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Mendoza-Tobar LL, Clement H, Arenas I, Guerrero-Vargas JA, Hernandez-Orihuela L, Cardoso-Arenas S, Sepulveda-Arias JC, Corzo G. Antimicrobial, toxicological, and antigenic characteristics of three scorpion venoms from Colombia: Centruroides margaritatus, Tityus pachyurus and Tityus n. sp. aff. metuendus. Acta Trop 2024; 252:107134. [PMID: 38286350 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107134] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The venom fractions of three buthid scorpion species from Colombia, C. margaritatus, T. pachyurus and T. n. sp. aff. metuendus, were examined for antimicrobial and toxicity toward mice and insects. The three venoms were separated into individual fractions using RP-HPLC, resulting in 85 fractions from C. margaritatus, 106 from T. pachyurus, and 70 from T. n. sp. aff. metuendus. The major fractions from the three scorpion venoms, which were eluted between 35 and 50 min, were tested for antimicrobial activity and toxicity. It was confirmed that the venom of the three species contains fractions with antimicrobial peptides that were evaluated against two bacterial strains of public health importance, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The venom of C. margaritatus had two antimicrobial fractions that showed activity against the named tested strains. The venom of T. pachyurus had three fractions that showed activity against S. aureus and two against both bacterial strains. Finally, the venom of T. n. sp. aff. metuendus had one fraction that showed activity against S. aureus, and five fractions showed activity against both bacterial strains. Also, some peptide fractions from the three venoms were toxic to mice. Last, the venoms of C. margaritatus and T. pachyurus were used as immunogens to obtain neutralizing antibodies against its respective venoms and to observe antibody recognition to related and unrelated scorpion venoms. A total of 15 mg of lyophilized antibodies were able to neutralize 1.5⋅LD50 of the venoms from T. n. sp. aff. metuendus, T. pachyurus and C. margaritatus, respectively. This information provides valuable insights into the diversity of each species' venom and their potential role in antimicrobial and venom toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leydy Lorena Mendoza-Tobar
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Grupo Infección e Inmunidad - Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira 660003, Colombia; Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas-Bioterio, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán 190002, Colombia
| | - Herlinda Clement
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM. Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos 61500, Mexico
| | - Ivan Arenas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM. Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos 61500, Mexico
| | - Jimmy Alexander Guerrero-Vargas
- Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas-Bioterio, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán 190002, Colombia
| | - Lorena Hernandez-Orihuela
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM. Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos 61500, Mexico
| | - Samuel Cardoso-Arenas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM. Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos 61500, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Sepulveda-Arias
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Grupo Infección e Inmunidad - Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira 660003, Colombia
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM. Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos 61500, Mexico.
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Ji J, Li C, Hu T, Tian Z, Li J, Xu L, Zhou H, Holmes EC, Shi W. Diverse RNA viruses in the venom-related microenvironment of different animal phyla. Virus Evol 2024; 10:veae024. [PMID: 38827419 PMCID: PMC11141596 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veae024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Venom is known as the source of natural antimicrobial products. Previous studies have largely focused on the expression of venom-related genes and the biochemical components of venom. With the advent of metagenomic sequencing, many more microorganisms, especially viruses, have been identified in highly diverse environments. Herein, we investigated the RNA virome in the venom-related microenvironment through analysis of a large volume of venom-related RNA-sequencing data mined from public databases. From this, we identified viral sequences belonging to thirty-six different viruses, of which twenty-two were classified as 'novel' as they exhibited less than 90 per cent amino acid identity to known viruses in the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Most of these novel viruses possessed genome structures similar to their closest relatives, with specific alterations in some cases. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that these viruses belonged to at least twenty-two viral families or unclassified groups, some of which were highly divergent from known taxa. Although further analysis failed to find venom-specific viruses, some viruses seemingly had much higher abundance in the venom-related microenvironment than in other tissues. In sum, our study provides insights into the RNA virome of the venom-related microenvironment from diverse animal phyla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingkai Ji
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 619 Changcheng Road, Taian 271000, China
- Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 2 Yingshengdonglu, Taian 271000, China
| | - Cixiu Li
- Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 2 Yingshengdonglu, Taian 271000, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 6699 Qingdao Road, Ji’nan 250117, China
| | - Tao Hu
- Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 2 Yingshengdonglu, Taian 271000, China
| | - Zhongshuai Tian
- Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 2 Yingshengdonglu, Taian 271000, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 6699 Qingdao Road, Ji’nan 250117, China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 2 Yingshengdonglu, Taian 271000, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 6699 Qingdao Road, Ji’nan 250117, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 2 Yingshengdonglu, Taian 271000, China
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 6699 Qingdao Road, Ji’nan 250117, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 2 Yingshengdonglu, Taian 271000, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 6699 Qingdao Road, Ji’nan 250117, China
| | - Edward C Holmes
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Life & Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Weifeng Shi
- Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 2 Yingshengdonglu, Taian 271000, China
- Shanghai Institute of Virology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 227 Chongqingnanlu, Shanghai 200025, China
- Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijinerlu, Shanghai 200025, China
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3
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Ghazal A, Clarke D, Abdel-Rahman MA, Ribeiro A, Collie-Duguid E, Pattinson C, Burgoyne K, Muhammad T, Alfadhel S, Heidari Z, Samir R, Gerges MM, Nkene I, Colamarino RA, Hijazi K, Houssen WE. Venomous gland transcriptome and venom proteomic analysis of the scorpion Androctonus amoreuxi reveal new peptides with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Peptides 2024; 173:171139. [PMID: 38142817 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171139] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic shows the critical need for novel broad spectrum antiviral agents. Scorpion venoms are known to contain highly bioactive peptides, several of which have demonstrated strong antiviral activity against a range of viruses. We have generated the first annotated reference transcriptome for the Androctonus amoreuxi venom gland and used high performance liquid chromatography, transcriptome mining, circular dichroism and mass spectrometric analysis to purify and characterize twelve previously undescribed venom peptides. Selected peptides were tested for binding to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and inhibition of the spike RBD - human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) interaction using surface plasmon resonance-based assays. Seven peptides showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects, albeit with IC50 in the high micromolar range (117-1202 µM). The most active peptide was synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis and tested for its antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 (Lineage B.1.1.7). On exposure to the synthetic peptide of a human lung cell line infected with replication-competent SARS-CoV-2, we observed an IC50 of 200 nM, which was nearly 600-fold lower than that observed in the RBD - hACE2 binding inhibition assay. Our results show that scorpion venom peptides can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication although unlikely through inhibition of spike RBD - hACE2 interaction as the primary mode of action. Scorpion venom peptides represent excellent scaffolds for design of novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 constrained peptides. Future studies should fully explore their antiviral mode of action as well as the structural dynamics of inhibition of target virus-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ghazal
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
| | - David Clarke
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, UK
| | | | - Antonio Ribeiro
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3RY, UK
| | - Elaina Collie-Duguid
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3RY, UK
| | - Craig Pattinson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Kate Burgoyne
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Taj Muhammad
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, Box 591 SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sanad Alfadhel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Zeynab Heidari
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3RY, UK
| | - Reham Samir
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Mariam M Gerges
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Istifanus Nkene
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Rosa A Colamarino
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Karolin Hijazi
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Wael E Houssen
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK.
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4
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Appiah C, Chen S, Pori AI, Retyunskiy V, Tzeng C, Zhao Y. Study of alloferon, a novel immunomodulatory antimicrobial peptide (AMP), and its analogues. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1359261. [PMID: 38434708 PMCID: PMC10904621 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1359261] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are widely distributed throughout the biosphere and represent a class of conserved peptide molecules with intrinsic antimicrobial properties. Their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low risk to induce resistance have led to increased interest in AMPs as potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Among the AMPs, alloferon has been addressed due to its immunomodulatory properties that augment both innate and adaptive immune responses against various pathogens. Alloferon and its analogues have demonstrated pharmaceutical potential through their ability to enhance Natural Killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and stimulate interferon (IFN) synthesis in both mouse and human models. Additionally, they have shown promise in augmenting antiviral and antitumor activities in mice. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the biological effects of alloferon and its analogues, incorporating our own research findings as well. These insights may contribute to a deeper understanding of the therapeutic potential of these novel AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Appiah
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shitian Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Afia Ibnat Pori
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Chimeng Tzeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
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5
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Xia Z, He D, Wu Y, Kwok HF, Cao Z. Scorpion venom peptides: Molecular diversity, structural characteristics, and therapeutic use from channelopathies to viral infections and cancers. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106978. [PMID: 37923027 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venom is an important evolutionary innovation in nature. As one of the most representative animal venoms, scorpion venom contains an extremely diverse set of bioactive peptides. Scorpion venom peptides not only are 'poisons' that immobilize, paralyze, kill, or dissolve preys but also become important candidates for drug development and design. Here, the review focuses on the molecular diversity of scorpion venom peptides, their typical structural characteristics, and their multiple therapeutic or pharmaceutical applications in channelopathies, viral infections and cancers. Especially, the group of scorpion toxin TRPTx targeting transient receptor potential (TRP) channels is systematically summarized and worthy of attention because TRP channels play a crucial role in the regulation of homeostasis and the occurrence of diseases in human. We also further establish the potential relationship between the molecular characteristics and functional applications of scorpion venom peptides to provide a research basis for modern drug development and clinical utilization of scorpion venom resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xia
- School of Biological and Food Processing Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Dangui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao.
