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Mumtaz SM, Khan MA, Jamal A, Hattiwale SH, Parvez S. Toxin-derived peptides: An unconventional approach to alleviating cerebral stroke burden and neurobehavioral impairments. Life Sci 2024; 351:122777. [PMID: 38851419 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122777] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral stroke is a pressing global health concern, ranking as the second leading cause of mortality and resulting in persistent neurobehavioral impairments. Cerebral strokes, triggered by various embolic events, initiate complex signaling pathways involving neuroexcitotoxicity, ionic imbalances, inflammation, oxidative stress, acidosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to programmed cell death. Currently, the FDA has approved tissue plasminogen activator as a relatively benign intervention for cerebral stroke, leaving a significant treatment gap. However, a promising avenue has emerged from Earth's toxic creatures. Animal venoms harbor bioactive molecules, particularly neuropeptides, with potential in innovative healthcare applications. These venomous components, affecting ion channels, receptors, and transporters, encompass neurochemicals, amino acids, and peptides, making them prime candidates for treating cerebral ischemia and neurological disorders. This review explores the composition, applications, and significance of toxin-derived peptides as viable therapeutic agents. It also investigates diverse toxins from select venomous creatures, with the primary objective of shedding light on current stroke treatments and paving the way for pioneering therapeutic strategies capable of addressing neurobehavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Md Mumtaz
- Department of Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Mohammad Ahmed Khan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Azfar Jamal
- Department of Biology, College of Science Al-Zulfi, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia; Health and Basic Science Research Centre, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaheenkousar H Hattiwale
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suhel Parvez
- Department of Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
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Mayer AB, Amaral HDO, de Oliveira DGR, Campos GAA, Ribeiro PG, Fernandes SCR, de Souza ACB, de Castro RJA, Bocca AL, Mortari MR. New fraternine analogues: Evaluation of the antiparkinsonian effect in the model of Parkinson's disease. Neuropeptides 2024; 103:102390. [PMID: 37984248 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Venom-derived peptides are important sources for the development of new therapeutic molecules, especially due to their broad pharmacological activity. Previously, our research group identified a novel natural peptide, named fraternine, with promising effects for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In the present paper, we synthesized three peptides bioinspired in fraternine: fra-10, fra-14, and fra-24. They were tested in the 6-OHDA-induced model of parkinsonism, quantifying motor coordination, levels of TH+ neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SN), and inflammation mediators TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß in the cortex. Peptides fra-14 and fra-10 improved the motor coordination in relation to 6-OHDA lesioned animals. However, most of the peptides were toxic in the doses applied. All three peptides reduced the intensity of the lesion induced rotations in the apomorphine test. Fra-24 higher dose increased the number of TH+ neurons in SN and reduced the concentration of TNF-α in the cortex of 6-OHDA lesioned mice. Overall, only the peptide fra-24 presented a neuroprotection effect on dopaminergic neurons of SN and a reduction of cytokine TNF-α levels, making it worthy of consideration for the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréia Biolchi Mayer
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Henrique de Oliveira Amaral
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Danilo Gustavo R de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Avohay Alves Campos
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Galante Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Solange Cristina Rego Fernandes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Adolfo Carlos Barros de Souza
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Raffael Júnio Araújo de Castro
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Anamélia Lorenzetti Bocca
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
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Lecaudey LA, Netzer R, Wibberg D, Busche T, Bloecher N. Metatranscriptome analysis reveals the putative venom toxin repertoire of the biofouling hydroid Ectopleura larynx. Toxicon 2024; 237:107556. [PMID: 38072317 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107556] [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] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Cnidarians thriving in biofouling communities on aquaculture net pens represent a significant health risk for farmed finfish due to their stinging cells. The toxins coming into contact with the fish, during net cleaning, can adversely affect their behavior, welfare, and survival, with a particularly serious health risk for the gills, causing direct tissue damage such as formation of thrombi and increasing risks of secondary infections. The hydroid Ectopleura larynx is one of the most common fouling organisms in Northern Europe. However, despite its significant economic, environmental, and operational impact on finfish aquaculture, biological information on this species is scarce and its venom composition has never been investigated. In this study, we generated a whole transcriptome of E. larynx, and identified its putative expressed venom toxin proteins (predicted toxin proteins, not functionally characterized) based on in silico transcriptome annotation mining and protein sequence analysis. The results uncovered a broad and diverse repertoire of putative toxin proteins for this hydroid species. Its toxic arsenal appears to include a wide and complex selection of toxin proteins, covering a large panel of potential biological functions that play important roles in envenomation. The putative toxins identified in this species, such as neurotoxins, GTPase toxins, metalloprotease toxins, ion channel impairing toxins, hemorrhagic toxins, serine protease toxins, phospholipase toxins, pore-forming toxins, and multifunction toxins may cause various major deleterious effects in prey, predators, and competitors. These results provide valuable new insights into the venom composition of cnidarians, and venomous marine organisms in general, and offer new opportunities for further research into novel and valuable bioactive molecules for medicine, agronomics and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roman Netzer
