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Szekér P, Bodó T, Klima K, Csóti Á, Hanh NN, Murányi J, Hajdara A, Szántó TG, Panyi G, Megyeri M, Péterfi Z, Farkas S, Gyöngyösi N, Hornyák P. KcsA-Kv1.x chimeras with complete ligand-binding sites provide improved predictivity for screening selective Kv1.x blockers. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107155. [PMID: 38479597 PMCID: PMC11002876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107155] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in the development of therapeutic interventions targeting autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions, lack of effective treatment still poses a high unmet need. Modulating chronically activated T cells through the blockade of the Kv1.3 potassium channel is a promising therapeutic approach; however, developing selective Kv1.3 inhibitors is still an arduous task. Phage display-based high throughput peptide library screening is a rapid and robust approach to develop promising drug candidates; however, it requires solid-phase immobilization of target proteins with their binding site preserved. Historically, the KcsA bacterial channel chimera harboring only the turret region of the human Kv1.3 channel was used for screening campaigns. Nevertheless, literature data suggest that binding to this type of chimera does not correlate well with blocking potency on the native Kv1.3 channels. Therefore, we designed and successfully produced advanced KcsA-Kv1.3, KcsA-Kv1.1, and KcsA-Kv1.2 chimeric proteins in which both the turret and part of the filter regions of the human Kv1.x channels were transferred. These T+F (turret-filter) chimeras showed superior peptide ligand-binding predictivity compared to their T-only versions in novel phage ELISA assays. Phage ELISA binding and competition results supported with electrophysiological data confirmed that the filter region of KcsA-Kv1.x is essential for establishing adequate relative affinity order among selected peptide toxins (Vm24 toxin, Hongotoxin-1, Kaliotoxin-1, Maurotoxin, Stichodactyla toxin) and consequently obtaining more reliable selectivity data. These new findings provide a better screening tool for future drug development efforts and offer insight into the target-ligand interactions of these therapeutically relevant ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tibor Gábor Szántó
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Panyi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | | | | | | | - Norbert Gyöngyösi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Zavarzina II, Kuzmenkov AI, Dobrokhotov NA, Maleeva EE, Korolkova YV, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, Krylov NA, Vassilevski AA, Chugunov AO. The scorpion toxin BeKm-1 blocks hERG cardiac potassium channels using an indispensable arginine residue. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:889-901. [PMID: 38563123 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14850] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BeKm-1 is a peptide toxin from scorpion venom that blocks the pore of the potassium channel hERG (Kv11.1) in the human heart. Although individual protein structures have been resolved, the structure of the complex between hERG and BeKm-1 is unknown. Here, we used molecular dynamics and ensemble docking, guided by previous double-mutant cycle analysis data, to obtain an in silico model of the hERG-BeKm-1 complex. Adding to the previous mutagenesis study of BeKm-1, our model uncovers the key role of residue Arg20, which forms three interactions (a salt bridge and hydrogen bonds) with the channel vestibule simultaneously. Replacement of this residue even by lysine weakens the interactions significantly. In accordance, the recombinantly produced BeKm-1R20K mutant exhibited dramatically decreased activity on hERG. Our model may be useful for future drug design attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iana I Zavarzina
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | | | - Nikita A Dobrokhotov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | | | | | | | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nikolay A Krylov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton O Chugunov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
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3
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Xia Z, He D, Wu Y, Kwok HF, Cao Z. Scorpion venom peptides: Molecular diversity, structural characteristics, and therapeutic use from channelopathies to viral infections and cancers. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106978. [PMID: 37923027 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venom is an important evolutionary innovation in nature. As one of the most representative animal venoms, scorpion venom contains an extremely diverse set of bioactive peptides. Scorpion venom peptides not only are 'poisons' that immobilize, paralyze, kill, or dissolve preys but also become important candidates for drug development and design. Here, the review focuses on the molecular diversity of scorpion venom peptides, their typical structural characteristics, and their multiple therapeutic or pharmaceutical applications in channelopathies, viral infections and cancers. Especially, the group of scorpion toxin TRPTx targeting transient receptor potential (TRP) channels is systematically summarized and worthy of attention because TRP channels play a crucial role in the regulation of homeostasis and the occurrence of diseases in human. We also further establish the potential relationship between the molecular characteristics and functional applications of scorpion venom peptides to provide a research basis for modern drug development and clinical utilization of scorpion venom resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xia
- School of Biological and Food Processing Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Dangui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao.
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Krylov NA, Tabakmakher VM, Yureva DA, Vassilevski AA, Kuzmenkov AI. Kalium 3.0 is a comprehensive depository of natural, artificial, and labeled polypeptides acting on potassium channels. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4776. [PMID: 37682529 PMCID: PMC10578113 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4776] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Here, we introduce the third release of Kalium database (http://kaliumdb.org/), a manually curated comprehensive depository that accumulates data on polypeptide ligands of potassium channels. The major goal of this amplitudinous update is to summarize findings for natural polypeptide ligands of K+ channels, as well as data for the artificial derivatives of these substances obtained over the decades of exploration. We manually analyzed more than 700 original manuscripts and systematized the information on mutagenesis, production of radio- and fluorescently labeled derivatives, and the molecular pharmacology of K+ channel ligands. As a result, data on more than 1200 substances were processed and added enriching the database content fivefold. We also included the electrophysiological data obtained on the understudied and neglected K+ channels including the heteromeric and concatenated channels. We associated target channels in Kalium with corresponding entries in the official database of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. Kalium was supplemented with an adaptive Statistics page, where users are able to obtain actual data output. Several other improvements were introduced, such as a color code to distinguish the range of ligand activity concentrations and advanced tools for filtration and sorting. Kalium is a fully open-access database, crosslinked to other databases of interest. It can be utilized as a convenient resource containing ample up-to-date information about polypeptide ligands of K+ channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay A. Krylov
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
| | - Valentin M. Tabakmakher
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
- Institute of Life Sciences and BiomedicineFar Eastern Federal UniversityVladivostokRussia
| | - Daria A. Yureva
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
| | - Alexander A. Vassilevski
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University)MoscowRussia
| | - Alexey I. Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
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Mineev KS, Chernykh MA, Motov VV, Prudnikova DA, Pavlenko DM, Kuzmenkov AI, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, Vassilevski AA. A scorpion toxin affecting sodium channels shows double cis-trans isomerism. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2358-2368. [PMID: 37501371 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14705] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion α-toxins (α-NaTx) inhibiting the inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav ) are a well-studied family of small proteins. We previously showed that the structure of α-NaTx specificity module responsible for selective Nav binding is governed by an interplay between the nest and niche protein motifs. Here, we report the solution structure of the toxin Lqq4 from the venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus. Unexpectedly, we find that this toxin presents an ensemble of long-lived structurally distinct states. We unequivocally assign these states to the alternative configurations (cis-trans isomers) of two peptide bonds: V56-P57 and C17-G18; neither of the cis isomers has been described in α-NaTx so far. We argue that the native conformational space of α-NaTx is wider than assumed previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin S Mineev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A Chernykh
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladislav V Motov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Daria A Prudnikova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daniil M Pavlenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey I Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
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Kuzmenkov AI, Gigolaev AM, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, Vassilevski AA. Methionine-isoleucine dichotomy at a key position in scorpion toxins inhibiting voltage-gated potassium channels. Toxicon 2023; 231:107181. [PMID: 37301298 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107181] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have identified some key amino acid residues in scorpion toxins blocking potassium channels. In particular, the most numerous toxins belonging to the α-KTx family and affecting voltage-gated potassium channels (KV) present a conserved K-C-X-N motif in the C-terminal half of their sequence. Here, we show that the X position of this motif is almost always occupied by either methionine or isoleucine. We compare the activity of three pairs of peptides that differ just by this residue on a panel of KV1 channels and find that toxins bearing methionine affect preferentially KV1.1 and 1.6 isoforms. The refined K-C-M/I-N motif stands out as the principal structural element of α-KTx conferring high affinity and selectivity to KV channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey I Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
| | - Andrei M Gigolaev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | | | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
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Kalapothakis Y, Miranda K, Molina DAM, Conceição IMCA, Larangote D, Op den Camp HJM, Kalapothakis E, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Borges A. An overview of Tityus cisandinus scorpion venom: Transcriptome and mass fingerprinting reveal conserved toxin homologs across the Amazon region and novel lipolytic components. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 225:1246-1266. [PMID: 36427608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.11.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Tityus cisandinus, a neglected medically important scorpion in Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazonia, belongs to a complex of species related to the eastern Amazon endemic Tityus obscurus, spanning a distribution of ca. 4000 km. Despite high morbidity and mortality rates, no effective scorpion antivenom is currently available in the Amazon region. Knowledge of the structural/functional relationships between T. cisandinus venom components and those from related Amazonian species is crucial for designing region-specific therapeutic antivenoms. In this work, we carried out the first venom gland transcriptomic study of an Amazonian scorpion outside Brazil, T. cisandinus. We also fingerprinted its total venom through MALDI-TOF MS, which supported our transcriptomic findings. We identified and calculated the expression level of 94 components: 60 toxins, 25 metalloproteases, five disulfide isomerases, three amidating enzymes, one hyaluronidase, and also uncovered transcripts encoding novel lipolytic beta subunits produced by New World buthid scorpions. This study demonstrates the high similarity between T. cisandinus and T. obscurus venoms, reinforcing the existence of a neglected complex of genetically and toxinologically related Amazonian scorpions of medical importance. Finally, we demonstrated the low recognition of currently available therapeutic sera against T. cisandinus and T. obscurus venoms, and concluded that these should be improved to protect against envenomation by Amazonian Tityus spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Kelton Miranda
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Denis Alexis Molina Molina
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Izabela Mamede Costa Andrade Conceição
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Débora Larangote
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Huub J M Op den Camp
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, NL-6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP: 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adolfo Borges
- Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela; Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, CEDIC, Asunción 1255, Paraguay.