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Goswami S, Chowdhury JP. Antiviral attributes of bee venom as a possible therapeutic approach against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Future Virol 2023:10.2217/fvl-2023-0127. [PMID: 37970095 PMCID: PMC10630947 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2023-0127] [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: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The unprecedented scale of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has driven considerable investigation into novel antiviral treatments since effective vaccination strategies cannot completely eradicate the virus. Apitherapy describes the medicinal use of bee venom, which may be an effective treatment against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Bee venom contains chemicals that are antimicrobial and stimulate the immune system to counteract viral load. The present review focuses on the use of bee venom as a possible treatment for COVID-19 and reviews studies on the pharmacodynamics of bee venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumik Goswami
- Department of Zoology, Sunbeam Women's College, Varuna, Varanasi, 221002, India
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Małek A, Strzemski M, Kurzepa J, Kurzepa J. Can Bee Venom Be Used as Anticancer Agent in Modern Medicine? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3714. [PMID: 37509375 PMCID: PMC10378503 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bee venom in its composition contains many biologically active peptides and enzymes that are effective in the fight against diseases of various etiologies. The history of the use of bee venom for medicinal purposes dates back thousands of years. There are many reports in the literature on the pharmacological properties of bee venom and/or its main components, e.g., anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial or neuroprotective properties. In addition, both crude venom and melittin exhibit cytotoxic activity against a wide range of tumor cells, with significant anti-metastatic activity in pre-clinical studies. Due to the constantly increasing incidence of cancer, the development of new therapeutic strategies in oncology is a particular challenge for modern medicine. A review paper discusses the various properties of bee venom with an emphasis on its anticancer properties. For this purpose, the PubMed database was searched, and publications related to "bee", "venom", "cancer" from the last 10 years were selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Małek
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Maciej Strzemski
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Kurzepa
- 1st Department of Radiology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Kurzepa
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Jlassi A, Mekni-Toujani M, Ferchichi A, Gharsallah C, Malosse C, Chamot-Rooke J, ElAyeb M, Ghram A, Srairi-Abid N, Daoud S. BotCl, the First Chlorotoxin-like Peptide Inhibiting Newcastle Disease Virus: The Emergence of a New Scorpion Venom AMPs Family. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28114355. [PMID: 37298831 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is one of the most serious contagions affecting domestic poultry and other avian species. It causes high morbidity and mortality, resulting in huge economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Despite vaccination, NDV outbreaks increase the need for alternative prevention and control means. In this study, we have screened fractions of Buthus occitanus tunetanus (Bot) scorpion venom and isolated the first scorpion peptide inhibiting the NDV multiplication. It showed a dose dependent effect on NDV growth in vitro, with an IC50 of 0.69 µM, and a low cytotoxicity on cultured Vero cells (CC50 > 55 µM). Furthermore, tests carried out in specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs demonstrated that the isolated peptide has a protective effect on chicken embryos against NDV, and reduced by 73% the virus titer in allantoic fluid. The N-terminal sequence, as well as the number of cysteine residues of the isolated peptide, showed that it belongs to the scorpion venom Chlorotoxin-like peptides family, which led us to designate it "BotCl". Interestingly, at 10 µg/mL, BotCl showed an inhibiting effect three times higher than its analogue AaCtx, from Androctonus australis (Aa) scorpion venom, on NDV development. Altogether, our results highlight the chlorotoxin-like peptides as a new scorpion venom AMPs family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abir Jlassi
- LR20IPT01 Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Marwa Mekni-Toujani
- LR16IPT03 Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et MicrobiologieVétérinaire, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Asma Ferchichi
- LR20IPT01 Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Charfeddine Gharsallah
- LR16IPT02 Laboratoire de Recherche sur la Transmission, le Contrôle et l'Immunobiologie des Infections, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Christian Malosse
- Mass Spectrometry for Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UAR 2024, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Julia Chamot-Rooke
- Mass Spectrometry for Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UAR 2024, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Mohamed ElAyeb
- LR20IPT01 Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Abdeljelil Ghram
- LR16IPT03 Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et MicrobiologieVétérinaire, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Najet Srairi-Abid
- LR20IPT01 Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Salma Daoud
- LR20IPT01 Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
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9
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Mazurkiewicz-Pisarek A, Baran J, Ciach T. Antimicrobial Peptides: Challenging Journey to the Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, and Cosmeceutical Use. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109031. [PMID: 37240379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), or host defence peptides, are short proteins in various life forms. Here we discuss AMPs, which may become a promising substitute or adjuvant in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and cosmeceutical uses. Their pharmacological potential has been investigated intensively, especially as antibacterial and antifungal drugs and as promising antiviral and anticancer agents. AMPs exhibit many properties, and some of these have attracted the attention of the cosmetic industry. AMPs are being developed as novel antibiotics to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens and as potential treatments for various diseases, including cancer, inflammatory disorders, and viral infections. In biomedicine, AMPs are being developed as wound-healing agents because they promote cell growth and tissue repair. The immunomodulatory effects of AMPs could be helpful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In the cosmeceutical industry, AMPs are being investigated as potential ingredients in skincare products due to their antioxidant properties (anti-ageing effects) and antibacterial activity, which allows the killing of bacteria that contribute to acne and other skin conditions. The promising benefits of AMPs make them a thrilling area of research, and studies are underway to overcome obstacles and fully harness their therapeutic potential. This review presents the structure, mechanisms of action, possible applications, production methods, and market for AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mazurkiewicz-Pisarek
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies CEZAMAT, Warsaw University of Technology, Poleczki 19, 02-822 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Baran
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies CEZAMAT, Warsaw University of Technology, Poleczki 19, 02-822 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Ciach
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies CEZAMAT, Warsaw University of Technology, Poleczki 19, 02-822 Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warynskiego 1, 00-645 Warsaw, Poland
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Diniz-Sousa R, Silva CCA, Pereira SS, da Silva SL, Fernandes PA, Teixeira LMC, Zuliani JP, Soares AM. Therapeutic applications of snake venoms: An invaluable potential of new drug candidates. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 238:124357. [PMID: 37028634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Animal venoms and their chemical compounds have aroused both empirical and scientific attention for ages. However, there has been a significant increase in scientific investigations in recent decades, allowing the production of various formulations that are helping in the development of many important tools for biotechnological, diagnostic, or therapeutic use, both in human and animal health, as well as in plants. Venoms are composed of biomolecules and inorganic compounds that may have physiological and pharmacological activities that are not related to their principal actions (prey immobilization, digestion, and defense). Snake venom toxins, mainly enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins, and peptides have been identified as potential prototypes for new drugs and/or models for the development of pharmacologically active structural domains for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, pain, and infectious-parasitic diseases. This minireview aims to provide an overview of the biotechnological potential of animal venoms, with a focus on snakes, and to introduce the reader to the fascinating world of Applied Toxinology, where animal biodiversity can be used to develop therapeutic and diagnostic applications for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Diniz-Sousa
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos Aplicados à Saúde (LABIOPROT), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Centro Universitário São Lucas (UniSL), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Cleópatra C A Silva
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos Aplicados à Saúde (LABIOPROT), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental (INCT-EpiAmO), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Soraya S Pereira
- Laboratório de Engenharia de Anticorpos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Saulo L da Silva
- LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Chemical Sciences, University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís M C Teixeira
- LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juliana P Zuliani
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Andreimar M Soares
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Proteínas e Compostos Bioativos Aplicados à Saúde (LABIOPROT), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Unidade Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Centro Universitário São Lucas (UniSL), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental (INCT-EpiAmO), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Faculdade Católica de Rondônia (FCR), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil.
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11
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Narula P, Kiruthika S, Chowdhari S, Vivekanandan P, Chugh A. Inhibition of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) by Tachyplesin, a Marine Antimicrobial Cell-Penetrating Peptide. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020672. [PMID: 36839994 PMCID: PMC9962029 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020672] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigate the role of Tachyplesin (Tpl), a marine antimicrobial cell-penetrating peptide, as an anti-HBV agent. Our findings, using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, demonstrate the internalization of FITC-Tpl in both Huh7 and HepG2 cell lines. Further, our results show that Tpl inhibits the expression of HBV proteins, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B 'e' antigen (HBeAg) in cell supernatants of human liver cell lines transfected with 1.3× pHBV. Interestingly Tpl also reduces levels of HBV pre-core RNA and HBV pregenomic RNA, suggesting that Tpl-mediated inhibition occurs at the early stages of HBV replication, including viral transcription. In addition, Tpl led to a significant reduction in levels of hepatitis B virion secretion. In sum, here we demonstrate the potent anti-HBV activity of Tpl at non-cytotoxic concentrations indicating the potential of Tpl to emerge as an effective therapeutic peptide against HBV.