- SINTEF Ocean, Aquaculture Department, Brattørkaia 17c, 7010, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Daniel Wibberg
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Tobias Busche
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany; Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 1, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Nina Bloecher
- SINTEF Ocean, Aquaculture Department, Brattørkaia 17c, 7010, Trondheim, Norway
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Paes LCF, Lima DB, Silva DMAD, Valentin JT, Aquino PEAD, García-Jareño AB, Orzaéz M, Fonteles MMDF, Martins AMC. Exploring the neuroprotective potential of antimicrobial peptides from Dinoponera quadriceps venom against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in vivo. Toxicon 2024; 237:107538. [PMID: 38030096 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107538] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy affects around 50 million people worldwide and 30% of patients have difficulty controlling the disease. The search for substances that can fill the existing gaps in the treatment of epilepsy is of great importance. Arthropod venoms are promising sources for this purpose due to the presence of small peptides that modulate the activity of ion channels and neuron receptors. The aim of this study was to investigate dinoponeratoxins from the Dinoponera quadriceps ant venom (M-PONTX-Dq3a, M-PONTX-Dq3b and M-PONTX-Dq3c) as potential anticonvulsants. We evaluated them in a seizure model induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in male swiss mice. Interestingly, intraperitoneal treatment with each peptide increased the time until the first seizure and the percentage of survival, with M-PONTX-Dq3b showing the best results. M-PONTX-Dq3a was discarded due to the appearance of some signs of toxicity with the increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the striatum. Both, M-PONTX-Dq3b and M-PONTX-Dq3c decreased iNOS and TNF-α in the hippocampus. Notably, M-PONTX-Dq3c treatment decreased the levels of MDA and nitrite in the cortex and hippocampus. Our results indicate that, M-PONTX-Dq3b and M-PONTX-Dq3c have anticonvulsant activity and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in epilepsy, offering new perspectives for biopharmaceutical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Correia Fernandes Paes
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430372, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Dânya Bandeira Lima
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430372, Ceará, Brazil.
| | - Daniel Moreira Alves da Silva
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430372, Ceará, Brazil
| | - José Tiago Valentin
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430372, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Alicia Belén García-Jareño
- Targeted Therapies on Cancer and Inflammation Lab and Peptide Synthesis Platform, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, 46012, Spain
| | - Mar Orzaéz
- Targeted Therapies on Cancer and Inflammation Lab and Peptide Synthesis Platform, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, 46012, Spain
| | - Marta Maria de França Fonteles
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430372, Ceará, Brazil; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430-275, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Alice Maria Costa Martins
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430372, Ceará, Brazil; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430-275, Ceará, Brazil.
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Mariano XM, de Assis Ferreira LC, Almeida-Leite CM, de Castro Junior CJ, de Lima ME. PnPP-15, a Synthetic Peptide Derived from a Toxin from Phoneutria nigriventer Spider Venom, Alleviates Diabetic Neuropathic Pain and Acts Synergistically with Pregabalin in Mice. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:560. [PMID: 37755986 PMCID: PMC10537695 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090560] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic neuropathic pain is one of the complications that affect a wide variety of the diabetic population and is often difficult to treat. Only a small number of patients experience pain relief, which usually comes with onerous side effects and low levels of satisfaction. The search for new analgesic drugs is necessary, given the limitations that current drugs present. Combining drugs to treat neuropathic pain has been attracting interest to improve their efficacy compared to single-drug monotherapies while also reducing dose sizes to minimize side effects. The aim of our study was to verify the antinociceptive effect of a synthetic peptide, PnPP-15, alone and combined with pregabalin, in male Swiss diabetic mice using the von Frey method. PnPP-15 is a synthetic peptide derived from PnPP19, a peptide representing a discontinuous epitope of the primary structure of the toxin PnTx2-6 from the venom of the spider Phoneutria nigriventer. The antinociceptive activity of both compounds was dose-dependent and showed synergism, which was verified by isobolographic analysis. Treatment with PnPP-15 did not cause spontaneous or forced motor changes and did not cause any damage or signs of toxicity in the analyzed organs (pancreas, lung, heart, kidney, brain, or liver). In conclusion, PnPP-15 is a great candidate for an analgesic drug against neuropathic pain caused by diabetes and exerts a synergistic effect when combined with pregabalin, allowing for even more efficient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Maia Mariano
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina e Biomedicina da Faculdade Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte 30150-240, MG, Brazil; (X.M.M.); (L.C.d.A.F.); (C.J.d.C.J.)
| | - Luana Caroline de Assis Ferreira
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina e Biomedicina da Faculdade Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte 30150-240, MG, Brazil; (X.M.M.); (L.C.d.A.F.); (C.J.d.C.J.)
| | - Camila Megale Almeida-Leite
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil;
| | - Célio José de Castro Junior
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina e Biomedicina da Faculdade Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte 30150-240, MG, Brazil; (X.M.M.); (L.C.d.A.F.); (C.J.d.C.J.)
| | - Maria Elena de Lima
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina e Biomedicina da Faculdade Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte 30150-240, MG, Brazil; (X.M.M.); (L.C.d.A.F.); (C.J.d.C.J.)