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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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Kuzmenkov AI, Peigneur S, Nasburg JA, Mineev KS, Nikolaev MV, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Arseniev AS, Wulff H, Tytgat J, Vassilevski AA. Apamin structure and pharmacology revisited. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:977440. [PMID: 36188602 PMCID: PMC9523135 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.977440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Apamin is often cited as one of the few substances selectively acting on small-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels (KCa2). However, published pharmacological and structural data remain controversial. Here, we investigated the molecular pharmacology of apamin by two-electrode voltage-clamp in Xenopus laevis oocytes and patch-clamp in HEK293, COS7, and CHO cells expressing the studied ion channels, as well as in isolated rat brain neurons. The microtitre broth dilution method was used for antimicrobial activity screening. The spatial structure of apamin in aqueous solution was determined by NMR spectroscopy. We tested apamin against 42 ion channels (KCa, KV, NaV, nAChR, ASIC, and others) and confirmed its unique selectivity to KCa2 channels. No antimicrobial activity was detected for apamin against Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria. The NMR solution structure of apamin was deposited in the Protein Data Bank. The results presented here demonstrate that apamin is a selective nanomolar or even subnanomolar-affinity KCa2 inhibitor with no significant effects on other molecular targets. The spatial structure as well as ample functional data provided here support the use of apamin as a KCa2-selective pharmacological tool and as a template for drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey I. Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Joshua A. Nasburg
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Konstantin S. Mineev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow Region, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Maxim V. Nikolaev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Alexander S. Arseniev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow Region, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander A. Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow Region, Dolgoprudny, Russia
- *Correspondence: Alexander A. Vassilevski,
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Pharmacological Screening of Venoms from Five Brazilian Micrurus Species on Different Ion Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147714. [PMID: 35887062 PMCID: PMC9318628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147714] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral snake venoms from the Micrurus genus are a natural library of components with multiple targets, yet are poorly explored. In Brazil, 34 Micrurus species are currently described, and just a few have been investigated for their venom activities. Micrurus venoms are composed mainly of phospholipases A2 and three-finger toxins, which are responsible for neuromuscular blockade—the main envenomation outcome in humans. Beyond these two major toxin families, minor components are also important for the global venom activity, including Kunitz-peptides, serine proteases, 5′ nucleotidases, among others. In the present study, we used the two-microelectrode voltage clamp technique to explore the crude venom activities of five different Micrurus species from the south and southeast of Brazil: M. altirostris, M. corallinus, M. frontalis, M. carvalhoi and M. decoratus. All five venoms induced full inhibition of the muscle-type α1β1δε nAChR with different levels of reversibility. We found M. altirostris and M. frontalis venoms acting as partial inhibitors of the neuronal-type α7 nAChR with an interesting subsequent potentiation after one washout. We discovered that M. altirostris and M. corallinus venoms modulate the α1β2 GABAAR. Interestingly, the screening on KV1.3 showed that all five Micrurus venoms act as inhibitors, being totally reversible after the washout. Since this activity seems to be conserved among different species, we hypothesized that the Micrurus venoms may rely on potassium channel inhibitory activity as an important feature of their envenomation strategy. Finally, tests on NaV1.2 and NaV1.4 showed that these channels do not seem to be targeted by Micrurus venoms. In summary, the venoms tested are multifunctional, each of them acting on at least two different types of targets.
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Borrego J, Feher A, Jost N, Panyi G, Varga Z, Papp F. Peptide Inhibitors of Kv1.5: An Option for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1303. [PMID: 34959701 PMCID: PMC8704205 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human voltage gated potassium channel Kv1.5 that conducts the IKur current is a key determinant of the atrial action potential. Its mutations have been linked to hereditary forms of atrial fibrillation (AF), and the channel is an attractive target for the management of AF. The development of IKur blockers to treat AF resulted in small molecule Kv1.5 inhibitors. The selectivity of the blocker for the target channel plays an important role in the potential therapeutic application of the drug candidate: the higher the selectivity, the lower the risk of side effects. In this respect, small molecule inhibitors of Kv1.5 are compromised due to their limited selectivity. A wide range of peptide toxins from venomous animals are targeting ion channels, including mammalian channels. These peptides usually have a much larger interacting surface with the ion channel compared to small molecule inhibitors and thus, generally confer higher selectivity to the peptide blockers. We found two peptides in the literature, which inhibited IKur: Ts6 and Osu1. Their affinity and selectivity for Kv1.5 can be improved by rational drug design in which their amino acid sequences could be modified in a targeted way guided by in silico docking experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Borrego
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Adam Feher
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Norbert Jost
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary;
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Research Group for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Zoltan Varga
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
| | - Ferenc Papp
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (J.B.); (A.F.); (G.P.); (Z.V.)
