1
|
An JM, Shahriar SMS, Lee DY, Hwang SR, Lee YK. Pore Size-Dependent Stereoscopic Hydrogels Enhance the Therapeutic Efficiency of Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Nerve-Related Diseases. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:19139-19153. [PMID: 35452222 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c01738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum toxin (BoNT) is a major neurotherapeutic protein that has been used at low doses for diverse pharmacological applications. However, the pleiotropic effect of BoNT depends on multiple periodic injections owing to its rapid elimination profile, short-term therapeutic effect, and high mortality rate when administered at high doses. In addition to low patient compliance, these drawbacks represent the significant challenges that limit the further clinical use of BoNT. This study developed a new hydrogel-based single dosage form of BoNT by employing a one-step cross-linking chemistry. Its controlled porous structures and composition facilitated uniform drug distribution inside the hydrogel and controllable release of BoNT mediated by slow diffusion. A single dose remained stable for at least 2.5 months and showed sustained effect for at least 20 weeks, meeting the requirements for a single-dose form of BoNT. Additionally, this dosage form was evaluated as safe from all aspects of toxicology. This delivery system resulted in a 100% survival rate after administering a BoNT dose of 30 units, while a dose of more than 5 units of naked BoNT caused a 100% mortality rate within a few days. Overall, this strategy could provide patients with the first single-dose treatment option of BoNT and improve their quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Man An
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju 27469, Republic of Korea
- KB Biomed Inc., Chungju 27469, Republic of Korea
| | - S M Shatil Shahriar
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju 27469, Republic of Korea
- KB Biomed Inc., Chungju 27469, Republic of Korea
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5940, United States
| | - Dong Yun Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, and BK FOUR Biopharmaceutical Innovation Leader for Education and Research Group, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Rim Hwang
- College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Kyu Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju 27469, Republic of Korea
- KB Biomed Inc., Chungju 27469, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ihekwaba AEC, Mura I, Walshaw J, Peck MW, Barker GC. An Integrative Approach to Computational Modelling of the Gene Regulatory Network Controlling Clostridium botulinum Type A1 Toxin Production. PLoS Comput Biol 2016; 12:e1005205. [PMID: 27855161 PMCID: PMC5113860 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum produces botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), highly potent substances responsible for botulism. Currently, mathematical models of C. botulinum growth and toxigenesis are largely aimed at risk assessment and do not include explicit genetic information beyond group level but integrate many component processes, such as signalling, membrane permeability and metabolic activity. In this paper we present a scheme for modelling neurotoxin production in C. botulinum Group I type A1, based on the integration of diverse information coming from experimental results available in the literature. Experiments show that production of BoNTs depends on the growth-phase and is under the control of positive and negative regulatory elements at the intracellular level. Toxins are released as large protein complexes and are associated with non-toxic components. Here, we systematically review and integrate those regulatory elements previously described in the literature for C. botulinum Group I type A1 into a population dynamics model, to build the very first computational model of toxin production at the molecular level. We conduct a validation of our model against several items of published experimental data for different wild type and mutant strains of C. botulinum Group I type A1. The result of this process underscores the potential of mathematical modelling at the cellular level, as a means of creating opportunities in developing new strategies that could be used to prevent botulism; and potentially contribute to improved methods for the production of toxin that is used for therapeutics. Clostridium botulinum produces botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), highly potent substances responsible for botulism. Currently, mathematical models of C. botulinum growth and toxigenesis are largely aimed at risk assessment and do not include explicit genetic information. In this paper we present modelling based on the integration of diverse information from experimental results available in the literature. Experiments show that production of BoNTs depends on the growth-phase and is under the control of positive and negative regulatory elements at the intracellular level. Here, we integrate these regulatory elements into a combined model of population dynamics and gene regulation to build the first computational model of toxin production at the molecular level. We conduct a validation of our model against several items of published experimental data for different wild type and mutant strains of C. botulinum Group I type A1. The result of this process underscores the potential of mathematical modelling at the cellular level, as a means of creating opportunities that could be used to prevent botulism, and potentially contribute to improved methods for the production of toxin used for therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adaoha E. C. Ihekwaba
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AECI); (IM)
| | - Ivan Mura
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- * E-mail: (AECI); (IM)
| | - John Walshaw
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, United Kingdom
- School of Computing Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Michael W. Peck