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Mortari MR, Cunha AOS, dos Anjos LC, Amaral HO, Quintanilha MVT, Gelfuso EA, Homem-de-Mello M, de Almeida H, Rego S, Maigret B, Lopes NP, dos Santos WF. A new class of peptides from wasp venom: a pathway to antiepileptic/neuroprotective drugs. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad016. [PMID: 36844150 PMCID: PMC9945850 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of venom-derived peptides to disrupt physiological processes in mammals provides an exciting source for pharmacological development. Our research group has identified a new class of neuroactive peptides from the venom of a Brazilian social wasp, Polybia occidentalis, with the potential pharmacological profile to treat epilepsies. The study was divided into five phases: Phase 1 concerned the extraction, isolation and purification of Occidentalin-1202(n) from the crude venom, followed by the synthesis of an identical analogue peptide, named Occidentalin-1202(s). In Phase 2, we described the effects of both peptides in two acute models of epilepsy-kainic acid and pentylenetetrazole-induced model of seizures-and measured estimated ED50 and therapeutic index values, electroencephalographic studies and C-fos evaluation. Phase 3 was a compilation of advanced tests performed with Occidentalin-1202(s) only, reporting histopathological features and its performance in the pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. After the determination of the antiepileptic activity of Occidentalin-1202(s), Phase 4 consisted of evaluating its potential adverse effects, after chronic administration, on motor coordination (Rotarod) and cognitive impairment (Morris water maze) tests. Finally, in Phase 5, we proposed a mechanism of action using computational models with kainate receptors. The new peptide was able to cross the blood-brain barrier and showed potent antiseizure effects in acute (kainic acid and pentylenetetrazole) and chronic (temporal lobe epilepsy model induced by pilocarpine) models. Motor and cognitive behaviour were not adversely affected, and a potential neuroprotective effect was observed. Occidentalin-1202 can be a potent blocker of the kainate receptor, as assessed by computational analysis, preventing glutamate and kainic acid from binding to the receptor's active site. Occidentalin-1202 is a peptide with promising applicability to treat epilepsy and can be considered an interesting drug model for the development of new medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Renata Mortari
- Correspondence to: Márcia Renata Mortari Neuropharmacology Laboratory Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences University of Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro Asa Norte, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil E-mail:
| | - Alexandra O S Cunha
- Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Lilian C dos Anjos
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 71910-900, Brazil
| | - Henrique O Amaral
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 71910-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Varela Torres Quintanilha
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 71910-900, Brazil
| | - Erica A Gelfuso
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 71910-900, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Homem-de-Mello
- in Silico Toxicology Laboratory (inSiliTox), Department of Pharmacy, Health Sciences School, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 71910-900, Brazil
| | - Hugo de Almeida
- Team CAPSID, Laboratoire Lorrain de Recherche en Informatique et ses applications (LORIA), Vandoeuvre Les Nancy F-54506, France
| | - Solange Rego
- Team CAPSID, Laboratoire Lorrain de Recherche en Informatique et ses applications (LORIA), Vandoeuvre Les Nancy F-54506, France
| | - Bernard Maigret
- Team CAPSID, Laboratoire Lorrain de Recherche en Informatique et ses applications (LORIA), Vandoeuvre Les Nancy F-54506, France
| | - Norberto P Lopes
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Physics and Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Wagner F dos Santos
- Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14040-900, Brazil
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Camargo LC, Veras LG, Vaz G, Souza ACBD, Mortari MR. Octovespin, a peptide bioinspired by wasp venom, prevents cognitive deficits induced by amyloid-β in Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Neuropeptides 2022; 93:102233. [PMID: 35305448 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2022.102233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 46.8 million people have been diagnosed worldwide with dementia, of which the most common type is Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since the current AD treatment is incipient and limited, it is essential to develop new drugs to prevent AD. Considering that evolutionary pressure selected animal venom compounds that are very specific for a unique target, those can be a potential drug against AD. Octovespin was modified from occidentalin-1202, which is a peptide isolated from Polybia occidentalis wasp venom. In this context, this study evaluated the effect of treatment with octovespin against Amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced toxicity, which is postulated to be one of the main causes of AD, in both in vitro and in vivo tests. In vitro, octovespin was able to prevent Aβ aggregation in a ThT assay. In vivo, octovespin (0.15 nmol/animal) reverses memory impairment that is due to Aβ toxicity, in the Morris Water Maze and Novel Object Recognition Test. Our results suggested that octovespin is a potential drug for the treatment of AD, due to its ability to avoid Aβ aggregation in vitro and to prevent Aβ -induced memory deficit in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Cristina Camargo
- Neuropharma Lab, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Leticia Germina Veras
- Neuropharma Lab, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Vaz
- Neuropharma Lab, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Adolfo Carlos Barros de Souza
- Neuropharma Lab, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Neuropharma Lab, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
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Rezaei A, Asgari S, Komijani S, Sadat SN, Sabatier JM, Nasrabadi D, Pooshang Bagheri K, Shahbazzadeh D, Akbari Eidgahi MR, De Waard M, Mirzahoseini H. Discovery of Leptulipin, a New Anticancer Protein from theIranian Scorpion, Hemiscorpius lepturus. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27072056. [PMID: 35408455 PMCID: PMC9000277 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. Unfortunately, the present anticancer chemotherapeutics display high cytotoxicity. Accordingly, the discovery of new anticancer agents with lower side effects is highly necessitated. This study aimed to discover an anticancer compound from Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom. Bioactivity-guided chromatography was performed to isolate an active compound against colon and breast cancer cell lines. 2D electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF were performed to identify the molecule. A partial protein sequence was obtained by mass spectrometry, while the full-length was deciphered using a cDNA library of the venom gland by bioinformatics analyses and was designated as leptulipin. The gene was cloned in pET-26b, expressed, and purified. The anticancer effect and mechanism action of leptulipin were evaluated by MTT, apoptosis, and cell cycle assays, as well as by gene expression analysis of apoptosis-related genes. The treated cells displayed inhibition of cell proliferation, altered morphology, DNA fragmentation, and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, the treated cells showed a decrease in BCL-2 expression and an increase in Bax and Caspase 9 genes. In this study, we discovered a new anticancer protein from H. lepturus scorpion venom. Leptulipin showed significant anticancer activity against breast and colon cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rezaei
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan 3514799422, Iran; (A.R.); (D.N.)
