acid oxidation, thereby compromising ATP synthesis during effector memory formation. Preventing HIF1α accumulation restored long-chain fatty acid metabolism and effector memory formation in antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Our study suggests that NIX-mediated mitophagy is critical for effector memory formation in T cells. Gupta et al. demonstrate that mitophagy mediated by NIX, a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, plays a critical role in CD8+ T cell effector memory formation by regulating mitochondrial superoxide-dependent HIF1α protein accumulation and fatty acid metabolism. These findings elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating T cell effector memory formation against viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhranshu S Gupta
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Robert Sharp
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Colby Hofferek
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Le Kuai
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gerald W Dorn
- Center for Pharmacogenomics, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jin Wang
- Immunobiology and Transplant Science Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Tajti G, Wai DCC, Panyi G, Norton RS. The voltage-gated potassium channel K V1.3 as a therapeutic target for venom-derived peptides. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114146. [PMID: 32653588 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 is a well-established therapeutic target for a range of autoimmune diseases, in addition to being the site of action of many venom-derived peptides. Numerous studies have documented the efficacy of venom peptides that target KV1.3, in particular from sea anemones and scorpions, in animal models of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. Moreover, an analogue of the sea anemone peptide ShK (known as dalazatide) has successfully completed Phase 1 clinical trials in mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. In this article we consider other potential therapeutic applications of inhibitors of KV1.3, including in inflammatory bowel disease and neuroinflammatory conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, as well as fibrotic diseases. We also summarise strategies for facilitating the entry of peptides to the central nervous system, given that this will be a pre-requisite for the treatment of most neuroinflammatory diseases. Venom-derived peptides that have been reported recently to target KV1.3 are also described. The increasing number of autoimmune and other conditions in which KV1.3 is upregulated and is therefore a potential therapeutic target, combined with the fact that many venom-derived peptides are potent inhibitors of KV1.3, suggests that venoms are likely to continue to serve as a rich source of new pharmacological tools and therapeutic leads targeting this channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabor Tajti
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
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Bajaj S, Ong ST, Chandy KG. Contributions of natural products to ion channel pharmacology. Nat Prod Rep 2020; 37:703-716. [PMID: 32065187 DOI: 10.1039/c9np00056a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Covering: Up to 2020Ion channels are a vast super-family of membrane proteins that play critical physiological roles in excitable and non-excitable cells. Their biomedical importance makes them valuable and attractive drug targets for neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases, and for cancer therapy and immune modulation. Current therapeutics target only a minor subset of ion channels, leaving a large unexploited space within the ion channel field. Natural products harnessed from the almost unlimited and diverse universe of compounds within the bioenvironment have been used to modulate channels for decades. In this review we highlight the impact made by natural products on ion channel pharmacology, specifically on K+, NaV and CaV channels, and use case studies to describe the development of ion channel-modulating drugs from natural sources for the treatment of pain, heart disease and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Bajaj
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Experimental Medicine Building, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore.
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Wang X, Li G, Guo J, Zhang Z, Zhang S, Zhu Y, Cheng J, Yu L, Ji Y, Tao J. Kv1.3 Channel as a Key Therapeutic Target for Neuroinflammatory Diseases: State of the Art and Beyond. Front Neurosci 2020; 13:1393. [PMID: 31992966 PMCID: PMC6971160 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
It remains a challenge for the effective treatment of neuroinflammatory disease, including multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The voltage-gated potassium Kv1.3 channel is of interest, which is considered as a novel therapeutic target for treating neuroinflammatory disorders due to its crucial role in subsets of T lymphocytes as well as microglial cells. Toxic animals, such as sea anemones, scorpions, spiders, snakes, and cone snails, can produce a variety of toxins that act on the Kv1.3 channel. The Stichodactyla helianthus K+ channel blocking toxin (ShK) from the sea anemone S. helianthus is proved as a classical blocker of Kv1.3. One of the synthetic analogs ShK-186, being developed as a therapeutic for autoimmune diseases, has successfully completed first-in-man Phase 1 trials. In addition to addressing the recent progress on the studies underlying the pharmacological characterizations of ShK on MS, the review will also explore the possibility for clinical treatment of ShK-like Kv1.3 blocking polypeptides on other neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoyi Li
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingkang Guo
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiping Zhang
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuzhang Zhang
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yudan Zhu
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiwei Cheng
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonghua Ji
- Institute of Biomembrane and Biopharmaceutics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China,Xinhua Translational Institute for Cancer Pain, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Tao
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Putuo Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai, China
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GLM, a novel luteolin derivative, attenuates inflammatory responses in dendritic cells: Therapeutic potential against ulcerative colitis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 518:87-93. [PMID: 31402120 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
GLM, a luteolin derivative, shows anti-melanogenic effect via regulation of various signal molecules; however, it is unclear whether it also exerts anti-inflammatory effect. This study investigated the mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effect of GLM on activated dendritic cells (DCs) to elucidate its therapeutic potential for ulcerative colitis. The anti-inflammatory effect of GLM was firstly investigated based on its effect on DCs maturation and T cells proliferation/activation. GLM treatment downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine productions, surface molecule expression, and antigen-presenting ability for MHC-II complex in LPS-activated DCs. Importantly, anti-inflammatory effect induced by GLM treatment were independent of MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, DCs that were co-treated with LPS and GLM impaired the proliferation and activation of naïve CD4+ T cells. Interestingly, GLM exerted in vivo protective effect in DSS-induced colitis models by decreasing Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, as well as restoring body weight, disease activity, and DSS-induced pathology. Based on these results, GLM was shown to be a potential candidate treatment for ulcerative colitis.