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Oliveira I, Ferreira I, Jacob B, Cardenas K, Cerni F, Baia-da-Silva D, Arantes E, Monteiro W, Pucca M. Harnessing the Power of Venomous Animal-Derived Toxins against COVID-19. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:159. [PMID: 36828473 PMCID: PMC9967918 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal-derived venoms are complex mixtures of toxins triggering important biological effects during envenomings. Although venom-derived toxins are known for their potential of causing harm to victims, toxins can also act as pharmacological agents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was observed an increase in in-depth studies on antiviral agents, and since, to date, there has been no completely effective drug against the global disease. This review explores the crosstalk of animal toxins and COVID-19, aiming to map potential therapeutic agents derived from venoms (e.g., bees, snakes, scorpions, etc.) targeting COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabela Ferreira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Jacob
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Kiara Cardenas
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista 69310-000, RR, Brazil
| | - Felipe Cerni
- Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista 69310-000, RR, Brazil
| | - Djane Baia-da-Silva
- Institute of Clinical Research Carlos Borborema, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus 69850-000, AM, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Tropical Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69850-000, AM, Brazil
- Department of Collective Health, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus 69077-000, AM, Brazil
- Leônidas and Maria Deane Institute, Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus 69057-070, AM, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Nilton Lins University, Manaus 69058-040, AM, Brazil
| | - Eliane Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Wuelton Monteiro
- Institute of Clinical Research Carlos Borborema, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus 69850-000, AM, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Tropical Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69850-000, AM, Brazil
| | - Manuela Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista 69310-000, RR, Brazil
- Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista 69310-000, RR, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Tropical Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69850-000, AM, Brazil
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Ullah A, Aldakheel FM, Anjum SI, Raza G, Khan SA, Tlak Gajger I. Pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential of honey bee venom. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:96-109. [PMID: 36685303 PMCID: PMC9845117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bee venom (BV) is a valuable product, and has a wide range of biological effects, and its use is rapidly increasing in apitherapy. Therefore, the current study, we reviewed the existing knowledge about BV composition and its numerous pharmacological properties for future research and use. Honey bee venom or apitoxin is produced in the venom gland in the honey bee abdomen. Adult bees use it as a primary colony defense mechanism. It is composed of many biologically active substances including peptides, enzymes, amines, amino acids, phospholipids, minerals, carbohydrates as well as some volatile components. Melittin and phospholipase A2 are the most important components of BV, having anti-cancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis, anti-nociceptive and other curative potentials. Therefore, in medicine, BV has been used for centuries against different diseases like arthritis, rheumatism, back pain, and various inflammatory infections. Nowadays, BV or its components separately, are used for the treatment of various diseases in different countries as a natural medicine with limited side effects. Consequently, scientists as well as several pharmaceutical companies are trying to get a new understanding about BV, its substances and its activity for more effective use of this natural remedy in modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat 26000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Fahad Mohammed Aldakheel
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia,Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz Research Chair for Epidemiology and Public Health, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Ishtiaq Anjum
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat 26000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan,Corresponding author.
| | - Ghulam Raza
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Baltistan, Skardu, Pakistan
| | - Saeed Ahmad Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Ivana Tlak Gajger
- Department for Biology and Pathology of Fish and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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14
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A Review: The Antiviral Activity of Cyclic Peptides. Int J Pept Res Ther 2023; 29:7. [PMID: 36471676 PMCID: PMC9713128 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10478-y] [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] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
In the design and development of therapeutic agents, macromolecules with restricted structures have stronger competitive edges than linear biological entities since cyclization can overcome the limitations of linear structures. The common issues of linear peptides include susceptibility to degradation of the peptidase enzyme, off-target effects, and necessity of routine dosing, leading to instability and ineffectiveness. The unique conformational constraint of cyclic peptides provides a larger surface area to interact with the target at the same time, improving the membrane permeability and in vivo stability compared to their linear counterparts. Currently, cyclic peptides have been reported to possess various activities, such as antifungal, antiviral and antimicrobial activities. To date, there is emerging interest in cyclic peptide therapeutics, and increasing numbers of clinically approved cyclic peptide drugs are available on the market. In this review, the medical significance of cyclic peptides in the defence against viral infections will be highlighted. Except for chikungunya virus, which lacks specific antiviral treatment, all the viral diseases targeted in this review are those with effective treatments yet with certain limitations to date. Thus, strategies and approaches to optimise the antiviral effect of cyclic peptides will be discussed along with their respective outcomes. Apart from isolated naturally occurring cyclic peptides, chemically synthesized or modified cyclic peptides with antiviral activities targeting coronavirus, herpes simplex viruses, human immunodeficiency virus, Ebola virus, influenza virus, dengue virus, five main hepatitis viruses, termed as type A, B, C, D and E and chikungunya virus will be reviewed herein. Graphical Abstract
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Eichberg J, Maiworm E, Oberpaul M, Czudai-Matwich V, Lüddecke T, Vilcinskas A, Hardes K. Antiviral Potential of Natural Resources against Influenza Virus Infections. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112452. [PMID: 36366550 PMCID: PMC9693975 DOI: 10.3390/v14112452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza is a severe contagious disease caused by influenza A and B viruses. The WHO estimates that annual outbreaks lead to 3-5 million severe infections of which approximately 10% lead to the death of the patient. While vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, antiviral drugs represent the most important treatment option of acute infections. Only two classes of drugs are currently approved for the treatment of influenza in numerous countries: M2 channel blockers and neuraminidase inhibitors. In some countries, additional compounds such as the recently developed cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor baloxavir marboxil or the polymerase inhibitor favipiravir are available. However, many of these compounds suffer from poor efficacy, if not applied early after infection. Furthermore, many influenza strains have developed resistances and lost susceptibility to these compounds. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop new anti-influenza drugs against a broad spectrum of subtypes. Natural products have made an important contribution to the development of new lead structures, particularly in the field of infectious diseases. Therefore, this article aims to review the research on the identification of novel lead structures isolated from natural resources suitable to treat influenza infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Eichberg
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- BMBF Junior Research Group in Infection Research “ASCRIBE”, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Elena Maiworm
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- BMBF Junior Research Group in Infection Research “ASCRIBE”, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Markus Oberpaul
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- BMBF Junior Research Group in Infection Research “ASCRIBE”, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Volker Czudai-Matwich
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Tim Lüddecke
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute of Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26–32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Kornelia Hardes
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- BMBF Junior Research Group in Infection Research “ASCRIBE”, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Antimicrobial Activity Developed by Scorpion Venoms and Its Peptide Component. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110740. [PMID: 36355990 PMCID: PMC9693228 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial infections represent a problem of great importance at the public health level, with a high rate of morbidity-mortality worldwide. However, treating the different diseases generated by microorganisms requires a gradual increase in acquired resistance when applying or using them against various antibiotic therapies. Resistance is caused by various molecular mechanisms of microorganisms, thus reducing their effectiveness. Consequently, there is a need to search for new opportunities through natural sources with antimicrobial activity. One alternative is using peptides present in different scorpion venoms, specifically from the Buthidae family. Different peptides with biological activity in microorganisms have been characterized as preventing their growth or inhibiting their replication. Therefore, they represent an alternative to be used in the design and development of new-generation antimicrobial drugs in different types of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Essential aspects for its disclosure, as shown in this review, are the studies carried out on different types of peptides in scorpion venoms with activity against pathogenic microorganisms, highlighting their high therapeutic potential.
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Souza FR, Moura PG, Costa RKM, Silva RS, Pimentel AS. Absolute binding free energies of mucroporin and its analog mucroporin-M1 with the heptad repeat 1 domain and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of SARS-CoV-2. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-12. [PMID: 35993479 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2114014] [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: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The peptide Mucroporin and its analog Mucroporin-M1 were studied using the molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation of their complexation with two protein targets, the Heptad Repeat 1 (HR1) domain and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2. The molecular docking of the peptide-protein complexes was performed using the glowworm swarm optimization algorithm. The lowest energy poses were submitted to molecular dynamics simulation. Then, the binding free energies of Mucroporin and its analog Mucroporin-M1 with these two protein targets were calculated using the Multistate Bennett Acceptance Ratio (MBAR) method. It was verified that the peptides/HR1 domain complex showed stability in the interaction site determined by molecular docking. It was also found that Mucroporin-M1 has a much higher affinity than Mucroporin to the HR1 protein target. The peptides showed similar stability and affinity at the NTP binding site in the RdRp protein. Additional experimental studies are needed to confirm the antiviral activity of Mucroporin-M1 and a possible mechanism of action against SARS-CoV-2. However, here we indicate that Mucroporin-M1 may have potential antiviral activity against the HR1 domain with the possibility for further peptide optimization.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Rodrigues Souza
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paloma Guimarães Moura
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Rudielson Santos Silva
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - André Silva Pimentel
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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18
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Salama WH, Shaheen MNF, Shahein YE. Egyptian cobra (Naja haje haje) venom phospholipase A2: a promising antiviral agent with potent virucidal activity against simian rotavirus and bovine coronavirus. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:526. [PMID: 35895237 PMCID: PMC9326960 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03139-7] [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: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Viral infections are linked to a variety of human diseases. Despite the achievements made in drug and vaccine development, several viruses still lack preventive vaccines and efficient antiviral compounds. Thus, developing novel antiviral agents is of great concern, particularly the natural products that are promising candidates for such discoveries. In this study, we have purified an approximately 15 kDa basic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzyme from the Egyptian cobra Naja haje haje venom. The purified N. haje PLA2 showed a specific activity of 22 units/mg protein against 6 units/mg protein for the whole crude venom with 3.67-fold purification. The antiviral activity of purified N. haje PLA2 has been investigated in vitro against bovine coronavirus (BCoV) and simian rotavirus (RV SA-11). Our results showed that the CC50 of PLA2 were 33.6 and 29 µg/ml against MDBK and MA104 cell lines, respectively. Antiviral analysis of N. haje PLA2 showed an inhibition of BCoV and RV SA-11 infections with a therapeutic index equal to 33.6 and 16, respectively. Moreover, N. haje PLA2 decreased the BCoV and RV SA-11 titers by 4.25 log10 TCID50 and 2.5 log10 TCID50, respectively. Thus, this research suggests the potential antiviral activity of purified N. haje PLA2 against BCoV and RV SA-11 infections in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa H Salama