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12
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Sanches K, Wai DCC, Norton RS. Conformational dynamics in peptide toxins: Implications for receptor interactions and molecular design. Toxicon 2021; 201:127-140. [PMID: 34454969 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.08.020] [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: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Peptide toxins are potent and often exquisitely selective probes of the structure and function of ion channels and receptors, and are therefore of significant interest to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries as both pharmacological tools and therapeutic leads. The three-dimensional structures of peptide toxins are essential as a basis for understanding their structure-activity relationships and their binding to target receptors, as well as in guiding the design of analogues with modified potency and/or selectivity for key targets. NMR spectroscopy has played a key role in elucidating the structures of peptide toxins and probing their structure-function relationships. In this article, we highlight the additional important contribution of NMR to characterising the dynamics of peptide toxins. We also compare the information available from NMR measurements with that afforded by molecular dynamics simulations. We describe several examples of the importance of dynamics measurements over a range of timescales for understanding the structure-function relationships of peptide toxins and their receptor engagement. Peptide toxins that inhibit the voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 with pM affinities display different degrees of conformational flexibility, even though they contain multiple disulfide bonds, and this flexibility can affect the relative orientation of residues that have been shown to be critical for channel binding. Information on the dynamic properties of peptide toxins is important in the design of analogues or mimetics where receptor-bound structures are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Sanches
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
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13
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Lafnoune A, Lee SY, Heo JY, Gourja I, Darkaoui B, Abdelkafi-Koubaa Z, Chgoury F, Daoudi K, Chakir S, Cadi R, Mounaji K, Srairi-Abid N, Marrakchi N, Shum D, Seo HR, Oukkache N. Anti-Cancer Effect of Moroccan Cobra Naja haje Venom and Its Fractions against Hepatocellular Carcinoma in 3D Cell Culture. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13060402. [PMID: 34199838 PMCID: PMC8229680 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer in adults, the fifth most common malignancy worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer related death. An alternative to the surgical treatments and drugs, such as sorafenib, commonly used in medicine is necessary to overcome this public health problem. In this study, we determine the anticancer effect on HCC of Moroccan cobra Naja haje venom and its fraction obtained by gel filtration chromatography against Huh7.5 cancer cell line. Cells were grown together with WI38 human fibroblast cells, LX2 human hepatic stellate cell line, and human endothelial cells (HUVEC) in MCTS (multi-cellular tumor spheroids) models. The hepatotoxicity of venom and its fractions were also evaluated using the normal hepatocytes cell line (Fa2N-4 cells). Our results showed that an anti HCC activity of Moroccan cobra Naja haje venom and, more specifically, the F7 fraction of gel filtration chromatography exhibited the greatest anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect by decreasing the size of MCTS. This effect is associated with a low toxicity against normal hepatocytes. These results strongly suggest that the F7 fraction of Moroccan cobra Naja haje venom obtained by gel filtration chromatography possesses the ability to inhibit cancer cells proliferation. More research is needed to identify the specific molecule(s) responsible for the anticancer effect and investigate their mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayoub Lafnoune
- Laboratoire des Venins et Toxines, Département de Recherche, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20360, Morocco; (A.L.); (I.G.); (B.D.); (F.C.); (K.D.); (S.C.)
- Laboratoire Physiopathologie, Génétique Moléculaire & Biotechnologie, Faculté des Sciences Ain-Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 5366 Maarif, Casablanca 20000, Morocco; (R.C.); (K.M.)
| | - Su-Yeon Lee
- Cancer Biology Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil Bundang-gu, Seong-nam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (S.-Y.L.); (H.-R.S.)
| | - Jin-Yeong Heo
- Screening Discovery Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil Bundang-gu, Seong-nam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (J.-Y.H.); (D.S.)
| | - Imane Gourja
- Laboratoire des Venins et Toxines, Département de Recherche, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20360, Morocco; (A.L.); (I.G.); (B.D.); (F.C.); (K.D.); (S.C.)
| | - Bouchra Darkaoui
- Laboratoire des Venins et Toxines, Département de Recherche, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20360, Morocco; (A.L.); (I.G.); (B.D.); (F.C.); (K.D.); (S.C.)
- Laboratoire Physiopathologie, Génétique Moléculaire & Biotechnologie, Faculté des Sciences Ain-Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 5366 Maarif, Casablanca 20000, Morocco; (R.C.); (K.M.)
| | - Zaineb Abdelkafi-Koubaa
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques LR11IPT08, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, 13, Place Pasteur, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (Z.A.-K.); (N.S.-A.); (N.M.)
| | - Fatima Chgoury
- Laboratoire des Venins et Toxines, Département de Recherche, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20360, Morocco; (A.L.); (I.G.); (B.D.); (F.C.); (K.D.); (S.C.)
| | - Khadija Daoudi
- Laboratoire des Venins et Toxines, Département de Recherche, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20360, Morocco; (A.L.); (I.G.); (B.D.); (F.C.); (K.D.); (S.C.)
- Laboratoire Physiopathologie, Génétique Moléculaire & Biotechnologie, Faculté des Sciences Ain-Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 5366 Maarif, Casablanca 20000, Morocco; (R.C.); (K.M.)
| | - Salma Chakir
- Laboratoire des Venins et Toxines, Département de Recherche, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20360, Morocco; (A.L.); (I.G.); (B.D.); (F.C.); (K.D.); (S.C.)
| | - Rachida Cadi
- Laboratoire Physiopathologie, Génétique Moléculaire & Biotechnologie, Faculté des Sciences Ain-Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 5366 Maarif, Casablanca 20000, Morocco; (R.C.); (K.M.)
| | - Khadija Mounaji
- Laboratoire Physiopathologie, Génétique Moléculaire & Biotechnologie, Faculté des Sciences Ain-Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 5366 Maarif, Casablanca 20000, Morocco; (R.C.); (K.M.)
| | - Najet Srairi-Abid
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques LR11IPT08, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, 13, Place Pasteur, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (Z.A.-K.); (N.S.-A.); (N.M.)
| | - Naziha Marrakchi
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques LR11IPT08, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, 13, Place Pasteur, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (Z.A.-K.); (N.S.-A.); (N.M.)
| | - David Shum
- Screening Discovery Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil Bundang-gu, Seong-nam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (J.-Y.H.); (D.S.)
| | - Haeng-Ran Seo
- Cancer Biology Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil Bundang-gu, Seong-nam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (S.-Y.L.); (H.-R.S.)
| | - Naoual Oukkache
- Laboratoire des Venins et Toxines, Département de Recherche, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20360, Morocco; (A.L.); (I.G.); (B.D.); (F.C.); (K.D.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence:
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14
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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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15
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Tabakmakher VM, Gigolaev AM, Peigneur S, Krylov NA, Tytgat J, Chugunov AO, Vassilevski AA, Efremov RG. Potassium channel blocker crafted by α-hairpinin scaffold engineering. Biophys J 2021; 120:2471-2481. [PMID: 33932436 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The α-Hairpinins are a family of plant defense peptides with a common fold presenting two short α-helices stabilized by two invariant S-S-bridges. We have shown previously that substitution of just two amino acid residues in a wheat α-hairpinin Tk-AMP-X2 leads to Tk-hefu-2 that features specific affinity to voltage-gated potassium channels KV1.3. Here, we utilize a combined molecular modeling approach based on molecular dynamics simulations and protein surface topography technique to improve the affinity of Tk-hefu-2 to KV1.3 while preserving its specificity. An important advance of this work compared with our previous studies is transition from the analysis of various physicochemical properties of an isolated toxin molecule to its consideration in complex with its target, a membrane-bound ion channel. As a result, a panel of computationally designed Tk-hefu-2 derivatives was synthesized and tested against KV1.3. The most active mutant Tk-hefu-10 showed a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of ∼150 nM being >10 times more active than Tk-hefu-2 and >200 times more active than the original Tk-hefu. We conclude that α-hairpinins provide an attractive disulfide-stabilized scaffold for the rational design of ion channel inhibitors. Furthermore, the success rate can be considerably increased by the proposed "target-based" iterative strategy of molecular design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin M Tabakmakher
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Andrei M Gigolaev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nikolay A Krylov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anton O Chugunov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow State University, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Oblast, Russia
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow State University, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Oblast, Russia.
| | - Roman G Efremov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow State University, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Oblast, Russia
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16
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New Insectotoxin from Tibellus Oblongus Spider Venom Presents Novel Adaptation of ICK Fold. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13010029. [PMID: 33406803 PMCID: PMC7824768 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Tibellus oblongus spider is an active predator that does not spin webs and remains poorly investigated in terms of venom composition. Here, we present a new toxin, named Tbo-IT2, predicted by cDNA analysis of venom glands transcriptome. The presence of Tbo-IT2 in the venom was confirmed by proteomic analyses using the LC-MS and MS/MS techniques. The distinctive features of Tbo-IT2 are the low similarity of primary structure with known animal toxins and the unusual motif of 10 cysteine residues distribution. Recombinant Tbo-IT2 (rTbo-IT2), produced in E. coli using the thioredoxin fusion protein strategy, was structurally and functionally studied. rTbo-IT2 showed insecticidal activity on larvae of the housefly Musca domestica (LD100 200 μg/g) and no activity on the panel of expressed neuronal receptors and ion channels. The spatial structure of the peptide was determined in a water solution by NMR spectroscopy. The Tbo-IT2 structure is a new example of evolutionary adaptation of a well-known inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) fold to 5 disulfide bonds configuration, which determines additional conformational stability and gives opportunities for insectotoxicity and probably some other interesting features.