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Saeme Asgari
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 5157944533, Iran;
| | - Samira Komijani
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Seyedeh Narjes Sadat
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology (INP), Faculté de Pharmacie, Université D’Aix-Marseille, UMR 7051, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, CEDEX 05, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Davood Nasrabadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan 3514799422, Iran; (A.R.); (D.N.)
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence: (K.P.B.); (M.R.A.E.); (M.D.W.); (H.M.)
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Mohammad Reza Akbari Eidgahi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan 3514799422, Iran; (A.R.); (D.N.)
- Correspondence: (K.P.B.); (M.R.A.E.); (M.D.W.); (H.M.)
| | - Michel De Waard
- L’Institut du Thorax, INSERM, CNRS, University of Nantes, 44000 Nantes, France
- LabEx “Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics”, 65560 Valbonne, France
- Smartox Biotechnology, 6 Rue Des Platanes, 38120 Saint-Egrève, France
- Correspondence: (K.P.B.); (M.R.A.E.); (M.D.W.); (H.M.)
| | - Hasan Mirzahoseini
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence: (K.P.B.); (M.R.A.E.); (M.D.W.); (H.M.)
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Della Noce B, Martins da Silva R, de Carvalho Uhl MV, Konnai S, Ohashi K, Calixto C, Arcanjo A, de Abreu LA, de Carvalho SS, da Silva Vaz I, Logullo C. REDOX IMBALANCE INDUCES REMODELING OF GLUCOSE METABOLISM IN RHIPICEPHALUS MICROPLUS EMBRYONIC CELL LINE. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101599. [PMID: 35063504 PMCID: PMC8857477 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101599] [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: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbohydrate metabolism not only functions in supplying cellular energy but also has an important role in maintaining physiological homeostasis and in preventing oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Previously, we showed that arthropod embryonic cell lines have high tolerance to H2O2 exposure. Here, we describe that Rhipicephalus microplus tick embryonic cell line (BME26) employs an adaptive glucose metabolism mechanism that confers tolerance to hydrogen peroxide at concentrations too high for other organisms. This adaptive mechanism sustained by glucose metabolism remodeling promotes cell survival and redox balance in BME26 cell line after millimolar H2O2 exposure. The present work shows that this tick cell line could tolerate high H2O2 concentrations by initiating a carbohydrate-related adaptive response. We demonstrate that gluconeogenesis was induced as a compensation strategy that involved, among other molecules, the metabolic enzymes NADP-ICDH, G6PDH, and PEPCK. We also found that this phenomenon was coupled to glycogen accumulation and glucose uptake, supporting the pentose phosphate pathway to sustain NADPH production and leading to cell survival and proliferation. Our findings suggest that the described response is not atypical, being also observed in cancer cells, which highlights the importance of this model to all proliferative cells. We propose that these results will be useful in generating basic biological information to support the development of new strategies for disease treatment and parasite control.
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10
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Pałasz A, Krzystanek M. Spider Neurotoxins as Modulators of NMDA Receptor Signaling. Neuromolecular Med 2021; 24:250-256. [PMID: 34562203 PMCID: PMC9402494 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-021-08692-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Molecules that selectively act on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors may have a multidirectional effect by modulating the activity of NMDARs, affecting their active sites as well as by changing the composition of their subunits. The results of the clinical trials conducted so far in mood disorders and schizophrenia indicate that such agents may become new effective drugs for the treatment of these diseases. Number of spider neurotoxins e.g. ctenitoxins extracted from Phoneutria sp. venom act as potent and selective NMDAR blockers that do not disturb cortical and hippocampal glutamate signaling, LTP generation and synaptic neurochemistry. Possibly this intriguing kind of promising neuroregulatory peptides and polyamines can be clinically applicable in a wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, neurotrauma and ischemic injuries. These novel medications can potentially be helpful in the future treatment of stroke and several neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Marek Krzystanek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Ziolowa 45/47, 40-635, Katowice, Poland
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11
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Gazerani P. Venoms as an adjunctive therapy for Parkinson's disease: where are we now and where are we going? Future Sci OA 2020; 7:FSO642. [PMID: 33437512 PMCID: PMC7787152 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2020-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), are increasing in the aging population. Crucially, neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons in PD is associated with chronic inflammation and glial activation. Besides this, bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, sensory alteration, and cognitive and psychiatric impairments are also present in PD. Currently, no pharmacologically effective treatment alters the progression of the disease. Discovery and development of new treatment strategies remains a focus for ongoing investigations. For example, one approach is cell therapy to prevent dopaminergic neuronal loss or to slow PD progression. The neuroprotective role of a diverse range of natural products, including venoms from bees, scorpions, snakes and lizards, are also being tested in preclinical PD models and in humans. The main findings from recent studies that have investigated venoms as therapeutic options for PD are summarized in this special report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Gazerani
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Health Science & Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
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12
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Fraternine, a Novel Wasp Peptide, Protects against Motor Impairments in 6-OHDA Model of Parkinsonism. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090550. [PMID: 32867207 PMCID: PMC7551070 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090550] [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: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects the Central Nervous System (CNS). Insect venoms show high molecular variability and selectivity in the CNS of mammals and present potential for the development of new drugs for the treatment of PD. In this study, we isolated and identified a component of the venom of the social wasp Parachartergus fraternus and evaluated its neuroprotective activity in the murine model of PD. For this purpose, the venom was filtered and separated through HPLC; fractions were analyzed through mass spectrometry and the active fraction was identified as a novel peptide, called Fraternine. We performed two behavioral tests to evaluate motor discoordination, as well as an apomorphine-induced rotation test. We also conducted an immunohistochemical assay to assess protection in TH+ neurons in the Substantia Nigra (SN) region. Group treated with 10 μg/animal of Fraternine remained longer in the rotarod compared to the lesioned group. In the apomorphine test, Fraternine decreased the number of rotations between treatments. This dose also inhibited dopaminergic neuronal loss, as indicated by immunohistochemical analysis. This study identified a novel peptide able to prevent the death of dopaminergic neurons of the SN and recover motor deficit in a 6-OHDA-induced murine model of PD.