- Molecular Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed N F Shaheen
- Environmental Virology Laboratory, Water Pollution Research Department, Environment and Climate Change Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Yasser E Shahein
- Molecular Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
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Parchebafi A, Tamanaee F, Ehteram H, Ahmad E, Nikzad H, Haddad Kashani H. The dual interaction of antimicrobial peptides on bacteria and cancer cells; mechanism of action and therapeutic strategies of nanostructures. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:118. [PMID: 35717207 PMCID: PMC9206340 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01848-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial infection and cancer are two leading causes of global mortality. Discovering and developing new therapeutics with better specificity having minimal side-effects and no drug resistance are of an immense need. In this regard, cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMP) with dual antimicrobial and anticancer activities are the ultimate choice. For better efficacy and improved stability, the AMPs available for treatment still required to be modified. There are several strategies in which AMPs can be enhanced through, for instance, nano-carrier application with high selectivity and specificity enables researchers to estimate the rate of drug delivery to a particular tissue. In this review we present the biology and modes of action of AMPs for both anticancer and antimicrobial activities as well as some modification strategies to improve the efficacy and selectivity of these AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Parchebafi
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Tamanaee
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hassan Ehteram
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ejaz Ahmad
- Department of Pathology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hossein Nikzad
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hamed Haddad Kashani
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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Lee YCJ, Shirkey JD, Park J, Bisht K, Cowan AJ. An Overview of Antiviral Peptides and Rational Biodesign Considerations. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2022; 2022:9898241. [PMID: 37850133 PMCID: PMC10521750 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9898241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral diseases have contributed significantly to worldwide morbidity and mortality throughout history. Despite the existence of therapeutic treatments for many viral infections, antiviral resistance and the threat posed by novel viruses highlight the need for an increased number of effective therapeutics. In addition to small molecule drugs and biologics, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent an emerging class of potential antiviral therapeutics. While AMPs have traditionally been regarded in the context of their antibacterial activities, many AMPs are now known to be antiviral. These antiviral peptides (AVPs) have been shown to target and perturb viral membrane envelopes and inhibit various stages of the viral life cycle, from preattachment inhibition through viral release from infected host cells. Rational design of AMPs has also proven effective in identifying highly active and specific peptides and can aid in the discovery of lead peptides with high therapeutic selectivity. In this review, we highlight AVPs with strong antiviral activity largely curated from a publicly available AMP database. We then compile the sequences present in our AVP database to generate structural predictions of generic AVP motifs. Finally, we cover the rational design approaches available for AVPs taking into account approaches currently used for the rational design of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chiang J. Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Jaden D. Shirkey
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Jongbeom Park
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Karishma Bisht
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Alexis J. Cowan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
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21
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Ramazi S, Mohammadi N, Allahverdi A, Khalili E, Abdolmaleki P. A review on antimicrobial peptides databases and the computational tools. Database (Oxford) 2022; 2022:6550847. [PMID: 35305010 PMCID: PMC9216472 DOI: 10.1093/database/baac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) have been considered as potential alternatives for infection therapeutics since antibiotic resistance has been raised as a global problem. The AMPs are a group of natural peptides that play a crucial role in the immune system in various organisms AMPs have features such as a short length and efficiency against microbes. Importantly, they have represented low toxicity in mammals which makes them potential candidates for peptide-based drugs. Nevertheless, the discovery of AMPs is accompanied by several issues which are associated with labour-intensive and time-consuming wet-lab experiments. During the last decades, numerous studies have been conducted on the investigation of AMPs, either natural or synthetic type, and relevant data are recently available in many databases. Through the advancement of computational methods, a great number of AMP data are obtained from publicly accessible databanks, which are valuable resources for mining patterns to design new models for AMP prediction. However, due to the current flaws in assessing computational methods, more interrogations are warranted for accurate evaluation/analysis. Considering the diversity of AMPs and newly reported ones, an improvement in Machine Learning algorithms are crucial. In this review, we aim to provide valuable information about different types of AMPs, their mechanism of action and a landscape of current databases and computational tools as resources to collect AMPs and beneficial tools for the prediction and design of a computational model for new active AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Ramazi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran 14115-111, Iran
| | - Neda Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Highway, Tehran 1449614535, Iran,Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Bonn, Biomedical Center, Venusberg Campus 1, Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Abdollah Allahverdi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran 14115-111, Iran
| | - Elham Khalili
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran 14115-111, Iran
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22
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López-García G, Dublan-García O, Arizmendi-Cotero D, Gómez Oliván LM. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Peptides Derived from Food Proteins. Molecules 2022; 27:1343. [PMID: 35209132 PMCID: PMC8878547 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the demand for food proteins in the market has increased due to a rise in degenerative illnesses that are associated with the excessive production of free radicals and the unwanted side effects of various drugs, for which researchers have suggested diets rich in bioactive compounds. Some of the functional compounds present in foods are antioxidant and antimicrobial peptides, which are used to produce foods that promote health and to reduce the consumption of antibiotics. These peptides have been obtained from various sources of proteins, such as foods and agri-food by-products, via enzymatic hydrolysis and microbial fermentation. Peptides with antioxidant properties exert effective metal ion (Fe2+/Cu2+) chelating activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition, which may lead to notably beneficial effects in promoting human health and food processing. Antimicrobial peptides are small oligo-peptides generally containing from 10 to 100 amino acids, with a net positive charge and an amphipathic structure; they are the most important components of the antibacterial defense of organisms at almost all levels of life-bacteria, fungi, plants, amphibians, insects, birds and mammals-and have been suggested as natural compounds that neutralize the toxicity of reactive oxygen species generated by antibiotics and the stress generated by various exogenous sources. This review discusses what antioxidant and antimicrobial peptides are, their source, production, some bioinformatics tools used for their obtainment, emerging technologies, and health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe López-García
- Food and Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Chemistry Faculty, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón Intersección Paseo Tollocan s/n. Col. Residencial Colón, Toluca 50120, Mexico; (G.L.-G.); (L.M.G.O.)
| | - Octavio Dublan-García
- Food and Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Chemistry Faculty, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón Intersección Paseo Tollocan s/n. Col. Residencial Colón, Toluca 50120, Mexico; (G.L.-G.); (L.M.G.O.)
| | - Daniel Arizmendi-Cotero
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Campus Toluca, Universidad Tecnológica de México (UNITEC), Estado de México, Toluca 50160, Mexico;
| | - Leobardo Manuel Gómez Oliván
- Food and Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Chemistry Faculty, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón Intersección Paseo Tollocan s/n. Col. Residencial Colón, Toluca 50120, Mexico; (G.L.-G.); (L.M.G.O.)
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23
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Tomas M, Capanoglu E, Bahrami A, Hosseini H, Akbari‐Alavijeh S, Shaddel R, Rehman A, Rezaei A, Rashidinejad A, Garavand F, Goudarzi M, Jafari SM. The direct and indirect effects of bioactive compounds against coronavirus. FOOD FRONTIERS 2021; 3:96-123. [PMID: 35462942 PMCID: PMC9015578 DOI: 10.1002/fft2.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging viruses are known to pose a threat to humans in the world. COVID‐19, a newly emerging viral respiratory disease, can spread quickly from people to people via respiratory droplets, cough, sneeze, or exhale. Up to now, there are no specific therapies found for the treatment of COVID‐19. In this sense, the rising demand for effective antiviral drugs is stressed. The main goal of the present study is to cover the current literature about bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols, glucosinolates, carotenoids, minerals, vitamins, oligosaccharides, bioactive peptides, essential oils, and probiotics) with potential efficiency against COVID‐19, showing antiviral activities via the inhibition of coronavirus entry into the host cell, coronavirus enzymes, as well as the virus replication in human cells. In turn, these compounds can boost the immune system, helping fight against COVID‐19. Overall, it can be concluded that bioactives and the functional foods containing these compounds can be natural alternatives for boosting the immune system and defeating coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Tomas
- Department of Food Engineering Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University Halkali Istanbul Turkey
| | - Esra Capanoglu
- Department of Food Engineering Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Istanbul Technical University Maslak Istanbul Turkey
| | - Akbar Bahrami
- Center for Excellence in Post‐Harvest Technologies North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Kannapolis North Carolina USA
| | - Hamed Hosseini
- Food Additives Department Food Science and Technology Research Institute Research Center for Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR) Mashhad Iran
| | - Safoura Akbari‐Alavijeh
- Department of Food Science and Technology Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Mohaghegh Ardabili Ardabil Iran
| | - Rezvan Shaddel
- Department of Food Science and Technology Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Mohaghegh Ardabili Ardabil Iran
| | - Abdur Rehman
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology Jiangnan University Jiangsu Wuxi China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Food Safety and Quality Control Wuxi Jiangsu Province China
| | - Atefe Rezaei
- Department of Food Science and Technology School of Nutrition and Food Science Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Isfahan Iran
| | | | - Farhad Garavand
- Department of Food Chemistry and Technology Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark Fermoy, Co. Cork Ireland
| | - Mostafa Goudarzi
- Department of Food Science and Engineering University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Tehran Karaj Iran
| | - Seid Mahdi Jafari
- Department of Food Materials and Process Design Engineering Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources Gorgan Iran
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24
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Maitip J, Mookhploy W, Khorndork S, Chantawannakul P. Comparative Study of Antimicrobial Properties of Bee Venom Extracts and Melittins of Honey Bees. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10121503. [PMID: 34943715 PMCID: PMC8698802 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom (BV), or apitoxin, is a complex substance produced by a gland in the abdominal cavity of bees. The main component of BV is melittin, which is a largely studied substance due to its biological properties. To date, the most well-known bee venom and melittin are derived from domesticated honey bees, while venom and melittin derived from wild honey bees have been under-investigated. Hence, this study primarily reports the antimicrobial activities of bee venom and synthetic melittin derived from four different honey bee species (Apis mellifera, A. cerana, A. dorsata, and A. florea) in Thailand. All the bee venom extracts and melittins showed more robust antibacterial activities against Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus MRSA, and S. epidermidis) than Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneuminiae, and Salmonella typhimurium) or a fungus (Candida albicans), while the synthetic melittins also have antimicrobial activity at higher concentrations than the bee venom extract. Furthermore, the A. cerana venom extract showed the highest activity against the tested bacteria, followed by A. mellifera, A. florea, and A. dorsata. Therefore, A. cerana venom may be further developed for use in medical applications as a potential alternative agent against Gram-positive bacteria and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakkrawut Maitip
- Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus, Rayong 21120, Thailand;
| | - Wannapha Mookhploy
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (W.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Supharerk Khorndork
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (W.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Panuwan Chantawannakul
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (W.M.); (S.K.)
