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Borges A, Lomonte B. Venomics of Leiurus abdullahbayrami, the most lethal scorpion in the Levant region of the Middle East. Toxicon 2024; 237:107548. [PMID: 38065256 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The scorpion Leiurus abdullahbayrami has been associated with severe/lethal envenomings throughout the Levant region of the Middle East, encompassing Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon, and only scarce information is available on its venom composition, activity, and antigenicity. We report on the composition of L. abdullahbayrami venom collected from Lebanese specimens using nESI-MS/MS, MALDI-TOF MS, SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC. Venom lethality, through LD50 determination in mice (intraperitoneal), was also assessed (0.75 (0.16-1.09) mg/kg), confirming L.abdullahbayrami venom vertebrate toxicity. Fifty-four peaks were detected using RP-HPLC, half of which eluted in the gradient region between 20 and 40% acetonitrile. In reducing SDS-PAGE, most predominant components were <10 kDa, with minor components at higher molecular masses of 24.4, 43.1, and 48.9 kDa. Venom mass fingerprint by MALDI-TOF detected 21 components within the 1000-12,000 m/z range. Whole venom 'shotgun' bottom-up nLC-MS/MS approach, combined with in-gel tryptic digestion of SDS-PAGE bands, identified at least 113 different components belonging to 15 venom families and uncharacterized proteins, with ion channel-active components (K+ channel toxins (28); Na+ channel toxins (42); Cl- channel toxins (4); Ca+2 toxins (2)) being predominant. A single match for a L. adbullahbayrami NaTx was found in the UniProt database with other congeneric species, toxin h3.1 from Leiurus hebraeus, suggesting this might be an indication of venom divergence within Leiurus, eventhough this warrants further investigation involving venom proteomics and transcriptomics of relevant species. Considering such potential interspecific venom variation, future work should address whether preparation of a specific anti-L. abdullahbayrami antivenom is justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Borges
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, Manduvirá 635, Asunción, 1255, Paraguay; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas 50587, Venezuela.
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501, Costa Rica
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Nasr S, Borges A, Sahyoun C, Nasr R, Roufayel R, Legros C, Sabatier JM, Fajloun Z. Scorpion Venom as a Source of Antimicrobial Peptides: Overview of Biomolecule Separation, Analysis and Characterization Methods. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1380. [PMID: 37760677 PMCID: PMC10525675 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091380] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms have long captivated scientific researchers, primarily due to the potency and specificity of the mechanism of action of their derived components. Among other molecules, these venoms contain highly active compounds, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and ion channel-specific components that selectively target biological receptors with remarkable affinity. Some of these receptors have emerged as prime therapeutic targets for addressing various human pathologies, including cancer and infectious diseases, and have served as models for designing novel drugs. Consequently, extensive biochemical and proteomic investigations have focused on characterizing scorpion venoms. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the key methodologies used in the extraction, purification, analysis, and characterization of AMPs and other bioactive molecules present in scorpion venoms. Noteworthy techniques such as gel electrophoresis, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and "omics" approaches are explored, along with various combinations of methods that enable bioassay-guided venom fractionation. Furthermore, this review presents four adapted proteomic workflows that lead to the comprehensive dissection of the scorpion venom proteome, with an emphasis on AMPs. These workflows differ based on whether the venom is pre-fractionated using separation techniques or is proteolytically digested directly before further proteomic analyses. Since the composition and functionality of scorpion venoms are species-specific, the selection and sequence of the techniques for venom analyses, including these workflows, should be tailored to the specific parameters of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nasr
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (S.N.); (C.S.)
| | - Adolfo Borges
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Toxinas y Receptores, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 50587, Venezuela;
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, Asunción 1255, Paraguay
| | - Christina Sahyoun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (S.N.); (C.S.)
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Team 2 CarMe, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Riad Nasr
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Public Health 3, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1200, Lebanon;
| | - Rabih Roufayel
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Christian Legros
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Team 2 CarMe, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (S.N.); (C.S.)