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Ramírez-Carreto S, Vera-Estrella R, Portillo-Bobadilla T, Licea-Navarro A, Bernaldez-Sarabia J, Rudiño-Piñera E, Verleyen JJ, Rodríguez E, Rodríguez-Almazán C. Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis of the Tentacles and Mucus of Anthopleura dowii Verrill, 1869. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17080436. [PMID: 31349621 PMCID: PMC6722582 DOI: 10.3390/md17080436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea anemone venom contains a complex and diverse arsenal of peptides and proteins of pharmacological and biotechnological interest, however, only venom from a few species has been explored from a global perspective to date. In the present study, we identified the polypeptides present in the venom of the sea anemone Anthopleura dowii Verrill, 1869 through a transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of the tentacles and the proteomic profile of the secreted mucus. In our transcriptomic results, we identified 261 polypeptides related to or predicted to be secreted in the venom, including proteases, neurotoxins that could act as either potassium (K+) or sodium (Na+) channels inhibitors, protease inhibitors, phospholipases A2, and other polypeptides. Our proteomic data allowed the identification of 156 polypeptides—48 exclusively identified in the mucus, 20 in the tentacles, and 88 in both protein samples. Only 23 polypeptides identified by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) were related to the venom and 21 exclusively identified in the mucus, most corresponding to neurotoxins and hydrolases. Our data contribute to the knowledge of evolutionary and venomic analyses of cnidarians, particularly of sea anemones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santos Ramírez-Carreto
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Rosario Vera-Estrella
- Departamento de Biología Molecular de Plantas, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Tobías Portillo-Bobadilla
- Unidad de Bioinformática, Bioestadística y Biología Computacional. Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Instituto Nacional De Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Calle Vasco de Quiroga 15, Tlalpan, C.P. 14080, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Alexei Licea-Navarro
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, CICESE, Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana 3918, Ensenada, BC C.P. 22860, México
| | - Johanna Bernaldez-Sarabia
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, CICESE, Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana 3918, Ensenada, BC C.P. 22860, México
| | - Enrique Rudiño-Piñera
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Jerome J Verleyen
- Unidad Universitaria de Secuenciación Masiva y Bioinformática, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Estefanía Rodríguez
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Claudia Rodríguez-Almazán
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México.