- Environmental Science Research Center (ESRC), Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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25
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Khodabakhsh P, Asgari Taei A, Mohseni M, Bahrami Zanjanbar D, Khalili H, Masoumi K, Haji Abbas Shirazi A, Dargahi L. Vasoactive Peptides: Role in COVID-19 Pathogenesis and Potential Use as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets. Arch Med Res 2021; 52:777-787. [PMID: 34134920 PMCID: PMC8179120 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ongoing outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as the latest threat to global health, causes overwhelming effects for the public healthcare systems worldwide. Of note, in addition to the respiratory complications, some patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) also develop serious cardiovascular injuries. Vasoactive peptides play an important role in a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions. AIM With the urgent need for exploring the specific therapeutic targets and biomarkers for the emerging COVID-19, the general aim of this review is to discuss the potentials of the vasoactive peptides including Angiotensin II (Ang II), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), endothelin-1 (ET-1), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), natriuretic peptides, substance P (SP) and bradykinin (BK) as therapeutic targets and/or prognostic indicators for the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION Based on various observations some authors conclude that the assessment of vasoactive peptides shall be considered a routine part of COVID-19 patient monitoring, and they can serve as potential therapeutic targets for the disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pariya Khodabakhsh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran,Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Asgari Taei
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Moein Mohseni
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dorsa Bahrami Zanjanbar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hasti Khalili
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Masoumi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Leila Dargahi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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26
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El Hidan MA, Laaradia MA, El Hiba O, Draoui A, Aimrane A, Kahime K. Scorpion-Derived Antiviral Peptides with a Special Focus on Medically Important Viruses: An Update. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:9998420. [PMID: 34527748 PMCID: PMC8437663 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9998420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The global burden of viral infection, especially the current pandemics of SARS-CoV-2, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis, is a very risky one. Additionally, HCV expresses the necessity for antiviral therapeutic elements. Venoms are known to contain an array of bioactive peptides that are commonly used in the treatment of various medical issues. Several peptides isolated from scorpion venom have recently been proven to possess an antiviral activity against several viral families. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of scorpion antiviral peptides and to discuss their modes of action and potential biomedical application against different viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | | | - Omar El Hiba
- Nutritional Physiopathology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida 24000, Morocco
| | - Ahmed Draoui
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco
| | - Abdelmohcine Aimrane
- Nutritional Physiopathology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida 24000, Morocco
- Metabolic Platform, Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Cadi Ayad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Kholoud Kahime
- SAEDD Laboratory, School of Technology Essaouira, Cadi Ayyad University of Marrakesh, Morocco
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27
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Mousavi Maleki MS, Rostamian M, Madanchi H. Antimicrobial peptides and other peptide-like therapeutics as promising candidates to combat SARS-CoV-2. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2021; 19:1205-1217. [PMID: 33844613 PMCID: PMC8054488 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1912593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: There are currently no specific drugs and universal vaccines for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), hence urgent effective measures are needed to discover and develop therapeutic agents. Applying peptide therapeutics and their related compounds is a promising strategy to achieve this goal. This review is written based on the literature search using several databases, previous studies, scientific reports, our current knowledge about the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and our personal analyses on the potential of the antiviral peptides for the treatment of COVID-19. Areas covered: In this review, we begin with a brief description of SARS-CoV2 followed by a comprehensive description of antiviral peptides (AVPs) including natural and synthetic AMPs or AVPs and peptidomimetics. Subsequently, the structural features, mechanisms of action, limitations, and therapeutic applications of these peptides are explained. Expert opinion: Regarding the lack and the limitations of drugs against COVID-19, AMPs, AVPs, and other peptide-like compounds such as peptidomimetics have captured the attention of researchers due to their potential antiviral activities. Some of these compounds comprise unique properties and have demonstrated the potential to fight SARS-CoV2, particularly melittin, lactoferrin, enfuvirtide, and rupintrivir that have the potential to enter animal and clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Sadat Mousavi Maleki
- Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Research Center, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Mosayeb Rostamian
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Hamid Madanchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Research Center, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Drug Design and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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28
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Mathur D, Kaur H, Dhall A, Sharma N, Raghava GPS. SAPdb: A database of short peptides and the corresponding nanostructures formed by self-assembly. Comput Biol Med 2021; 133:104391. [PMID: 33892308 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nanostructures generated by self-assembly of peptides yield nanomaterials that have many therapeutic applications, including drug delivery and biomedical engineering, due to their low cytotoxicity and higher uptake by targeted cells owing to their high affinity and specificity towards cell surface receptors. Despite the promising implications of this rapidly expanding field, there is no dedicated resource to study peptide nanostructures. This study endeavours to create a repository of short peptides, which may prove to be the best models to study ordered nanostructures formed by peptide self-assembly. SAPdb has a repertoire of 1049 entries of experimentally validated nanostructures formed by the self-assembly of small peptides. It consists of 328 tripeptides, 701 dipeptides, and 20 single amino acids with some conjugate partners. Each entry encompasses comprehensive information about the peptide, such as chemical modifications, the type of nanostructure formed, experimental conditions like pH, temperature, solvent required for the self-assembly, etc. Our analysis indicates that peptides containing aromatic amino acids favour the formation of self-assembling nanostructures. Additionally, we observed that these peptides form different nanostructures under different experimental conditions. SAPdb provides this comprehensive information in a hassle-free tabulated manner at a glance. User-friendly browsing, searching, and analysis modules have been integrated for easy data retrieval, data comparison, and examination of properties. We anticipate SAPdb to be a valuable repository for researchers engaged in the burgeoning arena of nanobiotechnology. It is freely available at https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/sapdb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Mathur
- Bioinformatics Centre, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh-160036, India.
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- Bioinformatics Centre, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh-160036, India.
| | - Anjali Dhall
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, New Delhi-110020, India.
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, New Delhi-110020, India.
| | - Gajendra P S Raghava
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, New Delhi-110020, India. http://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/
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29
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Oliveira RS, Borges BT, Leal AP, de Brum Vieira P, Silva DB, Hyslop S, Vinadé L, Dos Santos TG, Carlini CR, Orchard I, Lange AB, Dal Belo CA. Chemical and functional analyses of Rhinella icterica (Spix, 1824) toad secretion screened on contractions of the heart and oviduct in Locusta migratoria. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 129:104192. [PMID: 33460706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rhinella icterica is a Brazilian toad with a parotoid secretion that is toxic to insects. In this work, we examined the entomotoxicity of this secretion in locust (Locusta migratoria) semi-isolated heart and oviduct preparations in vitro. The parotoid secretion caused negative chronotropism in semi-isolated heart preparations (at the highest dose tested: 500 μg) and markedly enhanced the amplitude of spontaneous contractions and tonus of oviduct muscle (0.001-100 μg). In addition, the secretion enhanced neurally-evoked contractions of oviduct muscle, which was more sensitive to low concentrations of secretion than the semi-isolated heart. The highest dose of secretion (100 μg) caused neuromuscular blockade. In zero calcium-high magnesium saline, the secretion still enhanced muscle tonus, suggesting the release of intracellular calcium to stimulate contraction. Reverse-phase HPLC of the secretion yielded eight fractions, of which only fractions 4 and 5 affected oviduct muscle tonus and neurally-evoked contractions. No phospholipase A2 activity was detected in the secretion or its chromatographic fractions. The analysis of fractions 4 and 5 by LC-DAD-MS/MS revealed the following chemical compounds: suberoyl arginine, hellebrigenin, hellebrigenin 3-suberoyl arginine ester, marinobufagin 3-pimeloyl arginine ester, telocinobufagin 3-suberoyl arginine ester, marinobufagin 3-suberoyl arginine ester, bufalin 3-adipoyl arginine, marinobufagin, bufotalinin, and bufalitoxin. These findings indicate that R. icterica parotoid secretion is active in both of the preparations examined, with the activity in oviduct possibly being mediated by bufadienolides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Soares Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruna Trindade Borges
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), São Gabriel, RS, Brazil.
| | - Allan P Leal
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), São Gabriel, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica (PPGBTox), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Patrícia de Brum Vieira
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Denise Brentan Silva
- Laboratório de Produtos Naturais e Espectrometria de Massas (LAPNEM), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição (FACFAN), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.