- Faculty of Sciences 3, Department of Biology, Lebanese University, Campus Michel Slayman Ras Maska, Tripoli 1352, Lebanon
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Çevik YN. A Fast Method for Detection of Fake Venoms and Investigation of Interspecies Variation Using Venoms of Androctonus, Buthus, and Leiurus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) Species. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 52:1701-1710. [PMID: 37744546 PMCID: PMC10512148 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v52i8.13408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Background Within the scorpion family Buthidae, some of the most dangerous venomous genera are Androctonus (A), Buthus (B), and Leiurus (L). This venom is valuable raw material for numerous therapeutic formulations because of its pharmacological potential; however, because of its high prices in the global market, fake "venom mixes" are being made to market illegally, and it is important that these unknown mixes be evaluated. A fast and accurate response to the request for this identification is necessary. Method This study was conducted in Turkey in 2022. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a linear positive-ionization mode was used for identification of scorpion species. The mass spectra of the three scorpion venoms were examined in detail. The peptide and protein profiles in the venoms of congenerous three scorpion venoms and the proportional differences in these venoms were investigated. For interspecific variation, a principal component analysis of all venoms was conducted, and variance values and distance-proximity indices were determined. Results The top three peptide masses in the highest relative abundance for A. australis, B. mardochei, and L. quinquestriatus quinquestriatus, respectively, were 6901, 7431, and 7447; 4238, 5283, and 4055; and 3828, 7868, and 6799 Da. While the variance rate between A. australis and the other two venoms was 40%, this rate was 38% between B. mordochei and L. quinquestriatus quinquestriatus venoms. Conclusion A very simple protocol of species identification using scorpion venom samples was created using recent advances in MALDI-TOF MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Numanoğlu Çevik
- Microbiology Reference Laboratory and Biological Products Department, Ministry of Health, General Directorate of Public Health, Ankara, Turkey
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The Activity of Metalloproteases and Serine Proteases in Various Organs after Leiurus macroctenus Envenomation. J Toxicol 2023; 2023:5262729. [PMID: 36860404 PMCID: PMC9970711 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5262729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Scorpion stings may be life-threatening since their venoms are comprised of a wide range of toxins and other bioactive molecules, such as enzymes. At the same time, scorpion envenomation may increase matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) levels, which enhance proteolytic tissue destruction by venom. However, investigations on the impact of many scorpions' venoms, such as those of Leiurus macroctenus, on tissue proteolytic activity and MMP levels have not yet been conducted. Methods and Results The present study aimed to examine the total proteolysis levels in various organs after Leiurus macroctenus envenomation and evaluate the metalloproteases and serine proteases' contributions to the total proteolytic activity. Changes in MMPs and TIMP-1 levels were tested as well. Envenomation led to a significant increase in proteolytic activity levels in all assessed organs, mostly in the heart (by 3.34 times) and lungs (by 2.25 times). Conclusions Since EDTA presence showed a noticeable decrease in total proteolytic activity level, metalloproteases appeared to play a prominent role in total proteolytic activity. At the same time, MMPs and TIMP-1 levels were increased in all assessed organs, suggesting that Leiurus macroctenus envenomation causes systemic envenomation, which may induce multiple organ abnormalities, mostly because of the uncontrolled metalloprotease activity.
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Amorim-Carmo B, Parente AMS, Souza ES, Silva-Junior AA, Araújo RM, Fernandes-Pedrosa MF. Antimicrobial Peptide Analogs From Scorpions: Modifications and Structure-Activity. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:887763. [PMID: 35712354 PMCID: PMC9197468 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.887763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of multidrug-resistant pathogens against conventional antibiotics is a global public health problem. The irrational use of antibiotics has promoted therapeutic limitations against different infections, making research of new molecules that can be applied to treat infections necessary. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of promising antibiotic molecules as they present broad action spectrum, potent activity, and do not easily induce resistance. Several AMPs from scorpion venoms have been described as a potential source for the development of new drugs; however, some limitations to their application are also observed. Here, we describe strategies used in several approaches to optimize scorpion AMPs, addressing their primary sequence, biotechnological potential, and characteristics that should be considered when developing an AMP derived from scorpion venoms. In addition, this review may contribute towards improving the understanding of rationally designing new molecules, targeting functional AMPs that may have a therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Amorim-Carmo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Adriana M. S. Parente
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Eden S. Souza
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arnóbio A. Silva-Junior
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Renata M. Araújo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Matheus F. Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Matheus F. Fernandes-Pedrosa,