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17
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Primak AL, Skutel MA, Nekrasova OV, Arseniev AS, Kirpichnikov MP, Feofanov AV. Kv1 Potassium Channel Ligands Based on Hongotoxin 1 and Red Fluorescent Protein. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162020060266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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18
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Activation of voltage-gated sodium channels by BmK NT1 augments NMDA receptor function through Src family kinase signaling pathway in primary cerebellar granule cell cultures. Neuropharmacology 2020; 180:108291. [PMID: 32931812 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are responsible for the generation and propagation of action potentials in excitable cells and are the molecular targets of an array of neurotoxins. BmK NT1, an α-scorpion toxin obtained from the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK), produces neurotoxicity that is associated with extracellular Ca2+ influx through Na+-Ca2+ exchangers, N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors, and L-type Ca2+ channels in cultured cerebellar granule cells (CGCs). In the present study, we demonstrated that BmK NT1 triggered concentration-dependent release of excitatory neurotransmitters, glutamate and aspartate; both effects were eliminated by VGSC blocker, tetrodotoxin. More importantly, we demonstrated that a threshold concentration of BmK NT1 that produced marginal Ca2+ influx and neuronal death augmented glutamate-induced Ca2+ elevation and neuronal death in CGCs. BmK NT1-augmented glutamate-induced Ca2+ influx and neuronal death were suppressed by tetrodotoxin and MK-801 suggesting that the augmentation was through activation of VGSCs and NMDA receptors. Consistently, BmK NT1 also enhanced NMDA-induced Ca2+ influx. Further mechanistic investigations demonstrated that BmK NT1 increased the expression level of NMDA receptors on the plasma membrane and increased the phosphorylation level of NR2B at Tyr1472. Src family kinase inhibitor, 1-tert-butyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-yl]amine (PP2), but not the inactive analogue, 4-amino-1-phenylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP3), eliminated BmK NT1-triggered NR2B phosphorylation, NMDA receptor trafficking, as well as BmK NT1-augmented NMDA Ca2+ response and neuronal death. Considered together, these data demonstrated that both presynaptic (excitatory amino acid release) and postsynaptic mechanisms (augmentation of NMDA receptor function) are critical for VGSC activation-induced neurotoxicity in primary CGC cultures.
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19
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Reynaud S, Ciolek J, Degueldre M, Saez NJ, Sequeira AF, Duhoo Y, Brás JLA, Meudal H, Cabo Díez M, Fernández Pedrosa V, Verdenaud M, Boeri J, Pereira Ramos O, Ducancel F, Vanden Driessche M, Fourmy R, Violette A, Upert G, Mourier G, Beck-Sickinger AG, Mörl K, Landon C, Fontes CMGA, Miñambres Herráiz R, Rodríguez de la Vega RC, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, Quinton L, De Pauw E, Vincentelli R, Servent D, Gilles N. A Venomics Approach Coupled to High-Throughput Toxin Production Strategies Identifies the First Venom-Derived Melanocortin Receptor Agonists. J Med Chem 2020; 63:8250-8264. [PMID: 32602722 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Animal venoms are rich in hundreds of toxins with extraordinary biological activities. Their exploitation is difficult due to their complexity and the small quantities of venom available from most venomous species. We developed a Venomics approach combining transcriptomic and proteomic characterization of 191 species and identified 20,206 venom toxin sequences. Two complementary production strategies based on solid-phase synthesis and recombinant expression in Escherichia coli generated a physical bank of 3597 toxins. Screened on hMC4R, this bank gave an incredible hit rate of 8%. Here, we focus on two novel toxins: N-TRTX-Preg1a, exhibiting an inhibitory cystine knot (ICK) motif, and N-BUTX-Ptr1a, a short scorpion-CSαβ structure. Neither N-TRTX-Preg1a nor N-BUTX-Ptr1a affects ion channels, the known targets of their toxin scaffolds, but binds to four melanocortin receptors with low micromolar affinities and activates the hMC1R/Gs pathway. Phylogenetically, these two toxins form new groups within their respective families and represent novel hMC1R agonists, structurally unrelated to the natural agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Reynaud
- Université Paris-Sud, 15 Rue Georges Clemenceau, Orsay 91405 France.,Université Paris Saclay, CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191 France
| | - Justyna Ciolek
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191 France
| | - Michel Degueldre
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Université de Liège, Allée du six Aout 11, Quartier Agora, Liege 4000 Belgium.,Department of Analytical Science Biologicals, UCB, Chemin du Foriest, Braine L'Alleud 1420 Belgium
| | - Natalie J Saez
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, Campus de Luminy, Marseille 13288 France.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, QLD, Australia
| | - Ana Filipa Sequeira
- Universidade de Lisboa, CIISA - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa 1300-477 Portugal.,NZYTech Lda, Genes & Enzymes, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, Campus do Lumiar, Edifício E - R/C, Lisboa 1649-038 Portugal
| | - Yoan Duhoo
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, Campus de Luminy, Marseille 13288 France.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, QLD, Australia
| | - Joana L A Brás
- Universidade de Lisboa, CIISA - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa 1300-477 Portugal.,NZYTech Lda, Genes & Enzymes, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, Campus do Lumiar, Edifício E - R/C, Lisboa 1649-038 Portugal
| | - Hervé Meudal
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, rue Charles Sadron, Orléans 45071 France
| | - Miguel Cabo Díez
- Next-Generation Sequencing Laboratory, Sistemas Genómicos Ltd., Ronda de Guglielmo Marconi, 6, Paterna 46980 Spain
| | - Victoria Fernández Pedrosa
- Next-Generation Sequencing Laboratory, Sistemas Genómicos Ltd., Ronda de Guglielmo Marconi, 6, Paterna 46980 Spain
| | - Marion Verdenaud
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191 France
| | - Julia Boeri
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191 France
| | - Oscar Pereira Ramos
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191 France
| | - Frédéric Ducancel
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, Département IDMIT, 18 route du Panorama, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Margot Vanden Driessche
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191 France
| | - Rudy Fourmy
- Alphabiotoxine Laboratory sprl, Barberie 15, Montroeul-au-bois 7911 Belgium
| | - Aude Violette
- Alphabiotoxine Laboratory sprl, Barberie 15, Montroeul-au-bois 7911 Belgium
| | - Grégory Upert
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191 France
| | - Gilles Mourier
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191 France
| | | | - Karin Mörl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Universitat Leipzig, Leipzig 04103 Germany
| | - Céline Landon
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, rue Charles Sadron, Orléans 45071 France
| | - Carlos M G A Fontes
- Universidade de Lisboa, CIISA - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa 1300-477 Portugal.,NZYTech Lda, Genes & Enzymes, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, Campus do Lumiar, Edifício E - R/C, Lisboa 1649-038 Portugal
| | - Rebeca Miñambres Herráiz
- Next-Generation Sequencing Laboratory, Sistemas Genómicos Ltd., Ronda de Guglielmo Marconi, 6, Paterna 46980 Spain
| | | | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Herestraat 49, Leuven 3000 Belgium
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Herestraat 49, Leuven 3000 Belgium
| | - Loïc Quinton
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Université de Liège, Allée du six Aout 11, Quartier Agora, Liege 4000 Belgium
| | - Edwin De Pauw
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Université de Liège, Allée du six Aout 11, Quartier Agora, Liege 4000 Belgium
| | - Renaud Vincentelli
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, Campus de Luminy, Marseille 13288 France
| | - Denis Servent
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191 France
| | - Nicolas Gilles
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette 91191 France
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20
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Gigolaev AM, Kuzmenkov AI, Peigneur S, Tabakmakher VM, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Chugunov AO, Efremov RG, Tytgat J, Vassilevski AA. Tuning Scorpion Toxin Selectivity: Switching From K V1.1 to K V1.3. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1010. [PMID: 32733247 PMCID: PMC7358528 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium channels (KVs) perform vital physiological functions and are targets in different disorders ranging from ataxia and arrhythmia to autoimmune diseases. An important issue is the search for and production of selective ligands of these channels. Peptide toxins found in scorpion venom named KTx excel in both potency and selectivity with respect to some potassium channel isoforms, which may present only minute differences in their structure. Despite several decades of research the molecular determinants of KTx selectivity are still poorly understood. Here we analyze MeKTx13-3 (Kalium ID: α-KTx 3.19) from the lesser Asian scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus, a high-affinity KV1.1 blocker (IC50 ~2 nM); it also affects KV1.2 (IC50 ~100 nM), 1.3 (~10 nM) and 1.6 (~60 nM). By constructing computer models of its complex with KV1.1-1.3 channels we identify specific contacts between the toxin and the three isoforms. We then perform mutagenesis to disturb the identified contacts with KV1.1 and 1.2 and produce recombinant MeKTx13-3_AAAR, which differs by four amino acid residues from the parent toxin. As predicted by the modeling, this derivative shows decreased activity on KV1.1 (IC50 ~550 nM) and 1.2 (~200 nM). It also has diminished activity on KV1.6 (~1500 nM) but preserves KV1.3 affinity as measured using the voltage-clamp technique on mammalian channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In effect, we convert a selective KV1.1 ligand into a new specific KV1.3 ligand. MeKTx13-3 and its derivatives are attractive tools to study the structure-function relationship in potassium channel blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei M Gigolaev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey I Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Valentin M Tabakmakher