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Determining the affinity of anti-mitotic compounds binding to colchicine binding site of tubulin by affinity probe capillary electrophoresis. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2019; 1121:66-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Wulff H, Christophersen P, Colussi P, Chandy KG, Yarov-Yarovoy V. Antibodies and venom peptides: new modalities for ion channels. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:339-357. [PMID: 30728472 PMCID: PMC6499689 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels play fundamental roles in both excitable and non-excitable tissues and therefore constitute attractive drug targets for myriad neurological, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases as well as for cancer and immunomodulation. However, achieving selectivity for specific ion channel subtypes with small-molecule drugs has been challenging, and there currently is a growing trend to target ion channels with biologics. One approach is to improve the pharmacokinetics of existing or novel venom-derived peptides. In parallel, after initial studies with polyclonal antibodies demonstrated the technical feasibility of inhibiting channel function with antibodies, multiple preclinical programmes are now using the full spectrum of available technologies to generate conventional monoclonal and engineered antibodies or nanobodies against extracellular loops of ion channels. After a summary of the current state of ion channel drug discovery, this Review discusses recent developments using the purinergic receptor channel P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2X7), the voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 and the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 as examples of targeting ion channels with biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | | | | | - K George Chandy
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Infection and Immunity Theme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology & Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Oliveira IS, Ferreira IG, Alexandre-Silva GM, Cerni FA, Cremonez CM, Arantes EC, Zottich U, Pucca MB. Scorpion toxins targeting Kv1.3 channels: insights into immunosuppression. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2019; 25:e148118. [PMID: 31131004 PMCID: PMC6483409 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-1481-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are natural sources of molecules that have, in addition to their
toxic function, potential therapeutic applications. In this source the
neurotoxins can be found especially those that act on potassium channels.
Potassium channels are responsible for maintaining the membrane potential in the
excitable cells, especially the voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv),
including Kv1.3 channels. These channels (Kv1.3) are expressed by various types
of tissues and cells, being part of several physiological processes. However,
the major studies of Kv1.3 are performed on T cells due its importance on
autoimmune diseases. Scorpion toxins capable of acting on potassium channels
(KTx), mainly on Kv1.3 channels, have gained a prominent role for their possible
ability to control inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Some of these toxins have
already left bench trials and are being evaluated in clinical trials, presenting
great therapeutic potential. Thus, scorpion toxins are important natural
molecules that should not be overlooked in the treatment of autoimmune and other
diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora S Oliveira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabela G Ferreira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe A Cerni
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Caroline M Cremonez
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Umberto Zottich
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
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Du C, Li J, Shao Z, Mwangi J, Xu R, Tian H, Mo G, Lai R, Yang S. Centipede KCNQ Inhibitor SsTx Also Targets K V1.3. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11020076. [PMID: 30717088 PMCID: PMC6409716 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11020076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It was recently discovered that Ssm Spooky Toxin (SsTx) with 53 residues serves as a key killer factor in red-headed centipede’s venom arsenal, due to its potent blockage of the widely expressed KCNQ channels to simultaneously and efficiently disrupt cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and nervous systems, suggesting that SsTx is a basic compound for centipedes’ defense and predation. Here, we show that SsTx also inhibits KV1.3 channel, which would amplify the broad-spectrum disruptive effect of blocking KV7 channels. Interestingly, residue R12 in SsTx extends into the selectivity filter to block KV7.4, however, residue K11 in SsTx replaces this ploy when toxin binds on KV1.3. Both SsTx and its mutant SsTx_R12A inhibit cytokines production in T cells without affecting the level of KV1.3 expression. The results further suggest that SsTx is a key molecule for defense and predation in the centipedes’ venoms and it evolves efficient strategy to disturb multiple physiological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canwei Du
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jiameng Li
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zicheng Shao
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
| | - James Mwangi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100009, China.
| | - Runjia Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Huiwen Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Guoxiang Mo
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ren Lai
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China.
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China.
| | - Shilong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China.
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China.