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Bermúdez-Guzmán MJ, Jiménez-Vargas JM, Possani LD, Zamudio F, Orozco-Gutiérrez G, Oceguera-Contreras E, Enríquez-Vara JN, Vazquez-Vuelvas OF, García-Villalvazo PE, Valdez-Velázquez LL. Biochemical characterization and insecticidal activity of isolated peptides from the venom of the scorpion Centruroides tecomanus. Toxicon 2022; 206:90-102. [PMID: 34973996 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.12.015] [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: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The venom of scorpions is a mixture of components that constitute a source of bioactive molecules. The venom of the scorpion Centruroides tecomanus contains peptides toxic to insects, however, to date no toxin responsible for this activity has yet been isolated and fully characterized. This communication describes two new peptides Ct-IT1 and Ct-IT2 purified from this scorpion. Both peptides contain 63 amino acids with molecular weight 6857.85 for Ct-IT1 and 6987.77 Da for Ct-IT2. The soluble venom was separated using chromatographic techniques of molecular size exclusion, cationic exchange, and reverse phase chromatography, allowing the identification of at least 99 components of which in 53 the insecticidal activity was evaluated. The LD50 determined for Ct-IT1 is 3.81 μg/100 mg of cricket weight, but low amounts of peptides (0.8 μg of peptide) already cause paralysis in crickets. The relative abundance of these two peptides in the venom is 2.1% for Ct-IT1 and 1% for Ct-IT2. The molecular masses and N-terminal sequences of both insecticidal toxins were determined by mass spectrometry and Edman degradation. The primary structure of both toxins was compared with other known peptides isolated from other scorpion venoms. The analysis of the sequence alignments revealed the position of a highly conserved amino acid residue, Gly39, exclusively present in anti-insect selective depressant β-toxins (DBTXs), which in Ct-IT1 and Ct-IT2 is at position Gly40. Similarly, a three-dimensional structure of this toxins was obtained by homology modeling and compared to the structure of known insect toxins of scorpions. An important similarity of the cavity formed by the trapping apparatus region of the depressant toxin LqhIT2, isolated from the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus, was found in the toxins described here. These results indicate that Ct-IT1 and Ct-IT2 toxins have a high potential to be evaluated on pests that affect economically important crops to eventually consider them as a potential biological control method.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Bermúdez-Guzmán
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Km. 9 Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán, C.P. 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México; Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Km. 35 Carretera Colima-Manzanillo, C.P. 28100, Tecomán, Colima, México
| | - J M Jiménez-Vargas
- CONACYT-Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Km. 9 Carretera-Coquimatlán, C.P. 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | - L D Possani
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, C.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - F Zamudio
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, C.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - G Orozco-Gutiérrez
- Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Km. 35 Carretera Colima-Manzanillo, C.P. 28100, Tecomán, Colima, México
| | - E Oceguera-Contreras
- Centro Universitario de los Valles, Universidad de Guadalajara, Km. 45.5 Carretera Guadalajara-Ameca, Ameca, Jalisco, México
| | - J N Enríquez-Vara
- CONACYT-Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco A.C., Camino Arenero 1227, Col. El Bajío C.P. 45019, Zapopan, Jalisco, México
| | - O F Vazquez-Vuelvas
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Km. 9 Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán, C.P. 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | - P E García-Villalvazo
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Km. 9 Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán, C.P. 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | - L L Valdez-Velázquez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Km. 9 Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán, C.P. 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México.
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Santhosh KN, Pavana D, Shruthi BR, Thippeswamy NB. Protein profile of scorpion venom from Hottentotta rugiscutis and its immunogenic potential in inducing long term memory response. Toxicon 2022; 205:71-78. [PMID: 34826434 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.11.121] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The scorpions of the Buthidae family exhibit diverse toxins with proven pharmacological activities and yet underexplored. The Hottentotta rugiscutis is a commonly found south-Indian buthid scorpion, whose venom proteomic profile is unknown. In this study, the venom was biochemically and immunologically characterized by SDS-PAGE, MALDI-TOF MS, Western blot and ELISA. The regional and seasonal variation in the venom composition from the same species was also assessed at the molecular mass level. The venom was further studied in albino mice to understand its impact on various blood parameters. The venom has varied MW proteins from 6 to 275 kDa, four of them were found to be major immunodominant proteins. The mass spectra have revealed that some proteins are predominantly present in the venom of 3-4.5 kDa or 6.5-8.0 kDa, which could be the K+ or Na+ channel blockers respectively whose ratio varied by season. The obtained venom-mass spectra could also be used as H. rugiscutis specific finger-print in identifying the region-specific species. The venom was found to elicit a stress-induced innate immune response in mice, giving rise to a strong Th2 mediated humoral immune response. Overall, this study has provided a glimpse of the venom composition and its immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kambaiah Nagaraj Santhosh
- Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Microbiology, Jnana Sahyadri Campus, Kuvempu University, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India.
| | - Dattatreya Pavana
- Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Microbiology, Jnana Sahyadri Campus, Kuvempu University, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India.
| | - Balakrishna Rao Shruthi
- Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Microbiology, Jnana Sahyadri Campus, Kuvempu University, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India.
| | - Nayaka Boramuthi Thippeswamy
- Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Microbiology, Jnana Sahyadri Campus, Kuvempu University, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India.
