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da Silva AG, Alves MDM, da Cunha AA, Caires GA, Kerkis I, Vigerelli H, Sciani JM. Echinometra lucunter molecules reduce Aβ42-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y neuron-like cells: effects on disaggregation and oxidative stress. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2023; 29:e20230031. [PMID: 38053575 PMCID: PMC10694836 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0031] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Echinometra lucunter is a sea urchin commonly found on America's rocky shores. Its coelomic fluid contains molecules used for defense and biological processes, which may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of amyloid-based neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, that currently have few drug options available. Methods In this study, we incubated E. lucunter coelomic fluid (ELCF) and fractions obtained by solid phase extraction in SH-SY5Y neuron-like cells to evaluate their effect on cell viability caused by the oligomerized amyloid peptide 42 (Aβ42o). Moreover, the Aβ42o was quantified after the incubation with ELCF fractions in the presence or not of cells, to evaluate if samples could cause amyloid peptide disaggregation. Antioxidant activity was determined in ELCF fractions, and cells were evaluated to check the oxidative stress after incubation with samples. The most relevant fraction was analyzed by mass spectrometry for identification of molecules. Results ELCF and certain fractions could prevent and treat the reduction of cell viability caused by Aβ42o in SH-SY5Y neuron-like cells. We found that one fraction (El50) reduced the oligomerized Aβ42 and the oxidative stress caused by the amyloid peptide through its antioxidant molecules, which in turn reduced cell death. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that El50 comprises small molecules containing flavonoid antioxidants, such as phenylpyridazine and dihydroquercetin, and two peptides. Conclusion Our results suggest that sea urchin molecules may interact with Aβ42o and oxidative stress, preventing or treating neurotoxicity, which may be useful in treating dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Gomes da Silva
- Integrated Pharmacology and Gastroenterology Unit (UNIFAG), Bragança
Paulista, SP, Brazil
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Postgraduate Program in Health
Sciences, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Irina Kerkis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP,
Brazil
| | - Hugo Vigerelli
- Laboratory of Genetics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP,
Brazil
- Center of Excellence in New Target Discovery, Butantan Institute,
São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Mozer Sciani
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Postgraduate Program in Health
Sciences, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
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Boldin R, Zychar BC, Gonçalves LRC, Sciani JM. Design, in silico and pharmacological evaluation of a peptide inhibitor of BACE-1. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1184006. [PMID: 37397495 PMCID: PMC10313070 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1184006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the main type of dementia, caused by the accumulation of amyloid plaques, formed by amyloid peptides after being processed from amyloid precursor protein (APP) by γ- and ß-secretases (BACE-1). Although amyloid peptides have been well established for AD, they have been found in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Inhibitors of BACE-1 have been searched and developed, but clinical trials failed due to lack of efficacy or toxicity. Nevertheless, it is still considered a good therapeutic target, as it was proven to remove amyloid peptides and improve memory. Methods: In this work, we designed a peptide based on a sequence obtained from the marine fish Merluccius productus and evaluated it by molecular docking to verify its binding to BACE-1, which was tested experimentally by enzymatic kinetics and cell culture assays. The peptide was injected in healthy mice to study its pharmacokinetics and toxicity. Results: We could obtain a new sequence in which the first N-terminal amino acids and the last one bound to the catalytic site of BACE-1 and showed high stability and hydrophobicity. The synthetic peptide showed a competitive inhibition of BACE-1 and Ki = 94 nM, and when injected in differentiated neurons, it could reduce Aβ42o production. In plasma, its half-life is ∼1 h, clearance is 0.0015 μg/L/h, and Vss is 0.0015 μg/L/h. The peptide was found in the spleen and liver 30 min after injection and reduced its level after that, when it was quantified in the kidneys, indicating its fast distribution and urinary excretion. Interestingly, the peptide was found in the brain 2 h after its administration. Histological analysis showed no morphological alteration in any organ, as well as the absence of inflammatory cells, indicating a lack of toxicity. Discussion: We obtained a new BACE-1 inhibitor peptide with fast distribution to the tissues, without accumulation in any organ, but found in the brain, with the possibility to reach its molecular target, BACE-1, contributing to the reduction in the amyloid peptide, which causes amyloid-linked neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Boldin
- Unidade de Farmacologia e Gastroenterologia (UNIFAG), Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular e Compostos Bioativos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Juliana Mozer Sciani
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular e Compostos Bioativos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
