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Wang X, Luo H, Peng X, Chen J. Spider and scorpion knottins targeting voltage-gated sodium ion channels in pain signaling. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116465. [PMID: 39102991 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116465] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
In sensory neurons that transmit pain signals, whether acute or chronic, voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are crucial for regulating excitability. NaV1.1, NaV1.3, NaV1.6, NaV1.7, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9 have been demonstrated and defined their functional roles in pain signaling based on their biophysical properties and distinct patterns of expression in each subtype of sensory neurons. Scorpions and spiders are traditional Chinese medicinal materials, belonging to the arachnid class. Most of the studied species of them have evolved venom peptides that exhibit a wide variety of knottins specifically targeting VGSCs with subtype selectivity and conformational specificity. This review provides an overview on the exquisite knottins from scorpion and spider venoms targeting pain-related NaV channels, describing the sequences and the structural features as well as molecular determinants that influence their selectivity on special subtype and at particular conformation, with an aim for the development of novel research tools on NaV channels and analgesics with minimal adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiting Wang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
| | - Huan Luo
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
| | - Xiaozhen Peng
- School of Public Health & Laboratory Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China.
| | - Jinjun Chen
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Mechanics and Function Analysis, Changsha 418000, China.
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2
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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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Chen W, Chen R, Zheng M, Li D, Lu L. Protective effect of scorpion venom oligopeptides in human umbilical vein endothelial cells under benzo(α)pyrene exposure. Nat Prod Res 2023:1-8. [PMID: 37746838 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2261609] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation and oxidative stress play pivotal role in the process of atherosclerosis. Scorpion venom is widely used as anti-cancer agent, however, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of scorpion venom peptides (SVPs) are rarely explored. In the current study, seven novel SVPs were isolated in a protective activity tracking isolation method in a cell model of benzo(α)pyrene (BaP)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The current study showed that SVP-1 [Tyr-Thr-Trp-Glu-Ala] significantly attenuated BaP-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) over-production and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, NO and PGE2) over-expression. Furthermore, SVP-1 attenuated BaP-induced adhesion molecules over-expression and inhibited the NF-κB and AhR signalling pathways activation. Collectively, the present study, for the first time, shows that SVPs inhibit the NF-κB and AhR signalling pathways in HUVECs under BaP-exposure, which strongly suggests the therapeutic potential of SVPs against atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ruimin Chen
- The 960th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Jinan, China
| | - Man Zheng
- Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, China
| | - Daixu Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- The Fourth People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Lin Lu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Jing D, Zhao Q, Zhao Y, Lu X, Feng Y, Zhao B, Zhao X. Management of pain in patients with bone metastases. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1156618. [PMID: 37007073 PMCID: PMC10063159 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1156618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) has a considerable impact on patients’ quality of life as well as physical and mental health. At present, patients with CIBP are managed according to the three-step analgesic therapy algorithm proposed by the World Health Organization. Opioids are commonly used as the first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe cancer pain but are limited due to addiction, nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal side effects. Moreover, opioids have a limited analgesic effect in some patients. In order to optimize the management of CIBP, we must first identify the underlying mechanisms. In some patients, surgery, or surgery combined with radiotherapy or radiofrequency ablation is the first step in the management of CIBP. Various clinical studies have shown that anti-nerve growth factor (NGF) antibodies, bisphosphonates, or RANKL inhibitors can reduce the incidence and improve the management of cancer pain. Herein, we review the mechanisms of cancer pain and potential therapeutic strategies to provide insights for optimizing the management of CIBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doudou Jing
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Endocrine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yibo Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiangdong Lu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Zhao, ; Xiaofeng Zhao,
| | - Xiaofeng Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Zhao, ; Xiaofeng Zhao,
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Jo HG, Seo J, Lee D. Clinical evidence construction of East Asian herbal medicine for inflammatory pain in rheumatoid arthritis based on integrative data mining approach. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106460. [PMID: 36152738 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to a significant social burden. East Asian herbal medicine (EAHM) has long been used to treat RA. Therefore, a systematic study of how EAHM treatments can be developed into new drugs using specific materials is needed. METHODS Eleven databases containing literature in English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing EAHM with conventional medicine (CM). A meta-analysis was performed on the variable data to assess their effects on inflammatory pain. Subsequently, we searched for core materials and combinations of core material-based data mining methods. RESULTS A total of 186 trials involving 19,716 patients with RA met the inclusion criteria. According to the meta-analysis, EAHM had a significantly superior effect on continuous pain intensity, tender joint count, and response rate. Patients treated with EAHM had a significantly reduced incidence of adverse events compared with those treated with CM. Based on additional analysis of the EAHM formula data included in this meta-analysis, 21 core materials and five core herbal combinations were identified. CONCLUSION EAHM remedies for RA have the adequate potential for use as candidate materials for treating inflammatory pain in RA. The candidate core herbs evaluated in this study act on multiple pathways and are expected to provide pain relief, sustained inflammation suppression, immune regulation, and prevention of joint destruction. It seems worthwhile to conduct follow-up research on drug development using the core materials derived from this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Geun Jo