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Insuasti‐Cruz E, Suárez‐Jaramillo V, Mena Urresta KA, Pila‐Varela KO, Fiallos‐Ayala X, Dahoumane SA, Alexis F. Natural Biomaterials from Biodiversity for Healthcare Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101389. [PMID: 34643331 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Natural biomaterials originating during the growth cycles of all living organisms have been used for many applications. They span from bioinert to bioactive materials including bioinspired ones. As they exhibit an increasing degree of sophistication, natural biomaterials have proven suitable to address the needs of the healthcare sector. Here the different natural healthcare biomaterials, their biodiversity sources, properties, and promising healthcare applications are reviewed. The variability of their properties as a result of considered species and their habitat is also discussed. Finally, some limitations of natural biomaterials are discussed and possible future developments are provided as more natural biomaterials are yet to be discovered and studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Insuasti‐Cruz
- School of Biological Sciences & Engineering Yachay Tech University Urcuquí 100119 Ecuador
| | | | | | - Kevin O. Pila‐Varela
- School of Biological Sciences & Engineering Yachay Tech University Urcuquí 100119 Ecuador
| | - Xiomira Fiallos‐Ayala
- School of Biological Sciences & Engineering Yachay Tech University Urcuquí 100119 Ecuador
| | - Si Amar Dahoumane
- Department of Chemical Engineering Polytech Montreal Montreal Quebec H3C 3A7 Canada
- Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality (CAWAQ) Lamar University Beaumont TX 77710 USA
| | - Frank Alexis
- School of Biological Sciences & Engineering Yachay Tech University Urcuquí 100119 Ecuador
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Daoudi K, Malosse C, Lafnoune A, Darkaoui B, Chakir S, Sabatier JM, Chamot-Rooke J, Cadi R, Oukkache N. Mass spectrometry-based top-down and bottom-up approaches for proteomic analysis of the Moroccan Buthus occitanus scorpion venom. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:1867-1892. [PMID: 33715301 PMCID: PMC8255848 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Buthus occitanus (B. occitanus) is one of the most dangerous scorpions in the world. Despite the involvement of B. occitanus scorpion in severe cases of envenomation in Morocco, no study has focused yet on the proteomic composition of the Moroccan B. occitanus scorpion venom. Mass spectrometry‐based proteomic techniques are commonly used in the study of scorpion venoms. The implementation of top‐down and bottom‐up approaches for proteomic analyses facilitates screening by allowing a global view of the structural aspects of such complex matrices. Here, we provide a partial overview of the venom of B. occitanus scorpion, in order to explore the diversity of its toxins and hereafter understand their effects. To this end, a combination of top‐down and bottom‐up approaches was applied using nano‐high liquid chromatography coupled to nano‐electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (nano‐LC‐ESI MS/MS). The LC‐MS results showed that B. occitanus venom contains around 200 molecular masses ranging from 1868 to 16 720 Da, the most representative of which are those between 5000 and 8000 Da. Interestingly, combined top‐down and bottom‐up LC‐MS/MS results allowed the identification of several toxins, which were mainly those acting on ion channels, including those targeting sodium (NaScTxs), potassium (KScTxs), chloride (ClScTxs), and calcium channels (CaScTx), as well as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), amphipathic peptides, myotropic neuropeptides, and hypothetical secreted proteins. This study reveals the molecular diversity of B. occitanus scorpion venom and identifies components that may have useful pharmacological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadija Daoudi
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, Casablanca, Morocco.,Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Physiopathology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Christian Malosse
- Mass spectrometry for Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS USR 2000, Paris, France
| | - Ayoub Lafnoune
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, Casablanca, Morocco.,Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Physiopathology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Bouchra Darkaoui
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, Casablanca, Morocco.,Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Physiopathology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Salma Chakir
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, Casablanca, Morocco
| | | | - Julia Chamot-Rooke
- Mass spectrometry for Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS USR 2000, Paris, France
| | - Rachida Cadi
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Physiopathology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Naoual Oukkache
- Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, Casablanca, Morocco
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10