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Yao C, Veleva T, Scott L, Cao S, Li L, Chen G, Jeyabal P, Pan X, Alsina KM, Abu-Taha I, Ghezelbash S, Reynolds CL, Shen YH, LeMaire SA, Schmitz W, Müller FU, El-Armouche A, Eissa NT, Beeton C, Nattel S, Wehrens XH, Dobrev D, Li N. Enhanced Cardiomyocyte NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Promotes Atrial Fibrillation. Circulation 2018; 138:2227-2242. [PMID: 29802206 PMCID: PMC6252285 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.118.035202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 383] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently associated with enhanced inflammatory response. The NLRP3 (NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain containing protein 3) inflammasome mediates caspase-1 activation and interleukin-1β release in immune cells but is not known to play a role in cardiomyocytes (CMs). Here, we assessed the role of CM NLRP3 inflammasome in AF. METHODS NLRP3 inflammasome activation was assessed by immunoblot in atrial whole-tissue lysates and CMs from patients with paroxysmal AF or long-standing persistent (chronic) AF. To determine whether CM-specific activation of NLPR3 is sufficient to promote AF, a CM-specific knockin mouse model expressing constitutively active NLRP3 (CM-KI) was established. In vivo electrophysiology was used to assess atrial arrhythmia vulnerability. To evaluate the mechanism of AF, electric activation pattern, Ca2+ spark frequency, atrial effective refractory period, and morphology of atria were evaluated in CM-KI mice and wild-type littermates. RESULTS NLRP3 inflammasome activity was increased in the atrial CMs of patients with paroxysmal AF and chronic AF. CM-KI mice developed spontaneous premature atrial contractions and inducible AF, which was attenuated by a specific NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, MCC950. CM-KI mice exhibited ectopic activity, abnormal sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release, atrial effective refractory period shortening, and atrial hypertrophy. Adeno-associated virus subtype-9-mediated CM-specific knockdown of Nlrp3 suppressed AF development in CM-KI mice. Finally, genetic inhibition of Nlrp3 prevented AF development in CREM transgenic mice, a well-characterized mouse model of spontaneous AF. CONCLUSIONS Our study establishes a novel pathophysiological role for CM NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, with a mechanistic link to the pathogenesis of AF, and establishes the inhibition of NLRP3 as a potential novel AF therapy approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxia Yao
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Research), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei Province, China
| | - Tina Veleva
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Larry Scott
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Research), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shuyi Cao
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luge Li
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Research), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Research), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Prince Jeyabal
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Research), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaolu Pan
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katherina M. Alsina
- Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Issam Abu-Taha
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Shokoufeh Ghezelbash
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Corey L. Reynolds
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Mouse Phenotyping Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ying H. Shen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Scott A. LeMaire
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wilhelm Schmitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank U. Müller
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ali El-Armouche
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - N. Tony Eissa
- Department of Medicine (Pulmonary), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christine Beeton
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stanley Nattel
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Xander H.T. Wehrens
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Na Li
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Research), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Cnidarian peptide neurotoxins: a new source of various ion channel modulators or blockers against central nervous systems disease. Drug Discov Today 2018; 24:189-197. [PMID: 30165198 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cnidaria provide the largest source of bioactive peptides for new drug development. The venoms contain enzymes, potent pore-forming toxins and neurotoxins. The neurotoxins can immobilize predators rapidly when discharged via modifying sodium-channel-gating or blocking the potassium channel during the repolarization stage. Most cnidarian neurotoxins remain conserved under the strong influence of negative selection. Neuroactive peptides targeting the central nervous system through affinity with ion channels could provide insight leading to drug treatment of neurological diseases, which arise from ion channel dysfunctions. Although marine resources offer thousands of possible peptides, only one peptide derived from Cnidaria: ShK-186, also named dalazatide, has reached the pharmaceutical market. This review focuses on neuroprotective agents derived from cnidarian neurotoxic peptides.