- BS Healthcare Co., Ltd., 11 Teheran-ro 33-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06141, Republic of Korea; Allbarun Kyunghee Korean Medicine Clinic, 18, Pungmu-ro 146-gil, Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Herbal Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnamdae-ro, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jihye Seo
- BS Healthcare Co., Ltd., 11 Teheran-ro 33-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06141, Republic of Korea; Allbarun Kyunghee Korean Medicine Clinic, 18, Pungmu-ro 146-gil, Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Herbal Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnamdae-ro, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghun Lee
- BS Healthcare Co., Ltd., 11 Teheran-ro 33-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06141, Republic of Korea; Allbarun Kyunghee Korean Medicine Clinic, 18, Pungmu-ro 146-gil, Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Herbal Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnamdae-ro, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Majc B, Novak M, Lah TT, Križaj I. Bioactive peptides from venoms against glioma progression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:965882. [PMID: 36119523 PMCID: PMC9476555 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.965882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms are complex mixtures of different molecules and ions. Among them, bioactive peptides have been found to affect cancer hallmarks, such as cell proliferation, cell invasion, cell migration, and can also modulate the immune response of normal and cancer-bearing organisms. In this article, we review the mechanisms of action on these cancer cell features, focusing on bioactive peptides being developed as potential therapeutics for one of the most aggressive and deadly brain tumors, glioblastoma (GB). Novel therapeutic approaches applying bioactive peptides may contribute to multiple targeting of GB and particularly of GB stem cells. Bioactive peptides selectively target cancer cells without harming normal cells. Various molecular targets related to the effects of bioactive peptides on GB have been proposed, including ion channels, integrins, membrane phospholipids and even immunomodulatory treatment of GB. In addition to therapy, some bioactive peptides, such as disintegrins, can also be used for diagnostics or are used as labels for cytotoxic drugs to specifically target cancer cells. Given the limitations described in the last section, successful application in cancer therapy is rather low, as only 3.4% of such peptides have been included in clinical trials and have passed successfully phases I to III. Combined approaches of added bioactive peptides to standard cancer therapies need to be explored using advanced GB in vitro models such as organoids. On the other hand, new methods are also being developed to improve translation from research to practice and provide new hope for GB patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernarda Majc
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Bernarda Majc, ; Igor Križaj,
| | - Metka Novak
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara T. Lah
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Križaj
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Bernarda Majc, ; Igor Križaj,
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You X, Wu Y, Li Q, Sheng W, Zhou Q, Fu W. Astragalus–Scorpion Drug Pair Inhibits the Development of Prostate Cancer by Regulating GDPD4-2/PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway and Autophagy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:895696. [PMID: 35847007 PMCID: PMC9277392 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.895696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Prostate cancer (PCa) is an epithelial malignancy of the prostate that currently lacks effective treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can play an anticancer role through regulating the immune system, anti-tumor angiogenesis, regulating tumor cell apoptosis, autophagy dysfunction, and other mechanisms. This study attempted to explore the active ingredients and potential mechanism of action of the Astragalus–Scorpion (A–S) drug pair in PCa, in order to provide new insights into the treatment of PCa. Methods: Network pharmacology was used to analyze the A–S drug pair and PCa targets. Bioinformatics analysis was used to analyze the LncRNAs with significant differences in PCa. The expression of LC3 protein was detected by immunofluorescence. CCK8 was used to detect cell proliferation. The expressions of GDPD4-2, AC144450.1, LINC01513, AC004009.2, AL096869.1, AP005210.1, and BX119924.1 were detected by RT-qPCR. The expression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy-related proteins were detected by western blot. LC-MS/MS was used to identify the active components of Astragalus and Scorpion. Results: A–S drug pair and PCa have a total of 163 targets, which were mainly related to the prostate cancer and PI3K/AKT pathways. A–S drug pair inhibited the formation of PCa, promoted the expression of LC3Ⅱ and Beclin1 proteins, and inhibited the expression of P62 and PI3K–AKT pathway proteins in PCa mice. Astragaloside IV and polypeptide extract from scorpion venom (PESV) were identified as the main active components of the A–S drug pair. GDPD4-2 was involved in the treatment of PCa by Astragaloside IV-PESV. Silencing GDPD4-2 reversed the therapeutic effects of Astragaloside IV-PESV by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Conclusion: Astragaloside IV-PESV is the main active components of A–S drug pair treated PCa by regulating the GDPD4-2/PI3K–AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xujun You
- Graduate School of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Department of Andrology, Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongrong Wu
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Qixin Li
- Department of Andrology, Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wen Sheng