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | | | - Anton O Chugunov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Applied Mathematics, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Roman G Efremov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Applied Mathematics, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
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21
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Díaz-García A, Varela D. Voltage-Gated K +/Na + Channels and Scorpion Venom Toxins in Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:913. [PMID: 32655396 PMCID: PMC7325878 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels have recently been recognized as novel therapeutic targets in cancer research since they are overexpressed in different histological tissues, and their activity is linked to proliferation, tumor progression, angiogenesis, metastasis, and apoptosis. Voltage gated-potassium channels (VGKC) are involved in cell proliferation, cancer progression, cell cycle transition, and apoptosis. Moreover, voltage-dependent sodium channels (VGSC) contribute to decreases in extracellular pH, which, in turn, promotes cancer cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, VGSC and VGKC modulate voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel activity by controlling the membrane potential and regulating Ca2+ influx, which functions as a second messenger in processes related to proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis. The subgroup of these types of channels that have shown a high oncogenic potential have become known as “oncochannels”, and the evidence has highlighted them as key potential therapeutic targets. Scorpion venoms contain a high proportion of peptide toxins that act by modulating voltage-gated Na+/K+ channel activity. Increasing scientific data have pointed out that scorpion venoms and their toxins can affect the activity of oncochannels, thus showing their potential for anticancer therapy. In this review, we provide an update of the most relevant voltage-gated Na+\K+ ion channels as cellular targets and discuss the possibility of using scorpion venom and toxins for anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Díaz-García
- LifEscozul Chile SpA, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego Varela
- Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Program of Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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22
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Zou X, Wang Y, Yu Y, He J, Zhao F, Xi C, Zhang C, Cao Z. BmK NSP, a new sodium channel activator from Buthus martensii Karsch, promotes neurite outgrowth in primary cultured spinal cord neurons. Toxicon 2020; 182:13-20. [PMID: 32353571 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.04.096] [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: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom is a rich source of bioactive compounds that affect neuronal excitability by modulating the activities of various channels/receptors. In the current study, guided by a Ca2+ mobilization assay, we purified a new neuroactive peptide designated as BmK NSP (Buthus martensii Karsch neurite-stimulating peptide, MW: 7064.30 Da). The primary structure of BmK NSP was determined by Edman degradation. BmK NSP concentration-dependently elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) with an EC50 value of 4.18 μM in primary cultured spinal cord neurons (SCNs). Depletion of extracellular Ca2+ abolished BmK NSP-triggered Ca2+ response. Moreover, we demonstrated that BmK NSP-induced Ca2+ response was partially suppressed by the inhibitors of L-type Ca2+ channels, Na+-Ca2+ exchangers and NMDA receptors and was abolished by voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) blocker, tetrodotoxin. Whole-cell patch clamp recording demonstrated that BmK NSP delayed VGSC inactivation (EC50 = 1.10 μM) in SCNs. BmK NSP enhanced neurite outgrowth in a non-monotonic manner that peaked at ~30 nM in SCNs. BmK NSP-promoted neurite outgrowth was suppressed by the inhibitors of L-type Ca2+ channels, NMDA receptors, and VGSCs. Considered together, these data demonstrate that BmK NSP is a new α-scorpion toxin that enhances neurite outgrowth through main routes of Ca2+ influx. Modulation of VGSC activity by α-scorpion toxin might represent a novel strategy to regulate the neurogenesis in SCNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Zou
- Department of TCM Pharmacology, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Yujing Wang
- Department of TCM Pharmacology, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Yiyi Yu
- Department of TCM Pharmacology, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of TCM Pharmacology, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- Department of TCM Pharmacology, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
| | - Chuchu Xi
- Department of TCM Pharmacology, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Supervision & Inspection Center of Green & Degradable Materials, Nanjing Institute of Product Quality Inspection, No. 3 E. Jialingjiang Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210019, China
| | - Zhengyu Cao
- Department of TCM Pharmacology, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
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23
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Boldrini-França J, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Peigneur S, Pucca MB, Cerni FA, Borges RJ, Costa TR, Carone SEI, Fontes MRDM, Sampaio SV, Arantes EC, Tytgat J. Beyond hemostasis: a snake venom serine protease with potassium channel blocking and potential antitumor activities. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4476. [PMID: 32161292 PMCID: PMC7066243 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61258-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venom serine proteases (SVSPs) are complex and multifunctional enzymes, acting primarily on hemostasis. In this work, we report the hitherto unknown inhibitory effect of a SVSP, named collinein-1, isolated from the venom of Crotalus durissus collilineatus, on a cancer-relevant voltage-gated potassium channel (hEAG1). Among 12 voltage-gated ion channels tested, collinein-1 selectively inhibited hEAG1 currents, with a mechanism independent of its enzymatic activity. Corroboratively, we demonstrated that collinein-1 reduced the viability of human breast cancer cell line MCF7 (high expression of hEAG1), but does not affect the liver carcinoma and the non-tumorigenic epithelial breast cell lines (HepG2 and MCF10A, respectively), which present low expression of hEAG1. In order to obtain both functional and structural validation of this unexpected discovery, where an unusually large ligand acts as an inhibitor of an ion channel, a recombinant and catalytically inactive mutant of collinein-1 (His43Arg) was produced and found to preserve its capability to inhibit hEAG1. A molecular docking model was proposed in which Arg79 of the SVSP 99-loop interacts directly with the potassium selectivity filter of the hEAG1 channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johara Boldrini-França
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,University of Vila Velha, Av. Comissário José Dantas de Melo, 21, Boa Vista II, 29102-920, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil
| | - Ernesto Lopes Pinheiro-Junior
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, O&N II Herestraat 49, PO 922, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, O&N II Herestraat 49, PO 922, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manuela Berto Pucca
- Medical School of Roraima, Federal University of Roraima, Av. Capitão Ene Garcez, 2413, Bairro Aeroporto, 69310-970, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - Felipe Augusto Cerni
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Junqueira Borges
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Prof. Dr. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, 250, 18618-689, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Tássia Rafaella Costa
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Sante Emmanuel Imai Carone
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Roberto de Mattos Fontes
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Prof. Dr. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, 250, 18618-689, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Suely Vilela Sampaio
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, O&N II Herestraat 49, PO 922, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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24
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Li S, Sunchen S, He D, Qin C, Zuo Z, Shen B, Cao Z, Hong W, Miao L. ImKTx96, a peptide blocker of the Kv1.2 ion channel from the venom of the scorpion Isometrus maculates. Peptides 2020; 123:170172. [PMID: 31626826 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.170172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains diverse bioactive peptides that can recognize and interact with membrane proteins such as ion channels. These natural toxins are believed to be useful tools for exploring the structure and function of ion channels. In this study, we characterized a K+-channel toxin gene, ImKTx96, from the venom gland cDNA library of the scorpion Isometrus maculates. The peptide deduced from the ImKTx96 precursor nucleotide sequence contains a signal peptide of 27 amino acid residues and a mature peptide of 29 residues with three disulfide bridges. Multiple sequence alignment indicated that ImKTx96 is similar with the scorpion toxins that typically target K+-channels. The recombined ImKTx96 peptide (rImKTx96) was expressed in the Escherichia coli system, and purified by GST-affinity chromatography and RP-HPLC. Results from whole-cell patch-clamp experiments revealed that rImKTx96 can inhibit the current of the Kv1.2 ion channel expressed in HEK293 cells. The 3D structure of ImKTx96 was constructed by molecular modeling, and the complex formed by ImKTx96 interacting with the Kv1.2 ion channel was obtained by molecular docking. Based on its structural features and pharmacological functions, ImKTx96 was identified as one member of K+-channel scorpion toxin α-KTx10 group and may be useful as a molecular probe for investigating the structure and function of the Kv1.2 ion channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sipian Li
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Shuwen Sunchen
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Dangui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Chenhu Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Zheng Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Bingzheng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China; Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research, Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Wei Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China.