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Veytia-Bucheli JI, Jiménez-Vargas JM, Melchy-Pérez EI, Sandoval-Hernández MA, Possani LD, Rosenstein Y. K v1.3 channel blockade with the Vm24 scorpion toxin attenuates the CD4 + effector memory T cell response to TCR stimulation. Cell Commun Signal 2018; 16:45. [PMID: 30107837 PMCID: PMC6092819 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-018-0257-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In T cells, the Kv1.3 and the KCa3.1 potassium channels regulate the membrane potential and calcium homeostasis. Notably, during TEM cell activation, the number of Kv1.3 channels on the cell membrane dramatically increases. Kv1.3 blockade results in inhibition of Ca2+ signaling in TEM cells, thus eliciting an immunomodulatory effect. Among the naturally occurring peptides, the Vm24 toxin from the Mexican scorpion Vaejovis mexicanus is the most potent and selective Kv1.3 channel blocker known, which makes it a promissory candidate for its use in the clinic. We have shown that addition of Vm24 to TCR-activated human T cells inhibits CD25 expression, cell proliferation and reduces delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions in a chronic inflammation model. Here, we used the Vm24 toxin as a tool to investigate the molecular events that follow Kv1.3 blockade specifically on human CD4+ TEM cells as they are actively involved in inflammation and are key mediators of autoimmune diseases. METHODS We combined cell viability, activation, and multiplex cytokine assays with a proteomic analysis to identify the biological processes affected by Kv1.3 blockade on healthy donors CD4+ TEM cells, following TCR activation in the presence or absence of the Vm24 toxin. RESULTS The peptide completely blocked Kv1.3 channels currents without impairing TEM cell viability, and in response to TCR stimulation, it inhibited the expression of the activation markers CD25 and CD40L (but not that of CD69), as well as the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and TNF and the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-10, and IL-13. These results, in combination with data from the proteomic analysis, indicate that the biological processes most affected by the blockade of Kv1.3 channels in a T cell activation context were cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, mRNA processing via spliceosome, response to unfolded proteins and intracellular vesicle transport, targeting the cell protein synthesis machinery. CONCLUSIONS The Vm24 toxin, a highly specific inhibitor of Kv1.3 channels allowed us to define downstream functions of the Kv1.3 channels in human CD4+ TEM lymphocytes. Blocking Kv1.3 channels profoundly affects the mRNA synthesis machinery, the unfolded protein response and the intracellular vesicle transport, impairing the synthesis and secretion of cytokines in response to TCR engagement, underscoring the role of Kv1.3 channels in regulating TEM lymphocyte function.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ignacio Veytia-Bucheli
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Bioquímicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juana María Jiménez-Vargas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Erika Isabel Melchy-Pérez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Monserrat Alba Sandoval-Hernández
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Bioquímicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lourival Domingos Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Yvonne Rosenstein
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
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Synthesis, folding, structure and activity of a predicted peptide from the sea anemone Oulactis sp. with an ShKT fold. Toxicon 2018; 150:50-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Liao Q, Gong G, Siu SWI, Wong CTT, Yu H, Tse YC, Rádis-Baptista G, Lee SMY. A Novel ShK-Like Toxic Peptide from the Transcriptome of the Cnidarian Palythoa caribaeorum Displays Neuroprotection and Cardioprotection in Zebrafish. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10060238. [PMID: 29895785 PMCID: PMC6024583 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10060238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Palythoa caribaeorum (class Anthozoa) is a zoantharian which, together with other cnidarians, like jellyfishes, hydra, and sea anemones, possesses specialized structures in its tissues, the cnidocytes, which deliver an array of toxins in order to capture prey and deter predators. The whole transcriptome of P. caribaeroum was deep sequenced, and a diversity of toxin-related peptide sequences were identified, and some retrieved for functional analysis. In this work, a peptide precursor containing a ShK domain, named PcShK3, was analyzed by means of computational processing, comprising structural phylogenetic analysis, model prediction, and dynamics simulation of peptide-receptor interaction. The combined data indicated that PcShK3 is a distinct peptide which is homologous to a cluster of peptides belonging to the ShK toxin family. In vivo, PcShK3 distributed across the vitelline membrane and accumulated in the yolk sac stripe of zebrafish larvae. Notably, it displayed a significant cardio-protective effect in zebrafish in concentrations inferior to the IC50 (<43.53 ± 6.45 µM), while in high concentrations (>IC50), it accumulated in the blood and caused pericardial edema, being cardiotoxic to zebrafish larvae. Remarkably, PcShK3 suppressed the 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity on the locomotive behavior of zebrafish. The present results indicated that PcShK3 is a novel member of ShK toxin family, and has the intrinsic ability to induce neuro- and cardio-protective effects or cause cardiac toxicity, according to its effective concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwen Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
| | - Guiyi Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
| | - Shirley Weng In Siu
- Department of Computer and Information Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau, China.
| | | | - Huidong Yu
- Shenzhen Rongxin Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518054, China.
| | - Yu Chung Tse
- Department of Biology, South University of Science and Technology of China, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil.