- Andrology Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Qing Zhou, ; Wei Fu,
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of Andrology, Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Qing Zhou, ; Wei Fu,
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Martinez-Mora E, Arredondo-Espinoza E, Casillas-Vega NG, Cantu-Cardenas ME, Balderas-Renteria I, Zarate X. The Small Metal-Binding Protein SmbP Improves the Expression and Purification of the Recombinant Antitumor-Analgesic Peptide from the Chinese Scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch in Escherichia coli. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:550-558. [PMID: 35723324 PMCID: PMC8929023 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44020038] [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: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently shown that SmbP, the small metal-binding protein of Nitrosomonas europaea, can be employed as a fusion protein to express and purify recombinant proteins and peptides in Escherichia coli. SmbP increases solubility, allows simple, one-step purification through affinity chromatography, and provides superior final yields due to its low molecular weight. In this work, we report for the first time the use of SmbP to produce a recombinant peptide with anticancer activity: the antitumor-analgesic peptide (BmK-AGAP), a neurotoxin isolated from the venom of the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch. This peptide was expressed in Escherichia coli SHuffle for correct, cytoplasmic, disulfide bond formation and tagged with SmbP at the N-terminus to improve its solubility and allow purification using immobilized metal affinity chromatography. SmbP_BmK-AGAP was found in the soluble fraction of the cell lysate. After purification and removal of SmbP by digestion with enterokinase, 1.8 mg of pure and highly active rBmK-AGAP was obtained per liter of cell culture. rBmK-AGAP exhibited antiproliferative activity on the MCF-7 cancer cell line, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration value of 7.24 μM. Based on these results, we considered SmbP to be a suitable carrier protein for the production of recombinant, biologically active BmK-AGAP. We propose that SmbP should be an attractive fusion protein for the expression and purification of additional recombinant proteins or peptides that display anticancer activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Martinez-Mora
- Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Av. Universidad s/n, Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza 66455, Mexico; (E.M.-M.); (E.A.-E.); (M.E.C.-C.); (I.B.-R.)
| | - Eder Arredondo-Espinoza
- Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Av. Universidad s/n, Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza 66455, Mexico; (E.M.-M.); (E.A.-E.); (M.E.C.-C.); (I.B.-R.)
| | - Nestor G. Casillas-Vega
- Departamento de Patologia Clinica, Hospital Universitario Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 64460, Mexico;
| | - Maria Elena Cantu-Cardenas
- Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Av. Universidad s/n, Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza 66455, Mexico; (E.M.-M.); (E.A.-E.); (M.E.C.-C.); (I.B.-R.)
| | - Isaias Balderas-Renteria
- Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Av. Universidad s/n, Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza 66455, Mexico; (E.M.-M.); (E.A.-E.); (M.E.C.-C.); (I.B.-R.)
| | - Xristo Zarate
- Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Av. Universidad s/n, Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza 66455, Mexico; (E.M.-M.); (E.A.-E.); (M.E.C.-C.); (I.B.-R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-818-329-4000 (ext. 3444)
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Diochot S. Pain-related toxins in scorpion and spider venoms: a face to face with ion channels. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210026. [PMID: 34925480 PMCID: PMC8667759 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a common symptom induced during envenomation by spiders and scorpions.
Toxins isolated from their venom have become essential tools for studying the
functioning and physiopathological role of ion channels, as they modulate their
activity. In particular, toxins that induce pain relief effects can serve as a
molecular basis for the development of future analgesics in humans. This review
provides a summary of the different scorpion and spider toxins that directly
interact with pain-related ion channels, with inhibitory or stimulatory effects.
Some of these toxins were shown to affect pain modalities in different animal
models providing information on the role played by these channels in the pain
process. The close interaction of certain gating-modifier toxins with membrane
phospholipids close to ion channels is examined along with molecular approaches
to improve selectivity, affinity or bioavailability in vivo for
therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Diochot
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7275 et Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), 06560 Valbonne, France. Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Université Côte d'Azur Valbonne France
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Giribaldi J, Smith JJ, Schroeder CI. Recent developments in animal venom peptide nanotherapeutics with improved selectivity for cancer cells. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 50:107769. [PMID: 33989705 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venoms are a rich source of bioactive peptides that efficiently modulate key receptors and ion channels involved in cellular excitability to rapidly neutralize their prey or predators. As such, they have been a wellspring of highly useful pharmacological tools for decades. Besides targeting ion channels, some venom peptides exhibit strong cytotoxic activity and preferentially affect cancer over healthy cells. This is unlikely to be driven by an evolutionary impetus, and differences in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment are probably behind the serendipitous selectivity shown by some venom peptides. However, strategies such as bioconjugation and nanotechnologies are showing potential to improve their selectivity and potency, thereby paving the way to efficiently harness new anticancer mechanisms offered by venom peptides. This review aims to highlight advances in nano- and chemotherapeutic tools and prospective anti-cancer drug leads derived from animal venom peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Giribaldi
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jennifer J Smith
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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