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Moreno RI, Zambelli VO, Picolo G, Cury Y, Morandini AC, Marques AC, Sciani JM. Caspase-1 and Cathepsin B Inhibitors from Marine Invertebrates, Aiming at a Reduction in Neuroinflammation. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20100614. [PMID: 36286438 PMCID: PMC9604745 DOI: 10.3390/md20100614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a condition associated with several types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mainly caused by an inflammatory response to amyloid peptides that induce microglial activation, with subsequent cytokine release. Neuronal caspase-1 from inflammasome and cathepsin B are key enzymes mediating neuroinflammation in AD, therefore, revealing new molecules to modulate these enzymes may be an interesting approach to treat neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we searched for new caspase-1 and cathepsin B inhibitors from five species of Brazilian marine invertebrates (four cnidarians and one echinoderm). The results show that the extract of the box jellyfish Chiropsalmus quadrumanus inhibits caspase-1. This extract was fractionated, and the products monitored for their inhibitory activity, until the obtention of a pure molecule, which was identified as trigonelline by mass spectrometry. Moreover, four extracts inhibit cathepsin B, and Exaiptasia diaphana was selected for subsequent fractionation and characterization, resulting in the identification of betaine as being responsible for the inhibitory action. Both molecules are already found in marine organisms, however, this is the first study showing a potent inhibitory effect on caspase-1 and cathepsin B activities. Therefore, these new prototypes can be considered for the enzyme inhibition and subsequent control of the neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Indalecio Moreno
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista 12916-900, Brazil
- Unidade Integrada de Farmacologia e Gastroenterologia (UNIFAG), Bragança Paulista 12916-900, Brazil
| | - Vanessa O. Zambelli
- Laboratório de Dor e Sinalização, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Gisele Picolo
- Laboratório de Dor e Sinalização, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Yara Cury
- Laboratório de Dor e Sinalização, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - André C. Morandini
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
- Centro de Biologia Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo, São Sebastião 11612-109, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Marques
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Juliana Mozer Sciani
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista 12916-900, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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4
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Coelho GR, da Silva DL, Beraldo-Neto E, Vigerelli H, de Oliveira LA, Sciani JM, Pimenta DC. Neglected Venomous Animals and Toxins: Underrated Biotechnological Tools in Drug Development. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120851. [PMID: 34941689 PMCID: PMC8708286 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the vast repertoire of animal toxins and venoms selected by nature and evolution, mankind opted to devote its scientific attention—during the last century—to a restricted group of animals, leaving a myriad of toxic creatures aside. There are several underlying and justifiable reasons for this, which include dealing with the public health problems caused by envenoming by such animals. However, these studies became saturated and gave rise to a whole group of animals that become neglected regarding their venoms and secretions. This repertoire of unexplored toxins and venoms bears biotechnological potential, including the development of new technologies, therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools and must, therefore, be assessed. In this review, we will approach such topics through an interconnected historical and scientific perspective that will bring up the major discoveries and innovations in toxinology, achieved by researchers from the Butantan Institute and others, and describe some of the major research outcomes from the study of these neglected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Rabelo Coelho
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
| | - Daiane Laise da Silva
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
| | - Emidio Beraldo-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
| | - Hugo Vigerelli
- Laboratório de Genética, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
| | - Laudiceia Alves de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Moléstias Infecciosas—Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo 01049-010, Brazil;
| | - Juliana Mozer Sciani
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar em Pesquisa, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista 12916-900, Brazil;
| | - Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
- Correspondence:
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Queiroz V, Muxel SM, Inguglia L, Chiaramonte M, Custódio MR. Comparative study of coelomocytes from Arbacia lixula and Lythechinus variegatus: Cell characterization and in vivo evidence of the physiological function of vibratile cells. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 110:1-9. [PMID: 33378698 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The knowledge on echinoderm coelomocytes has increased in recent years, but researchers still face a complex problem: how to obtain purified cells. Even flow cytometry being useful to address coelomocytes in suspension, the need for a method able to provide isolated cells is still noteworthy. Here, we use Imaging Flow Cytometry (IFC) to characterize the coelomocytes of two sea urchin species - Arbacia lixula and Lytechinus variegatus - and obtain gates to isolate cell populations. Then, we used these gates to study the physiological response of A. lixula coelomocytes during an induced immune challenge with Escherichia coli. An analysis of area and aspect ratio parameters of the flow cytometer allowed the identification of two main cell populations in the coelomic fluid: circular and elongated cells. A combination of this method with nucleus labeling using propidium iodide allowed the determination of gates containing isolated subpopulations of vibratile cells, red spherulocytes, and two phagocytes subpopulations in both species. We observed that during an induced bacterial immune challenge, A. lixula was able to modulate coelomocyte frequencies, increasing the phagocytes and decreasing red spherulocytes and vibratile cells. These results indicate that vibratile cells and red spherulocytes act by immobilizing and stoping bacterial growth, respectively, cooperating with phagocytes in the immune response. The use of IFC was fundamental not only to identify specific gates for the main coelomic subpopulations but also allowed the investigation on how echinoids modulate their physiological responses during immune challenges. Furthermore, we provide the first experimental evidence about the role of vibratile cells, corroborating its involvement with the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Queiroz