| | - Lixia Miao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China.
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25
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Díaz C, Rivera J, Lomonte B, Bonilla F, Diego-García E, Camacho E, Tytgat J, Sasa M. Venom characterization of the bark scorpion Centruroides edwardsii (Gervais 1843): Composition, biochemical activities and in vivo toxicity for potential prey. Toxicon 2019; 171:7-19. [PMID: 31585140 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we characterize the venom of Centruroides edwardsii, one of the most abundant scorpions in urban and rural areas of Costa Rica, in terms of its biochemical constituents and their biological activities. C. edwardsii venom is rich in peptides but also contains some higher molecular weight protein components. No phospholipase A2, hemolytic or fibrinogenolytic activities were found, but the presence of proteolytic and hyaluronidase enzymes was evidenced by zymography. Venom proteomic analysis indicates the presence of a hyaluronidase, several cysteine-rich secretory proteins, metalloproteinases and a peptidylglycine α-hydroxylating monooxygenase like-enzyme. It also includes peptides similar to the K+-channel blocker margatoxin, a dominant toxin in the venom of the related scorpion C. margaritatus. MS and N-terminal sequencing analysis also reveals the presence of Na+-channel-modulating peptides with sequence similarity to orthologs present in other scorpion species of the genera Centruroides and Tityus. We purified the hyaluronidase (which co-eluted with an allergen 5-like CRiSP) and sequenced ~60% of this enzyme. We also sequenced some venom gland transcripts that include other cysteine-containing peptides and a Non-Disulfide Bridged Peptide (NDBP). Our in vivo experiments characterizing the effects on potential predators and prey show that C. edwardsii venom induces paralysis in several species of arthropods and geckos; crickets being the most sensitive and cockroaches and scorpions the most resistant organisms tested. Envenomation signs were also observed in mice, but no lethality was reached by intraperitoneal administration of this venom up to 120 μg/g body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Díaz
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica; Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - Jennifer Rivera
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Fabián Bonilla
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Elia Diego-García
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Belgium
| | - Erika Camacho
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Belgium
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica; Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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26
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Berkut AA, Chugunov AO, Mineev KS, Peigneur S, Tabakmakher VM, Krylov NA, Oparin PB, Lihonosova AF, Novikova EV, Arseniev AS, Grishin EV, Tytgat J, Efremov RG, Vassilevski AA. Protein surface topography as a tool to enhance the selective activity of a potassium channel blocker. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:18349-18359. [PMID: 31533989 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Tk-hefu is an artificial peptide designed based on the α-hairpinin scaffold, which selectively blocks voltage-gated potassium channels Kv1.3. Here we present its spatial structure resolved by NMR spectroscopy and analyze its interaction with channels using computer modeling. We apply protein surface topography to suggest mutations and increase Tk-hefu affinity to the Kv1.3 channel isoform. We redesign the functional surface of Tk-hefu to better match the respective surface of the channel pore vestibule. The resulting peptide Tk-hefu-2 retains Kv1.3 selectivity and displays ∼15 times greater activity compared with Tk-hefu. We verify the mode of Tk-hefu-2 binding to the channel outer vestibule experimentally by site-directed mutagenesis. We argue that scaffold engineering aided by protein surface topography represents a reliable tool for design and optimization of specific ion channel ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonina A Berkut
- M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton O Chugunov
- M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; National Research University Higher School of Economics, 101000 Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Konstantin S Mineev
- M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valentin M Tabakmakher
- M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690950 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Nikolay A Krylov
- M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; National Research University Higher School of Economics, 101000 Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter B Oparin
- M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alyona F Lihonosova
- National Research University Higher School of Economics, 101000 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina V Novikova
- M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Alexander S Arseniev
- M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Eugene V Grishin
- M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roman G Efremov
- M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; National Research University Higher School of Economics, 101000 Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia.
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia.
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27
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Juichi H, Miyashita M, Nakagawa Y, Miyagawa H. Isolation and characterization of the insecticidal, two-domain toxin LaIT3 from the Liocheles australasiae scorpion venom. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2019; 83:2183-2189. [PMID: 31448688 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2019.1654849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A novel insecticidal peptide (LaIT3) was isolated from the Liocheles australasiae venom. The primary structure of LaIT3 was determined by a combination of Edman degradation and MS/MS de novo sequencing analysis. Discrimination between Leu and Ile in MS/MS analysis was achieved based on the difference in side chain fragmentation assisted by chemical derivatization. LaIT3 was determined to be an 84-residue peptide with three intrachain disulfide bonds. The sequence similarity search revealed that LaIT3 belongs to the scorpine-like peptides consisting of two structural domains: an N-terminal α-helical domain and a C-terminal cystine-stabilized domain. As observed for most of the scorpine-like peptides, LaIT3 showed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, which is likely to be caused by its membrane-disrupting property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Juichi
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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28
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Morales Duque H, Campos Dias S, Franco OL. Structural and Functional Analyses of Cone Snail Toxins. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17060370. [PMID: 31234371 PMCID: PMC6628382 DOI: 10.3390/md17060370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone snails are marine gastropod mollusks with one of the most powerful venoms in nature. The toxins, named conotoxins, must act quickly on the cone snails´ prey due to the fact that snails are extremely slow, reducing their hunting capability. Therefore, the characteristics of conotoxins have become the object of investigation, and as a result medicines have been developed or are in the trialing process. Conotoxins interact with transmembrane proteins, showing specificity and potency. They target ion channels and ionotropic receptors with greater regularity, and when interaction occurs, there is immediate physiological decompensation. In this review we aimed to evaluate the structural features of conotoxins and the relationship with their target types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Morales Duque
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF 70.790-160, Brazil.
| | - Simoni Campos Dias
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF 70.790-160, Brazil.