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13
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de Castro E Silva J, Lopes do Couto L, de Oliveira Amaral H, Maria Medeiros Gomes F, Avohay Alves Campos G, Paulino Silva L, Renata Mortari M. Neuropolybin: A new antiseizure peptide obtained from wasp venom. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114119. [PMID: 32589997 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy accounts for one of the most serious neurological disorders, and its treatment remains a challenge, due to high cost and harmful side effects. Bioactive molecules extracted from arthropod venoms are considered a promising therapy since these compounds are known for their highly selective and potent profiles. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize the potential antiseizure effect of the peptide Ppnp7, extracted from the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista, and also the effect of the bioinspired peptide, named Neuropolybin, in the same parameters. Additionally, we also evaluated the electroencephalographic (EEG) profile in the PTZ-induced acute seizures in animals treated with Neuropolybin, and potential adverse effects of both peptides in general spontaneous activity (Open Field analysis). Interestingly, Ppnp7 and Neuropolybin showed a noteworthy antiseizure effect in rats and mice, respectively. Curves of protection against the maximum seizure were obtained for both peptides, and EEG records demonstrated that Neuropolybin protected 80% of animals from tonic-clonic seizures when applied with a dose of 3 nmol (an approximate Ppnp7 ED50 found in rats). Neuropolybin and Ppnp7 did not cause changes in the general spontaneous activity of the animals in any of the doses evaluated. Therefore, this study demonstrated how compounds isolated from wasps' venom may be essential resources in the search for new drugs, and can also be considered valuable therapeutic and biotechnological tools for the study and future treatment of epileptic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana de Castro E Silva
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Distrito Federal, DF, Brazil
| | - Lucianna Lopes do Couto
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Distrito Federal, DF, Brazil
| | - Henrique de Oliveira Amaral
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Distrito Federal, DF, Brazil
| | - Flávia Maria Medeiros Gomes
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Distrito Federal, DF, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Avohay Alves Campos
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Distrito Federal, DF, Brazil
| | - Luciano Paulino Silva
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, EMBRAPA Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Distrito Federal, DF, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Distrito Federal, DF, Brazil.
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14
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de Araújo Boleti AP, de Oliveira Flores TM, Moreno SE, Anjos LD, Mortari MR, Migliolo L. Neuroinflammation: An overview of neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases and of biotechnological studies. Neurochem Int 2020; 136:104714. [PMID: 32165170 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is an important factor contributing to cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), ischemic injury, and multiple sclerosis (MS). These diseases are characterized by inexorable progressive injury of neuron cells, and loss of motor or cognitive functions. Microglia, which are the resident macrophages in the brain, play an important role in both physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we provide an updated discussion on the role of ROS and metabolic disease in the pathological mechanisms of activation of the microglial cells and release of cytotoxins, leading to the neurodegenerative process. In addition, we also discuss in vivo models, such as zebrafish and Caenorhabditis elegans, and provide new insights into therapeutics bioinspired by neuropeptides from venomous animals, supporting high throughput drug screening in the near future, searching for a complementary approach to elucidating crucial mechanisms associated with neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula de Araújo Boleti
- S-InovaBiotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, 79117-900, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Taylla Michelle de Oliveira Flores
- S-InovaBiotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, 79117-900, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Susana Elisa Moreno
- S-InovaBiotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, 79117-900, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Lilian Dos Anjos
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departmento Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departmento Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ludovico Migliolo
- S-InovaBiotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, 79117-900, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
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15
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de Oliveira Amaral H, Monge-Fuentes V, Biolchi Mayer A, Alves Campos GA, Soares Lopes K, Camargo LC, Ferroni Schwartz M, Galante P, Mortari MR. Animal venoms: therapeutic tools for tackling Parkinson's disease. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:2202-2211. [PMID: 31539640 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative pathology of the central nervous system, mainly involving the selective and progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra, resulting in motor and non-motor symptoms. PD remains an incurable ailment; thus, treatments are limited to symptom alleviation. With long-term use, conventional treatments can become inefficient, often triggering possible side effects. Considering these drawbacks, drug discovery constantly turns to nature as a source of efficient therapeutics. Thus, this review explores animal venoms as a rich source of bioactive compounds with potent neuropharmacological profiles for the development of effective adjuvant treatments with fewer side effects, ultimately aiming for the neuroprotection of dopaminergic neurons and the symptomatic relief of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique de Oliveira Amaral
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Victoria Monge-Fuentes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil.