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Daniele-Silva A, Rodrigues SDCS, Dos Santos ECG, Queiroz Neto MFD, Rocha HADO, Silva-Júnior AAD, Resende JM, Araújo RM, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. NMR three-dimensional structure of the cationic peptide Stigmurin from Tityus stigmurus scorpion venom: In vitro antioxidant and in vivo antibacterial and healing activity. Peptides 2021; 137:170478. [PMID: 33359395 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases and the rapid development of pathogens resistant to conventional drugs are a serious global public health problem, which motivates the search for new pharmacological agents. In this context, cationic peptides without disulfide bridges from different species of scorpion venom have been the target of scientific studies due to their multifunctional activities. Stigmurin is a linear peptide composed of 17 amino acid residues (Phe-Phe-Ser-Leu-Ile-Pro-Ser-Leu-Val-Gly-Gly-Leu-Ile-Ser-Ala-Phe-Lys-NH2), which is present in the venom gland of the scorpion Tityus stigmurus. Here we present investigations of the in vitro antioxidant action of Stigmurin together with the in vivo antibacterial and healing activity of this peptide in a wound infection model induced by Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, we have reports for the first time of the three-dimensional structure determined by NMR spectroscopy of a peptide without disulfide bridges present in scorpion venom from the Tityus genus. Stigmurin showed hydroxyl radical scavenging above 70 % at 10 μM and antibiotic action in the skin wound, reducing the number of viable microorganisms by 67.2 % on the 7 day after infection. Stigmurin (1 μg / μL) increased the retraction rate of the lesion, with wound area reduction of 43 % on the second day after skin injury, which indicates its ability to induce tissue repair. Stigmurin in trifluoroethanol:water exhibited a random conformation at the N-terminus region (Phe1 to Pro6), with a helical structure from Ser7 to Phe16. This structural information, allied with the multifunctional activity of Stigmurin, makes it an attractive candidate for the design of novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Daniele-Silva
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Suedson de Carvalho Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Isolamento e Síntese de Compostos Orgânicos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Moacir Fernandes de Queiroz Neto
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Polímeros Naturais, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Hugo Alexandre de Oliveira Rocha
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Polímeros Naturais, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Jarbas Magalhães Resende
- Laboratório de Síntese e Estrutura de Peptídeos, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Renata Mendonça Araújo
- Laboratório de Isolamento e Síntese de Compostos Orgânicos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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11
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Zerouti K, Khemili D, Laraba-Djebari F, Hammoudi-Triki D. Nontoxic fraction of scorpion venom reduces bacterial growth and inflammatory response in a mouse model of infection. TOXIN REV 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2019.1614064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Khedidja Zerouti
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, USTHB, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Dalila Khemili
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, USTHB, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Fatima Laraba-Djebari
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, USTHB, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Djelila Hammoudi-Triki
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, USTHB, Algiers, Algeria
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12
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Alajmi R, Al-ghamdi S, Barakat I, Mahmoud A, Abdon N, Al-Ahidib M, Abdel-Gaber R. Antimicrobial Activity of Two Novel Venoms from Saudi Arabian Scorpions (Leiurus quinquestriatus and Androctonus crassicauda). Int J Pept Res Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09816-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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13
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Somay Doğan T, Iğci N, Biber A, Gerekçi S, Hüsnügil HH, Izbirak A, Özen C. Peptidomic characterization and bioactivity of Protoiurus kraepelini (Scorpiones: Iuridae) venom. Turk J Biol 2018; 42:490-497. [PMID: 30983865 PMCID: PMC6451847 DOI: 10.3906/biy-1804-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Protoiurus kraepelini is a scorpion species found in parts of Turkey and Greece. In this study, the peptide profile of its venom was determined for the first time. The electrophoretic profile of the crude venom showed a protein distribution from 2 to 130 kDa. MALDI-TOF MS analysis of the venom peptide fraction yielded 27 peptides between 1059 and 4623 Da in mass. Several ion channelblocking and antimicrobial peptides were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting analysis. Cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects of the venom were also demonstrated on Jurkat cells and Escherichia coli, respectively. As the first peptidomic characterization study on P. kraepelini venom, this report lays the foundation for detailed future studies that may lead to the discovery of novel bioactive peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğba Somay Doğan
- Central Laboratory, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Naşit Iğci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University , Nevşehir , Turkey.,Science and Technology Research and Application Center, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University , Nevşehir , Turkey
| | - Ayşenur Biber
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Selin Gerekçi
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Hepşen Hazal Hüsnügil
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Afife Izbirak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Can Özen
- Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey.,Central Laboratory, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey.,Graduate Program of Biotechnology, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey
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14
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Meucin-49, a multifunctional scorpion venom peptide with bactericidal synergy with neurotoxins. Amino Acids 2018; 50:1025-1043. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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15