| | - Stephen Hyslop
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - Lúcia Vinadé
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Tiago Gomes Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica (PPGBTox), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Estudos em Biodiversidade Pampiana (LEBIP), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Celia R Carlini
- Laboratório de Neurotoxinas (LANEUROTOX), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul(PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Ian Orchard
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
| | - Angela B Lange
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
| | - Cháriston A Dal Belo
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), São Gabriel, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica (PPGBTox), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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30
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Santos L, Oliveira C, Vasconcelos BM, Vilela D, Melo L, Ambrósio L, da Silva A, Murback L, Kurissio J, Cavalcante J, Cassaro CV, Barros L, Barraviera B, Ferreira RS. Good management practices of venomous snakes in captivity to produce biological venom-based medicines: achieving replicability and contributing to pharmaceutical industry. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2021; 24:30-50. [PMID: 33308037 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2020.1855279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
One of the factors responsible for lack of reproducible findings may be attributed to the raw material used. To date, there are no apparent studies examining reproducibility using venoms for the development of new toxin-based drugs with respect to regulatory agencies' policies. For this reason, protocols were implemented to produce animal toxins with quality, traceability, and strict compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices. This required validation of the production chain from the arrival of the animal to the vivarium, followed by handling, housing, as well as compliance with respect to extraction, freeze-drying, and, finally, storage protocols, aimed at generating compounds to serve as candidate molecules applicable in clinical trials. Currently, to produce quality snake venoms to support reproductive studies, the Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP) from São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil has 449 microchipped snakes through rigid and standardized operating procedures for safety, health, and welfare of animals. Snakes were frequently subjected to vet clinical examination, anthelmintic, and antiparasitic treatment. Venom milk used to destroy prey was collected from each animal in individual plastic microtubes to avoid contamination and for traceability. In addition, venoms were submitted to microbiological, and biochemical toxicological analyses. It is noteworthy that investigators are responsible for caring, maintaining, and manipulating snakes and ensuring their health in captivity. This review aimed to contribute to the pharmaceutical industry the experimental experience and entire snake venom production chain required to generate quality products for therapeutic human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucilene Santos
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Clinical Research, Botucatu Medical School (FMB) and CEVAP, São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Barbara Marques Vasconcelos
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Daniela Vilela
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Melo
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Clinical Research, Botucatu Medical School (FMB) and CEVAP, São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Lívia Ambrósio
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Amanda da Silva
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Leticia Murback
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Kurissio
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Joeliton Cavalcante
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Claudia Vilalva Cassaro
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Luciana Barros
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Benedito Barraviera
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Clinical Research, Botucatu Medical School (FMB) and CEVAP, São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Clinical Research, Botucatu Medical School (FMB) and CEVAP, São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Botucatu, Brazil
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Siniavin AE, Streltsova MA, Nikiforova MA, Kudryavtsev DS, Grinkina SD, Gushchin VA, Mozhaeva VA, Starkov VG, Osipov AV, Lummis SCR, Tsetlin VI, Utkin YN. Snake venom phospholipase A 2s exhibit strong virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2 and inhibit the viral spike glycoprotein interaction with ACE2. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7777-7794. [PMID: 34714362 PMCID: PMC8554752 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03985-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 requires new treatments both to alleviate the symptoms and to prevent the spread of this disease. Previous studies demonstrated good antiviral and virucidal activity of phospholipase A2s (PLA2s) from snake venoms against viruses from different families but there was no data for coronaviruses. Here we show that PLA2s from snake venoms protect Vero E6 cells against SARS-CoV-2 cytopathic effects. PLA2s showed low cytotoxicity to Vero E6 cells with some activity at micromolar concentrations, but strong antiviral activity at nanomolar concentrations. Dimeric PLA2 from the viper Vipera nikolskii and its subunits manifested especially potent virucidal effects, which were related to their phospholipolytic activity, and inhibited cell-cell fusion mediated by the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. Moreover, PLA2s interfered with binding both of an antibody against ACE2 and of the receptor-binding domain of the glycoprotein S to 293T/ACE2 cells. This is the first demonstration of a detrimental effect of PLA2s on β-coronaviruses. Thus, snake PLA2s are promising for the development of antiviral drugs that target the viral envelope, and could also prove to be useful tools to study the interaction of viruses with host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei E. Siniavin
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signalling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia ,N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria A. Streltsova
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Department of Immunology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria A. Nikiforova
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis S. Kudryavtsev
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signalling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana D. Grinkina
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A. Gushchin
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vera A. Mozhaeva
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signalling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia ,grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Prokhorov General Physics Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladislav G. Starkov
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signalling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Osipov
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signalling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sarah C. R. Lummis
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Victor I. Tsetlin
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signalling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuri N. Utkin
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Department of Molecular Neuroimmune Signalling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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32
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Miyashita M, Mitani N, Kitanaka A, Yakio M, Chen M, Nishimoto S, Uchiyama H, Sue M, Hotta H, Nakagawa Y, Miyagawa H. Identification of an antiviral component from the venom of the scorpion Liocheles australasiae using transcriptomic and mass spectrometric analyses. Toxicon 2020; 191:25-37. [PMID: 33340503 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains a variety of biologically active peptides. Among them, neurotoxins are major components in the venom, but it also contains peptides that show antimicrobial activity. Previously, we identified three insecticidal peptides from the venom of the Liocheles australasiae scorpion, but activities and structures of other venom components remained unknown. In this study, we performed a transcriptome analysis of the venom gland of the scorpion L. australasiae to gain a comprehensive understanding of its venom components. The result shows that potassium channel toxin-like peptides were the most diverse, whereas only a limited number of sodium channel toxin-like peptides were observed. In addition to these neurotoxin-like peptides, many non-disulfide-bridged peptides were identified, suggesting that these components have some critical roles in the L. australasiae venom. In this study, we also isolated a component with antiviral activity against hepatitis C virus using a bioassay-guided fractionation approach. By integrating mass spectrometric and transcriptomic data, we successfully identified LaPLA2-1 as an anti-HCV component. LaPLA2-1 is a phospholipase A2 having a heterodimeric structure that is N-glycosylated at the N-terminal region. Since the antiviral activity of LaPLA2-1 was inhibited by a PLA2 inhibitor, the enzymatic activity of LaPLA2-1 is likely to be involved in its antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Miyashita
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
| | - Naoya Mitani
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kitanaka
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Mao Yakio
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Ming Chen
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Sachiko Nishimoto
- Faculty of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Konan Women's University, Kobe, 658-0001, Japan
| | - Hironobu Uchiyama
- NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sue
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Hak Hotta
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan; Faculty of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Konan Women's University, Kobe, 658-0001, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hisashi Miyagawa
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
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33
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Badria FA, Abdelaziz AE, Hassan AH, Elgazar AA, Mazyed EA. Development of Provesicular Nanodelivery System of Curcumin as a Safe and Effective Antiviral Agent: Statistical Optimization, In Vitro Characterization, and Antiviral Effectiveness. Molecules 2020; 25:E5668. [PMID: 33271831 PMCID: PMC7731007 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Curcumin is a natural compound that has many medical applications. However, its low solubility and poor stability could impede its clinical applications. The present study aimed to formulate dry proniosomes to overcome these pitfalls and improve the therapeutic efficacy of Curcumin. Curcumin-loaded proniosomes were fabricated by the slurry method according to 32 factorial design using Design-Expert software to demonstrate the impact of different independent variables on entrapment efficiency (EE%) and % drug released after 12 h (Q12h). The optimized formula (F5) was selected according to the desirability criteria. F5 exhibited good flowability and appeared, after reconstitution, as spherical nanovesicles with EE% of 89.94 ± 2.31% and Q12h of 70.89 ± 1.62%. F5 demonstrated higher stability and a significant enhancement of Q12h than the corresponding niosomes. The docking study investigated the ability of Curcumin to bind effectively with the active site of DNA polymerase of Herpes simplex virus (HSV). The antiviral activity and the safety of F5 were significantly higher than Curcumin. F5 improved the safety of Acyclovir (ACV) and reduced its effective dose that produced a 100% reduction of viral plaques. Proniosomes could be promising stable carriers of Curcumin to be used as a safe and efficient antiviral agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid A. Badria
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Abdelaziz E. Abdelaziz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt;
| | - Amira H. Hassan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt;
| | - Abdullah A. Elgazar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt;
| | - Eman A. Mazyed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt;
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Puentes PR, Henao MC, Torres CE, Gómez SC, Gómez LA, Burgos JC, Arbeláez P, Osma JF, Muñoz-Camargo C, Reyes LH, Cruz JC. Design, Screening, and Testing of Non-Rational Peptide Libraries with Antimicrobial Activity: In Silico and Experimental Approaches. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:E854. [PMID: 33265897 PMCID: PMC7759991 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the challenges of modern biotechnology is to find new routes to mitigate the resistance to conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an alternative type of biomolecules, naturally present in a wide variety of organisms, with the capacity to overcome the current microorganism resistance threat. Here, we reviewed our recent efforts to develop a new library of non-rationally produced AMPs that relies on bacterial genome inherent diversity and compared it with rationally designed libraries. Our approach is based on a four-stage workflow process that incorporates the interplay of recent developments in four major emerging technologies: artificial intelligence, molecular dynamics, surface-display in microorganisms, and microfluidics. Implementing this framework is challenging because to obtain reliable results, the in silico algorithms to search for candidate AMPs need to overcome issues of the state-of-the-art approaches that limit the possibilities for multi-space data distribution analyses in extremely large databases. We expect to tackle this challenge by using a recently developed classification algorithm based on deep learning models that rely on convolutional layers and gated recurrent units. This will be complemented by carefully tailored molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate specific interactions with lipid bilayers. Candidate AMPs will be recombinantly-expressed on the surface of microorganisms for further screening via different droplet-based microfluidic-based strategies to identify AMPs with the desired lytic abilities. We believe that the proposed approach opens opportunities for searching and screening bioactive peptides for other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Ruiz Puentes
- Center for Research and Formation in Artificial Intelligence, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota DC 111711, Colombia; (P.R.P.); (P.A.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota DC 111711, Colombia; (C.E.T.); (S.C.G.); (L.A.G.); (C.M.-C.)
| | - María C. Henao
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos, Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota DC 111711, Colombia;
| | - Carlos E. Torres
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota DC 111711, Colombia; (C.E.T.); (S.C.G.); (L.A.G.); (C.M.-C.)
| | - Saúl C. Gómez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota DC 111711, Colombia; (C.E.T.); (S.C.G.); (L.A.G.); (C.M.-C.)
| | - Laura A. Gómez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota DC 111711, Colombia; (C.E.T.); (S.C.G.); (L.A.G.); (C.M.-C.)
| | - Juan C. Burgos
- Chemical Engineering Program, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena 130015, Colombia;
| | - Pablo Arbeláez
- Center for Research and Formation in Artificial Intelligence, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota DC 111711, Colombia; (P.R.P.); (P.A.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota DC 111711, Colombia; (C.E.T.); (S.C.G.); (L.A.G.); (C.M.-C.)
| | - Johann F. Osma
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota DC 111711, Colombia;
| | - Carolina Muñoz-Camargo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota DC 111711, Colombia; (C.E.T.); (S.C.G.); (L.A.G.); (C.M.-C.)
| | - Luis H. Reyes
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos, Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota DC 111711, Colombia;
| | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota DC 111711, Colombia; (C.E.T.); (S.C.G.); (L.A.G.); (C.M.-C.)