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Gary C. Barker
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ihekwaba AEC, Mura I, Malakar PK, Walshaw J, Peck MW, Barker GC. New Elements To Consider When Modeling the Hazards Associated with Botulinum Neurotoxin in Food. J Bacteriol 2016; 198:204-11. [PMID: 26350137 PMCID: PMC4751798 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00630-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum are the most potent biological substances known to mankind. BoNTs are the agents responsible for botulism, a rare condition affecting the neuromuscular junction and causing a spectrum of diseases ranging from mild cranial nerve palsies to acute respiratory failure and death. BoNTs are a potential biowarfare threat and a public health hazard, since outbreaks of foodborne botulism are caused by the ingestion of preformed BoNTs in food. Currently, mathematical models relating to the hazards associated with C. botulinum, which are largely empirical, make major contributions to botulinum risk assessment. Evaluated using statistical techniques, these models simulate the response of the bacterium to environmental conditions. Though empirical models have been successfully incorporated into risk assessments to support food safety decision making, this process includes significant uncertainties so that relevant decision making is frequently conservative and inflexible. Progression involves encoding into the models cellular processes at a molecular level, especially the details of the genetic and molecular machinery. This addition drives the connection between biological mechanisms and botulism risk assessment and hazard management strategies. This review brings together elements currently described in the literature that will be useful in building quantitative models of C. botulinum neurotoxin production. Subsequently, it outlines how the established form of modeling could be extended to include these new elements. Ultimately, this can offer further contributions to risk assessments to support food safety decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adaoha E C Ihekwaba
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Ivan Mura
- Faculty of Engineering, EAN University, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Pradeep K Malakar
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - John Walshaw
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Michael W Peck
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - G C Barker
- Gut Health and Food Safety, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Moreira GMSG, Moreira C, da Cunha CEP, Mendonça M, Conceição FR. Recombinant Botulinum Toxoids: A Practical Guide for Production. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1404:621-632. [PMID: 27076326 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3389-1_40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, anaerobic bacillus that produces a potent neurotoxin. Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are classified from serotypes A to H, and even though they have similar mechanisms of action, they show preferential hosts. In veterinary medicine, BoNT serotypes C and D are the most important, once several animal species are susceptible to them. Since BoNTs are the most potent toxins known in nature, the best way to control botulism in animals is through vaccination. However, current commercial vaccines are based on inactivated toxins (toxoids) and cells (bacterins) and present many drawbacks, such as a time-consuming production with variable antigen yield and biosafety risks. Recombinant vaccines, especially those produced by Escherichia coli expression system, have proved to be an interesting alternative to overcome these problems. E. coli is a very well-known microorganism that allows the production of large amounts of nontoxic recombinant antigens in a short period using simple culture medium reducing the production complexity and decreasing most of the biosafety risks involved in the process. We describe herein a method for the production of recombinant vaccines for veterinary medicine application, involving initial steps of gene design up to vaccine formulation and evaluation itself.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Marçal S G Moreira
- Laboratório de Imunologia Aplicada, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Clóvis Moreira
- Laboratório de Imunologia Aplicada, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo P da Cunha
- Laboratório de Imunologia Aplicada, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Mendonça
- Laboratório de Imunologia Aplicada, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Fabricio R Conceição
- Laboratório de Imunologia Aplicada, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 96160-000, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lowery CA, Adler M, Borrell A, Janda KD. Scorpion toxins for the reversal of BoNT-induced paralysis. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013; 23:6743-6. [PMID: 24252544 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The botulinum neurotoxins, characterized by their neuromuscular paralytic effects, are the most toxic proteins known to man. Due to their extreme potency, ease of production, and duration of activity, the BoNT proteins have been classified by the Centers for Disease Control as high threat agents for bioterrorism. In an attempt to discover effective BoNT therapeutics, we have pursued a strategy in which we leverage the blockade of K(+) channels that ultimately results in the reversal of neuromuscular paralysis. Towards this end, we utilized peptides derived from scorpion venom that are highly potent K(+) channel blockers. Herein, we report the synthesis of charybdotoxin, a 37 amino acid peptide, and detail its activity, along with iberiotoxin and margatoxin, in a mouse phrenic nerve hemidiaphragm assay in the absence and the presence of BoNT/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin A Lowery
- Department of Chemistry, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|