| | - Andréia Biolchi Mayer
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Avohay Alves Campos
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Kamila Soares Lopes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Luana C Camargo
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Matheus Ferroni Schwartz
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Galante
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Márcia R Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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16
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José Palmieri M, Ribeiro Barroso A, Fonseca Andrade-Vieira L, Monteiro MC, Martins Soares A, Souza Cesar PH, Aparecida Braga M, Cardoso Trento MV, Marcussi S, Chamma Davide L. Polybia occidentalis and Polybia fastidiosa venom: a cytogenotoxic approach of effects on human and vegetal cells. Drug Chem Toxicol 2019; 44:566-574. [PMID: 31259620 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2019.1631339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The venoms of wasps are a complex mixture of biologically active compounds, such as low molecular mass compounds, peptides, and proteins. The aim of the study was to evaluate the action of wasp venoms, Polybia occidentalis and Polybia fastidiosa, on the DNA of human leukocytes and on the cell cycle and genetic material of the plant model Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce). The cultured leukocytes were treated with the venoms and then evaluated by the comet assay. On another assay, seeds were exposed to a venom solution; the emitted roots were collected and the occurrence of cell cycle alterations (CCAs) and DNA fragmentation were evaluated by agarose gel electrophoresis and TUNEL assay. The results demonstrated that the venom of both wasps induces several CCAs and reduces the mitotic index (MI) on treated cells. They induced damage on human leukocytes DNA. High frequencies of fragments were observed in cells exposed to P. occidentalis venom, while those exposed to P. fastidiosa showed a high frequency of non-oriented chromosome. Both venoms induced the occurrence of various condensed nuclei (CN). This alteration is an excellent cytological mark to cell death (CD). Additionally, CD was evidenced by positive signals in TUNEL assay, by DNA fragmentation in agarose gel electrophoresis with vegetal cells, and by DNA fragmentation of the human leukocytes evaluated. Furthermore, human leukocytes exposed to the venom of P. fastidiosa had high rate of damage. The data demonstrate that both vegetal and human cells are adequate to evaluate the genotoxicity induced by venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andreimar Martins Soares
- Fiocruz Rondônia e Departamento de Medicina, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde, CEBio, Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Aparecida Braga
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, Brazil
| | | | - Silvana Marcussi
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, Brazil
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17
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Della Noce B, Carvalho Uhl MVD, Machado J, Waltero CF, de Abreu LA, da Silva RM, da Fonseca RN, de Barros CM, Sabadin G, Konnai S, da Silva Vaz I, Ohashi K, Logullo C. Carbohydrate Metabolic Compensation Coupled to High Tolerance to Oxidative Stress in Ticks. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4753. [PMID: 30894596 PMCID: PMC6427048 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41036-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are natural byproducts of metabolism that have toxic effects well documented in mammals. In hematophagous arthropods, however, these processes are not largely understood. Here, we describe that Rhipicephalus microplus ticks and embryonic cell line (BME26) employ an adaptive metabolic compensation mechanism that confers tolerance to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at concentrations too high for others organisms. Tick survival and reproduction are not affected by H2O2 exposure, while BME26 cells morphology was only mildly altered by the treatment. Furthermore, H2O2-tolerant BME26 cells maintained their proliferative capacity unchanged. We evaluated several genes involved in gluconeogenesis, glycolysis, and pentose phosphate pathway, major pathways for carbohydrate catabolism and anabolism, describing a metabolic mechanism that explains such tolerance. Genetic and catalytic control of the genes and enzymes associated with these pathways are modulated by glucose uptake and energy resource availability. Transient increase in ROS levels, oxygen consumption, and ROS-scavenger enzymes, as well as decreased mitochondrial superoxide levels, were indicative of cell adaptation to high H2O2 exposure, and suggested a tolerance strategy developed by BME26 cells to cope with oxidative stress. Moreover, NADPH levels increased upon H2O2 challenge, and this phenomenon was sustained mainly by G6PDH activity. Interestingly, G6PDH knockdown in BME26 cells did not impair H2O2 tolerance, but generated an increase in NADP-ICDH transcription. In agreement with the hypothesis of a compensatory NADPH production in these cells, NADP-ICDH knockdown increased G6PDH relative transcript level. The present study unveils the first metabolic evidence of an adaptive mechanism to cope with high H2O2 exposure and maintain redox balance in ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Della Noce
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda and Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, NUPEM-UFRJ, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelle Vianna de Carvalho Uhl
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda and Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, NUPEM-UFRJ, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Josias Machado
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda and Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, NUPEM-UFRJ, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Camila Fernanda Waltero
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda and Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, NUPEM-UFRJ, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Araujo de Abreu
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda and Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, NUPEM-UFRJ, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Renato Martins da Silva
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Nunes da Fonseca
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda and Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, NUPEM-UFRJ, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Cintia Monteiro de Barros
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda and Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, NUPEM-UFRJ, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Sabadin
- Centro de Biotecnologia and Faculdade de Veterinária - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Satoru Konnai
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | | | - Kazuhiko Ohashi
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Carlos Logullo
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda and Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, NUPEM-UFRJ, Macaé, RJ, Brazil.