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
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35
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Herzig V, Cristofori-Armstrong B, Israel MR, Nixon SA, Vetter I, King GF. Animal toxins - Nature's evolutionary-refined toolkit for basic research and drug discovery. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114096. [PMID: 32535105 PMCID: PMC7290223 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Venomous animals have evolved toxins that interfere with specific components of their victim's core physiological systems, thereby causing biological dysfunction that aids in prey capture, defense against predators, or other roles such as intraspecific competition. Many animal lineages evolved venom systems independently, highlighting the success of this strategy. Over the course of evolution, toxins with exceptional specificity and high potency for their intended molecular targets have prevailed, making venoms an invaluable and almost inexhaustible source of bioactive molecules, some of which have found use as pharmacological tools, human therapeutics, and bioinsecticides. Current biomedically-focused research on venoms is directed towards their use in delineating the physiological role of toxin molecular targets such as ion channels and receptors, studying or treating human diseases, targeting vectors of human diseases, and treating microbial and parasitic infections. We provide examples of each of these areas of venom research, highlighting the potential that venom molecules hold for basic research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Herzig
- School of Science & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.
| | | | - Mathilde R Israel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Samantha A Nixon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.
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36
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Abstract
The two biological evidences to endorse the antiviral activity of RNA interference (RNAi) are biogenesis of viral-siRNA (v-siRNA) by the host and encoding of RNAi-suppressor protein by viral genome. It has been recently established that mammals and mammalian cell lines mount antiviral RNAi to defend themselves against the invading viruses. The large part of viral pathogenicity is also due to the RNAi suppressor proteins. In this context it is only natural to ask what kinds of RNAi suppressors are encoded by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the central character of the present pandemic. The following mini review addresses this question.
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37
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da Mata ECG, Ombredane A, Joanitti GA, Kanzaki LIB, Schwartz EF. Antiretroviral and cytotoxic activities of Tityus obscurus synthetic peptide. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2020; 353:e2000151. [PMID: 32686134 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202000151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
New drugs are constantly in demand, and nature's biodiversity is a rich source of new compounds for therapeutic applications. Synthetic peptides based on the transcriptome analysis of scorpion venoms of Tityus obscurus, Opisthacanthus cayaporum, and Hadrurus gertschi were assayed for their cytotoxic and antiretroviral activity. The Tityus obscurus scorpion-derived synthetic peptide (FFGTLFKLGSKLIPGVMKLFSKKKER), in concentrations ranging from 6.24 to 0.39 μM, proved to be the most active one against simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication in the HUT-78 cell line and in primary human leukocytes, with the lowest toxicity for these cells. The immune cellular response evaluated in primary human leukocytes treated with the most promising peptide and challenged with SIV infection exhibited production of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and interferon-γ, which could be involved in cell defense mechanisms to overcome viral infection through proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways, similar to those evoked for triggering the mechanisms exerted by antiviral restriction factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elida C G da Mata
- Laboratory of Bioprospection, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Alicia Ombredane
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds and Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Graziella A Joanitti
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds and Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - L I B Kanzaki
- Laboratory of Bioprospection, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Elisabeth F Schwartz
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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38
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Teixeira SC, Borges BC, Oliveira VQ, Carregosa LS, Bastos LA, Santos IA, Jardim ACG, Melo FF, Freitas LM, Rodrigues VM, Lopes DS. Insights into the antiviral activity of phospholipases A 2 (PLA 2s) from snake venoms. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:616-625. [PMID: 32698062 PMCID: PMC7368918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.07.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are associated with several human diseases that infect a large number of individuals, hence directly affecting global health and economy. Owing to the lack of efficient vaccines, antiviral therapy and emerging resistance strains, many viruses are considered as a potential threat to public health. Therefore, researches have been developed to identify new drug candidates for future treatments. Among them, antiviral research based on natural molecules is a promising approach. Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) isolated from snake venom have shown significant antiviral activity against some viruses such as Dengue virus, Human Immunodeficiency virus, Hepatitis C virus and Yellow fever virus, and have emerged as an attractive alternative strategy for the development of novel antiviral therapy. Thus, this review provides an overview of remarkable findings involving PLA2s from snake venom that possess antiviral activity, and discusses the mechanisms of action mediated by PLA2s against different stages of virus replication cycle. Additionally, molecular docking simulations were performed by interacting between phospholipids from Dengue virus envelope and PLA2s from Bothrops asper snake venom. Studies on snake venom PLA2s highlight the potential use of these proteins for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Teixeira
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - B C Borges
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - V Q Oliveira
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Anísio Teixeira Campus, Federal University of Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil
| | - L S Carregosa
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Anísio Teixeira Campus, Federal University of Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil
| | - L A Bastos
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Anísio Teixeira Campus, Federal University of Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil
| | - I A Santos
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - A C G Jardim
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - F F Melo
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Anísio Teixeira Campus, Federal University of Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil
| | - L M Freitas
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Anísio Teixeira Campus, Federal University of Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil
| | - V M Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - D S Lopes
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Anísio Teixeira Campus, Federal University of Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil; Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Bio-Function, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
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39
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Oliveira RS, Borges BT, Leal AP, Lailowski MM, Bordon KDCF, de Souza VQ, Vinadé L, dos Santos TG, Hyslop S, Moura S, Arantes EC, Corrado AP, Dal Belo CA. Chemical and Pharmacological Screening of Rhinella icterica (Spix 1824) Toad Parotoid Secretion in Avian Preparations. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12060396. [PMID: 32549266 PMCID: PMC7354542 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12060396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological activity of Rhinella icterica parotoid secretion (RIPS) and some of its chromatographic fractions (RI18, RI19, RI23, and RI24) was evaluated in the current study. Mass spectrometry of these fractions indicated the presence of sarmentogenin, argentinogenin, (5β,12β)-12,14-dihydroxy-11-oxobufa-3,20,22-trienolide, marinobufagin, bufogenin B, 11α,19-dihydroxy-telocinobufagin, bufotalin, monohydroxylbufotalin, 19-oxo-cinobufagin, 3α,12β,25,26-tetrahydroxy-7-oxo-5β-cholestane-26-O-sulfate, and cinobufagin-3-hemisuberate that were identified as alkaloid and steroid compounds, in addition to marinoic acid and N-methyl-5-hydroxy-tryptamine. In chick brain slices, all fractions caused a slight decrease in cell viability, as also seen with the highest concentration of RIPS tested. In chick biventer cervicis neuromuscular preparations, RIPS and all four fractions significantly inhibited junctional acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. In this preparation, only fraction RI23 completely mimicked the pharmacological profile of RIPS, which included a transient facilitation in the amplitude of muscle twitches followed by progressive and complete neuromuscular blockade. Mass spectrometric analysis showed that RI23 consisted predominantly of bufogenins, a class of steroidal compounds known for their cardiotonic activity mediated by a digoxin- or ouabain-like action and the blockade of voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels. These findings indicate that the pharmacological activities of RI23 (and RIPS) are probably mediated by: (1) inhibition of AChE activity that increases the junctional content of Ach; (2) inhibition of neuronal Na+/K+-ATPase, leading to facilitation followed by neuromuscular blockade; and (3) blockade of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, leading to stabilization of the motor endplate membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Soares Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
| | - Bruna Trindade Borges
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
| | - Allan Pinto Leal
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica (PPGBTox), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima 1000, Santa Maria RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Manuela Merlin Lailowski
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Rua Francisco Getúlio Vargas 1130, Caxias do Sul RS 95070-560, Brazil; (M.M.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Karla de Castro Figueiredo Bordon
- Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto SP 14.040-903, Brazil; (K.d.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Velci Queiróz de Souza
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
| | - Lúcia Vinadé
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
- Correspondence: (L.V.); (C.A.D.B.); Tel.: +55-55-3237-0850 (C.A.D.B.)
| | - Tiago Gomes dos Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos em Biodiversidade Pampiana, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil;
| | - Stephen Hyslop
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, Campinas SP 13083-887, Brazil;
| | - Sidnei Moura
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Rua Francisco Getúlio Vargas 1130, Caxias do Sul RS 95070-560, Brazil; (M.M.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto SP 14.040-903, Brazil; (K.d.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Alexandre Pinto Corrado
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto SP 14040-030, Brazil;
| | - Cháriston A. Dal Belo
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica (PPGBTox), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima 1000, Santa Maria RS 97105-900, Brazil
- Correspondence: (L.V.); (C.A.D.B.); Tel.: +55-55-3237-0850 (C.A.D.B.)