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF 70.790-160, Brazil.
- S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande-MS 79.117-900, Brazil.
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29
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Tabakmakher VM, Krylov NA, Kuzmenkov AI, Efremov RG, Vassilevski AA. Kalium 2.0, a comprehensive database of polypeptide ligands of potassium channels. Sci Data 2019; 6:73. [PMID: 31133708 PMCID: PMC6536513 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-019-0074-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels are the most diverse group of ion channels in humans. They take vital parts in numerous physiological processes and their malfunction gives rise to a range of pathologies. In addition to small molecules, there is a wide selection of several hundred polypeptide ligands binding to potassium channels, the majority of which have been isolated from animal venoms. Until recently, only scorpion toxins received focused attention being systematically assembled in the manually curated Kalium database, but there is a diversity of well-characterized potassium channel ligands originating from other sources. To address this issue, here we present the updated and improved Kalium 2.0 that covers virtually all known polypeptide ligands of potassium channels and reviews all available pharmacological data. In addition to an expansion, we have introduced several new features to the database including posttranslational modification annotation, indication of ligand mode of action, BLAST search, and possibility of data export.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin M Tabakmakher
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, 690950, Russia
| | - Nikolay A Krylov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
- National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, 101000, Russia
| | - Alexey I Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Roman G Efremov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
- National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, 101000, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Moscow Oblast, 141700, Russia
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Moscow Oblast, 141700, Russia.
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30
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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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Tobassum S, Tahir HM, Arshad M, Zahid MT, Ali S, Ahsan MM. Nature and applications of scorpion venom: an overview. TOXIN REV 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2018.1530681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saadia Tobassum
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Arshad
- Department of Zoology, University of Education Lower Mall Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Shaukat Ali
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
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Juichi H, Ando R, Ishido T, Miyashita M, Nakagawa Y, Miyagawa H. Chemical synthesis of a two-domain scorpion toxin LaIT2 and its single-domain analogs to elucidate structural factors important for insecticidal and antimicrobial activities. J Pept Sci 2018; 24:e3133. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Juichi
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Ryo Ando
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Takafumi Ishido
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Masahiro Miyashita
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nakagawa
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Hisashi Miyagawa
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
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K V1.2 channel-specific blocker from Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom: Structural basis of selectivity. Neuropharmacology 2018; 143:228-238. [PMID: 30248306 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom is an unmatched source of selective high-affinity ligands of potassium channels. There is a high demand for such compounds to identify and manipulate the activity of particular channel isoforms. The objective of this study was to obtain and characterize a specific ligand of voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.2. As a result, we report the remarkable selectivity of the peptide MeKTx11-1 (α-KTx 1.16) from Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom to this channel isoform. MeKTx11-1 is a high-affinity blocker of KV1.2 (IC50 ∼0.2 nM), while its activity against KV1.1, KV1.3, and KV1.6 is 10 000, 330 and 45 000 fold lower, respectively, as measured using the voltage-clamp technique on mammalian channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Two substitutions, G9V and P37S, convert MeKTx11-1 to its natural analog MeKTx11-3 (α-KTx 1.17) having 15 times lower activity and reduced selectivity to KV1.2. We produced MeKTx11-1 and MeKTx11-3 as well as their mutants MeKTx11-1(G9V) and MeKTx11-1(P37S) recombinantly and demonstrated that point mutations provide an intermediate effect on selectivity. Key structural elements that explain MeKTx11-1 specificity were identified by molecular modeling of the toxin-channel complexes. Confirming our molecular modeling predictions, site-directed transfer of these elements from the pore region of KV1.2 to KV1.3 resulted in the enhanced sensitivity of mutant KV1.3 channels to MeKTx11-1. We conclude that MeKTx11-1 may be used as a selective tool in neurobiology.
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34
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Ortiz E, Possani LD. Scorpion toxins to unravel the conundrum of ion channel structure and functioning. Toxicon 2018; 150:17-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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35
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Kuzmenkov AI, Vassilevski AA. Labelled animal toxins as selective molecular markers of ion channels: Applications in neurobiology and beyond. Neurosci Lett 2018; 679:15-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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36
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Islam SMA, Kearney CM, Baker EJ. Assigning biological function using hidden signatures in cystine-stabilized peptide sequences. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9049. [PMID: 29899538 PMCID: PMC5998126 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystine-stabilized peptides have great utility as they naturally block ion channels, inhibit acetylcholine receptors, or inactivate microbes. However, only a tiny fraction of these peptides has been characterized. Exploration for novel peptides most efficiently starts with the identification of candidates from genome sequence data. Unfortunately, though cystine-stabilized peptides have shared structures, they have low DNA sequence similarity, restricting the utility of BLAST and even more powerful sequence alignment-based annotation algorithms, such as PSI-BLAST and HMMER. In contrast, a supervised machine learning approach may improve discovery and function assignment of these peptides. To this end, we employed our previously described m-NGSG algorithm, which utilizes hidden signatures embedded in peptide primary sequences that define and categorize structural or functional classes of peptides. From the generalized m-NGSG framework, we derived five specific models that categorize cystine-stabilized peptide sequences into specific functional classes. When compared with PSI-BLAST, HMMER and existing function-specific models, our novel approach (named CSPred) consistently demonstrates superior performance in discovery and function-assignment. We also report an interactive version of CSPred, available through download ( https://bitbucket.org/sm_islam/cystine-stabilized-proteins/src ) or web interface (watson.ecs.baylor.edu/cspred), for the discovery of cystine-stabilized peptides of specific function from genomic datasets and for genome annotation. We fully describe, in the Availability section following the Discussion, the quick and simple usage of the CsPred website to automatically deliver function assignments for batch submissions of peptide sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Ashiqul Islam
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, 76798, USA
| | - Christopher Michel Kearney
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, 76798, USA.,Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, 76798, USA
| | - Erich J Baker
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, 76798, USA. .,Department of Computer Science, Baylor University, Waco, 76798, USA.