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Silva FRD, Paiva MRBD, Dourado LFN, Silva RO, Silva CND, Costa BLD, Toledo CR, de Lima ME, Silva-Cunha AD. Intravitreal injection of the synthetic peptide LyeTx I b, derived from a spider toxin, into the rabbit eye is safe and prevents neovascularization in a chorio-allantoic membrane model. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2018; 24:31. [PMID: 30479614 PMCID: PMC6249906 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-018-0168-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The great diversity of molecules found in spider venoms include amino acids, polyamines, proteins and peptides, among others. Some of these compounds can interact with different neuronal receptors and ion channels including those present in the ocular system. To study potential toxicity and safety of intravitreal injection in rabbits of LyeTx I b, a synthetic peptide derived from the toxin LyeTx I found in venom from the spider Lycosa eritrognatha and to evaluate the angiogenic activity on a CAM model. Methods ARPE-19 cells were treated with LyeTx I b (0.36; 0.54; 0.72; 2.89; 4.34 or 9.06 μM). In this study, New Zealand rabbits were used. LyeTx I b (2.89 μM) labeled with FITC dissolved in PBS, or only PBS, were injected into vitreous humor. Electroretinogram (ERG) was recorded 1 day before injection and at 7, 14 and 28 days post-injection. Clinical examination of the retina was conducted through tonometer and eye fundus after ERG. Eyes were enucleated and retinas were prepared for histology in order to assess retinal structure. CAMs were exposed to LyeTx I b (0.54; 0.72; 2.17 or 2.89 μM). Results ARPE-19 cells exposed to LyeTx I b showed cell viability at the same levels of the control. The fluorescence of LyeTx I b labeled with FITC indicated its retinal localization. Our findings indicate ERG responses from rats injected in the eye with LyeTx I b were very similar to the corresponding responses of those animals injected only with vehicle. Clinical examination found no alterations of intraocular pressure or retinal integrity. No histological damage in retinal layers was observed. CAM presented reduced neovascularization when exposed to LyeTx I b. Conclusions Intravitreal injection of LyeTx I b is safe for use in the rabbit eye and prevents neovascularization in the CAM model, at Bevacizumab levels. These findings support intravitreal LyeTx I b as a good candidate to develop future alternative treatment for the retina in neovascularization diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Rodrigues da Silva
- 1Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av Antônio Carlos, 6627, 2nd Floor, Room 2031, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901 Brazil
| | - Mayara Rodrigues Brandão de Paiva
- 1Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av Antônio Carlos, 6627, 2nd Floor, Room 2031, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901 Brazil
| | - Lays Fernanda Nunes Dourado
- 1Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av Antônio Carlos, 6627, 2nd Floor, Room 2031, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901 Brazil
| | - Rummenigge Oliveira Silva
- 1Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av Antônio Carlos, 6627, 2nd Floor, Room 2031, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901 Brazil
| | - Carolina Nunes da Silva
- 1Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av Antônio Carlos, 6627, 2nd Floor, Room 2031, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901 Brazil
| | - Bruna Lopes da Costa
- 1Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av Antônio Carlos, 6627, 2nd Floor, Room 2031, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901 Brazil
| | - Cibele Rodrigues Toledo
- 1Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av Antônio Carlos, 6627, 2nd Floor, Room 2031, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901 Brazil
| | - Maria Elena de Lima
- 2Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901 Brazil
| | - Armando da Silva-Cunha
- 1Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av Antônio Carlos, 6627, 2nd Floor, Room 2031, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901 Brazil
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Liao Q, Li S, Siu SWI, Morlighem JÉRL, Wong CTT, Wang X, Rádis-Baptista G, Lee SMY. Novel neurotoxic peptides from Protopalythoa variabilis virtually interact with voltage-gated sodium channel and display anti-epilepsy and neuroprotective activities in zebrafish. Arch Toxicol 2018; 93:189-206. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2334-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Cnidarian peptide neurotoxins: a new source of various ion channel modulators or blockers against central nervous systems disease. Drug Discov Today 2018; 24:189-197. [PMID: 30165198 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cnidaria provide the largest source of bioactive peptides for new drug development. The venoms contain enzymes, potent pore-forming toxins and neurotoxins. The neurotoxins can immobilize predators rapidly when discharged via modifying sodium-channel-gating or blocking the potassium channel during the repolarization stage. Most cnidarian neurotoxins remain conserved under the strong influence of negative selection. Neuroactive peptides targeting the central nervous system through affinity with ion channels could provide insight leading to drug treatment of neurological diseases, which arise from ion channel dysfunctions. Although marine resources offer thousands of possible peptides, only one peptide derived from Cnidaria: ShK-186, also named dalazatide, has reached the pharmaceutical market. This review focuses on neuroprotective agents derived from cnidarian neurotoxic peptides.