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Sandra M Muxel
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luigi Inguglia
- Dept. STEBICEF, University of the Study of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Chiaramonte
- Dept. STEBICEF, University of the Study of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Márcio R Custódio
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Figueiredo D, Santos WS, Montoni F, Iwai LK, Silva Junior PI. Toposome: Source of antimicrobial molecules in the gonads of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus (Lamarck, 1816). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 109:51-61. [PMID: 33276094 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sea urchins live in a challenging environment that requires rapid and efficient responses against pathogens and invaders. This response may be also important in reproductive processes once males and females release their gametes into water. In addition, the gonads are organs with dual function: reproductive organ and nutrient reserve, therefore it needs efficient protective mechanisms to preserve the nutrients as well as the reproductive cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and characterize antimicrobial molecules in the male and female gonads of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus. Through HPLC purification, antimicrobial activity test and mass spectrometry several antimicrobial molecules were found in the gonads of both gender. Computational in silico analyses showed that they are fragments of a glycoprotein called toposome, also known as major yolk protein (MYP) which is one of the major proteins found in the gonads. Although different functions have been reported for this protein, this is the first description of a direct antimicrobial activity in Lytechinus variegatus. The results indicate that when undergoing proteolysis the toposome generates different fragments with antimicrobial activity which may indicate the importance of a rapid defense response strategy against invading microorganisms in the gonads used by both males and females sea urchins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dal Figueiredo
- Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA/CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP, 05503-900, SP, Brazil; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo CEP, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - W S Santos
- Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA/CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP, 05503-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabio Montoni
- Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA/CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP, 05503-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Leo Kei Iwai
- Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA/CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP, 05503-900, SP, Brazil
| | - P I Silva Junior
- Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA/CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP, 05503-900, SP, Brazil; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo CEP, 05508-900, SP, Brazil.
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7
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Sciani JM, Zychar B, Gonçalves LR, Giorgi R, Nogueira T, Pimenta DC. Preliminary molecular characterization of a proinflammatory and nociceptive molecule from the Echinometra lucunter spines extracts. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017; 23:43. [PMID: 29026370 PMCID: PMC5627400 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-017-0133-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sea urchins are animals commonly found on the Brazilian shoreline, being Echinometra lucunter the most abundant species. Accidents caused by E. lucunter have been reported as one of the most frequent in Brazil, and are characterized by intense pain and inflammation, consequence of spine puncture in the skin. In order to characterize such toxic effects, we isolated one molecule that caused inflammatory and nociceptive effects. Methods E. lucunter specimens were collected without gender distinction. Spines were removed and molecules were extracted, fractionated by RP-HPLC and assayed for inflammatory and nociceptive activity, in a biological-driven fractionation way, until the obtainment of one active molecule and its subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry (MS and MS/MS). For inflammation, intravital microscopy was performed on the mouse cremaster muscle, in order to evaluate rolled, adherent and migrating leukocytes. Paw edema was also evaluated. For the nociceptive activity, the paw pressure test was performed in rats. Results One molecule could be isolated and related to the inflammatory and nociceptive activity. Regarding inflammation, increase in adherent and migrating cells was observed in the cremaster muscle after the administration of the molecule. Corroborating the inflammatory response, paw edema was also observed, although only in 20% of controls and 20 min after injection. Additionally, this molecule was able to decrease significantly the pain threshold, characterizing hyperalgesia. This molecule was analyzed by mass spectrometry, and according to the exact molecular mass, isotopic distribution and fragmentation profile, it was possible to propose the molecular formula C29H48N3O10. Conclusions One isolated molecule from the spine extract of E. lucunter is able to elicit inflammation and hypernociception in animal models, which is in agreement with the effects observed in sea urchin accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Mozer Sciani
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, Butantã, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
| | - Bianca Zychar
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Butantã, SP Brazil
| | | | - Renata Giorgi
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Butantã, SP Brazil
| | - Thiago Nogueira
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Butantã, SP Brazil
| | - Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, Butantã, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
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