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37
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38
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Al-Asmari AK, Riyasdeen A, Islam M. Scorpion Venom Causes Upregulation of p53 and Downregulation of Bcl-x L and BID Protein Expression by Modulating Signaling Proteins Erk 1/2 and STAT3, and DNA Damage in Breast and Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines. Integr Cancer Ther 2018; 17:271-281. [PMID: 28438053 PMCID: PMC6041906 DOI: 10.1177/1534735417704949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms efficiently block the normal neurotransmitter signaling pathway by prejudicing the ion channel operating mechanism in the body system. Besides its negative effect, venoms also possess some beneficial qualities for humans. They have also been shown to exhibit anticancer properties in various cancer types. This unique property of the venom as an anticancer agent is mainly a result of its role in initiating apoptosis and inhibiting several signaling cascade mechanisms that promote cancer cell proliferation and growth. In this study, we examine the effect of venom on phenotypic changes as well as changes at the molecular levels in colorectal and breast cancer cell lines. A dramatic decrease in cell invasion was observed in both cancer cell lines on venom treatment. Additionally, there was decrease in IL-6, RhoC, Erk1/2, and STAT3 in venom-treated cell lines, providing strong evidence of its anticancer properties. Furthermore, decrease in the expression of antiapoptotic proteins and also upregulation of proapoptotic ones by these lines were observed on venom treatment. Moreover, a vivid picture of DNA damage was also detected on venom treatment. In conclusion, scorpion venom possesses significant potential as an anticancer agent against colorectal and breast cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mozaffarul Islam
- Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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39
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Pennington MW, Czerwinski A, Norton RS. Peptide therapeutics from venom: Current status and potential. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 26:2738-2758. [PMID: 28988749 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Peptides are recognized as being highly selective, potent and relatively safe as potential therapeutics. Peptides isolated from the venom of different animals satisfy most of these criteria with the possible exception of safety, but when isolated as single compounds and used at appropriate concentrations, venom-derived peptides can become useful drugs. Although the number of venom-derived peptides that have successfully progressed to the clinic is currently limited, the prospects for venom-derived peptides look very optimistic. As proteomic and transcriptomic approaches continue to identify new sequences, the potential of venom-derived peptides to find applications as therapeutics, cosmetics and insecticides grows accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrzej Czerwinski
- Peptides International, Inc., 11621 Electron Drive, Louisville, KY 40299, USA
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 381 Royal Parade, Monash University, Parkville, 3052, Australia
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40
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Jiménez-Vargas JM, Possani LD, Luna-Ramírez K. Arthropod toxins acting on neuronal potassium channels. Neuropharmacology 2017; 127:139-160. [PMID: 28941737 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Arthropod venoms are a rich mixture of biologically active compounds exerting different physiological actions across diverse phyla and affecting multiple organ systems including the central nervous system. Venom compounds can inhibit or activate ion channels, receptors and transporters with high specificity and affinity providing essential insights into ion channel function. In this review, we focus on arthropod toxins (scorpions, spiders, bees and centipedes) acting on neuronal potassium channels. A brief description of the K+ channels classification and structure is included and a compendium of neuronal K+ channels and the arthropod toxins that modify them have been listed. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Juana María Jiménez-Vargas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Karen Luna-Ramírez
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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41
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Venom-derived peptide inhibitors of voltage-gated potassium channels. Neuropharmacology 2017; 127:124-138. [PMID: 28689025 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium channels play a key role in human physiology and pathology. Reflecting their importance, numerous channelopathies have been characterised that arise from mutations in these channels or from autoimmune attack on the channels. Voltage-gated potassium channels are also the target of a broad range of peptide toxins from venomous organisms, including sea anemones, scorpions, spiders, snakes and cone snails; many of these peptides bind to the channels with high potency and selectivity. In this review we describe the various classes of peptide toxins that block these channels and illustrate the broad range of three-dimensional structures that support channel blockade. The therapeutic opportunities afforded by these peptides are also highlighted. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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42
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Xiao M, Ding L, Yang W, Chai L, Sun Y, Yang X, Li D, Zhang H, Li W, Cao Z, Wu Y, Li J, Li S, Chen Z. St20, a new venomous animal derived natural peptide with immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities. Toxicon 2017; 127:37-43. [PMID: 28077339 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Peptide toxins from venomous animals are natural resources with diverse biological functions and therapeutic potential towards human diseases. For venomous scorpions, many valuable peptide toxins have been discovered from Buthidae scorpions, but few works were done about non-buthidae scorpions. Here, we cloned and characterized the first disulfide-bridged toxin peptide St20 from the non-buthidae scorpion Scorpiops tibetanus. St20 has a putative 23-residue signal peptide, followed by a presumed 34-residue mature peptide including 8 cysteines. Sequence alignments and structural analysis suggested that St20 is a new member of α-KTx23 scorpion toxin subfamily with a conserved CSα/β structural fold. Functional studies showed that St20 inhibited human T lymphocyte surface marker CD69 expression and cytokine IL-2 secretion. Beside this, St20 inhibited two important pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IFN-γ secretion in the activated human T lymphocyte. Animal experiments showed that the delayed-type hypersensitivity response in rat autoimmune disease model was ameliorated in the present of peptide toxin St20. Together, our results showed that St20 is the first disulfide-bridged toxin peptide from the non-buthidae scorpion Scorpiops tibetanus with immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities, suggesting that toxins from non-buthidae scorpions might be a new source of peptide drug discovery towards human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xiao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Li Ding
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Weishan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Lin Chai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Yuwen Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Xianyi Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Dandan Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Shan Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China.
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43
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Landa-Juárez AY, Ortiz MI, Castañeda-Hernández G, Chávez-Piña AE. Participation of potassium channels in the antinociceptive effect of docosahexaenoic acid in the rat formalin test. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 793:95-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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44
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Nekrasova O, Kudryashova K, Fradkov A, Yakimov S, Savelieva M, Kirpichnikov M, Feofanov A. Straightforward approach to produce recombinant scorpion toxins-Pore blockers of potassium channels. J Biotechnol 2016; 241:127-135. [PMID: 27914892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom peptide blockers (KTx) of potassium channels are a valuable tool for structure-functional studies and prospective candidates for medical applications. Low yields of recombinant KTx hamper their wide application. We developed convenient and efficient bioengineering approach to a large-scale KTx production that meets increasing demands for such peptides. Maltose-binding protein was used as a carrier for cytoplasmic expression of folded disulfide-rich KTx in E. coli. TEV protease was applied for in vitro cleavage of the target peptide from the carrier. To produce KTx with retained native N-terminal sequence, the last residue of TEV protease cleavage site (CSTEV) was occupied by the native N-terminal residue of a target peptide. It was shown that decreased efficiency of hydrolysis of fusion proteins with non-canonical CSTEV can be overcome without by-product formation. Disulfide formation and folding of a target peptide occurred in cytoplasm eliminating the need for renaturation procedure in vitro. Advantages of this approach were demonstrated by producing six peptides with three disulfide bonds related to four KTx sub-families and achieving peptide yields of 12-22mg per liter of culture. The developed approach can be of general use for low-cost production of various KTx, as well as other disulfide-rich peptides and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Nekrasova
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, Moscow, 119992, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ksenia Kudryashova
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, Moscow, 119992, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Arkadiy Fradkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Yakimov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Savelieva
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, Moscow, 119992, Russia
| | - Mikhail Kirpichnikov
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, Moscow, 119992, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Feofanov
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, Moscow, 119992, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
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45
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Fluorescent protein-scorpion toxin chimera is a convenient molecular tool for studies of potassium channels. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33314. [PMID: 27650866 PMCID: PMC5030662 DOI: 10.1038/srep33314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels play a central role in a host of physiological and pathological processes and are the second largest target for existing drugs. There is an increasing need for reliable tools to detect and visualize particular ion channels, but existing solutions suffer from a number of limitations such as high price, poor specificity, and complicated protocols. As an alternative, we produced recombinant chimeric constructs (FP-Tx) consisting of fluorescent proteins (FP) fused with potassium channel toxins from scorpion venom (Tx). In particular, we used two FP, eGFP and TagRFP, and two Tx, OSK1 and AgTx2, to create eGFP-OSK1 and RFP-AgTx2. We show that these chimeras largely retain the high affinity of natural toxins and display selectivity to particular ion channel subtypes. FP-Tx are displaced by other potassium channel blockers and can be used as an imaging tool in ion channel ligand screening setups. We believe FP-Tx chimeras represent a new efficient molecular tool for neurobiology.
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Kuzmenkov AI, Krylov NA, Chugunov AO, Grishin EV, Vassilevski AA. Kalium: a database of potassium channel toxins from scorpion venom. DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION 2016; 2016:baw056. [PMID: 27087309 PMCID: PMC4834203 DOI: 10.1093/database/baw056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Kalium (http://kaliumdb.org/) is a manually curated database that accumulates data on potassium channel toxins purified from scorpion venom (KTx). This database is an open-access resource, and provides easy access to pages of other databases of interest, such as UniProt, PDB, NCBI Taxonomy Browser, and PubMed. General achievements of Kalium are a strict and easy regulation of KTx classification based on the unified nomenclature supported by researchers in the field, removal of peptides with partial sequence and entries supported by transcriptomic information only, classification of β-family toxins, and addition of a novel λ-family. Molecules presented in the database can be processed by the Clustal Omega server using a one-click option. Molecular masses of mature peptides are calculated and available activity data are compiled for all KTx. We believe that Kalium is not only of high interest to professional toxinologists, but also of general utility to the scientific community. Database URL: http://kaliumdb.org/
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey I Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Nikolay A Krylov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia Joint Supercomputer Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Anton O Chugunov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Eugene V Grishin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
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