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Gao B, Zhu S. Mesobuthus Venom-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides Possess Intrinsic Multifunctionality and Differential Potential as Drugs. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:320. [PMID: 29599756 PMCID: PMC5863496 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms are a mixture of peptides and proteins that serve two basic biological functions: predation and defense against both predators and microbes. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a common component extensively present in various scorpion venoms (herein abbreviated as svAMPs). However, their roles in predation and defense against predators and potential as drugs are poorly understood. Here, we report five new venom peptides with antimicrobial activity from two Mesobuthus scorpion species. These α-helical linear peptides displayed highly bactericidal activity toward all the Gram-positive bacteria used here but differential activity against Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. In addition to the antibiotic activity, these AMPs displayed lethality to houseflies and hemotoxin-like toxicity on mice by causing hemolysis, tissue damage and inducing inflammatory pain. Unlike AMPs from other origins, these venom-derived AMPs seem to be unsuitable as anti-infective drugs due to their high hemolysis and low serum stability. However, MeuTXKβ1, a known two-domain Mesobuthus AMP, is an exception since it exhibits high activity toward antibiotic resistant Staphylococci clinical isolates with low hemolysis and high serum stability. The findings that the classical AMPs play predatory and defensive roles indicate that the multifunctionality of scorpion venom components is an intrinsic feature likely evolved by natural selection from microbes, prey and predators of scorpions. This definitely provides an excellent system in which one can study how a protein adaptively evolves novel functions in a new environment. Meantimes, new strategies are needed to remove the toxicity of svAMPs on eukaryotic cells when they are used as leads for anti-infective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Gao
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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16
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Insects, arachnids and centipedes venom: A powerful weapon against bacteria. A literature review. Toxicon 2017; 130:91-103. [PMID: 28242227 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Currently, new antimicrobial molecules extracted or obtained by natural sources, could be a valide alternative to traditional antibiotics. Most of these molecules are represented by antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are essential compounds of insect, arachnids and centipedes venom. AMPs, due to their strong effectiveness, low resistance rates and peculiar mode of action, seem to have all the suitable features to be a powerful weapon against several bacteria, especially considering the increasing antibiotic-resistance phenomena. The present literature review focuses on the antibacterial activity of bee, wasp, ant, scorpion, spider and scolopendra crude venom and of their main biological active compounds. After a brief overview of each animal and venom use in folkloristic medicine, this review reports, in a comprehensive table, the results obtained by the most relevant and recent researches carried out on the antibacterial activity of different venom and their AMPs. For each considered study, the table summarizes data concerning minimal inhibitory concentration values, minimal bactericidal concentration values, the methods employed, scientific name and common names and provenience of animal species from which the crude venom and its respective compounds were obtained.
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17
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Evaluation of antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and hemolytic activities from venom of the spider Lasiodora sp. Toxicon 2016; 122:119-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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18
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Daniele-Silva A, Machado RJ, Monteiro NK, Estrela AB, Santos EC, Carvalho E, Araújo Júnior RF, Melo-Silveira RF, Rocha HAO, Silva-Júnior AA, Fernandes-Pedrosa MF. Stigmurin and TsAP-2 from Tityus stigmurus scorpion venom: Assessment of structure and therapeutic potential in experimental sepsis. Toxicon 2016; 121:10-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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19
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Oldrati V, Arrell M, Violette A, Perret F, Sprüngli X, Wolfender JL, Stöcklin R. Advances in venomics. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2016; 12:3530-3543. [DOI: 10.1039/c6mb00516k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The term “venomics” was coined to describe the global study of venom and venom glands, targeting comprehensive characterization of the whole toxin profile of a venomous animal by means of proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics and bioinformatics studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Oldrati
- Atheris SA
- Geneva
- Switzerland
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- EPGL
| | | | - Aude Violette
- Alphabiotoxine Laboratory Sprl
- Montroeul-au-Bois B-7911
- Belgium
| | | | | | - Jean-Luc Wolfender
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- EPGL
- University of Geneva
- University of Lausanne
- CMU
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20
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Ozen MO, İğci N, Yalçin HT, Goçmen B, Nalbantsoy A. Screening of cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity potential of AnatolianMacrovipera lebetina obtusa(Ophidia: Viperidae) crude venom. FRONTIERS IN LIFE SCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/21553769.2015.1055862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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