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Yacoub T, Rima M, Karam M, Sabatier JM, Fajloun Z. Antimicrobials from Venomous Animals: An Overview. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25102402. [PMID: 32455792 PMCID: PMC7287856 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The inappropriate or excessive use of antimicrobial agents caused an emerging public health problem due to the resulting resistance developed by microbes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective antimicrobial strategies relying on natural agents with different mechanisms of action. Nature has been known to offer many bioactive compounds, in the form of animal venoms, algae, and plant extracts that were used for decades in traditional medicine. Animal venoms and secretions have been deeply studied for their wealth in pharmaceutically promising molecules. As such, they were reported to exhibit many biological activities of interest, such as antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the antimicrobial activities of crude animal venoms/secretions, and describe the peptides that are responsible of these activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Yacoub
- Department of Biology, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Al-Kurah, P.O. box 100 Tripoli, Lebanon; (T.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Mohamad Rima
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U964, CNRS U7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France;
| | - Marc Karam
- Department of Biology, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Al-Kurah, P.O. box 100 Tripoli, Lebanon; (T.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Université Aix-Marseille, Institut de NeuroPhysiopathologie, UMR 7051, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, 51, Boulevard Pierre Dramard-CS80011, 13344-Marseille CEDEX 15, France
- Correspondence: (J.-M.S.); (Z.F.)
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Faculty of Sciences 3, Lebanese University, Michel Slayman Tripoli Campus, Ras Maska 1352, Lebanon
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and its Applications, Doctoral School for Sciences and Technology, Lebanese University, El Mittein Street, 1300 Tripoli, Lebanon
- Correspondence: (J.-M.S.); (Z.F.)
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41
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Ahmadi S, Knerr JM, Argemi L, Bordon KCF, Pucca MB, Cerni FA, Arantes EC, Çalışkan F, Laustsen AH. Scorpion Venom: Detriments and Benefits. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8050118. [PMID: 32408604 PMCID: PMC7277529 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom may cause severe medical complications and untimely death if injected into the human body. Neurotoxins are the main components of scorpion venom that are known to be responsible for the pathological manifestations of envenoming. Besides neurotoxins, a wide range of other bioactive molecules can be found in scorpion venoms. Advances in separation, characterization, and biotechnological approaches have enabled not only the development of more effective treatments against scorpion envenomings, but have also led to the discovery of several scorpion venom peptides with interesting therapeutic properties. Thus, scorpion venom may not only be a medical threat to human health, but could prove to be a valuable source of bioactive molecules that may serve as leads for the development of new therapies against current and emerging diseases. This review presents both the detrimental and beneficial properties of scorpion venom toxins and discusses the newest advances within the development of novel therapies against scorpion envenoming and the therapeutic perspectives for scorpion toxins in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
| | - Julius M. Knerr
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Lídia Argemi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Karla C. F. Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Roraima 69310-000, Brazil
| | - Felipe A. Cerni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Eliane C. Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Figen Çalışkan
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
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Rodrigo AP, Costa PM. The hidden biotechnological potential of marine invertebrates: The Polychaeta case study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 173:270-280. [PMID: 30928858 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Marine biotechnology is under the spotlight, as researchers and industrialists become aware that bioprospecting through the oceans' vast biodiversity can replace the painstaking process of designing synthetic compounds. Millions of years of Natural Selection provided an almost inexhaustible source of marine products that can interfere with specific bioprocesses while being cost-effective, safer and more environmentally friendly. Still, the number of commercial applications of marine compounds, especially from eumetazoans, can seem disappointing. In most part, this results from the challenges of dealing with an immense biodiversity and with poorly known organisms with uncanny physiology. Consequently, shifting the current perspective from descriptive science to actually proposing applications can be a major incentive to industry. With this in mind, the present review focuses on one of the least studied but most representative group of marine animals: the Polychaeta annelids. Occupying nearly every marine habitat, from the deep sea to the intertidal, they can offer a wide array of natural products that are just beginning to be understood, showing properties compatible with anaesthetics, fluorescent probes, and even antibiotics and pesticides, for instance. Altogether, they are a showcase for the ocean's real biotechnological deterrent, albeit our still wispy knowledge on this vast and ancient environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P Rodrigo
- UCIBIO - Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal; MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Departamento de Ciências e Engenharia do Ambiente, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Pedro M Costa
- UCIBIO - Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal.
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Oliveira IS, Ferreira IG, Alexandre-Silva GM, Cerni FA, Cremonez CM, Arantes EC, Zottich U, Pucca MB. Scorpion toxins targeting Kv1.3 channels: insights into immunosuppression. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2019; 25:e148118. [PMID: 31131004 PMCID: PMC6483409 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-1481-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are natural sources of molecules that have, in addition to their
toxic function, potential therapeutic applications. In this source the
neurotoxins can be found especially those that act on potassium channels.
Potassium channels are responsible for maintaining the membrane potential in the
excitable cells, especially the voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv),
including Kv1.3 channels. These channels (Kv1.3) are expressed by various types
of tissues and cells, being part of several physiological processes. However,
the major studies of Kv1.3 are performed on T cells due its importance on
autoimmune diseases. Scorpion toxins capable of acting on potassium channels
(KTx), mainly on Kv1.3 channels, have gained a prominent role for their possible
ability to control inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Some of these toxins have
already left bench trials and are being evaluated in clinical trials, presenting
great therapeutic potential. Thus, scorpion toxins are important natural
molecules that should not be overlooked in the treatment of autoimmune and other
diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora S Oliveira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabela G Ferreira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe A Cerni
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Caroline M Cremonez
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Umberto Zottich
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
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Mousavi M, Johari B, Zargan J, Haji Noor Mohammadi A, Goudarzi HR, Dezianian S, Keshavarz Alikhani H. Investigating Antibacterial Effects of Latrodectus Dahli Crude Venom on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. MEDICAL LABORATORY JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.29252/mlj.13.3.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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45
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Structural characterization, teratogenicity and in vitro avian antimicrobial activity of posterior salivary gland (PSG) toxin from cuttlefish, Sepia prashadi. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 124:1145-1155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Li F, Lang Y, Ji Z, Xia Z, Han Y, Cheng Y, Liu G, Sun F, Zhao Y, Gao M, Chen Z, Wu Y, Li W, Cao Z. A scorpion venom peptide Ev37 restricts viral late entry by alkalizing acidic organelles. J Biol Chem 2018; 294:182-194. [PMID: 30404919 PMCID: PMC6322876 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections still threaten human health all over the world, and many people die from viral diseases every year. However, there are no effective vaccines or drugs for preventing or managing most viral diseases. Thus, the discovery and development of broad-spectrum antiviral agents remain urgent. Here, we expressed and purified a venom peptide, Ev37, from the scorpion Euscorpiops validus in a prokaryotic system. We found that rEv37 can inhibit dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections in a dose-dependent manner at noncytotoxic concentrations, but that it has no effect on Sendai virus (SeV) and adenovirus (AdV) infections in vitro Furthermore, rEv37 alkalized acidic organelles to prevent low pH-dependent fusion of the viral membrane-endosomal membrane, which mainly blocks the release of the viral genome from the endosome to the cytoplasm and then restricts viral late entry. Taken together, our results indicate that the scorpion venom peptide Ev37 is a broad-spectrum antiviral agent with a specific molecular mechanism against viruses undergoing low pH-dependent fusion activation during entry into host cells. We conclude that Ev37 is a potential candidate for development as an antiviral drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yange Lang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhenglin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhiqiang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuewen Han
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuting Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Gaomin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Fang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yonghui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Minjun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research, Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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Ghosh A, Roy R, Nandi M, Mukhopadhyay A. Scorpion Venom-Toxins that Aid in Drug Development: A Review. Int J Pept Res Ther 2018; 25:27-37. [PMID: 32214927 PMCID: PMC7088386 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-018-9721-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom components have multifaceted orientation against bacterial, viral, fungal infections and other neuronal disorders. They can modulate the ion channels (K+, Na+, Cl−, Ca2+) of our body and this concept has been hypothesized in formulating pharmaceuticals. The triumphant achievement of these venom components as formulated anticancer agent in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials allure researchers to excavate beneficial venom components prohibiting DNA replication in malignant tumor cells. This review brings forth the achievements of Science and Technology in classifying the venom components as therapeutics and further application in drug product development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijit Ghosh
- 1Department of Molecular Biology, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, 16 A Park Lane, Kolkata, 700016 India
| | - Rini Roy
- 1Department of Molecular Biology, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, 16 A Park Lane, Kolkata, 700016 India
| | - Monoswini Nandi
- 2Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Kalyani University, University Road, Near Kalyani Ghoshpara Railway Station, District Nadia, Kalyani, West Bengal 741235 India
| | - Ashis Mukhopadhyay
- 3Department of Hemato-Oncology, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, 16 A Park Lane, Kolkata, 700016 India.,4Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, Park Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016 India
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48
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Memariani H, Memariani M, Pourmand MR. Venom-derived peptide Mastoparan-1 eradicates planktonic and biofilm-embedded methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Microb Pathog 2018; 119:72-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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49
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Kinetics Study of Antimicrobial Peptide, Melittin, in Simultaneous Biofilm Degradation and Eradication of Potent Biofilm Producing MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates. Int J Pept Res Ther 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-018-9675-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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50
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Kumar P, Kizhakkedathu JN, Straus SK. Antimicrobial Peptides: Diversity, Mechanism of Action and Strategies to Improve the Activity and Biocompatibility In Vivo. Biomolecules 2018; 8:E4. [PMID: 29351202 PMCID: PMC5871973 DOI: 10.3390/biom8010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 632] [Impact Index Per Article: 105.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is projected as one of the greatest threats to human health in the future and hence alternatives are being explored to combat resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown great promise, because use of AMPs leads bacteria to develop no or low resistance. In this review, we discuss the diversity, history and the various mechanisms of action of AMPs. Although many AMPs have reached clinical trials, to date not many have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to issues with toxicity, protease cleavage and short half-life. Some of the recent strategies developed to improve the activity and biocompatibility of AMPs, such as chemical modifications and the use of delivery systems, are also reviewed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada.
- Centre for Blood Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Life Sciences Centre, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Jayachandran N Kizhakkedathu
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada.
- Centre for Blood Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Life Sciences Centre, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Suzana K Straus
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada.
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