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Camargo LC, Campos GAA, Galante P, Biolchi AM, Gonçalves JC, Lopes KS, Mortari MR. Peptides isolated from animal venom as a platform for new therapeutics for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Neuropeptides 2018; 67:79-86. [PMID: 29198480 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that deeply affects patients, their family and society. Although scientists have made intense efforts in seeking the cure for AD, no drug available today is able to stop AD progression. In this context, compounds isolated from animal venom are potentially successful drugs for neuroprotection, since they selectively bind to nervous system targets. In this review, we presented different studies using peptides isolated from animal venom for the treatment of AD. This is a growing field that will be very helpful in understanding and even curing neurodegenerative diseases, especially AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Camargo
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - G A A Campos
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - P Galante
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - A M Biolchi
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - J C Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - K S Lopes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - M R Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
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Godoy LD, Liberato JL, Celani MVB, Gobbo-Neto L, Lopes NP, Dos Santos WF. Disease Modifying Effects of the Spider Toxin Parawixin2 in the Experimental Epilepsy Model. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9090262. [PMID: 28841161 PMCID: PMC5618195 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9090262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of epilepsy in adults. It is also the one with the highest percentage of drug-resistance to the current available anti-epileptic drugs (AED). Additionaly, most antiepileptic drugs are only able to control seizures in epileptogenesis, but do not decrease the hippocampal neurodegenerative process. TLE patients have a reduced population of interneuronal cells, which express Parvalbumin (PV) proteins. This reduction is directly linked to seizure frequency and severity in the chronic period of epilepsy. There is therefore a need to seek new therapies with a disease-modifying profile, and with efficient antiepileptic and neuroprotective properties. Parawixin2, a compound isolated from the venom of the spider Parawixia bistriata, has been shown to inhibit GABA transporters (GAT) and to have acute anticonvulsant effects in rats. (2) Methods: In this work, we studied the effects of Parawixin2 and Tiagabine (an FDA- approved GAT inhibitor), and compared these effects in a TLE model. Rats were subjected to lithium-pilocarpine TLE model and the main features were evaluated over a chronic period including: (a) spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS), (b) neuronal loss, and (c) PV cell density in different regions of the hippocampus (CA1, CA3, DG and Hilus). (3) Results: Parawixin2 treatment reduced SRS frequency whereas Tiagabine did not. We also found a significant reduction in neuronal loss in CA3 and in the hilus regions of the hippocampus, in animals treated with Parawixin2. Noteworthy, Parawixin2 significantly reversed PV cell loss observed particularly in DG layers. (4) Conclusions: Parawixin2 exerts a promising neuroprotective and anti-epileptic effect and has potential as a novel agent in drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívea Dornela Godoy
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Peçonhas (LNP), Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, CEP 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento (INEC), Av. do Café, 2450, CEP 14050-220 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - José Luiz Liberato
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Peçonhas (LNP), Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, CEP 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento (INEC), Av. do Café, 2450, CEP 14050-220 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Marcus Vinícius Batista Celani
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Peçonhas (LNP), Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, CEP 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo Gobbo-Neto
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos (NPPNS), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Cafe s/n, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Norberto Peporine Lopes
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos (NPPNS), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Cafe s/n, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Wagner Ferreira Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Peçonhas (LNP), Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, CEP 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento (INEC), Av. do Café, 2450, CEP 14050-220 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Nôga DAMF, Brandão LEM, Cagni FC, Silva D, de Azevedo DLO, Araújo A, Dos Santos WF, Miranda A, da Silva RH, Ribeiro AM. Anticonvulsant Effects of Fractions Isolated from Dinoponera quadriceps (Kempt) Ant Venom (Formicidae: Ponerinae). Toxins (Basel) 2016; 9:toxins9010005. [PMID: 28025529 PMCID: PMC5308238 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products, sources of new pharmacological substances, have large chemical diversity and architectural complexity. In this context, some toxins obtained from invertebrate venoms have anticonvulsant effects. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects about 65 million people worldwide, and approximately 30% of cases are resistant to pharmacological treatment. Previous studies from our group show that the denatured venom of the ant Dinoponera quadriceps (Kempt) protects mice against bicuculline (BIC)-induced seizures and death. The aim of this study was to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of compounds isolated from D. quadriceps venom against seizures induced by BIC in mice. Crude venom was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) resulting in six fractions referred to as DqTx1-DqTx6. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis revealed a major 431 Da compound in fractions DqTx1 and DqTx2. Fractions DqTx3 and DqTx4 showed a compound of 2451 Da and DqTx5 revealed a 2436 Da compound. Furthermore, the DqTx6 fraction exhibited a major component with a molecular weight of 13,196 Da. Each fraction (1 mg/mL) was microinjected into the lateral ventricle of mice, and the animals were observed in an open field. We did not observe behavioral alterations when the fractions were given alone. Conversely, when the fractions were microinjected 20 min prior to the administration of BIC (21.6 nM), DqTx1, DqTx4, and DqTx6 fractions increased the latency for onset of tonic-clonic seizures. Moreover, all fractions, except DqTx5, increased latency to death. The more relevant result was obtained with the DqTx6 fraction, which protected 62.5% of the animals against tonic-clonic seizures. Furthermore, this fraction protected 100% of the animals from seizure episodes followed by death. Taken together, these findings indicate that compounds from ant venom might be a potential source of new anticonvulsants molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernanda Carvalho Cagni
- Physiology Department, University Federal of Rio Grande of Norte, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil.
| | - Delano Silva
- Physiology Department, University Federal of Rio Grande of Norte, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil.
| | | | - Arrilton Araújo
- Physiology Department, University Federal of Rio Grande of Norte, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil.
| | | | - Antonio Miranda
- Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil.
| | - Regina Helena da Silva
- Pharmacology Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil.
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Antinociceptive properties of the mastoparan peptide Agelaia-MPI isolated from social wasps. Toxicon 2016; 120:15-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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