| | - Simon Ming-Yuen Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
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Gao J, Wang S, Tang Q, Li X, Zhang Y, Liu W, Gao Z, Yang H, Zhao RC. In Vitro Survival of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells is Enhanced in Artificial Endolymph with Moderately High Concentrations of Potassium. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:658-670. [PMID: 29631482 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
While mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for inner ear hair cell regeneration, to date, there have been no convincing reports indicating whether MSCs can survive in the cochlea for more than a few weeks, as the high levels of potassium (K+) in the endolymph (EL) are thought to be toxic to transplanted stem cells. For conditioning the EL for MSC transplantation, we conducted this in vitro study to examine the effects of artificial EL with altered K+ concentration levels, in the range of 5-153.8 mM, on proliferation, apoptosis, and morphological changes in MSCs derived from various human tissues. Our findings demonstrate that altering the K+ concentration in artificial EL could significantly influence the survival of MSCs in vitro. We discovered that K+ concentrations of 55-130 mM in artificial EL could enhance the survival of MSCs in vitro. However, MSCs exhibited reduced proliferation regardless of K+ concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Gao
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China .,2 Department of Otolaryngology Research, Translational Medicine Center , Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shihua Wang
- 3 Department of Cell Biology, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory of Beijing, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Tang
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China .,2 Department of Otolaryngology Research, Translational Medicine Center , Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- 3 Department of Cell Biology, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory of Beijing, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongli Zhang
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China .,2 Department of Otolaryngology Research, Translational Medicine Center , Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China .,2 Department of Otolaryngology Research, Translational Medicine Center , Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Gao
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China .,2 Department of Otolaryngology Research, Translational Medicine Center , Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Yang
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China .,2 Department of Otolaryngology Research, Translational Medicine Center , Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Robert Chunhua Zhao
- 3 Department of Cell Biology, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory of Beijing, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Bozic I, Tesovic K, Laketa D, Adzic M, Jakovljevic M, Bjelobaba I, Savic D, Nedeljkovic N, Pekovic S, Lavrnja I. Voltage Gated Potassium Channel Kv1.3 Is Upregulated on Activated Astrocytes in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:1020-1034. [PMID: 29574670 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2509-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Kv1.3 is a voltage gated potassium channel that has been implicated in pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). In the present study we investigated temporal and cellular expression pattern of this channel in the lumbar part of spinal cords of animals with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), animal model of MS. EAE was actively induced in female Dark Agouti rats. Expression of Kv1.3 was analyzed at different time points of disease progression, at the onset, peak and end of EAE. We here show that Kv1.3 increased by several folds at the peak of EAE at both gene and protein level. Double immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated localization of Kv1.3 on activated microglia, macrophages, and reactive astrocytes around inflammatory lesions. In vitro experiments showed that pharmacological block of Kv1.3 in activated astrocytes suppresses the expression of proinflammatory mediators, suggesting a role of this channel in inflammation. Our results support the hypothesis that Kv1.3 may be a therapeutic target of interest for MS and add astrocytes to the list of cells whose activation would be suppressed by inhibiting Kv1.3 in inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Bozic
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", University of Belgrade, Blvd Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Katarina Tesovic
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", University of Belgrade, Blvd Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Laketa
- Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Adzic
- Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Jakovljevic
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", University of Belgrade, Blvd Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Bjelobaba
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", University of Belgrade, Blvd Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Savic
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", University of Belgrade, Blvd Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nadezda Nedeljkovic
- Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Pekovic
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", University of Belgrade, Blvd Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Irena Lavrnja
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", University of Belgrade, Blvd Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
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Domínguez-Pérez D, Campos A, Alexei Rodríguez A, Turkina MV, Ribeiro T, Osorio H, Vasconcelos V, Antunes A. Proteomic Analyses of the Unexplored Sea Anemone Bunodactis verrucosa. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:E42. [PMID: 29364843 PMCID: PMC5852470 DOI: 10.3390/md16020042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cnidarian toxic products, particularly peptide toxins, constitute a promising target for biomedicine research. Indeed, cnidarians are considered as the largest phylum of generally toxic animals. However, research on peptides and toxins of sea anemones is still limited. Moreover, most of the toxins from sea anemones have been discovered by classical purification approaches. Recently, high-throughput methodologies have been used for this purpose but in other Phyla. Hence, the present work was focused on the proteomic analyses of whole-body extract from the unexplored sea anemone Bunodactis verrucosa. The proteomic analyses applied were based on two methods: two-dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with MALDI-TOF/TOF and shotgun proteomic approach. In total, 413 proteins were identified, but only eight proteins were identified from gel-based analyses. Such proteins are mainly involved in basal metabolism and biosynthesis of antibiotics as the most relevant pathways. In addition, some putative toxins including metalloproteinases and neurotoxins were also identified. These findings reinforce the significance of the production of antimicrobial compounds and toxins by sea anemones, which play a significant role in defense and feeding. In general, the present study provides the first proteome map of the sea anemone B. verrucosa stablishing a reference for future studies in the discovery of new compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dany Domínguez-Pérez
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal.
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Alexandre Campos
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal.
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Armando Alexei Rodríguez
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Peptide Chemistry, Hanover Medical School (MHH), Feodor-Lynen-Straße 31, D-30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Maria V Turkina
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Tiago Ribeiro
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Hugo Osorio
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde- i3S, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Ipatimup, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Vítor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal.
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Agostinho Antunes
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal.
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
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